Missouri's most popular baby names in 1946

In the year 1946, the state of Missouri saw a surge in the popularity of traditional names for newborns. Mary topped the list of most popular baby girl names, followed closely by Linda and Patricia. These names have been popular for generations and continue to hold a special place in the hearts of Missourians.

For baby boys, James, Robert, and John were the most popular names in the state. These names have been popular for decades and continue to be a popular choice for parents today. The names have a classic and timeless appeal, making them a top choice for parents who want to give their child a name that will stand the test of time.

Most popular baby girl names in Missouri in 1946

In Missouri, 1946, the most popular baby girl name was Mary, followed by Linda, Patricia, Sharon, and Barbara. Mary was the most popular with 1946 occurrences, while Linda came in second with 1485 occurrences. Patricia, Sharon, and Barbara were also common names with 1195, 1175, and 1121 occurrences, respectively. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and trends during that time period.

Mary

1946 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) 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

1485 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) 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."
Patricia

1195 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Sharon

1175 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Barbara

1121 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Carol
881 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) 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".
Sandra
820 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Carolyn
716 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Donna
704 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Judith
690 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) named Judith
The name Judith is of Hebrew origin and means "woman of Judea" or "praised".
Judy
682 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) named Judy
Nancy
681 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) named Nancy
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
Susan
637 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Shirley
608 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Karen
594 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Betty
552 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) named Betty
The name Betty is a diminutive form of Elizabeth and means "pledged to God" or "God is my oath".
Janet
545 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) named Janet
The name Janet is of Scottish origin and is the diminutive form of the name Jane, meaning "God is gracious".
Joyce
531 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Janice
438 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) named Janice
The name Janice is of English origin and is a variant of the name Jane, which means "God is gracious".
Kathleen
412 baby girls born in Missouri (1946) named Kathleen
The name Kathleen is of Irish origin and means "pure" or "clear". It is a variant of the name Katherine.

Most popular baby boy names in Missouri in 1946

In Missouri, 1946, the most popular baby boy names were James, Robert, John, Richard, and William. James was the most popular name with 2278 babies being given that name, followed by Robert with 1985 babies and John with 1896 babies. Richard and William tied for fourth place with 1363 babies each. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and historical figures of the time.

James

2278 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
Robert

1985 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) 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

1896 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Richard

1363 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
William

1363 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Larry
1218 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Michael
1202 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) 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.
David
1181 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Gary
1162 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Charles
999 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Ronald
977 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) named Ronald
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.
Donald
886 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) named Donald
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
Thomas
839 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Jerry
686 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Kenneth
683 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) named Kenneth
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".
Dennis
579 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Joseph
446 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) named Joseph
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
Paul
436 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) 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.
George
405 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) 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.
Terry
401 baby boys born in Missouri (1946) named Terry
The name Terry is a unisex name of English origin, derived from the name Terence. The meaning of the name Terry is "smooth, tender".