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, Rosalie, Drina
1938 Actors: Sonja, Myrna, Danielle, Hedy
1938 Literary character: Rebecca
1938 Comics: Ilene
1938 Singer: Benay
1938 Celebrity baby: Christopher
1938 Celebrity related: Movita
1938 Beauty queen: Charmayne
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 News: Clarabeth, Wallis, Dwanna
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, Nila
1935 Politics: Haile
1935 Movie characters: Peola, Trenna, Vanessa
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
Here are the names for 1933.
1932
Here are the names for 1932.
1931
Here are the names for 1931.
1930
Here are the names for 1930.
More Names
Other historically significant baby names bestowed in the U.S. during the 1930s include Depression and Edwarda.