Trends of 1946

Discover what was popular and trending in 1946

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
All the King’s Men

by Robert Penn Warren

Classic or influential work of mid-20th century literature

Popular Gadget
Microwave Oven

First commercial microwave released

Mid-century breakthroughs shaping modern life

Most Popular Movie
It’s a Wonderful Life

by Frank Capra

Mid-20th century influential or top-grossing film

US President
Harry S. Truman

Democrat Party

End of WWII, Marshall Plan, Korean War

Most Popular Song
Prisoner of Love

by Perry Como

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

Dow Jones Close
$177.20

Year-End Close

-8% from previous year

Postwar boom & 1960s expansion

Most Popular Toy
Lionel Trains

Electric toy trains surged after WWII