This list combines 2,638 spelling variations into 1,002 grouped names based on shared pronunciations. The most popular name in 1940 is Mary, given to 56,404 babies in total. Learn more about how this works.

Jacqueline has the most spelling variations with 19 different spellings, while Geraline has the highest confusion index at 82.9%, indicating the greatest diversity in how parents choose to spell it.

When combining spelling variations, Corinne showed the biggest improvement, moving up 177 positions from 387 to 210, while Mildred had the largest drop, falling 8 positions from 58 to 66.

Looking at trends, Brenda shows the strongest upward momentum (births in 1938–1940 are 2685.31% higher compared to 1931–1940), while Marceline shows the steepest decline (59.54% lower). Compared to 1939, Lana had the largest rank improvement, moving up 198 positions to rank #257, while Danielle fell 42 positions to rank #522.