Have you ever noticed how many of your co-workers in their 50s and 60s have the same name? Boys’ names tend to follow the classics through most generations, while girls’ names follow trends, hit highs, and then disappear. These were the top baby names in the 1960s.
Michael
This name is of Hebrew origin and means “who is like God?” or “gift from God.” Michael, or Mike, is still one of the most common names in the United States and other countries.
David
A classic boy’s name of Hebrew origin, meaning “beloved.” Davy Jones was a member of the popular band The Monkees from the 1960s, known for his youthful energy and mischievous humor.
John
This masculine name of Hebrew origin is derived from “Yohannan,” meaning “God is gracious.” John F. Kennedy was elected president at the beginning of the decade, and John Wayne was all the rage in the movies. Is there a question as to why this name was in the top 10?
James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means “supplanter” or “one who follows.” James was the most common boys’ name of the century ending in 2022; out of almost 178 million infant boys from 1923 to 2022, 4.6 million were named James, according to the Social Security Administration.
Robert
Of Old German origin, Robert means “bright fame.” Singer-songwriter Bob Dylan was an iconic figure in the sixties, selling millions of records.
Mark
Derived from Latin, Mark means “consecrated to the god Mars.” It reached its highest popularity ranking of #6 for the first time in 1959 and as recently as 1964.
William
This name is of Old German origin and means “determined protector.” It became very popular in the English language after the Norman conquest of England in 1066, and remained so throughout the Middle Ages and into the modern era.
Richard
Richard is of Old German origin and means “powerful leader.” Dick is a common nickname for Richard and was a common name of its own up until the 1960s. The decline in the use of the name Richard, though still popular, may be due to the notorious U.S. president, Richard Nixon.
Thomas
Of Aramaic origin, Thomas means “twin.” Tommy was an adorably popular name for most of the 1900s, though it fell in popularity after the 1970s.
Kenneth
This name is of Irish and Gaelic origin and means “handsome.” We wonder if the popularity had anything to do with the Ken Doll coming out in 1961.
Lisa
This name is of English origin and is a diminutive form of Elizabeth, meaning “God’s promise.”
Mary
Of Hebrew origin, Mary means “bitter” or “wished-for child.” We don’t hear Mary as often with the younger generations, but the Latin variation Maria is still popular in Catholic circles.
Susan
This name is of Hebrew origin and means “lily.” In her various forms, she’s enjoyed a long history of use. Susanna appeared in the Bible, from the Hebrew Shoshannah, derived from the Persian shoshan—lily. Susan has a second botanical connection: for centuries, a wildflower has been known as the Black-Eyed Susan, thanks to a folktale-turned-poem by John Gay.
Karen
Karen is a Danish diminutive of Katherine, meaning “pure.” “Karen” is now synonymous with someone who complains to the manager, which isn’t surprising knowing a lot of Karens grew up when “the customer is always right” was the rule.
Kimberly
Of English origin, Kimberly means “from the wood of the royal forest.” Kimberly is making a comeback in this generation with the popularity of names ending in “ly.”
Patricia
This name is of Latin origin and means “noble; patrician.” Also called Pat and Patty, Patricia is no longer a commonly heard name.
Linda
Of Spanish origin, Linda means “pretty.” You may know the song “Linda.” It was a huge hit for Buddy Clark back in February 1947, influencing that generation to name their daughters in its honor. We all love a good song with our name in it.
Donna
This name is of Italian origin and means “lady.” The name Donna was at the height of its popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, when it climbed to as high as 14 in the American baby charts. This could coincide with the influx of Italian migrants who moved from Italy to the United States in search of a better life.
Sandra
Sandra is a short form of Alexandra, meaning “defender of mankind.” Thanks in part to actress Sandra Dee, this name hit a peak in the 1960s, while there aren’t too many little Sandys running around the sandbox today.
Deborah
Of Hebrew origin, Deborah means “bee.” The one-two punch of actresses Deborah Kerr and Debra Paget led to the skyrocketing of Deborah in the 1940s–1960s.
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