Virginia's most popular baby names in 1959

In the year 1959, the state of Virginia saw a surge in the popularity of traditional names for baby girls. Mary topped the list of the most popular baby girl names in Virginia, followed by Donna and Deborah. These names were widely used across the state and were favored by parents who wanted to give their daughters classic and timeless names.

On the other hand, the most popular baby boy names in Virginia in 1959 were James, David, and Michael. These names were also very popular across the United States during that time, and they continued to remain popular for several decades after. Parents in Virginia seemed to prefer strong and traditional names for their baby boys, and these three names fit the bill perfectly.

Overall, the baby names that were popular in Virginia in 1959 reflected the traditional and conservative values of the time. Parents wanted to give their children names that were classic, timeless, and would stand the test of time. Even though naming trends have changed over the years, these names continue to be popular choices for parents who value tradition and history.

Most popular baby girl names in Virginia in 1959

In Virginia, 1959, the top 5 most popular baby girl names were Mary, Donna, Deborah, Patricia, and Linda. Mary was the most popular name with 1079 newborns being given this name. Donna followed closely with 1036 babies, and Deborah was third with 942. Patricia and Linda completed the top 5 with 867 and 848 newborns respectively. These were the most common names given to baby girls in Virginia during that year.

Mary

1079 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Donna

1036 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) 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

942 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Patricia

867 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Linda

848 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) 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."
Cynthia
846 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Susan
808 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Karen
774 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Teresa
697 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) named Teresa
The name Teresa is derived from the Greek name Therasia, which means "harvester" or "reaper". It has also been associated with the Spanish word "teresa", meaning "to harvest". The name has been popularized by Saint Teresa of Avila, a Spanish mystic and writer who lived in the 16th century. The name is commonly given to girls and is of Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian origin.
Brenda
674 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Debra
653 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) named Debra
The name Debra is of Hebrew origin and means "bee." It is a variant spelling of Deborah.
Sharon
648 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Pamela
635 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) 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
623 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Barbara
617 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Kathy
559 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) named Kathy
The name Kathy is a diminutive form of the name Katherine, which means "pure" or "clear". It is of Greek origin and has been a popular name in English-speaking countries since the 19th century.
Elizabeth
455 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Robin
450 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) named Robin
The name Robin is of English origin and is derived from the bird of the same name. It is a unisex name and means "bright fame" or "famous brilliance".
Cheryl
430 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Debbie
418 baby girls born in Virginia (1959) named Debbie
The name Debbie is a diminutive form of the name Deborah. It is of Hebrew origin and means "bee".

Most popular baby boy names in Virginia in 1959

According to records from 1959, the most popular baby boy names in Virginia were James, David, Michael, Robert, and John. James was the most popular name with 2058 babies given that name, followed by David with 1729, Michael with 1640, Robert with 1527, and John with 1494. These names have been popular for decades and continue to be used today.

James

2058 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
David

1729 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Michael

1640 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Robert

1527 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) 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

1494 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) 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.
William
1478 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) 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
923 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Richard
906 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
Mark
892 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Thomas
812 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Timothy
706 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Kenneth
647 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) named Kenneth
The name Kenneth is of Scottish origin and means "handsome" or "born of fire".
Larry
576 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Ronald
559 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) named Ronald
The name Ronald means "ruler's counselor" or "wise ruler" and is of Scottish origin.
Steven
544 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) named Steven
The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.
Joseph
530 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) named Joseph
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
Donald
518 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) named Donald
Donald is a Scottish name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world".
Ricky
489 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) named Ricky
The name Ricky is a diminutive form of the name Richard, which means "brave ruler" or "strong ruler".
Gary
482 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) 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.
Jeffrey
477 baby boys born in Virginia (1959) named Jeffrey
The name Jeffrey is of Germanic origin and means "peaceful pledge". It is a variant of the name Geoffrey.