In the year 1948, Minnesota saw a surge in the popularity of certain baby names. For baby girls, the top names were Linda, Mary, and Barbara. Linda, a name of Spanish origin meaning "pretty" or "beautiful," was the most popular name for baby girls in Minnesota that year. Mary, a classic name with Biblical origins, came in a close second, followed by Barbara, a name with Greek roots meaning "foreign" or "strange."
For baby boys, the top names in Minnesota in 1948 were James, David, and John. James, a name of Hebrew origin meaning "supplanter," was the most popular name for baby boys that year. David, a name with Hebrew roots meaning "beloved," came in second, followed by John, a classic name with Biblical origins meaning "God is gracious." These names continue to be popular choices for parents in Minnesota and across the United States.
In Minnesota in 1948, the most popular baby girl name was Linda, with 2144 newborns given that name. The second most popular name was Mary, with 1768 babies receiving it. Barbara ranked third with 1087 babies named that, followed closely by Susan with 1072 babies. Patricia rounded out the top five with 955 babies given that name.
The name Linda means "beautiful" or "pretty" in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and other Romance languages. It is also derived from the Germanic word "lind," which means "gentle" or "soft."
Mary is a feminine given name that has been used in various cultures and languages throughout history. The meaning and origin of the name are uncertain, but it is believed to derive from the Hebrew name Miriam, which means "bitter" or "rebellious". The name Mary is popular in Christian cultures due to its association with the mother of Jesus Christ.
The name Barbara is of Greek origin, derived from the word "barbaros" which means foreign or strange. It was a popular name in the Middle Ages and was often given to girls born on St. Barbara's feast day. The name has been used in various cultures and languages around the world.
The name Susan means "lily" or "graceful lily" in Hebrew. It was a popular name in the 1940s and 1950s, but has since declined in popularity.
The name Patricia is derived from the Latin word "patricius," meaning "noble" or "aristocratic." It was a popular name in the Roman Empire and later spread throughout Europe. The name is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, kindness, and leadership.
The name Kathleen is of Irish origin and means "pure" or "clear". It is a variant of the name Katherine.
The name Sandra is a variant of the name Alexandra, which is of Greek origin. The name Alexandra means "defender of mankind" or "protector of humanity". Therefore, it can be inferred that the name Sandra has a similar meaning.
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
The name Carol is derived from the Old Germanic word "karl", which means "man" or "free man". It is often associated with the Christmas season due to the popular Christmas carol "Carol of the Bells".
The name Sharon means "a plain or flat area" in Hebrew. It is also a biblical name, referring to a fertile plain near the coast of Israel.
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Diane is a feminine given name of French origin. The name is derived from the Roman goddess Diana, who was the goddess of hunting, the moon, and childbirth. The name Diane means "divine" or "heavenly".
The name Judith is of Hebrew origin and means "woman of Judea" or "praised".
The name Cheryl is of English origin and its meaning is uncertain. It is believed to have been derived from the French name Cherie, which means "darling" or "beloved". However, some sources suggest that it may have originated from the Welsh name Ceinlys, which means "beautiful". The name Cheryl was most popular in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s.
The name Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".
The name Donna is of Italian origin and means "lady" or "woman". It was initially used as a title of respect for women of high social status in Italy, but later became a popular given name in English-speaking countries.
The name Janet is of Scottish origin and is the diminutive form of the name Jane, meaning "God is gracious".
The name Bonnie means "pretty" or "good" and is of Scottish origin. It is often used as a nickname for someone who is attractive or pleasant.
The name Pamela is of Greek origin and means "all sweetness" or "honeyed". It was first popularized by Sir Philip Sidney in his pastoral romance "Arcadia" (1590) and later by Samuel Richardson in his novel "Pamela" (1740).
In Minnesota, 1948, the top 5 most popular baby boy names were James, David, John, Robert, and Michael. James was the most popular name with 1659 babies given that name, followed closely by David with 1531 babies. John, Robert, and Michael rounded out the top 5 with 1519, 1494, and 1411 babies given those names, respectively. These names were likely chosen for their classic and timeless appeal, as well as their popularity at the time.
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
The name David is of Hebrew origin and means "beloved" or "friend". It is a popular name in many cultures and religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In the Bible, David was the second king of Israel and is known for his bravery, leadership, and devotion to God. People with the name David are often described as confident, charismatic, and loyal.
The name John is of Hebrew origin and means "God is gracious". It is a very common name and has been used for centuries. People with this name are often known for their kindness and generosity.
The name Robert means "bright fame" or "famous brilliance". It is of Old German origin and was a popular name among medieval kings and nobility.
The name Michael means "Who is like God?" in Hebrew. It is a biblical name that is often associated with the archangel Michael, who is considered to be a protector and warrior in many religious traditions. The name has been popular throughout history and is still commonly used today.
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
The name Thomas is of Aramaic origin and means "twin". It is a common name in many cultures and has been used for centuries.
The name Gary is of English origin and means "spear rule" or "spear carrier". It was originally a surname but became popular as a given name in the 20th century. People with this name are believed to be independent, practical, and analytical.
The name William means "resolute protector" or "strong-willed warrior". It is of Germanic origin and has been a popular name throughout history.
The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.
The name Dennis is of Greek origin and means "follower of Dionysius", the Greek god of wine and fertility. It was a popular name in ancient Greece and was later adopted by the Romans. The name has been used in various cultures and languages throughout history.
The name Larry is a shortened form of the name Lawrence, which comes from the Latin name Laurentius meaning "from Laurentum" or "crowned with laurel". The name was popularized in the Middle Ages due to the fame of St. Lawrence, a Christian martyr who was roasted alive on a gridiron. The name Larry has been used as a given name since the 19th century and has been a popular name in the United States.
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
The name Charles means "free man" or "strong man" and is of Germanic origin. It was a popular name among European royalty and has been commonly used throughout history.
The name Daniel means "God is my judge".
The name Bruce is of Scottish origin and means "from the brushwood thicket".
The name Roger means "famous spearman" or "renowned warrior". It is of Old German origin, derived from the words "hrod" meaning "fame" and "ger" meaning "spear".
The name Mark is derived from the Latin name "Marcus" which means "dedicated to Mars", the Roman god of war. It is a popular name among Christians as it is the name of one of the four Gospel writers in the New Testament. The name Mark is also associated with qualities such as courage, strength, and leadership.
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".