Most Popular Baby Names of 1926: Top Boy and Girl Names

In 1926, the most popular baby names for boys were Robert, John, and James, while for girls they were Mary, Dorothy, and Betty. These names reflect the cultural and social influences of the time period. For boys, the names Robert, John, 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 reliability. These names were common across different regions of the United States, with little regional variation. For girls, the names Mary, Dorothy, and Betty were also quite traditional, but they showed some shifts in naming patterns. Mary was a classic name that had been popular for centuries, while Dorothy and Betty were more modern names that gained popularity in the early 20th century. These names were influenced by popular culture, such as the character Dorothy from the novel "The Wizard of Oz" and the increasing prevalence of the name Betty in media and advertising.