Minnesota's most popular baby names in 1951

In the year 1951, the state of Minnesota saw a surge in the popularity of traditional names for baby girls. Mary, a name that has been popular for centuries, topped the list of most popular baby girl names in the state. Linda and Susan followed closely behind, both names that were also quite popular in the mid-20th century.

For baby boys, the top names were James, David, and Michael. These names have remained popular over the years, with many parents still choosing them for their sons today. Overall, the top baby names of 1951 in Minnesota reflect a trend towards classic and timeless names that have stood the test of time.

Most popular baby girl names in Minnesota in 1951

In 1951, Mary was the most popular baby girl name in Minnesota with 1856 babies being given that name. Linda came in at a close second with 1619 babies being named Linda. Susan was the third most popular name with 1239 babies being given that name. Patricia was the fourth most popular name with 1177 babies being named Patricia. Barbara rounded out the top five with 1041 babies being named Barbara.

Mary

1856 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Mary
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.
Linda

1619 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Linda
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."
Susan

1239 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Susan
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.
Patricia

1177 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Patricia
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.
Barbara

1041 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Barbara
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.
Kathleen
937 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Kathleen
The name Kathleen is of Irish origin and means "pure" or "clear". It is a variant of the name Katherine.
Nancy
922 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Nancy
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
Deborah
715 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Deborah
Deborah is a Hebrew name that means "bee". It is derived from the Hebrew word "d'vorah" which also means "word" or "thing". The name Deborah is often associated with strength, wisdom, and leadership, as the biblical Deborah was a judge and prophetess who led the Israelites to victory over their enemies.
Diane
705 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Diane
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".
Sandra
703 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Sandra
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.
Carol
680 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Carol
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".
Karen
630 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Sharon
521 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Sharon
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.
Cheryl
444 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Cheryl
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.
Pamela
440 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Pamela
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).
Cynthia
436 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Cynthia
The name Cynthia means "moon goddess" or "from Mount Kynthos" in Greek. It is also associated with the Greek mythological figure Artemis, who was known as the goddess of the hunt and the moon. The name Cynthia has been in use since ancient times and has remained relatively popular throughout history.
Debra
423 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Debra
The name Debra is of Hebrew origin and means "bee." It is a variant spelling of Deborah.
Judith
412 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Judith
The name Judith is of Hebrew origin and means "woman of Judea" or "praised".
Janet
399 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Janet
The name Janet is of Scottish origin and is the diminutive form of the name Jane, meaning "God is gracious".
Margaret
395 baby girls born in Minnesota (1951) named Margaret
The name Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".

Most popular baby boy names in Minnesota in 1951

According to records from 1951, the most popular baby boy names in Minnesota were James, David, Michael, John, and Robert. James was the most popular name with 1760 babies given that name, followed closely by David with 1736 babies. Michael was the third most popular name with 1696 babies, while John and Robert rounded out the top five with 1540 and 1464 babies given those names, respectively.

James

1760 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
David

1736 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named David
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.
Michael

1696 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named Michael
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.
John

1540 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named John
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.
Robert

1464 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named Robert
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.
Thomas
1460 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named Thomas
The name Thomas is of Aramaic origin and means "twin". It is a common name in many cultures and has been used for centuries.
Steven
1347 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named Steven
The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.
Richard
1278 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
Mark
1059 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named Mark
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.
Gary
1040 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named Gary
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.
William
914 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named William
The name William means "resolute protector" or "strong-willed warrior". It is of Germanic origin and has been a popular name throughout history.
Dennis
660 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named Dennis
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.
Ronald
650 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named Ronald
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.
Daniel
630 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named Daniel
The name Daniel means "God is my judge".
Gregory
624 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named Gregory
The name Gregory is of Greek origin and means "vigilant, watchful".
Bruce
592 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named Bruce
The name Bruce is of Scottish origin and means "from the brushwood thicket".
Charles
590 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named Charles
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.
Donald
562 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named Donald
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
Paul
557 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named Paul
The name Paul is of Latin origin and means "small" or "humble". It was originally derived from the Roman family name Paulus, which was a common name in ancient Rome. The name has been popularized by various saints and biblical figures, including the apostle Paul, who was a significant figure in the early Christian church.
Larry
526 baby boys born in Minnesota (1951) named Larry
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.