1940s Boy Names · 409+ names with meanings

1940s Boy Names From a Defining Era

Step back into the war and post-war years — newsreels at the cinema, victory gardens, and brand-new suburbs going up fast. Discover 1940s boy names that defined a generation — from steady favorites parents loved for their sons to forgotten gems ready for rediscovery. Every name includes its full meaning, origin, and the story behind it.

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409+
Boy names with full meanings
60+
Cultural origins represented
100%
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1940s Boy Names

A
15 of 17 names
Abdullah
Arabic / Indonesian / Malay / Turkish · Servant of Allah
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Adrean
ModernAmerican / InventedVariant · Unclear. Please provide more information about the name 'Adrean'.
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Adriann
ModernAmerican / InventedVariant · Noble, dark-haired, manly.
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Alain
Celtic / French · Rock, harmony, handsome
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Alane
ModernAmerican / InventedVariant · Precious, elegant, graceful, serene, serene.
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Alaric
German / Germanic · Emperor of All
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Ami
English / Japanese / Sanskrit · "Ami" means "friend" or "beloved."
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Anda
ModernAmerican / InventedVariant · Gift of God, joyful.
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Andee
ModernAmerican / InventedVariant · Simple: Short form of Andrea. Formal: Shortened version of Andrea.
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Andi
English · Short form of Andrew/Andrea.
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Andrei
Greek / Romanian · Manly, brave, strong
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Aprile
ModernAmerican / InventedVariant · 'Month of April' or 'Spring month'.
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Aric
English · Eternal ruler
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Arlanda
ModernAmerican / InventedVariant · "Arlanda" means "homeland of the eagles."
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Arthuro
ModernAmerican / InventedVariant · "Noble ruler or guardian." | Formal: "One who rules with nobility and might."
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B
15 of 20 names
Bambi
English / Italian · Little Girl
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Barri
Modern American · Feminine name meaning 'fair-haired'.
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Baruch
Biblical / Hebrew / Jewish · Blessed
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Bary
Modern American · Bear-like | Formal: Resembling a bear
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Benuel
Hebrew / Amish · Son of the right hand
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Besty
Modern American · Diminutive form of Elizabeth.
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Biff
English · Short form of Biffen or Biford.
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Bobi
Modern American · Short form of Robert.
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Boni
Modern American · Good; Kind; Noble; Gentle; Virtuous
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Bonni
Modern American · Beautiful and kind woman.
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Bradd
Modern American · Son of Brad, Strong, Broad-shouldered
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Bradlee
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · Bradlee means "broad meadow clearing."
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Bradly
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · Broad meadow, brave.
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Bram
Hebrew / Dutch · Father of many, exalted father
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Brand
English · Derived from Old English.
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C
15 of 25 names
Cabot
French · To sail
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Canda
Modern American · Bright, clear, shining, illuminating.
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Chaim
Jewish · Life
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Chanda
Indian · Moon, shining, or light.
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Chang
Chinese · Thriving
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Char
Modern American · Free man, strong, warrior
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Chip
Old English / Germanic · Free man, strong, manly
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Chipper
Scandinavian / Slavic · Happy and cheerful person.
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Christia
Modern American · Christ’s follower
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Christiann
Modern American · Follower of Christ.
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Chrys
Modern American · "Golden flower, a Greek name."
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Chuckie
Modern American · Child, free man, champion, light-hearted.
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Chucky
Modern American · Childish or playful, informal.
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Chung
Vietnamese · Center, middle, balanced, loyalty, brave.
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Cinde
Modern American · Simple and formal: "sparkling or ash"
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D
15 of 47 names
Daiel
Modern American · No known meaning.
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Daine
Modern American · Belonging to Denmark; divine, excellent.
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Dalen
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · Valley, peaceful, serene, calm, tranquil.
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Danell
Modern American · God is my judge.
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Danene
Modern American · Formal and simple meaning of the name 'Danene': God is my judge.
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Daney
Modern American · Strong, gifted, divine, intelligent, wise.
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Dani
Danielle / Danita / Hebrew / Italian · God is my judge
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Danilo
Croatian / Hebrew / Italian / Portuguese / Serbian / Slovene / Spanish · The Lord is My Judge
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Danis
Modern American · Name meaning: "God is my judge."
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Danni
English · Feminine nickname for 'Danielle'.
