The 1940s (also referred to as ‘The War Years’) was a time of great resolution and endurance.
The end of the decade gave people hope for a better future, and this hope was translated into the old-time names that were given to babies of that decade.
The 1940s is sometimes referred to as the “boomer decade” because there was a sudden spike in birth rates after the end of war – so what better time to choose a baby name from?
All in all, the 1940s was a time of inspiration and great discovery. Parents gave their children vintage baby names that represented great resilience and determination.
It is a great period to draw inspiration from for your baby’s name as an expecting parent, bringing back some of that resolute spirit and strong will back.
Old timey names for girls from this era include Sandra, Maria, Mary, Patricia, Nancy and Susan, while names like Thomas, Stanley, Richard and William were given to boys. Here are some of the most popular names from the 1940s.
For more naming inspiration, take a look at these ’50 names for babies or these vintage girl names.
Classic 1940s Boy Names
The 1940s were filled with famous social icons. This period brought about some of the best, classic old fashioned boy names that were favourites amongst parents.
Naming children after famous icons was a popular way for people to connect with these stars. You can relieve some of the decade through choosing one of these timeless baby names for your baby boy.
1. Alan (English origin) means “noble” or “harmony stone”.
2. Albert (German origin) means “noble” and “bright”.
3. Alexander (Greek origin) means “protector of men” or “defender”.
4. Alfred (English origin) means “elf”.
5. Allen (Scottish origin) means “handsome”
6. Alvin (English origin) means “noble friend,” “friend of the elves,” and “old friend.”
7. Andrew (Greek origin) means “manly and strong”.
8. Anthony (Roman origin) means “highly praiseworthy”.
9. Arnold (German origin) means “eagle power”.
10. Arthur (English origin) means “noble” or “courageous”.
11. Barry (Irish origin) means “fair-haired”.
12. Benjamin (Hebrew origin) means “son of my right hand”.
13. Bernard (West Germanic origin) means “brave as a bear”,
14. Billy (German origin) which means “resolute protector”.
15. Bruce (French origin) which means “the willow land”.
16. Carl (North Germanic origin) which means “free man”.
17. Cecil (Welsh origin) which means “ blind to one’s own beauty”.
18. Charles (English origin) which means “free man”.
19. Chester (Latin origin) which means “fortress” or “walled town”.
20. Christopher (English origin) which means “Christ-bearer”.
22. Clarence (Latin origin) which means “bright”.
23. Clifford (English origin) which means “forged by a cliff”.
Classic 1940s Girl Names
The women of the ’40s were strong figures. Giving your baby girl a name from this list of ’40s names will be a great way to embody such strength.
23. Alice (English origin) which means “from nobility”.
24. Ann (English origin) which means “favoured” or “grace”.
25. Annette (French origin) which means “gracious” or “merciful”.
26. Arlene (Irish origin) which means “manly”; derived from the male name Charles.
27. Audrey (English origin) which means “noble strength”.
28. Barbara (English origin) meaning “stranger in a foreign land”.
29. Beatrice (Italian origin) which means “she who brings joy”.
30. Bernice (Greek origin) which means “brings victory”.
31. Bertha (German origin) which means “bright one”.
32. Betty (English origin) which means “God is my oath”.
33. Beverly (English origin) which means “from the beaver stream”.
34. Brenda (Scandinavian origin) which means “sword”.
35. Carolyn (English origin) which means “womanly” or “beautiful”.
36. Catherine (Greek origin) which means “pure”.
37. Charlotte (French origin) which means “free”.
38. Christine (English origin) which means “follower of Christ” and is the female version of the name Christian.
39. Cynthia (Greek origin) which means “woman from Kynthos” where the Greek goddess Artemis and her twin brother Apollo were born.
40. Delores (Spanish origin) which means “form of Dolores”.
41. Dorothy (Greek origin) which means “God’s gift”.
42. Edith (English origin) which means “rich war”.
43. Edna (Hebrew origin) which means “gentleness”.
44. Eileen (Irish origin) which means “bright” or “beautiful bird”.
Names Popular In The 1940s For Your Baby
The 1940s saw the rise of some brilliant names. These names topped the chart according to the Social Security Number database.
These popular names of the 1940s were more common than most and had the highest numbers of parents choosing them, meaning that parents of the ’40s resonated with these names more than others. Like the other popular 1940s names on this list, they hold great meanings too.
