Tennessee's most popular baby names in 1950

In the year 1950, the state of Tennessee had a number of popular baby names. For baby girls, the most popular names were Linda, Mary, and Brenda. Linda was the top choice for parents, with many likely drawn to its simple yet elegant sound. Mary, a classic name with religious significance, was also a popular choice, as was Brenda, a more unique name that likely appealed to parents looking for something a bit different.

For baby boys, the most popular names in Tennessee in 1950 were James, William, and Robert. James was the clear favorite, with many parents likely drawn to its strong, traditional sound. William, another classic name, was also popular, as was Robert, which had a more modern feel at the time. Overall, these names reflect the trends of the time, with parents opting for classic and traditional names for their children.

Most popular baby girl names in Tennessee in 1950

In Tennessee, 1950, the most popular baby girl name was Linda with 2042 babies being given that name. Mary came in second with 1552 babies being named that, followed by Brenda with 1338 babies. Patricia was the fourth most popular name with 1183 babies being named that, and Barbara came in fifth with 904 babies being given that name.

  1. Linda

    2042 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) 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."

  2. Mary

    1552 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  3. Brenda

    1338 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  4. Patricia

    1183 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  5. Barbara

    904 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  6. Judy

    813 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) named Judy

  7. Sandra

    780 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  8. Carolyn

    710 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) named Carolyn

    The name Carolyn is a feminine given name of English origin. It is a variant of Caroline, which is derived from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "free man" or "strong". The name Carolyn has been in use since the 19th century and has been a popular name for girls in the United States.

  9. Shirley

    680 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  10. Betty

    659 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) named Betty

    The name Betty is a diminutive form of Elizabeth and means "pledged to God" or "God is my oath".

  11. Deborah

    637 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  12. Nancy

    544 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) named Nancy

    The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".

  13. Janice

    523 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) named Janice

    The name Janice is of English origin and is a variant of the name Jane, which means "God is gracious".

  14. Wanda

    523 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) named Wanda

    The name Wanda is of Slavic origin and its meaning is "she who is to be loved" or "wanderer".

  15. Donna

    504 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  16. Martha

    457 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) named Martha

    The name Martha means "lady" or "mistress" and is of Aramaic origin. It is a biblical name, borne by the sister of Lazarus in the New Testament.

  17. Joyce

    448 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  18. Sharon

    446 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  19. Margaret

    426 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) named Margaret

    The name Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".

  20. Susan

    403 baby girls born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

Most popular baby boy names in Tennessee in 1950

Based on the data from Tennessee in the year 1950, the most popular baby boy names were James, William, Robert, Larry, and John. James was the most popular name with 2835 babies given that name, followed by William with 1674 babies, Robert with 1568 babies, Larry with 1389 babies, and John with 1385 babies. These names were likely influenced by popular culture, family traditions, and historical figures.

  1. James

    2835 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) named James

    The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".

  2. William

    1674 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  3. Robert

    1568 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  4. Larry

    1389 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  5. John

    1385 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  6. Charles

    1370 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  7. David

    1224 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  8. Michael

    1029 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  9. Jerry

    902 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) named Jerry

    The name Jerry is a diminutive form of the name Gerald or Gerard, which means "ruler with a spear" or "brave with a spear" respectively. It is of Old German origin.

  10. Gary

    860 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  11. Thomas

    766 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  12. Ronald

    663 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) named Ronald

    The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.

  13. Richard

    617 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) named Richard

    The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".

  14. Donald

    607 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) named Donald

    Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".

  15. Kenneth

    542 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) named Kenneth

    The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".

  16. Danny

    490 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) named Danny

    The name Danny is a diminutive form of the name Daniel, which means "God is my judge" in Hebrew. It is often used as a standalone name and has been a popular name for boys in the United States since the mid-20th century.

  17. Billy

    471 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) named Billy

    The name Billy is a diminutive form of the name William, which is of Old German origin and means "resolute protection".

  18. George

    459 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) 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.

  19. Roger

    439 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) named Roger

    The name Roger means "famous spearman" or "renowned warrior". It is of Old German origin, derived from the words "hrod" meaning "fame" and "ger" meaning "spear".

  20. Jimmy

    415 baby boys born in Tennessee (1950) named Jimmy

    The name Jimmy is a diminutive form of the name James, which means "supplanter" or "one who follows".