Rhode island's most popular baby names in 1956

In the year 1956, the state of Rhode Island saw a surge in baby names for both boys and girls. The most popular baby girl names were Susan, Deborah, and Donna. These names were a reflection of the times, as they were simple, traditional, and easy to spell. Parents in Rhode Island seemed to prefer names that were classic and timeless, rather than trendy or unique.

For baby boys, the top names were Robert, Michael, and David. These names were also popular across the country at the time, and they continue to be popular today. Parents in Rhode Island seemed to favor strong, masculine names for their sons, perhaps reflecting the values of the time.

Overall, the baby names in Rhode Island in 1956 were a reflection of the cultural and societal trends of the era. While some of these names may have fallen out of favor in recent years, they remain a testament to the enduring power of tradition and simplicity in naming children.

Most popular baby girl names in Rhode island in 1956

In Rhode Island, 1956, the most popular baby girl names were Susan, Deborah, Donna, Mary, and Linda. Susan was the most popular name with 357 babies given that name, followed closely by Deborah with 331 babies. Donna also had a high number with 320 babies given that name. Mary and Linda rounded out the top five with 292 and 261 babies respectively. These names were likely influenced by popular culture at the time and may have been inspired by celebrities or fictional characters.

Susan

357 baby girls born in Rhode island (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.
Deborah

331 baby girls born in Rhode island (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.
Donna

320 baby girls born in Rhode island (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.
Mary

292 baby girls born in Rhode island (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.
Linda

261 baby girls born in Rhode island (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
258 baby girls born in Rhode island (1956) named Debra
The name Debra is of Hebrew origin and means "bee." It is a variant spelling of Deborah.
Karen
248 baby girls born in Rhode island (1956) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Patricia
240 baby girls born in Rhode island (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.
Cheryl
207 baby girls born in Rhode island (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.
Kathleen
202 baby girls born in Rhode island (1956) named Kathleen
The name Kathleen is of Irish origin and means "pure" or "clear". It is a variant of the name Katherine.
Diane
192 baby girls born in Rhode island (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".
Cynthia
165 baby girls born in Rhode island (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.
Nancy
155 baby girls born in Rhode island (1956) named Nancy
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
Denise
142 baby girls born in Rhode island (1956) named Denise
The name Denise is of French origin and is derived from the name Denis, which means "follower of Dionysius." Dionysius was the Greek god of wine, fertility, and theater. The name Denise was popularized in the 20th century, particularly in the United States.
Barbara
141 baby girls born in Rhode island (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.
Carol
133 baby girls born in Rhode island (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".
Sharon
122 baby girls born in Rhode island (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.
Elizabeth
115 baby girls born in Rhode island (1956) 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.
Pamela
99 baby girls born in Rhode island (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).
Sandra
98 baby girls born in Rhode island (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.

Most popular baby boy names in Rhode island in 1956

In Rhode Island in 1956, the most popular baby boy names were Robert, Michael, David, John, and Richard. Robert was the most popular with 578 babies given that name, followed closely by Michael with 549 and David with 535. John and Richard rounded out the top five with 531 and 358 babies given those names, respectively.

Robert

578 baby boys born in Rhode island (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.
Michael

549 baby boys born in Rhode island (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

535 baby boys born in Rhode island (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.
John

531 baby boys born in Rhode island (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.
Richard

358 baby boys born in Rhode island (1956) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
James
352 baby boys born in Rhode island (1956) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
William
333 baby boys born in Rhode island (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.
Joseph
321 baby boys born in Rhode island (1956) named Joseph
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
Paul
276 baby boys born in Rhode island (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.
Thomas
261 baby boys born in Rhode island (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.
Steven
229 baby boys born in Rhode island (1956) named Steven
The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.
Stephen
219 baby boys born in Rhode island (1956) named Stephen
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.
Mark
203 baby boys born in Rhode island (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.
Kevin
175 baby boys born in Rhode island (1956) named Kevin
The name Kevin is of Irish origin and means "handsome" or "gentle birth". It is derived from the Irish name Caoimhín, which is composed of the Gaelic words "caomh" meaning "kind" or "gentle" and "gin" meaning "birth".
Peter
175 baby boys born in Rhode island (1956) named Peter
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.
Donald
150 baby boys born in Rhode island (1956) named Donald
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
Kenneth
145 baby boys born in Rhode island (1956) named Kenneth
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".
Ronald
143 baby boys born in Rhode island (1956) named Ronald
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.
Edward
141 baby boys born in Rhode island (1956) 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".
Gary
133 baby boys born in Rhode island (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.