What was the most popular name given to baby girls born in the United States during the 1940s?

The name Mary was the most popular name for baby girls born in the United States throughout the 1940s. According to birth records compiled by the Social Security Administration, approximately 640,050 American baby girls — about 1 out of every 25 girls born during the decade — were given the name Mary. The name dominated baby name rankings for decades and remained the top girls’ name in America from the late 19th century through the early 1960s. Names such as Patricia, Barbara, and Linda also rose sharply in popularity during the decade.