Most Popular Baby Names of 1938: Top Boy and Girl Names

In 1938, the most popular baby names for boys were Robert, James, and John, while for girls they were Mary, Barbara, and Patricia. These names reflect the cultural and social influences of the time period. The prevalence of names like Robert, James, and John suggests a continued preference for traditional, Anglo-Saxon names that had been popular for generations. These names were seen as stable, reliable, and reflective of the values of the era. Regional preferences may have also played a role, with certain names being more common in certain parts of the country. For girls, the popularity of names like Mary, Barbara, and Patricia indicates the influence of Catholic and European cultural traditions. Mary was a particularly common name, reflecting the enduring significance of the Virgin Mary in Christian culture. The rise of names like Barbara and Patricia may have been influenced by the increasing diversity of the American population and the incorporation of more diverse cultural influences into mainstream naming patterns.