The 1920s came in with a roar and new parents chose baby boy names and baby girl names to match the excitement around them.
The war was over, and the "doughboys," or soldiers, were home again. Everyone cheered on every street corner. They had just been through the war to end all wars.
The lights on Broadway were brightly lit. The smash hit musical, "Show Boat" by Oscar Hammerstein and Otto Harbach was playing to packed houses. The air was filled with music. People were singing, "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," and "Only Make-Believe."
Just down the lane, Eugene O'Neill's plays, "Desire Under the Elms" and "Beyond the Horizon" were pulling in the crowds.
Moms and dads chose good solid names for their babies that would serve them well in uncertain times. A couple of new entries that appeared on the list of the most popular baby names and their meanings are Richard and Donald. Among the 10 top baby boy names from 1920 to 1929, in order of popularity, were Robert, John, James, William, Charles, George, Joseph, Richard, Edward, and Donald. They are Christian saints' names. They are royal and stalwart names, and have strong protective power.
Robert (English) means "brilliant;" John (Hebrew) means "honorable;" James (English) means "steadfast;" William (English) means "staunch protector;" Charles (German) means "well-loved;" George (Greek) means "loving the land;" Joseph (Hebrew) means "supported by God;" Richard (Germanic) means "strong ruler;" Edward (English) means "defender;" and Donald (Scots Gaelic) means "world ruler."
The top baby girl names of 1920 to 1929 were happy-sounding names that fit the tenor of the day. At the same time, they were elegant and classical. Many were biblical names and names of saints. They were also royal names that stretched back for centuries. New entries include Betty, Catherine and Doris.
These names, in order of their popularity, are Mary, Dorothy, Helen, Betty, Margaret, Ruth, Virginia, Doris, Mildred, and Frances.
Mary (Hebrew) means "spiritual;" Dorothy (Greek) means "gift of God;" Helen (Greek) means "beautiful;" Betty (Hebrew) is the short form of "Elizabeth" from the 18th Century and means "God-loving;" Margaret (Greek) means "treasured pearl; Ruth (Hebrew) means "loyal friend; Virginia (Latin) means "purity" and is derived from the "Blessed Virgin Mary;" Doris (Greek) means "sea nymph;" Mildred (Old English) means "gentle;" and Frances (Latin) means "free spirit."
The 1920s that started out with so much hope and joy ended badly, though. In 1929, the bottom fell out of the stock market. The depression had begun. There were moments of brightness, however, such as Charles Lindbergh's solo flight across the Atlantic.
Children born in the 1920s were lucky to have such strong baby boy names and baby girl names. The names had a long history, and may have been meant to see the child safely through the tough times that were to come.
Find exciting baby names and their meanings at http//www.giftscrolls4u.com Benedict Manovill's name scrolls with paintings are in world collections. Claim your scroll and a free gift now. (c)Benedict Manovill. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
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