These Baby Names From the '40s Never Go out of Style (2024)

Looking for a baby name that draws on hope, grit, renewal, and tradition? Our list of 40s baby names might be just what you’re searching for.

The 1940s were a defining moment in American history. The United States had climbed out of the Great Depression and joined World War II. While some 16 million Americans were serving overseas in the war, women took on new roles in the workforce. Postwar America is remembered as a time of prosperity as the GI Bill allowed a large number of new families to join the middle class. For many Americans, there was a feeling of renewed hope in the air, and after the war was over, a period of economic posterity—that would increase even more in the 1950s—was born.

And don’t forget culture—the 1940s were a time of rich and lasting cultural influence. Rosie the Riveter, Captain America, and Disney’s Bambi and Dumbo all originated in this era. Although radio was enormously popular, movies were seeing an exciting rise in popularity as well, especially comedies and musicals.

So, without further ado—we’ve compiled a list of the best baby names from this classic, bygone era for you to consider for your little one.

Top 10 Baby Names from the 1940s

The great thing about ‘40s baby names is that they have a retro feel, but many have endured popularity, and are instantly recognizable today. They have a unique and time-honored feel to them. Here are some stand-out baby names from the 1940s that you can’t go wrong with.

Arthur

• Origin: British, Celtic
• Meaning: Bear
• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Art, Artie, Artur, Artair, Arturo, Artek, Arturis
• Famous Namesakes: Tennis player Arthur Ashe, playwright Arthur Miller, novelist Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, poet Arthur Rimbaud
• Peak Popularity: Arthur was among the top 100 names for boys until 1970. It reached its peak at No. 15 between 1900 and 1912.
• Fun Fact: The first appearance of this name is a reference to King Arthur in the 9th century “Historia Brittonum”

Audrey

• Origin: Anglo-Saxon
• Meaning: Noble strength
• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Audra, Audre, Audrea, Dre, Drea, Drey
• Famous Namesakes: Artist Audrey Flack, actress Audrey Hepburn, actress Audrey Meadows, novelist Audrey Niffenegger, scientist Audrey Stuckes, actress Audrey Tautou
• Peak Popularity: Ranked among the top 100 American girl names from 1921 to 1940; rejoined the top 100 in 2003, and reached its top ranking in 2013 at No. 33.
• Fun Fact: Name of the fictional heroine of the 1980s musical and movie “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Charlotte

• Origin: French
• Meaning: Strong and vigorous
• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Charlie, Lottie, Lotte, Karlotta, Carlota, Carlotta
• Famous Namesakes: Princess Charlotte of Wales, singer Charlotte Emma Aitchison (Charli XCX), author Charlotte Brontë, short story writer Charlotte Perkins Gilman, actress Charlotte Rampling, entomologist Charlotte De Bernier Taylor, American entomologist
• Peak Popularity: Ranked among the top 100 for girls between 1908 and 1952. The name has become popular again recently, rejoining the top 100 in 2008 and ranking as high as No. 3 in recent years.
• Fun Fact: Often associated with the beloved children’s novel Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Dorothy

• Origin: English, Greek
• Meaning: God’s gift
• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Dora, Doretta, Dorothea, Dorotea, Dot, Dottie, Thea
• Famous Namesakes: Actress Dorothy Dandridge, journalist Dorothy Day, sci-fi writer Dorothy Catherine Fontana, figure skater Dorothy Hamill, NASA mathematician Dorothy Vaughan
• Peak Popularity: Ranked among the top 100 names through 1961, and was in the top 10 between 1905 and 1939.
• Fun Fact: L. Frank Baum’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published in 1900, and the classic film adaptation The Wizard of Oz appeared in 1939.

Eleanor

• Origin: French
• Meaning: Shining light
• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Elle, Ella, Ellie, Leonora, Leonore, Nella, Nellie, Nora
• Famous Namesakes: Eleanor of Aquitaine, documentary filmmaker Eleanor Coppola, author and activist Eleanor Kirk, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt
• Peak Popularity: Top 100 through 1942; rejoined top 100 list in 2014, peaking at No. 14 in 2023
• Fun Fact: When Eleanor of Aquitaine was born in the 12th century, she was apparently named “alia Aenor” (“the other Aenor”) after her mother, Aénor de Châtellerault

Harold

• Origin: Old English
• Meaning: Heroic leader
• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Hal, Harald, Haraldur, Haroldo
• Famous Namesakes: Baseball player Harold Baines, British politician Harold Baker, literary critic Harold Bloom, actor and director Harold Ramis
• Peak Popularity: Peaked at No. 12 between 1915 and 1921.

