In the year 1917, the state of New Hampshire witnessed a surge in popularity of some of the most classic names for baby girls and boys. Mary, Helen, and Dorothy were the top choices for baby girls, while John, Robert, and George were the most popular names for baby boys.
These names have stood the test of time and continue to be popular even a century later. The names reflect a sense of tradition and simplicity that are still cherished by parents today. Whether you're looking for a timeless name for your little one or seeking inspiration from the past, these names from New Hampshire's 1917 list are sure to delight.
In 1917, Mary was the most popular name for baby girls in New Hampshire with 139 babies being given that name. Helen came in second with 107 babies being named that, followed by Dorothy with 96, Ruth with 93, and Irene with 83. These were the top 5 most popular baby girl names in New Hampshire in 1917.
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.
Helen is a name of Greek origin and means "bright, shining one" or "torchbearer". It is also sometimes associated with the meaning "sunray" or "ray of light". The name has been popular throughout history and is still commonly used today.
The name Dorothy is of Greek origin and means "gift of God".
The name Ruth means "friend" or "companion" in Hebrew. It is also associated with the character Ruth in the Bible, who was known for her loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi.
The name Irene means "peace" in Greek.
The name Doris means "gift of the ocean" or "from the sea" in Greek. It was also the name of a sea nymph in Greek mythology.
Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my oath" or "my God is abundance". It is a name that has been popular for centuries and has been borne by many notable figures in history and literature.
The name Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".
The name Rita is of Latin origin and means "pearl".
The name Alice is of German origin and means "noble" or "of noble birth". It is a popular name that has been used for centuries and has been the name of many notable fictional characters in literature and film.
Florence is a name of Latin origin, meaning "flourishing" or "prosperous".
The name Beatrice is of Latin origin and means "she who brings happiness" or "voyager through life". It was a popular name during the Middle Ages and has been used by many notable literary figures in their works.
The name Evelyn is of English origin and is derived from the French name Aveline, which means "hazelnut". It is also believed to have roots in the Germanic name Avelina, which means "wished-for child" or "longed-for child". Overall, the name Evelyn is associated with sweetness, charm, and grace.
The name Lillian means "pure" or "innocent" and is of English origin. It is a variant of the name Lily and is often associated with the flower of the same name. Lillian has been a popular name for girls since the late 19th century.
The name Pauline is a feminine name of French origin. It is the feminine form of the name Paul, which means "small" or "humble" in Latin. The name Pauline is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, creativity, and a strong will. It is a classic name that has been popular for centuries and is still widely used today.
The name Virginia is derived from the Latin word "Virgo" which means "maiden" or "virgin". It was a popular name in ancient Rome and was often given to girls who were born in the month of August. The name has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century and is associated with purity, innocence, and virtue.
The name Marion is a unisex name of French origin, meaning "bitter" or "rebellious".
The name Lucille means "light" or "illumination" and is of French origin. It is a feminine name that has been in use since the 19th century.
The name Eleanor means "bright, shining one" or "compassionate" and is of Old French and Greek origin. It was originally derived from the name AliƩnor, which was the Old French form of the name Helen.
The name Mildred means "gentle strength" or "mild strength".
In 1917, the most popular baby boy names in New Hampshire were John, Robert, George, Joseph, and Charles. John was the most common name with 148 babies named John, followed closely by Robert with 140. George, Joseph, and Charles were also popular choices with 99, 95, and 91 babies named respectively. These names suggest a preference for traditional and classic names during this time period.
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 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.
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
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 William means "resolute protector" or "strong-willed warrior". It is of Germanic origin and has been a popular name throughout history.
The name Arthur is of Celtic origin and means "bear". It was a popular name among the kings and nobles of medieval England, and has since become a classic name that is still in use today.
The name Raymond is of Germanic origin and means "wise protector" or "protector advice".
The name Albert is of Germanic origin and means "noble and bright".
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
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".
The name Leo is of Latin origin and means "lion". It is a strong and powerful name often associated with courage, leadership, and bravery.
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
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.
The name Frank is of Germanic origin and means "free man" or "truthful man".
The name Henry means "ruler of the household" or "estate ruler". It is of Germanic origin and has been a popular name for centuries.
The name Harold is of Old English origin and means "ruler of the army". It was a popular name among the Anglo-Saxons and was borne by several kings of England.
Walter is a Germanic name that means "ruler of the army" or "powerful warrior".
The name Norman means "man of the north" or "man from the north". It is of Old German origin and was originally used to describe Vikings who had settled in the northern regions of France. The name became popular in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066.