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The Top Baby Names Of The 60s Revealed

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Unlike all the rare names we encounter today (ahem, Apple), parents in the 1960s chose tame but classy monikers for their babies.

Traditional names seemed to be a favorite for boys, so the top 10 male names didn't change too much from the 1950s. However, there are some surprises when it came to the female names.

The names were all taken from Social Security card applications between 1960 and 1969, see if yours made the cut:

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10. Jeffery & Cynthia

Derived from German and Dutch, Jeffery stems from Godfried which means "God's peace." Outside of North America, Geoffrey is a popular alternative spelling.

Cynthia on the other hand has its roots in Greek. The feminine name comes from Mount Cynthus located on Delos Island. It was a by-name for goddess Artemis, who was born on the mountain.

9. Thomas & Michelle

Meaning "twin" in Aramaic, Thomas was the name of one of the apostles mentioned in the Bible.

Michelle is the feminine form of Michael, a Hebrew name meaning "Who is like God?"

8. Richard & Donna

A popular name after World War II, Richard means "strong ruler" in German.

As for Donna, it means "lady of the home," a title of respect given to women in Italy.

7. William & Linda

The classic name William is derived from Old German and it means "strong-willed warrior."

Linda, meaning "soft" or "tender," is another name with German roots. Dubbed the trendiest name in U.S. history, Linda also means "beautiful" in Spanish and Portuguese.

6. Mark & Patricia

Mark is a form of Marcus, a Latin name for the Roman god of War, Mars. The popular masculine name is also mentioned in the Bible.

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5. Robert & Kimberly

Robert, Rob or Bob comes from a Celtic language and it means "bright flame."

Kimberly originates from Old English and is derived from a place called Kimberley in Norfolk, England. The name's meaning comes from Cyneburg which means "royal fortress," and leah which means "woodland" or "clearing. Its first known spelling was "Chineburlai."

4. James & Karen

Meaning "one who follows" in Hebrew, James was the top name for boys born in the 1950s, but it dropped down to #4 in the 1960s.

Karen is a Danish form of the name Katherine, which means "pure."

3. John & Susan

Great Inspire

Both of these Hebrew-derived names were the 4th most popular monikers in the previous decade, and their popularity didn't falter in the 60s.

John, also a Biblical name, means "Jehovah is gracious" and Susan means "lily."

2. David & Mary

David means "beloved" in Hebrew, and was the name of one of the greatest rulers of Israel.

Still one of the most popular names for girls, Mary means "bitter" in Hebrew, but most parents pick the name because of the Biblical figure.

1. Michael & Lisa

Michael is the name of the only archangel mentioned in the Bible. In Hebrew, the name means "who is like God?" or "gift from God."

Unlike Michael, Lisa didn't make the top 10 in the previous decade, but it took the number 1 spot in the 1960s. It is a short form of Elizabeth. Derived from Ancient Greek, it means "My God is an oath" or "My God is abundance."

Did your name made the list? Let us know in the comments!

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