Top 1940s baby names

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Although we were nearing the dawn of America’s entry into World War II, the year 1940 also had a lot of child-friendly lightness.

For example, the start of the forties brought us the release of Disney’s Pinocchio, the debuts of Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny — plus, the very first McDonald’s opened in San Bernadino, California.

Golfer Jack Nicklaus, racer Mario Andretti, game show host Alex Trebek and actor Al Pacino are born — as were actresses Valerie Harper and Donna Mills — and the US population climbed over 132 million people.

And, without further ado, here are the top 50 for baby boys and girls in the year 1940. Click on any of the names below to find out more about it — including its meaning, origin and similar names.