Missouri's most popular baby names in 1942

In the year 1942, the state of Missouri witnessed a surge in baby names that were both traditional and timeless. Mary, the most popular baby girl name of the year, held a special place in the hearts of parents who valued its classic appeal and religious significance. Following closely behind were Barbara and Patricia, both names that exuded a sense of elegance and sophistication.

On the other hand, baby boy names in Missouri were dominated by James, Robert, and John, all of which were strong and sturdy names with a rich history. These names were a testament to the values of strength and resilience that were highly valued in the state during that time. Overall, the baby names of 1942 in Missouri were a reflection of the cultural and social norms of the time, and continue to be popular choices for parents even today.

Most popular baby girl names in Missouri in 1942

In Missouri, 1942, Mary was the most popular name for baby girls with 1854 babies given the name. Barbara came in second with 1299 babies given the name, followed by Patricia with 954 babies. Carol was the fourth most popular name with 914 babies given the name, and Linda rounded out the top five with 838 babies given the name.

Mary

1854 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) 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.
Barbara

1299 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) 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.
Patricia

954 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) 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.
Carol

914 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) 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".
Linda

838 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) 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."
Sharon
789 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) 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.
Judith
766 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) named Judith
The name Judith is of Hebrew origin and means "woman of Judea" or "praised".
Carolyn
715 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) named Carolyn
The name Carolyn is a feminine given name of English origin. It is a variant of Caroline, which is derived from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "free man" or "strong". The name Carolyn has been in use since the 19th century and has been a popular name for girls in the United States.
Shirley
682 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) named Shirley
The name Shirley is of English origin and its meaning is "bright meadow" or "bright clearing". It was originally a surname that became a popular given name in the 19th century.
Betty
647 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) named Betty
The name Betty is a diminutive form of Elizabeth and means "pledged to God" or "God is my oath".
Sandra
647 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) 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.
Judy
599 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) named Judy
Joyce
580 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) named Joyce
The name Joyce is of Old French origin, derived from the name Josse, which means "lord" or "master". It was originally a masculine name but became popular as a feminine name in the 20th century. The name Joyce is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, creativity, and independence.
Donna
508 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) named Donna
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.
Nancy
507 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) named Nancy
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
Janet
444 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) named Janet
The name Janet is of Scottish origin and is the diminutive form of the name Jane, meaning "God is gracious".
Karen
433 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Dorothy
365 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) named Dorothy
The name Dorothy is of Greek origin and means "gift of God".
Marilyn
354 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) named Marilyn
The name Marilyn is a combination of the names Mary and Lynn. The name Mary means "bitter" or "rebellious" in Hebrew, while Lynn means "lake" or "waterfall" in English. Therefore, the name Marilyn could be interpreted as "bitter lake" or "rebellious waterfall".
Margaret
353 baby girls born in Missouri (1942) named Margaret
The name Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".

Most popular baby boy names in Missouri in 1942

In Missouri, 1942, the most popular baby boy names were James, Robert, John, William, and Charles. James was the most popular name with 2040 babies given that name, followed by Robert with 1768 babies, John with 1595 babies, William with 1283 babies, and Charles with 1150 babies. These names were likely chosen for their traditional and classic appeal, as well as their popularity among previous generations.

James

2040 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
Robert

1768 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) 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.
John

1595 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) 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.
William

1283 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) 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.
Charles

1150 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) 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.
Larry
1086 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) 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.
Richard
969 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
David
891 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) 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.
Donald
821 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) named Donald
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
Jerry
792 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) named Jerry
The name Jerry is a diminutive form of the name Gerald or Gerard, which means "ruler with a spear" or "brave with a spear" respectively. It is of Old German origin.
Ronald
792 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) named Ronald
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.
Gary
722 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) 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.
Thomas
635 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) 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.
Kenneth
610 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) named Kenneth
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".
Michael
482 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) 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.
George
478 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) named George
The name George means "farmer" or "earthworker" and is of Greek origin. It was a popular name among early Christians, as Saint George is the patron saint of England and a martyr in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican churches. The name has been used by many notable figures throughout history, including several kings of England.
Paul
405 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) 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.
Joseph
400 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) named Joseph
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
Edward
383 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) named Edward
The name Edward means "wealthy guardian" or "rich guard" and is of Old English origin. It is derived from the words "ead" meaning "wealth, fortune" and "weard" meaning "guardian, protector".
Dennis
317 baby boys born in Missouri (1942) 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.