Names Made Popular By History (15 Patriotic Ideas for Boys and Girls)
Did you know that some parents’ choices for their baby’s names are influenced by current events? Whether it’s the name of a beloved politician, a patriotic feeling, or an important cultural event, parents take inspiration from all of these sources. Even as far back as the 1910s, we can see names becoming more popular based on important events at the time.
Names Made Popular By History
America
After the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001, America became a popular girl name for a ten year period!
Bradley
World War II American General Omar Nelson Bradley also oversaw policy making during the Korean War. Compared to other generals of the time, he was polite and courteous.
After many famous WWII battles in 1944, including Normandy, and the end of WWII in 1945, this name rose sharply in popularity.
Calvin
During Calvin Coolidge’s presidency, his name became popular for a brief period. It’s remained steadily among the top 100-300 baby names in the US since then.
Delano
In the 1930s, the names Franklin and Delano became popular, after US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s first and middle names. Their popularity jumped a little again after his death during his fourth term in 1945.
His middle name is actually his mother’s maiden name! It’s only rarely used as a name after the 1950s.
Dwight
American president Dwight David Eisenhower, also known as Ike, was also a general in World War II during the 1940s. He was inaugurated in 1953, and his presidency ended in 1961. Finally his name was popular yet again in 1969, when he passed away. You might remember his campaign slogan from history class – “We Like Ike!”
Glenn 1962
The name Glenn peaked in popularity in 1962 when astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth.
The name Glenn means valley.
Herbert
President Herbert Hoover served during the Great Depression- his term started in 1929. Before becoming president, he was a mining engineer.
Liberty 1918 1976 2001
Liberty has been a popular name three times in our country’s history!
- In 1918 at the end of World War I
- In 1976 during our bicentennial
- And finally in 2001 during the War on Terror
Lorraine 1920s
Lorraine is an area in France that was contested between France and Germany during World War I. Since it was frequently in the news, it became popular after WWI ended in 1918.
Lyndon
Lyndon may be given as a name in honor of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, whose presidency started in 1963. It means linden tree hill.
Interestingly, after President Johnson, parents seemed to stop using presidents as namesakes.
Truman
Harry S. Truman became the 33rd US president after FDR died in 1945. The name Truman became popular until the post- WWII challenges like inflation and strikes called his effectiveness into question.
This name means trusty man.
Victor
When World War I ended in 1918 and World War II ended in 1939, Victor jumped in popularity. It was already quite popular. As you probably know, this name means victor.
Victoria
After World War II ended in 1939, Victoria jumped in popularity, just like Victor. It jumped again after 1980. But then started to fall in the 2000s, possibly due to the lingerie company Victoria’s Secret.
As you likely guessed, Victoria means victory.
Warren
During his presidency from 1921-1923, Warren Gamaliel Harding was extremely popular. Unfortunately, after his death, a number of scandals were uncovered, including The Teapot Dome scandal and an affair.
Related post: Names That Mean Honorable
Wilson
When World War I ended in 1914, parents named their boys Wilson in honor of American president Woodrow Wilson. It means son of William.
Winston
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill inspired parents to use this name when he was elected as Prime Minister in 1940 and after World War II came to a close in 1945.
It actually means stone of joy.
You might also enjoy: Names Made Popular By Movies
Wrap Up- Names Made Popular by History
We hope you’ve enjoyed our tour through history and the names we found along the way!
Did you name a child after a historical event or person? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!Please note that we use behindthename.com for researching name popularity in the United States all the way back to the 1880s!
Related post: History can make or break names. Check out our post for names that history and pop culture ruined.