Pennsylvania's most popular baby names in 1948

In the year 1948, the state of Pennsylvania saw a surge in the popularity of certain baby names. For baby girls, the name Linda was the most popular, followed closely by Mary and Barbara. These names were likely inspired by popular culture and media at the time, as well as traditional family names.

For baby boys, the top names in Pennsylvania were John, Robert, and James. These classic names have remained popular throughout the years and continue to be widely used today. It's interesting to note that many of these names have biblical origins, reflecting the strong religious traditions of the state.

Overall, the baby names of 1948 in Pennsylvania reflect a mix of traditional and modern influences. While some names have stood the test of time, others have fallen out of favor or been replaced by newer trends. Nonetheless, these names continue to be a part of the state's rich cultural heritage and are a testament to the enduring power of naming traditions.

Most popular baby girl names in Pennsylvania in 1948

In Pennsylvania in 1948, the most popular baby girl name was Linda, with a total of 6,216 babies given that name. Mary came in second with 4,441 babies named, followed by Barbara with 3,590, Patricia with 3,354, and Carol with 2,833. These five names were the most popular choices for parents of baby girls in Pennsylvania during that year.

Linda

6216 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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."
Mary

4441 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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

3590 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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.
Patricia

3354 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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

2833 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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".
Susan
2598 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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.
Kathleen
2185 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) named Kathleen
The name Kathleen is of Irish origin and means "pure" or "clear". It is a variant of the name Katherine.
Sandra
2167 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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
2156 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) named Nancy
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
Donna
1816 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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.
Karen
1767 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Margaret
1643 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) named Margaret
The name Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".
Judith
1448 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) named Judith
The name Judith is of Hebrew origin and means "woman of Judea" or "praised".
Sharon
1434 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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.
Diane
1304 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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".
Cheryl
1036 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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.
Janet
1031 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) named Janet
The name Janet is of Scottish origin and is the diminutive form of the name Jane, meaning "God is gracious".
Elizabeth
1010 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) named Elizabeth
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.
Deborah
954 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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.
Joyce
912 baby girls born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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.

Most popular baby boy names in Pennsylvania in 1948

In Pennsylvania in the year 1948, John was the most popular baby boy name with 7300 babies being given this name. Robert was the second most popular name with 6934 babies, followed by James with 5771 babies. William was the fourth most popular name with 5492 babies, and Thomas came in fifth with 4099 babies being given this name.

John

7300 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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

6934 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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.
James

5771 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
William

5492 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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.
Thomas

4099 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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.
David
4092 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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.
Richard
3891 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
Joseph
3574 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) named Joseph
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
Michael
3160 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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.
Charles
2642 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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
2586 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) named Ronald
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.
Edward
2008 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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".
George
1951 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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.
Donald
1818 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) named Donald
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
Dennis
1714 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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.
Gary
1597 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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.
Paul
1591 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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.
Kenneth
1553 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) named Kenneth
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".
Larry
1405 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) 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.
Daniel
1348 baby boys born in Pennsylvania (1948) named Daniel
The name Daniel means "God is my judge".