Trends of 1950

Discover what was popular and trending in 1950

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
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

by C.S. Lewis

Classic or influential work of mid-20th century literature

Popular Gadget
Credit Card (Diners Club)

First universal credit card

Mid-century breakthroughs shaping modern life

Most Popular Movie
Sunset Boulevard

by Billy Wilder

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
Goodnight Irene

by Gordon Jenkins & The Weavers

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

Dow Jones Close
$235.41

Year-End Close

+18% from previous year

Postwar boom & 1960s expansion

Most Popular Toy
Fisher-Price Little People

First playsets with peg-shaped figures