Baby Names from the 1940s

2370 names that peaked in popularity during the 1940s.

WWII influenced naming with patriotic and strong names. The baby boom began and classic names reached peak saturation. 1940s names are cyclically overdue — expect a wave in the next 5 years.

200 names1671 girl799 boy

All Names Girl (1671)Boy (799)

↑ Making a comeback

God is gracious

↑ Making a comeback

Crown or Garland

↑ Making a comeback

affectionate or sea

Son of the king

A beloved name with deep roots

↑ Making a comeback

Bright as a star; intelligent.

Son of the farmer

A beloved name with deep roots

Derived from the German name Heinrich, meaning ‘ruler of the home’ or ‘estate ruler’.

A surname of English origin, meaning 'hard village'.

Lyndol is thought to be a variant of Lindell, which means 'lime tree hill'.

God is gracious.

from Laurentum, crowned with laurel

Native language (possibly Belgian/French)

who is like God?

From the name of the French-born American naval officer Stephen Decatur, symbolizing bravery and honor.

A blend of 'Linda' (meaning beautiful) and '-ola' which may suggest a diminutive form.

A variation of ‘Suela’ or ‘Swell’

little champion

descendant of Hind

lively, energetic

a valley; a mystical place

The name Esiquio is derived from the Greek name 'Ezekiel,' meaning 'God strengthens.'

Longing, desire

A variant spelling of Shirelle or Cheryl, often associated with beloved or darling.

A modern variation influenced by the name Jamel, which is of Arabic origin meaning 'beautiful'.

A combination of the names Velma and Marie, typically signifying a noble or beloved woman.

Jocile is often considered a modern variation of the name Jocelyn, which has Old French origins meaning 'little goth'.

Derived from Hroswitha, meaning 'rosy' or 'pretty'.

variant spelling of Shirin, meaning 'sweet, delightful'

one who is from the valley

A term that can mean 'fool' or 'idiot'.

Feminine form of Gerald, meaning 'rule of the spear'

Derived from the name Robert, meaning 'bright fame'.

famous ruler or wealthy

Judah's daughter

a diminutive of 'Mackenzie', meaning 'son of the wise ruler.'

↑ Making a comeback

Life, Life-giving

Dweller by the brook

Earthy; related to the earth.

A combination of the names Rita and Ann, symbolizing a strong and elegant character.

Diminutive form of Sharon and Sharman

Variant of Charlotte, meaning 'free man'.

God is gracious

From the deer forest

darling, beloved

A beloved name with deep roots

Uncertain; possibly derived from Drena, meaning 'dream' or 'to aspire'

A beloved name with deep roots

merciful, gentle

Belonging to the Lord

pledge, promise

a form of 'Ange,' meaning messenger or angel.

of Mars, warrior

a blend of Sharon, meaning 'a plain' or 'a fertile plain'

Free man, strong man.

Small; little one

A combination of 'Katherine' and 'Evelyn'

ruler's advisor

Dark-skinned or black

Of Lesbos, related to the island in Greece.

A variation of 'Jane', which means 'God is gracious'

Form of Geraldine, Ruler with Spear

From the linden tree hill

Derived from rose; a small rose

valley with a glen

farmer, earthworker

A beloved name with deep roots

Scottish Gaelic

I will praise God

A diminutive form of Algernon, meaning 'whitish' or 'of the Elf'.

A combination of Barbara and Ann, meaning 'foreign woman' and 'gracious, full of grace' respectively.

A beloved name with deep roots

Ancient, venerable

a combination of 'sher' (meaning 'to feel' or 'to be') and '-ion' (a common suffix), implying a person who has feelings

guardian or protector

A room; a hall.

a blend of Sharon and Lee, meaning a plain or field

little dark one

Solemn or cool-headed

YHWH is exalted

God is gracious

ruler's advisor

glory of the people

From Judah; Jewish.

a combination of 'garland' and 'lean'

a variant of the Old English name Tild, meaning 'people's ruler'.

A variant of Sherry combined with the suffix '-lyn'

God will increase

Colorful; vibrant.

Rule with counsel

A beloved name with deep roots

A beloved name with deep roots

Great, venerable

heir to the throne

Swedish-speaking countries

noble and bright

from the island clearing

a variant of the name Jorina, meaning 'downy' or 'soft-haired'

A surname of English origin, derived from the Old English 'leof', meaning 'dear' or 'beloved'.

A diminutive form of Victoria, meaning 'victory' or 'conqueror'.

Hindi-speaking regions

light, radiance

a prosperous protector

bright or famous filled with brightness

God is gracious

Foreign woman; stranger

Scandinavian Countries

defender of mankind

Noble, courageous.

Variant of Gerald, meaning 'rule of the spear'

a variant of a name meaning 'light' or 'bright'