Trends of 1942

Discover what was popular and trending in 1942

Popular Baby Names
James & Mary

Most Popular Names

Top boys name: James, Top girls name: Mary

Mid-20th century U.S. naming trends with Mary, Linda, and Michael dominating

Most Popular Book
The Stranger

by Albert Camus

Classic or influential work of mid-20th century literature

Popular Gadget
Nuclear Reactor

First controlled chain reaction

Mid-century breakthroughs shaping modern life

Most Popular Movie
Casablanca

by Michael Curtiz

Mid-20th century influential or top-grossing film

US President
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Democrat Party

New Deal programs, WWII leadership, only 4-term president

Most Popular Song
White Christmas

by Bing Crosby

Pre-Hot 100 era; top-selling single of the year

Dow Jones Close
$119.40

Year-End Close

+8% from previous year

New Deal & WWII period

Most Popular Toy
Little Golden Books

Children’s books became a staple gift