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Danton
Modern American · Enduring, eternal, steadfast, constant
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Dany
French · God is my judge.
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Dari
Modern American · Diminutive form of Darius.
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Darin
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · Little great one
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Darnelle
Modern American · Strong, noble, leader, determined, courageous.
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E
7 of 7 names
Eddison
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · Son of Edith or Adam
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Edy
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · Formal, simple, the name Edy means "rich fortune".
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Eliezer
Hebrew · My God is help, God is my helper
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Elijha
Modern American · Messenger, sent by God.
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Errick
Modern American · Noble ruler, strong and powerful.
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Esteven
Modern American · Crowned or victorious.
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Ezzard
Modern American · "Protector" or "strong protector."
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F
6 of 6 names
Ferrin
Modern American · Iron-haired or Iron-strong.
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Findley
Modern American · Fortunate; fair-haired; white battlefield.
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Franci
Hungarian / Latin · Woman From France
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Franciso
Modern American · Spanish form of Francis. | Formal: Spanish variant of Francis.
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Franki
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · Free, honest, brave, independent, trustworthy
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Freddi
Modern American · Peaceful ruler.
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G
15 of 22 names
Gal
Hebrew / Jewish / Slovenian · Joyful, wave, exalt, wave, revel.
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Galyn
Modern American · Pure, serene, peaceful, enraptured, enthusiastic.
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Garen
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · Guardian or protector of warriors.
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Garet
Modern American · Persistence, Strong, Warrior
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Garon
Modern American · "Little Guardian" or "Little Warrior" | Formal: "Protector" or "Defender"
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Garreth
Modern American · Variant of Gareth; gentle or spear strength.
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Garron
Modern American · "Strong warrior"
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Geana
Modern American · Graceful or elegant.
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Gehrig
Modern American · German surname meaning "spear ruler."
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Geni
Modern American · "Geni" means "creative and talented individual."
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Geoffery
Modern American · Formal: "Divine protection" | "God's peace"
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Geoffry
Modern American · God's peace-bringer. | Formal: Divinely peaceful messenger.
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Geraldo
Germanic / Portuguese / Spanish · Ruler With Spear
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Gerrard
English · Bold spear; strong-willed warrior
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Gigi
French / Hebrew · Earth worker / God is my strength
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H
4 of 4 names
Honi
Modern American · Hebrew origin; gracious or charming.
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Honorio
Modern American · Honorable, respected, esteemed, dignified, revered | Formal: Honorary, esteemed, respected, dignified, revered
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Howie
English · Short form of Howard.
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Hye
Korean · Wisdom, intelligence
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J
15 of 42 names
Jabier
Modern American · Basque variant of Xavier.
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Jaice
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · Derived from the name 'JC'.
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Jaimie
Modern American · Variant of Jamie; supplanter.
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Jamal
Arabic · Handsome or Beautiful
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Jamee
Modern American · Jamee: Joyful, gracious, noble individual.
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Jamelle
Modern American · Formal and simple meaning of the name 'Jamelle': Supplanter or Variant of James.
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Jamey
Hebrew · Supplanter
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Jani
Modern American · God is gracious.
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Janiel
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · God is gracious, gifted.
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Jari
Hebrew / Spanish · Gold
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Jarret
Modern American · Strong, brave, spear ruler.
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Jarry
Modern American · Strong, noble leader.
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Jaun
Modern American · God is gracious | Formal: Gift from God
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Jaymie
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · Formal: "Jaymie" means "supplanter" or "he who replaces" in origin.
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Jeb
Hebrew · Supplanter / persecuted
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K
15 of 32 names
Kala
Hawaiian / Hebrew · Princess, Lady-like
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Kamal
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · Lotus; perfect, perfection
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Kanda
Thai · Japanese: 心地良い, 信頼できる
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Karlos
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · Formal and simple meaning: "Strong warrior"
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Karn
Modern American · "Eternal" or "One who listens"
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Kayle
English / Greek / Hebrew · Chaste, Pure
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Kayren
Modern American · Variant of the name Karen.
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Kayron
Modern American · Uncertain, unpredictable, enigmatic, mysterious, unique.
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Keary
Indian / Maori · Tree bark
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Keenan
Gaelic / Irish · Ancient One
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Kelby
English · Dweller at the farm by the stream
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Kem
Modern American · "Strength and power in Egypt."
