The baby names below saw sudden changes in usage during the 1930s thanks to the influence of historical events. I’ve written explanatory blog posts about some of them — please click the links to learn more!
To check out history-influenced baby names from other decades, visit the baby name timeline main page.
1939
1939 News: Brenda
1939 Movie characters: Zerelda, Zee
1939 Movie: Tara
1939 Actors: Hedy, Zorina, Cobina, Geraldine
1939 Literary character: Thanna
1939 Radio character: Torchy
1939 Product: Danya
1938
1938 News: Farida, Valdine, Lance, Cheryl
1938 Politics: Alben
1938 Movie characters: Rawnie, Vicki, Josette, Mavourneen
1938 Actors: Sonja, Myrna, Danielle, Hedy
1938 Literary character: Rebecca
1938 Comics: Ilene
1938 Singer: Benay
1938 Celebrity baby: Christopher
1938 Celebrity related: Movita
1937
1937 Movie character: Swanee
1937 Actors: Tyrone, Errol, Luise
1937 Literary characters: Scarlett, Carreen, Aletta, Loueen
1937 Song: Leilani
1937 Sports: Gaynell
1936
1936 Politics: Landon
1936 Movie characters: Shelby, Alayne, Renny
1936 Movie: Jalna
1936 Radio character: Arbadella
1936 Actors: Durelle, Sheridan
1936 Literary characters: Verilea, Thayle, Suellen, Melanie
1936 Model: Mardee
1935
1935 News: Dewilla, Norita, Huey, Yvonne, Annette, Cecile, Emilie, Wiley, Will
1935 Politics: Haile
1935 Movie characters: Peola, Trenna
1935 Radio singer: Francia
1935 Actor: Shirley
1935 Literary characters: Aletta, Gailord, Treasure
1935 Comics: Rheeta, Normandie
1935 Sports: Dizzy
1935 Celebrity related: Marva
1934
1934 News: Rheta, Dionne
1934 Movie characters: Nadina, Toby
1934 Literary character: Nesta
1933
1933 News: Gayleen, Aleeta, Ardoth
1933 Politics: Franklin, Delano, Ellender
1933 Legislation: Nira
1933 Radio character: Skippy
1933 Actor: Glenda
1933 Literary characters: Sharlie, Patsyann, Sharlene, Perilla
1933 Comics: Ardala
1933 Musician: Valaida
1932
1932 News: Thalia
1932 Politics: Garner
1932 Movie character: Toya
1932 Radio singer: Ilomay
1932 Actor: Gwili
1932 Comics: Alura
1931
1931 News: Rockne, Knute, Winnie
1931 Actors: Marlene, Cherrill
1931 Advertisement: Vergean
1930
1930 News: Arlayne, Jerrylene
1930 Movie characters: Allana, Dixiana
1930 Literary characters: Joretta, Elanda, Ardeth, Jeanette
1930 Writer: Grantland
More Names
Other historically significant baby names bestowed in the U.S. during the 1930s include Depression and Edwarda.