Ohio's most popular baby names in 1956

In the year 1956, the state of Ohio saw a surge in the popularity of certain baby names, as parents looked for timeless monikers that would stand the test of time. For baby girls, Mary remained the top choice, reflecting its enduring appeal as a classic name that has been popular for centuries. Deborah and Karen also made the top three, indicating a growing trend towards biblical and Scandinavian-inspired names, respectively.

Meanwhile, for baby boys, Michael claimed the top spot, reflecting its status as a perennial favorite that has remained popular for decades. David and James also proved to be popular choices, reflecting a preference for traditional names with strong, masculine connotations. Overall, the top baby names of 1956 in Ohio reflect a desire for classic, timeless names that have stood the test of time and continue to be popular to this day.

Most popular baby girl names in Ohio in 1956

In Ohio, 1956, Mary was the most popular name for baby girls, with 3473 babies given this name. Deborah came in second place with 3215 babies given this name, followed by Karen with 2708 babies, Linda with 2658 babies, and Debra with 2642 babies. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and trends during that time period, as well as traditional family names and religious influences.

Mary

3473 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) 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.
Deborah

3215 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) 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.
Karen

2708 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Linda

2658 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) 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."
Debra

2642 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) named Debra
The name Debra is of Hebrew origin and means "bee." It is a variant spelling of Deborah.
Susan
2594 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) 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
2263 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) 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
2046 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) 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
2012 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) 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).
Barbara
1986 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) 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.
Nancy
1664 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) named Nancy
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
Sharon
1641 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) 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.
Cheryl
1419 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) 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.
Sandra
1406 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) 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.
Diane
1333 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) named Diane
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".
Donna
1331 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) 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.
Carol
1271 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) 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".
Kathleen
1244 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) named Kathleen
The name Kathleen is of Irish origin and means "pure" or "clear". It is a variant of the name Katherine.
Brenda
1197 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) 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
1187 baby girls born in Ohio (1956) 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 Ohio in 1956

In 1956, the most popular baby boy names in Ohio were Michael, David, James, Robert, and John. Michael was the most popular name with 5358 babies being named that, followed closely by David with 5295 babies. James, Robert, and John rounded out the top five with 5159, 4948, and 4834 babies being named those names, respectively. These names are all classic, traditional names that have remained popular for decades.

Michael

5358 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) 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

5295 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) 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

5159 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
Robert

4948 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) 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

4834 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) 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.
Mark
3637 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) 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.
William
3542 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) 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
3322 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
Thomas
3071 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) 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
2149 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) 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.
Jeffrey
2134 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) named Jeffrey
The name Jeffrey is of Germanic origin and means "peaceful pledge". It is a variant of the name Geoffrey.
Steven
2121 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) named Steven
The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.
Timothy
1964 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) 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.
Gary
1920 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) 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.
Donald
1825 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) named Donald
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
Joseph
1798 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) named Joseph
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
Daniel
1791 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) named Daniel
The name Daniel means "God is my judge".
Ronald
1679 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) named Ronald
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.
Gregory
1632 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) named Gregory
The name Gregory is of Greek origin and means "vigilant, watchful".
Paul
1446 baby boys born in Ohio (1956) 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.