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Kenan
Hebrew / Irish · Possession, smith
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Keno
Modern American · "Strong; healthy" in simple and formal.
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Kenric
Modern American · "Strong ruler, bold leader." | Formal: "Powerful leader with strength."
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L
15 of 18 names
Lan
Chinese / Vietnamese / Slovenian · Orchid Flower
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Lantz
Modern American · "Landowner or estate owner" | Formal: "Owner of a landed estate"
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Lari
Modern American · "Peaceful" or "Laurel tree"
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Larosa
Modern American · The rose, beautiful and delicate.
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Larri
Modern American · Cheerful, joyful, or merry.
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Latrell
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · Trustworthy, determined, loyal, ambitious, confident.
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Lauran
Latin · Bay laurel
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Lawren
Modern American · Victorious, law-abiding, devoted, laurel.
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Lesle
Modern American · Surname origin, unknown meaning.
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Lexa
Greek · Defender of men, protector
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Liam
Irish / Germanic · Strong-willed warrior, protector
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Lonn
Modern American · Noble, honorable, courageous, brave, respected.
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Lonney
Modern American · Noble or brave warrior. | Formal: Noble or brave warrior.
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Lonni
Modern American · Shortened English form of Alonzo.
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Lorre
Modern American · Laurel or Victorious One.
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M
15 of 34 names
Malik
Arabic / Bosnian · King
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Mardi
French · Tuesday
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Mardy
Modern American · Rebellious or stubborn; defiant.
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Mare
Finnish · Sweet; drop of the sea, bitter
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Marjan
Dutch · Precious coral; valuable, vibrant, unique.
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Marka
Modern American · Strength, esteemed, mighty ruler.
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Markel
Latin / Basque · Of Mars, warlike, little warrior
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Markham
Modern American · From the Mark's homestead. | Formal: Settlement belonging to Mark.
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Martinez
Modern American · Son of Martin.
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Marv
Modern American · Male, Mighty, Great, Strong, Famous
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Mauri
Modern American · Dark-skinned individual from New Zealand.
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Maurya
Modern American · Bitter
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Medina
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · City of the Prophet Muhammad.
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Menachem
Biblical / Hebrew / Jewish · The comforter
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Merikay
Modern American · "Sea noble, pure, joyful."
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N
6 of 6 names
Nichol
Scottish · Victory of the people.
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Nickola
Modern American · Variant of the name Nicholas.
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Nikita
Greek / Russian / Sanskrit / Slovenian · Triumphant
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Nikola
Czech / Greek / Hungarian / Serbian / Croatian · People's Triumph
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Noell
Modern American · Meaning: Christmas, Born on Christmas.
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Noni
Modern American · Fruit-bearing tropical evergreen shrub.
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O
1 of 1 name
Oliverio
Modern American · "Descendant of Olaf" | Formal: "Noble heritage derived from Olaf"
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P
6 of 6 names
Pama
Modern American · Short and simple: Feminine name with unknown meaning Formal: The name 'Pama' has an unknown origin and meaning.
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Parrish
Modern American · Parish means 'church district' or 'priest's house'.
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Peni
English / Hawaiian · A Homestead Near The Bent Grass Plain
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Perri
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · Means "rock" or "pear tree".
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Petrea
Modern American · Noble, rock, feminine, strong, determined.
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Phelan
Irish · Wolf
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R
15 of 34 names
Rad
English · Advisor
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Rahn
Japanese · Joyful; peace; orchid.
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Rana
Arabic · Proud leader, protector.
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Randale
Indian / Sanskrit / Punjabi · Variant of Randall; shield wolf.
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Rande
Indian / Sanskrit / Punjabi · "Formal and simple name."
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Randie
Indian / Sanskrit / Punjabi · Variant of the name 'Randy'
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Randon
Indian / Sanskrit / Punjabi · Random; without a specific reason.
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Recardo
Modern American · Wealthy, ruler, brave.
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Renaye
Modern American · Rebirth or to be born again
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Rendy
Modern American · Strong, courageous, and industrious.
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Rian
English / Irish · Little Ruler
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Richel
Modern American · Powerful; leader; ruler; brave.
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Richrd
Modern American · "Powerful ruler, brave and strong."
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Richy
Modern American · Wealthy or powerful ruler.
