Ohio's most popular baby names in 1944

In the year 1944, the state of Ohio saw a surge in the number of newborns, with parents eagerly choosing names for their little bundles of joy. As was the trend across the United States, traditional names continued to be popular, with Mary topping the list of most popular baby girl names. This classic name has been a favorite for centuries, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. Barbara and Linda followed close behind, with parents opting for these timeless names that exude grace and femininity.

For baby boys, James was the most popular name in Ohio in 1944, a name that has remained a top choice for parents for decades. Robert and John were also popular choices, reflecting a preference for strong and classic names that have stood the test of time. These names are not only popular in Ohio but also across the United States, reflecting the enduring appeal of traditional names that have been passed down through generations.

As a historian and expert on names, it is fascinating to see how naming trends have evolved over time. While new names have emerged and become popular in recent years, the enduring popularity of classic names like Mary, James, Robert, and John is a testament to their timeless appeal.

Most popular baby girl names in Ohio in 1944

In 1944, Mary was the most popular name for baby girls in Ohio, with a total of 2885 babies receiving the name. Barbara came in second place with 2002 babies named, followed closely by Linda with 1968 babies named. Patricia and Carol rounded out the top five, with 1909 and 1907 babies receiving those names, respectively. These names reflect the popular trends of the time, with traditional names like Mary and Patricia alongside newer names like Linda and Carol.

Mary

2885 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) 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.
Barbara

2002 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) 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.
Linda

1968 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) 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

1909 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) 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.
Carol

1907 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) 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
1593 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) 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.
Nancy
1496 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) named Nancy
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
Sharon
1495 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) 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.
Judith
1482 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) named Judith
The name Judith is of Hebrew origin and means "woman of Judea" or "praised".
Karen
1255 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Judy
1021 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) named Judy
Donna
1011 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) 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
921 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) 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.
Janet
895 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) named Janet
The name Janet is of Scottish origin and is the diminutive form of the name Jane, meaning "God is gracious".
Carolyn
883 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) 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.
Kathleen
788 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) named Kathleen
The name Kathleen is of Irish origin and means "pure" or "clear". It is a variant of the name Katherine.
Joyce
782 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) 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.
Shirley
767 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) 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.
Betty
727 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) named Betty
The name Betty is a diminutive form of Elizabeth and means "pledged to God" or "God is my oath".
Marilyn
716 baby girls born in Ohio (1944) named Marilyn
The name Marilyn is a combination of the names Mary and Lynn. The name Mary means "bitter" or "rebellious" in Hebrew, while Lynn means "lake" or "waterfall" in English. Therefore, the name Marilyn could be interpreted as "bitter lake" or "rebellious waterfall".

Most popular baby boy names in Ohio in 1944

In Ohio, 1944, the most popular baby boy names were James, Robert, John, William, and Richard. James was the most popular name with 4062 babies given that name, followed closely by Robert with 3947 babies. John was the third most popular name with 3444 babies, followed by William with 2788 babies, and Richard with 2538 babies. These names reflect the traditional and classic names that were popular during that time period.

James

4062 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
Robert

3947 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) 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

3444 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) 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.
William

2788 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) 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.
Richard

2538 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
David
2390 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) 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.
Thomas
2062 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) 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
1768 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) 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
1554 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) named Ronald
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.
Donald
1480 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) named Donald
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
Michael
1467 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) 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.
Gary
1319 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) 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
1307 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) 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.
Kenneth
982 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) named Kenneth
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".
Paul
982 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) 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.
Joseph
874 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) named Joseph
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
George
835 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) 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.
Dennis
777 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) 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.
Jerry
742 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) 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.
Edward
696 baby boys born in Ohio (1944) named Edward
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".