45. Abe (M) (English origin) which means “father of nations”.
46. Adan (M)(Spanish origin) which means “of the earth”.
47. Adolfo (M)(German origin) which means “noble wolf”.
48. Alford (M)(English origin) which means “ford by the temple”.
49. Allyn (M)(English origin) which means “headstone”.
50. Alvie (M)(English origin) which means “magical being”.
51. Ambrose (M)(Greek origin) which means “immortal”.
52. Arlan (M)(Irish origin) which means “pledge”.
53. Artie (M)(English origin) which means “bear”.
54. Artis (M) (French origin) which means “woodworm”.
55. Arvid (M)(Scandinavian origin) which means “forest of eagles”.
56. Asa (M)(Hebrew origin) which means “doctor” or “healer”.
57. Avery (M) (English origin) which means “king of the elves”.
58. Bernie (M)(French origin) which means “bold as a bear”.
59. Blaine (M)(Scottish origin) which means “yellow”.
60. Bobbie (M)(English origin) it is a diminutive of Robert meaning “bright fame”.
61. Carlton (M)(English origin) which means “from the town of free men”.
62. Conrad (M)(German origin) which means “bold counsel”.
63. Doyle (M)(Irish origin) which means “descendant of Dubhghall”.
64. Emmett (M)(English origin) which means “entire”.
65. Fredrick (M) (German origin) which means “peaceful ruler”.
66. Gerard (M)(German origin) which means “spear strength”.
67. Huge (M) (German origin), this was one of the most popular last names of the seventh century.
68. James (M) (Hebrew origin) which means “one who follows”.
69. Joseph (M)(Hebrew origin) which means “he will add”.
70. Agnes (F) (Greek origin) which means “holy” or “pure”.
71. Alberta (F)(German origin) which means “bright”.
72. Amy (F)(French origin) which means “beloved”.
73. Angela (F)(Greek origin) which means “angel”.
74. Anita (F)(Hebrew origin) which means “gracious”.
75. Annamarie (F)(Hebrew origin) which means “God has favoured me”.
76. Bernadette (F)(French origin) which means “brave as a bear”.
77. Bernadine (F)(German origin) which means “bear-hard”.
78. Blanche (F)(French origin) which means “white”.
79. Cassandra (F)(Greek origin) was the name of the daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy.
80. Cheri (F)(French origin) which means “dear”.
81. Dian (F)(French origin) which means “divine”.
82. Dolly (F)(English origin) which means “gift of God”.
83. Celestine (F)(Latin origin) which means “heavenly”.
84. Claudia (F)(Latin origin) which means “enclosure”.
85. Delma (F)(Irish origin) the meaning of the name is not quite known but is a popular name for parents expecting a baby girl.
86. Delphine (F)(Latin origin) which means “woman from Delphi”.
87. Elissa (F)(Hebrew origin) which means “God is perfection”.
88. Estela (F) (Spanish origin) which means “star”.
89. Evonne (F)(French origin) which means “archer”.
90. Georgetta (F) (Greek origin) which means “plough the ground”.
91. Ingrid (F)(German origin) which means “beautiful” or “beautiful goddess”.
92. Isabelle (F)(French origin) which means “devoted to God”.
93. Julianne (F)(Latin origin) which means “youthful” and is a combination of the names Julia and Anne.
94. Lauren (F)(Latin origin) which means “the bay of laurel plant”.
1940s Actor Names For Your Baby
The 1940s saw the rise of many movie stars that became household favourites. These top actors brought entertainment to the homes of many people.
This led to many people giving their children popular names inspired by these famous actors and actresses. Some of these names were also unusual at the time, therefore making them unique choices for parents. Here are some of the old fashioned names loved by the parents of the ’40s.
95. Bing (M)(English origin) which means “dweller by the hollow”.
96. Bob (M)(English origin) and is the diminutive form of Robert which means “fame”.
97. Carole (F)(French origin) this is the female version of the male name Charles.
98. Cary (F)(English origin) which means “pleasant stream”.
99. Edward (M) (English origin) which means “rich guard”.
100. Errol (F)(English origin) which means “nobleman”.
101. Ginger (F)(English origin) which means “chaste” or “reddish orange color”, this fancy name for your baby girl evokes the film star Ginger Rogers.
102. Greer (M)(Scottish origin) which means “watchful” or “guardian”.
103. Humphrey (M)(English origin) meaning “peaceful warrior”.
104. Hedy (F)(Greek origin) meaning “delightful” or “sweet”.
105. Ida (F)(German origin) which means “work”.
106. Jean (F)(French origin) which means “God is gracious”.
107. Lou (F) (French origin) which means “renowned warrior”.
108. Mae (F)(English origin) which means “Goddess of springtime”.
109. Myrna (F)(Irish origin) which means “high spirited”.
110. Maureen (F)(Irish origin) which means “of the sea”.
has lots of great baby names articles to inspire you. If you liked our suggestions for ’40s baby names then why not take a look at these Old English girls’ names, or for something different take a look at these baby names that mean faith.
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