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Ridge
Modern American · "Ridge" means "narrow elevated land."
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S
15 of 31 names
Salinda
Arabic / Islamic · Graceful and virtuous protector.
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Sande
Modern American · Peaceful and gentle person.
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Sanjuan
Spanish / Portuguese · "Saint John" or "Saint Juan".
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Scotti
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · Scotti: Gaelic name meaning "from Scotland"
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Seri
Modern American · Peaceful, calm, serene, sober.
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Shad
Modern American · Battle warrior
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Shala
Modern American · Peaceful, calm, tranquility, serene, harmony.
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Shalom
Hebrew · Peace, peaceful, wholeness
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Shan
Chinese / English / Welsh · Moderate
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Sharian
Modern American · Variant of the name Sharon.
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Sharlon
Modern American · Strong and protective leader.
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Sharmon
Modern American · Variant of the name 'Sharon'.
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Shawne
ModernAmerican / InventedVariant · God is gracious, God's gracious gift.
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Shayne
Hebrew / Irish · God is gracious
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Sheddrick
Modern American · Strong ruler or leader. | Formal: Powerful leader or ruler.
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T
15 of 42 names
Taffy
Modern American · Welsh, sweet, chewy candy.
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Tanda
Modern American · Tanda means "to signify" or "to indicate."
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Tanny
Modern American · Short and simple, the name Tanny means "joyful" or "rejoicing."
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Tari
Modern American · Flowing water; blessed one.
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Tawanda
Modern American · Strong, powerful soul, leader.
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Tawn
Modern American · Dawn; new beginning each day.
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Teddi
ModernAmerican / Multicultural · Gift of God
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Tedi
Modern American · Gift of God.
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Terra
English / Latin · Earth
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Terrace
Modern American · Elevated platform or outdoor seating.
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Terran
Indian / Sanskrit / Punjabi · Earthly or relating to Earth.
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Terre
Modern American · Earth
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Terris
Modern American · Thunder ruler or gracious ruler
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Terron
Modern American · "Terron" means "from the earth."
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Thierry
French / Germanic · Powerful Ruler of The People
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V
6 of 6 names
Valeri
Modern American · Feminine form of Valerius.
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Valiant
Arabic / Islamic · Brave, courageous, valiant
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Vici
Modern American · Victorious or conqueror.
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Vicke
Modern American · Simple and formal meaning: Conqueror or victorious.
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Vin
English / Latin · Conquering
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Vinny
Latin · Conquering, prevailing, victorious
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W
5 of 5 names
Waylen
Modern American · "Waylen" means "path or road."
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Wende
Modern American · Prayerful; peaceful; blessed; wanderer
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Whalen
Modern American · Whalen: Descendant of the wolf.
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Whitaker
English · "White field worker" or "white acre worker".
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Wyn
Welsh · Fair
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Y
2 of 2 names
Yaakov
Hebrew · Supplanter, held by the heel
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Yusuf
Arabic / Hebrew / Turkish · Jehovah increases
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Z
2 of 2 names
Zachery
Hebrew · God has remembered
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Zalman
Hebrew / Yiddish · Peaceful, man of peace
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1940s Boy Names — Questions & answers

Everything you need to choose the perfect name for your son.

The top picks included James, Robert, John, William, and Richard — names parents reached for again and again during a decade of grit, sacrifice, and post-war hope.
They captured the values of the era. Names like Larry, Gary, and Dennis carry the personality of their time — strong, steady, and unmistakably of that generation.
Many are returning beautifully. Gary, Larry, and Steven have all climbed back into modern favor as parents rediscover their quiet strength.
Short names anchored the era too. Jim, Bob, Don, and Ron were all popular — simple, strong names that aged well.
Biblical and traditional names like James, John, and David remained steady favorites — names parents trusted across generations.
Robert, William, and Richard all carry meaningful origins — strength, leadership, gift, and grace woven into their roots.
For something less common, try Eugene, Wayne, or Roger — authentic to the era but rarely heard today, perfect for parents who love hidden gems.
Not usually. Names like James and Gary have stayed handsome across generations and feel just right on a modern boy.
Say it out loud. Pair it with your last name. Picture it on a name tag, a diploma, a business card. If Larry or John still feels right after that, it does.
NameHub has a full collection of 1940s boy names organized by popularity, meaning, and origin — every name comes with its full story and pronunciation.