Virginia's most popular baby names in 1949

In the year 1949, the state of Virginia saw a surge in the popularity of certain baby names. The most popular baby girl names that year were Linda, Mary, and Brenda. Linda was the clear winner, occupying the top spot for the second year in a row. Mary, a timeless classic, came in at a close second, followed by Brenda, which was a relatively new name at the time.

When it came to baby boy names, the top three were James, William, and Robert. James, a name with biblical roots, was the most popular boy name in Virginia that year. William, another classic name, came in at a close second, while Robert rounded out the top three. These names were all popular choices for parents looking for traditional, timeless names for their baby boys.

Overall, the baby names that were most popular in Virginia in 1949 reflected a desire for classic, traditional names that had stood the test of time. While some of these names may have fallen out of favor in recent years, they continue to be beloved by many parents who appreciate their timeless appeal.

Most popular baby girl names in Virginia in 1949

In Virginia in 1949, Linda was the most popular name for baby girls, with 2203 babies given that name. Mary was the second most popular name, with 1600 babies given that name. Brenda was the third most popular name, with 1188 babies given that name. Barbara was the fourth most popular name with 1058 babies given that name. Patricia was the fifth most popular name with 1030 babies given that name.

Linda

2203 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) 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

1600 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Brenda

1188 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Barbara

1058 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) 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

1030 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Carolyn
754 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Sandra
745 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Betty
656 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) named Betty
The name Betty is a diminutive form of Elizabeth and means "pledged to God" or "God is my oath".
Shirley
597 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Nancy
593 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) named Nancy
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
Susan
521 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Joyce
510 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Margaret
507 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) named Margaret
The name Margaret is of Greek origin and means "pearl".
Sharon
470 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Judy
445 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) named Judy
Elizabeth
398 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Donna
384 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) 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
351 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) 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
347 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) 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".
Gloria
337 baby girls born in Virginia (1949) named Gloria
The name Gloria means "glory" or "fame" in Latin.

Most popular baby boy names in Virginia in 1949

According to records from 1949, the most popular baby boy names in Virginia were James, William, Robert, John, and Charles. James was the most popular name with 2321 babies given that name, followed by William with 1837, Robert with 1723, John with 1531, and Charles with 1160. These names were likely influenced by traditional and religious values, as well as popular cultural figures and historical figures of the time.

James

2321 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
William

1837 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Robert

1723 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) 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.
John

1531 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Charles

1160 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) 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.
David
1081 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Larry
909 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Thomas
899 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Michael
825 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Richard
801 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
Donald
633 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) named Donald
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
Ronald
622 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) named Ronald
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.
George
613 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Joseph
537 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) named Joseph
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
Jerry
492 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Kenneth
464 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) named Kenneth
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".
Gary
457 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) 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.
Edward
441 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) 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".
Roger
411 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) 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".
Paul
344 baby boys born in Virginia (1949) 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.