South dakota's most popular baby names in 1956

In the year 1956, the state of South Dakota welcomed many newborns, each with a unique name. Among the most popular names for baby girls were Debra, Mary, and Susan. Debra, meaning "bee," was a favorite choice for parents looking for a classic yet modern name. Mary, a timeless name meaning "bitter," remained a popular choice for parents who preferred traditional names. Susan, meaning "lily," was also a popular choice for parents who wanted a name that sounded both elegant and modern.

For baby boys, Michael, David, and Steven were the top choices. Michael, meaning "who is like God," was a strong and powerful name that remained a popular choice for parents who wanted a name that exuded strength and confidence. David, meaning "beloved," was a classic name that had been popular for generations. Steven, meaning "crown," was a name that parents chose for their baby boys who they believed would grow up to be successful and accomplished individuals. These names were not only popular in South Dakota, but also across the United States, and continue to be popular choices for parents today.

Most popular baby girl names in South dakota in 1956

In 1956, the most popular baby girl names in South Dakota were Debra, Mary, Susan, Linda, and Nancy. Debra was the most popular name with 280 babies given that name, followed closely by Mary with 270 babies. Susan was the third most popular name with 223 babies, followed by Linda with 195 babies, and Nancy with 165 babies. These names were likely chosen by parents across the state for their traditional and timeless appeal.

Debra

280 baby girls born in South dakota (1956) named Debra
The name Debra is of Hebrew origin and means "bee." It is a variant spelling of Deborah.
Mary

270 baby girls born in South dakota (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.
Susan

223 baby girls born in South dakota (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.
Linda

195 baby girls born in South dakota (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."
Nancy

165 baby girls born in South dakota (1956) named Nancy
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
Cynthia
144 baby girls born in South dakota (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.
Patricia
143 baby girls born in South dakota (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.
Barbara
141 baby girls born in South dakota (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.
Karen
141 baby girls born in South dakota (1956) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Sandra
130 baby girls born in South dakota (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.
Pamela
127 baby girls born in South dakota (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).
Donna
108 baby girls born in South dakota (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.
Deborah
106 baby girls born in South dakota (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.
Carol
104 baby girls born in South dakota (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".
Cheryl
102 baby girls born in South dakota (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.
Julie
96 baby girls born in South dakota (1956) named Julie
The name Julie is a French name that means "youthful" or "full of energy". It is derived from the Latin name Julia, which means "soft-haired" or "youthful".
Kathleen
94 baby girls born in South dakota (1956) named Kathleen
The name Kathleen is of Irish origin and means "pure" or "clear". It is a variant of the name Katherine.
Sharon
92 baby girls born in South dakota (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.
Diane
88 baby girls born in South dakota (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".
Connie
80 baby girls born in South dakota (1956) named Connie
The name Connie is a diminutive form of the name Constance, which is derived from the Latin word "constantia" meaning "steadfastness" or "constancy". The name Connie is often used as a standalone name and can also be a nickname for other names such as Constance, Constanza, or Conrad.

Most popular baby boy names in South dakota in 1956

According to the records of South Dakota in 1956, the most popular baby boy names were Michael, David, Steven, Robert, and James. Michael was the most popular name with 347 babies given the name, followed closely by David with 323 babies. Steven, Robert, and James were also popular choices with 286, 282, and 279 babies respectively given those names. These names were likely influenced by popular culture and traditional naming conventions.

Michael

347 baby boys born in South dakota (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

323 baby boys born in South dakota (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.
Steven

286 baby boys born in South dakota (1956) named Steven
The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.
Robert

282 baby boys born in South dakota (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.
James

279 baby boys born in South dakota (1956) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
Mark
267 baby boys born in South dakota (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.
John
217 baby boys born in South dakota (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
186 baby boys born in South dakota (1956) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
Thomas
172 baby boys born in South dakota (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.
Douglas
159 baby boys born in South dakota (1956) named Douglas
The name Douglas is of Scottish origin and means "dark water" or "dark stream".
Kevin
159 baby boys born in South dakota (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".
Daniel
156 baby boys born in South dakota (1956) named Daniel
The name Daniel means "God is my judge".
William
154 baby boys born in South dakota (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.
Timothy
140 baby boys born in South dakota (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.
Randy
131 baby boys born in South dakota (1956) named Randy
The name Randy is a shortened form of the name Randall, which means "shield wolf" in Old English. It is also sometimes used as a nickname for the name Randolph.
Gary
126 baby boys born in South dakota (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.
Terry
122 baby boys born in South dakota (1956) named Terry
The name Terry is a unisex name of English origin, derived from the name Terence. The meaning of the name Terry is "smooth, tender".
Donald
118 baby boys born in South dakota (1956) named Donald
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
Ronald
115 baby boys born in South dakota (1956) named Ronald
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.
Jeffrey
115 baby boys born in South dakota (1956) named Jeffrey
The name Jeffrey is of Germanic origin and means "peaceful pledge". It is a variant of the name Geoffrey.