Popular Baby Names 1940

Classic names that peaked in 1940 — now making a comeback.

200 names806 girl422 boy

These 1940 names are having a revival — vintage names often cycle back into popularity after 80–100 years. Many of these are trending upward right now.

All Names Girl Names (806)Boy Names (422)

French, German and Dutch form of ROSALIA. In the English-speaking this name received a boost after the release of the movie 'Rosalie' (1938), which was based on an earlier musical.

bright, shining light

God is gracious.

A feminine form of the name Karel, meaning 'man' or 'free man'.

A modern name that could be a combination of 'Vera' and 'Wiley', suggesting diverse influences.

Bright, clear; a variant of the name Clara.

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

A variation of ‘Suela’ or ‘Swell’

little champion

A variant of the name Laurel, which is derived from the laurel tree, symbolizing victory and honor.

A variation of 'Norman', meaning northman or former Norseman.

a valley; a mystical place

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'.

Judah's daughter

Life, Life-giving

Of Mary; beloved

Scandinavian countries

Variant of Charlotte, meaning 'free man'.

darling, beloved

[Biblical Latin]

Biblical Latin form of MICHAL (2).

merciful, gentle

Valley of the glen

Form of Geraldine, Ruler with Spear

Derived from rose; a small rose

Derived from the word 'love', denoting affection and beauty.

farmer, earthworker

God will increase

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

A beloved name with deep roots

A room; a hall.

Lame; crippled; a feminine form of Claudius.

a combination of 'garland' and 'lean'

A beloved name with deep roots

God will increase

A beloved name with deep roots

a prosperous protector

God is gracious

Foreign woman; stranger

A modern name possibly derived from the name Fern.

Ancient, venerable

Determined protector

A feminine form of Gerald, which means 'rules by the spear'.

laurel; victory

A modern blend of 'Jerry' and 'Lynn', implying 'of the sea'.

A beloved name with deep roots

likely derived from names like 'Ronald' or 'Ronni', meaning 'ruler' or 'counsel'

Variant of the name Cobin, possibly derived from 'cabin'

Swedish-speaking countries

A form of the name Linnea, referring to the twinflower.

glory or famous

A beloved name with deep roots

God is gracious

A beloved name with deep roots

A combination of the names Nancy and Lee.

Princess, beloved

A feminine form of Thomas; meaning 'twin'

Marie: 'Of the sea' or 'bitter', Ann: 'grace'

a diminutive of the name Margherita, meaning 'daisy'

A variation of names like Colleen, meaning girl or young woman.

sea of bitterness

little Ann; favor; grace.

Short form of PATRICK or PATRICIA. A famous bearer of this name was Pat Garrett (1850-1908), the sheriff who shot Billy the Kid.

A variation of 'Herminia', often interpreted as 'the one who belongs to Hermes'

A source of joy

derived from the name 'Linda', meaning 'beautiful'

a variation of Maesie or Maisie, which means 'pearl'

From the term that refers to the southern United States, used by Daniel D. Emmett in his song Dixie in 1859.

A name from the Greek word 'phullon', meaning 'leaf'.

Cognate of Deana, meaning 'divine' or 'heavenly' in Latin.

ruler of the army

From 'Warren' which means 'watchman' or 'defender'.

Noble and sincere

One who is a wise leader

Star of the sea; bitter

Light, bright, shining one

One from Algiers, Algeria or related to the region.

Little red-haired one

Derived from a combination of names or a variation of Voncella.

A blend of marine-related names suggesting a connection to the sea.

A beloved name with deep roots

Possibly a modern variant of 'Marilyn' or 'Merlin'.

a combination of 'Idan' (meaning 'Era') and 'El' (meaning 'God')

God is gracious

A term of endearment for a blonde woman.

derived from 'foster', meaning 'to nurture' or 'to care for'

From the Hebrew name יְהוּדִית (Yehudit) meaning "woman from Judea", Judea being an ancient region in Israel. In the Old Testament Judith is one of the Hittite wives of Esau.

Perfect, complete

Balkan countries

A combination of Martha and Anne, often interpreted to mean 'lady' or 'mistress'.

a feminine form of Charles, meaning free man

A beloved name with deep roots

A combination of Mary and Lean.

Invented name, possibly derived from 'Sue' combined with 'dell', which means 'valley'.

Unknown origins

A blend of Vera and Lina

A beloved name with deep roots

to tilt or sway sharply; to dash at full speed

gracious and merciful; noble

a variant of Geraldine, which means rule of the spear

Fortified place; stronghold

Cheerfully; happily

a variant of Shirley meaning 'bright meadow'

God is gracious