110 Unique '40s Baby Names
Names from the '40s have an old fashioned feel, yet they never seem to go out of style. Check out our comprehensive list of '40s baby names.
Fact checked by Karen CilliFact checked by Karen Cilli
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.
Editor's Note
Although baby names are separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It's important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best.
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 Bront?, 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 Chatellerault
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
Daniel
David
Elizabeth
George
Helen
James
Jane
John
Joseph
Linda
Margaret
Martha
Mary
Michael
Paul
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:
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