Peter

• Origin: English, Greek
• Meaning: Rock
• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Peder, Pedro, Pere, Petar, Pete, Piedro, Pietro
• Famous Namesakes: Saint Peter, Russian emperor Peter the Great, actor Peter Fonda, director Peter Jackson, actor Peter Sellers
• Peak Popularity: Top 100 through 1996, peaking at No. 35 in 1955.

Ruby

• Origin: Latin, French
• Meaning: red precious stone
• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Rubee, Rubi, Rubiana, Rubie, Rubey
• Famous Namesakes: Activist Ruby Bridges, actress Ruby Dee, politician Ruby Laffoon, comedian Ruby Wax
• Peak Popularity: Top 100 until 1946, rejoined top 100 in 2013; top ranking was No. 22 in 1911.

Timothy

• Origin: Greek
• Meaning: One who honors God
• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Tim, Timmy, Timót, Timothée
• Famous Namesakes: Saint Timothy, actor Timothy Dalton, actor Timothy Olyphant, NASCAR driver Timothy Peters
• Peak Popularity: Top 100 between 1943 and 2007; peaked at No. 11 between 1960 and 1967.

Vincent

• Origin: Latin
• Meaning: Conquering
• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Bittor, Viktor, Vítor, Vittore, Vittorino, Vittorio
• Famous Namesakes: Comedian Victor Borge, businessman Victor Chandler, Chinese-American doctor Victor Dzau, author Victor Hugo,
• Peak Popularity: Top 100 from 1910 to 1933, 1955 to 1971, and again from 1983 to 1992; peaked at No. 61 in 1963 and 1965.

Cute Names From the 1940s

When you are naming a baby, you often want to aim for something cute and sweet, one that fits your little cherub just right. But you also want something that will age well with them. These 1940s names fit the bill just right.

• Annette
• Beatrice
• Benjamin
• Calvin
• Charlie
• Chester
• Dean
• Deanna
• Harvey
• Jeanette
• Jerome
• Joel
• Kent
• Leo
• Marsha
• Oscar
• Patsy
• Penny
• Rosie
• Sally
• Stella
• Veronica
• Vivian
• Wesley

Unique Names From the 1940s

If you are looking for a name that will help your kid stand out from the crowd, you’re in luck. The 1940s were filled with names that are both unique, but also meaningful and familiar. Here are our top picks.

• Alma
• Bernard
• Bernice
• Clarence
• Claude
• Curtis
• Duane
• Edith
• Ernest
• Everett
• Florence
• Harriet
• Hazel
• Louise
• Lyle
• Marion
• Minnie
• Morris
• Paulette
• Thelma
• Vera
• Virgil
• Warren
• Wilma
• Yvonne
  

Short Names From the 1940s

Sometimes you want to give your baby a short, simple name. These one-syllable names are quick to say, but they pack a punch when it comes to liveliness and depth.

• Ann
• Clyde
• Dale
• Earl
• Fred
• Gail
• Jay
• Jean
• Jill
• Jim
• Joan
• Joy
• Joyce
• June
• Kay
• Keith
• Lee
• Lloyd
• Lynn
• Mark
• Ray
• Rose
• Roy
• Steve
• Sue

Classic Names From the 1940s

If you’re looking for a name that exemplifies the 1940s, look no further. These names not only have a spot-on 1940s feel, but continue to feel fresh even today.

• Alice
• Anne
• Barbara
• Carolyn
• Charles
• Daniel
• David
• Elizabeth
• George
• Helen
• James
• Jane
• John
• Joseph
• Linda
• Margaret
• Martha
• Mary
• Michael
• Paul
• Rebecca
• Richard
• Robert
• Thomas
• William
  

10 Tips For Naming Your Child

• Choose a name that resonates with you
• When possible, try to pick a name that others will know how to spell and pronounce
• Pick a name that fits your family’s sensibilities and culture
• If you are considering a name that was popular many years ago, make sure that it’s still recognizable today
• Don’t let others dictate what name you should pick—this is your child, and you have final say
• Research the meaning, popularity, and origins of the names you are considering
• If you can’t decide on a name, set your list aside for a few days and then come back with fresh eyes
• Consider any possible nicknames that the name might inspire
• Try to pick a name that works well for both a small kid and a grown-up
• Choose a name that both you and your partner agree on; each of you should feel comfortable with this name

More Baby Name Ideas

Check out these lists for more baby name inspiration:

• Top 1,000 Baby Boy Names in the U.S.
• Top 1,000 Baby Girl Names in the U.S.
• Vintage Baby Names
• 80 Cottagecore Names for Bucolic Babies