North carolina's most popular baby names in 1961

North Carolina, a state known for its rich history and culture, has always been a melting pot of diverse communities. In the year 1961, the state witnessed a surge of newborns, and the top baby names of that year reflect the traditional values and cultural influences of the time.

For baby girls, Mary topped the list as the most popular name, followed closely by Lisa and Teresa. These names were classic and timeless, reflecting the religious and familial values that were held dear in North Carolina. Similarly, for baby boys, James, Michael, and David were the top choices. These names were strong and traditional, reflecting the cultural influences of the time. The popularity of these names in North Carolina serves as a reminder of the state's rich history and the enduring traditions that have shaped its communities.

Most popular baby girl names in North carolina in 1961

In 1961, the top 5 most popular baby girl names in North Carolina were Mary, Lisa, Teresa, Donna, and Cynthia. Mary was the most popular name with 1174 babies being given that name, followed closely by Lisa with 1150 babies. Teresa was the third most popular name with 1100 babies, followed by Donna with 1022 babies, and Cynthia with 890 babies. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and trends of the time.

Mary

1174 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Lisa

1150 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) named Lisa
The name Lisa is a short form of the name Elizabeth and means "God is my oath" or "pledged to God".
Teresa

1100 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Donna

1022 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Cynthia

890 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Sandra
844 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Linda
842 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) 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."
Susan
800 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Sharon
789 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Karen
785 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Deborah
781 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Pamela
760 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) 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).
Brenda
735 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Angela
682 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) named Angela
The name Angela is derived from the Greek word "angelos" which means "messenger of God". It is a feminine name that has been used in various cultures and languages, including English, Italian, Spanish, and German. Angela is often associated with qualities such as kindness, compassion, and grace.
Patricia
676 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Tammy
592 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) named Tammy
The name Tammy is a diminutive form of the name Tamara, which has Hebrew origins and means "palm tree" or "date tree". The exact meaning of Tammy is unclear, but it is generally considered to be a modern English name that is derived from Tamara.
Robin
571 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) named Robin
The name Robin is of English origin and is derived from the bird of the same name. It is a unisex name and means "bright fame" or "famous brilliance".
Kimberly
557 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) named Kimberly
The name Kimberly means "from the wood of the royal forest" or "royal fortress meadow". It is of Old English origin and was first used as a given name in the 1940s.
Barbara
528 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Kathy
519 baby girls born in North carolina (1961) 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.

Most popular baby boy names in North carolina in 1961

In North Carolina in 1961, the most popular baby boy names were James, Michael, David, William, and John. James was the most popular name with 2529 babies given that name, followed by Michael with 1996 babies, David with 1796 babies, William with 1793 babies, and John with 1526 babies. These names were likely influenced by traditional and biblical names commonly used during that time period.

James

2529 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
Michael

1996 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) 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

1796 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) 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.
William

1793 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) 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.
John

1526 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Robert
1502 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Charles
1104 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Mark
990 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Timothy
917 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Jeffrey
863 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) named Jeffrey
The name Jeffrey is of Germanic origin and means "peaceful pledge". It is a variant of the name Geoffrey.
Kenneth
850 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) named Kenneth
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".
Richard
764 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
Thomas
748 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Gary
667 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Ricky
667 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) named Ricky
The name Ricky is a diminutive form of the name Richard, which means "brave ruler" or "strong ruler".
Terry
632 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) 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".
Donald
632 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) named Donald
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
Tony
608 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) named Tony
The name Tony is a diminutive form of the name Anthony, which is of Latin origin. The name Anthony means "priceless one" or "praiseworthy". Therefore, it can be inferred that the name Tony also carries the same meaning.
Jerry
572 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) 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.
Anthony
562 baby boys born in North carolina (1961) named Anthony
The name Anthony is of Latin origin and means "priceless" or "highly praiseworthy".