Missouri's most popular baby names in 1959

In the year 1959, the state of Missouri saw a surge in the popularity of certain baby names. For baby girls, the name Mary was the most popular choice, followed closely by Linda and Karen. These classic names have stood the test of time and continue to be popular choices for parents even today.

As for baby boys, Michael was the top choice, followed by David and James. These names exude strength and masculinity, which may have contributed to their popularity in the late 1950s. Whether you're a fan of traditional names or are looking for inspiration for your own child's name, the top baby names of Missouri in 1959 provide a glimpse into the naming trends of the past.

Most popular baby girl names in Missouri in 1959

In 1959, the most popular baby girl names in Missouri were Mary, Linda, Karen, Donna, and Susan. Mary was the most popular name, with 1409 babies being named Mary. Linda came in second place with 1050 babies, followed by Karen with 959 babies. Donna and Susan rounded out the top five with 908 and 880 babies named respectively. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and societal trends of the time.

Mary

1409 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) 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

1050 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) 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."
Karen

959 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Donna

908 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) 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.
Susan

880 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) 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
768 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) 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.
Cynthia
727 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) 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.
Pamela
727 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) 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).
Debra
714 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) named Debra
The name Debra is of Hebrew origin and means "bee." It is a variant spelling of Deborah.
Deborah
701 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) 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.
Brenda
662 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) named Brenda
The name Brenda is of Old Norse origin and means "sword" or "torch". It was popularized in the 20th century as a given name, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom.
Kathy
656 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) named Kathy
The name Kathy is a diminutive form of the name Katherine, which means "pure" or "clear". It is of Greek origin and has been a popular name in English-speaking countries since the 19th century.
Lisa
654 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) named Lisa
The name Lisa is a short form of the name Elizabeth and means "God is my oath" or "pledged to God".
Debbie
633 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) named Debbie
The name Debbie is a diminutive form of the name Deborah. It is of Hebrew origin and means "bee".
Cheryl
592 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) 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.
Barbara
581 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) 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.
Sharon
558 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) 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.
Nancy
530 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) named Nancy
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
Teresa
499 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) named Teresa
The name Teresa is derived from the Greek name Therasia, which means "harvester" or "reaper". It has also been associated with the Spanish word "teresa", meaning "to harvest". The name has been popularized by Saint Teresa of Avila, a Spanish mystic and writer who lived in the 16th century. The name is commonly given to girls and is of Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian origin.
Sandra
495 baby girls born in Missouri (1959) 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.

Most popular baby boy names in Missouri in 1959

According to the records of 1959, the most popular baby boy names in Missouri were Michael, David, James, Robert, and Mark. Michael was the most popular name with 2081 babies being given that name, followed closely by David with 2051 babies. James, Robert, and Mark were also popular names with 1780, 1708, and 1706 babies named respectively. These names were likely chosen for their traditional and timeless appeal, and continue to be popular choices for baby boys today.

Michael

2081 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) 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

2051 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) 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.
James

1780 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
Robert

1708 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) 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.
Mark

1706 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) 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.
John
1679 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) 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
1096 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
William
984 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) 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.
Steven
957 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) named Steven
The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.
Kevin
844 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) named Kevin
The name Kevin is of Irish origin and means "handsome" or "gentle birth". It is derived from the Irish name Caoimhín, which is composed of the Gaelic words "caomh" meaning "kind" or "gentle" and "gin" meaning "birth".
Thomas
822 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) 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.
Charles
808 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) 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.
Timothy
751 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) named Timothy
The name Timothy is of Greek origin and means "honoring God" or "one who honors God". It is derived from the Greek name Timotheos, which is a combination of the words "timao" meaning to honor and "theos" meaning God.
Donald
693 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) named Donald
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
Kenneth
666 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) named Kenneth
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".
Gary
653 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) 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.
Larry
611 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) 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.
Ronald
593 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) named Ronald
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.
Dennis
592 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) 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.
Terry
586 baby boys born in Missouri (1959) 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".