Trends of 1948

Discover what was popular and trending in 1948

Popular Baby Names
James & Linda

Most Popular Names

Top boys name: James, Top girls name: Linda

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

Most Popular Book
Cry, the Beloved Country

by Alan Paton

Classic or influential work of mid-20th century literature

Popular Gadget
LP Record

33â…“ rpm long-play record introduced

Mid-century breakthroughs shaping modern life

Most Popular Movie
The Red Shoes

by Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger

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
Twelfth Street Rag

by Pee Wee Hunt

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

Dow Jones Close
$177.30

Year-End Close

-2% from previous year

Postwar boom & 1960s expansion

Most Popular Toy
Toy Soldiers

Mass-produced plastic army men