Most Popular Baby Names of 1912: Top Boy and Girl Names

In 1912, the most popular baby names for boys were John, William, and James, while for girls they were Mary, Helen, and Dorothy. These names reflect the cultural and regional preferences of the time. John, William, and James were long-standing traditional names that had been popular for generations. They were seen as strong, masculine names that conveyed a sense of stability and respectability. These names were common across the United States, with little regional variation. For girls, Mary was a classic name with strong religious and cultural associations, particularly among Catholic and Christian families. Helen and Dorothy were also popular, reflecting the influence of Greek and English/Germanic naming traditions respectively. Regional preferences may have played a role, with Helen being more common in the Northeast and Dorothy more prevalent in the Midwest. Overall, the 1912 baby name trends demonstrate a preference for traditional, established names that were seen as reliable and respectable. There were few significant shifts in naming patterns, with the top names remaining relatively stable compared to previous decades.