From Franklin D. Roosevelt to Thelma and Louise, the 1940s gave us some of the most famous political and social figures — and, in some cases, many of our favorite classic names [1]. For expecting parents seeking a baby name [2] that's timeless but not boring (or popular enough to rank in the top 10 most popular lists [3] year after year), look no further than the decade of film noir, World War II, and swing music.
Keep scrolling for some adorable baby names [4] we'd use today that are inspired by the 1940s.
Boys' Names From the 1940s
- Raymond
- Franklin
- Arthur
- Eugene
- Dale
- Ernest
- Marvin
- Leroy
- Warren
- Floyd
- Alvin
- Clyde
- Herman
- Dean
- Cecil
- Glenn
- Bernard
- Leon
- Vernon
- Manuel
Girls' Names From the 1940s
- Barbara
- Joyce
- Beverly
- Frances
- Rita
- Sylvia
- Dolores
- Lillian
- Florence
- Marion
- Virginia
- Pauline
- Thelma
- Gwendolyn
- Bobbie
- Louise
- Ruby
- Loretta
- Constance
- Annette