South dakota's most popular baby names in 1928

In the year 1928, South Dakota saw a surge in the popularity of certain baby names. The top names for baby girls were Betty, Mary, and Dorothy, while Robert, Donald, and John were the most popular names for baby boys.

These names were likely chosen for their traditional and timeless qualities, as well as their association with prominent figures of the time. Whether inspired by family members, religious figures, or popular culture, these names continue to stand the test of time and remain beloved choices for parents in South Dakota and beyond.

Most popular baby girl names in South dakota in 1928

In South Dakota in 1928, the most popular baby girl names were Betty, Mary, Dorothy, Phyllis, and Lois. Betty was the most popular name with 236 babies being named that, followed closely by Mary with 224 babies being named that. Dorothy was the third most popular name with 185 babies being named that, followed by Phyllis with 124 babies and Lois with 119 babies. These were the top 5 names for baby girls in South Dakota in 1928.

Betty

236 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) named Betty
The name Betty is a diminutive form of Elizabeth and means "pledged to God" or "God is my oath".
Mary

224 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) 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.
Dorothy

185 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) named Dorothy
The name Dorothy is of Greek origin and means "gift of God".
Phyllis

124 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) named Phyllis
The name Phyllis means "foliage" or "greenery" and is of Greek origin.
Lois

119 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) named Lois
The name Lois is of Greek origin and means "better, more desirable".
Doris
112 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) named Doris
The name Doris means "gift of the ocean" or "from the sea" in Greek. It was also the name of a sea nymph in Greek mythology.
Donna
111 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) 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.
Shirley
106 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) 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.
Helen
101 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) named Helen
Helen is a name of Greek origin and means "bright, shining one" or "torchbearer". It is also sometimes associated with the meaning "sunray" or "ray of light". The name has been popular throughout history and is still commonly used today.
Beverly
97 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) named Beverly
The name Beverly is of English origin and its meaning is "dweller near the beaver stream".
Ruth
90 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) named Ruth
The name Ruth means "friend" or "companion" in Hebrew. It is also associated with the character Ruth in the Bible, who was known for her loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi.
Margaret
83 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) named Margaret
The name Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".
Joyce
82 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) 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.
Patricia
76 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) 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.
Norma
72 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) named Norma
The name Norma is of Latin origin and means "rule" or "standard". It was popularized by the Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini's opera "Norma" in the 19th century. The name has been in use since the Middle Ages and continues to be used today.
Darlene
72 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) named Darlene
The name Darlene means "darling" or "beloved" and is of English origin. It was first used as a given name in the early 20th century in the United States.
Alice
70 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) named Alice
The name Alice is of German origin and means "noble" or "of noble birth". It is a popular name that has been used for centuries and has been the name of many notable fictional characters in literature and film.
Virginia
70 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) named Virginia
The name Virginia is derived from the Latin word "Virgo" which means "maiden" or "virgin". It was a popular name in ancient Rome and was often given to girls who were born in the month of August. The name has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century and is associated with purity, innocence, and virtue.
Mildred
69 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) named Mildred
The name Mildred means "gentle strength" or "mild strength".
Delores
67 baby girls born in South dakota (1928) named Delores

Most popular baby boy names in South dakota in 1928

In 1928, the most popular baby boy names in South Dakota were Robert, Donald, John, James, and Richard. Robert was the most popular name with 346 babies being given that name, followed closely by Donald with 320 babies. John, James, and Richard were also popular names with 192, 185, and 169 babies being given those names respectively. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and traditional family names.

Robert

346 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) 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.
Donald

320 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) named Donald
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
John

192 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) 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.
James

185 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
Richard

169 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
William
154 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) 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.
Charles
108 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) 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.
Kenneth
102 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) named Kenneth
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".
Harold
99 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) named Harold
The name Harold is of Old English origin and means "ruler of the army". It was a popular name among the Anglo-Saxons and was borne by several kings of England.
George
95 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) 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.
Raymond
87 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) named Raymond
The name Raymond is of Germanic origin and means "wise protector" or "protector advice".
Eugene
82 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) named Eugene
The name Eugene means "well-born" or "noble" and has Greek origins. It was a popular name in the early 20th century but has since declined in popularity.
Dale
80 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) named Dale
The name Dale means valley or dale, which is a piece of land between hills or mountains. It is of Old English origin and is often used as a masculine given name.
Marvin
72 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) named Marvin
The name Marvin is of Welsh origin and means "sea hill" or "great hill near the sea".
Gerald
66 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) named Gerald
The name Gerald means "ruler with a spear" or "rule of the spear". It is of Old German origin and was a popular name among medieval kings and nobles.
Walter
63 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) named Walter
Walter is a Germanic name that means "ruler of the army" or "powerful warrior".
Wayne
59 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) named Wayne
The name Wayne means "wagon maker" or "wagon driver". It has Old English origins and was originally a surname before becoming a first name.
Lloyd
58 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) named Lloyd
Lawrence
56 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) named Lawrence
The name Lawrence is derived from the Latin name Laurentius, which means "from Laurentum" or "crowned with laurel". It has been a popular name throughout history and is often associated with strength, honor, and victory.
Lyle
54 baby boys born in South dakota (1928) named Lyle