Most Popular Baby Names of 1931: Top Boy and Girl Names

The most popular baby names in 1931 reflected traditional naming patterns and cultural influences of the time. For boys, the top names were Robert, James, and John - all classic, Anglo-Saxon names that had been popular for generations. These names conveyed a sense of stability and tradition, which was likely appealing to parents during the economic uncertainty of the Great Depression. For girls, the top names were Mary, Betty, and Dorothy. Mary was a perennial favorite, with strong religious and cultural associations. Betty and Dorothy were also common names that had gained popularity in the early 20th century, potentially influenced by the rise of Hollywood and the prevalence of these names among popular actresses and characters. While these naming trends did not represent significant shifts from previous decades, they highlight the enduring appeal of traditional, mainstream names during a period of social and economic upheaval.