In the year 1949, the state of New York witnessed a surge of newborns, with parents choosing from a diverse range of names for their little ones. The most popular baby girl names of the year were Linda, Mary, and Barbara, while the top baby boy names were Robert, John, and James.
Linda, meaning "beautiful" in Spanish, took the top spot for baby girls in New York, followed closely by Mary, a classic name with biblical roots. Barbara, a name with Greek origins meaning "foreign woman," also made it to the top three. For baby boys, Robert, a name of Germanic origin meaning "bright fame," was the most popular, followed by John, a timeless name with Hebrew roots, and James, a name with English and Hebrew origins meaning "supplanter." These names continue to be popular choices for parents today, reflecting a timeless appeal that transcends generations.
In New York in 1949, the most popular baby girl name was Linda, with 6652 babies given that name. Mary was the second most popular name with 4598 babies named Mary. Barbara, Patricia, and Susan were also popular names, with 4537, 4483, and 4301 babies given those names, respectively. These were the top five baby girl names in New York in 1949.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
The name Kathleen is of Irish origin and means "pure" or "clear". It is a variant of the name Katherine.
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".
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
The name Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".
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".
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
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.
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.
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.
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.
The name Judith is of Hebrew origin and means "woman of Judea" or "praised".
The name Christine is of Greek origin and means "follower of Christ".
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 Joan is of Hebrew origin and means "God is gracious". It is a feminine name that was popularized in the Middle Ages and has been in use ever since. The name is often associated with strong and independent women, such as Joan of Arc.
The name Janet is of Scottish origin and is the diminutive form of the name Jane, meaning "God is gracious".
In New York in 1949, the most popular baby boy names were Robert, John, James, Michael, and Richard. Robert was the most popular name, with 8850 babies given that name. John was a close second with 8610 babies named John. James came in third place with 6258 babies named James. Michael and Richard rounded out the top five with 5671 and 5653 babies given those names, respectively.
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 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 James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
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.
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
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 Thomas is of Aramaic origin and means "twin". It is a common name in many cultures and has been used for centuries.
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.
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 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 Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.
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 Peter is derived from the Greek name Petros, meaning "rock" or "stone". It is a common name in many cultures and languages, and is often associated with qualities such as strength, stability, and steadfastness.
The name Stephen means "crown" or "garland" in Greek. It is derived from the Greek name Stephanos, which was a common name among early Christians due to its association with Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".
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 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.
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.