These Were The Most Popular Baby Names In 1919

Baby name trends come and go, but some monikers have real staying power ― like 100 years’ worth.

Knowing that the Social Security Administration’s database tracks baby name popularity going back to the 1880s, we decided to take a look at parents’ top picks from a century ago.

It turns out that many popular names from a century ago remain popular (think William, James and Elizabeth), while others (like Mildred, Gladys and Ralph) have faded. Still others (like Evelyn) declined in popularity over the 20th century but made a resurgence in recent years.

Below, the 25 most popular baby names for boys and girls in 1919:

Girls

1. Mary
2. Helen
3. Dorothy
4. Margaret
5. Ruth
6. Mildred
7. Virginia
8. Elizabeth
9. Frances
10. Anna
11. Evelyn
12. Marie
13. Alice
14. Florence
15. Betty
16. Irene
17. Lillian
18. Doris
19. Rose
20. Louise
21. Gladys
22. Edna
23. Catherine
24. Ruby
25. Martha

Boys

1. John
2. William
3. James
4. Robert
5. Charles
6. George
7. Joseph
8. Edward
9. Frank
10. Thomas
11. Walter
12. Richard
13. Harold
14. Raymond
15. Paul
16. Henry
17. Donald
18. Albert
19. Arthur
20. Harry
21. Jack
22. Ralph
23. Willie
24. Howard
25. Clarence