If you're looking for a quintessential all-American name for your future quarterback or cheerleader, you'll likely select a Hebrew or European moniker. While there's controversy over what the Founding Fathers truly believed, many of the nation's most traditional names have British and Judeo-Christian roots.
George
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #134
Meaning: Farmer
In addition to several presidents, Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney and country king George Strait boast this name from Greek that's synonymous with English royalty. A top pick for boys in the early 1900s, it's slowly making a comeback after the birth of Prince George of Cambridge in 2013.
Katherine
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #83
Meaning: Pure, clear
This name with Greek roots, common among saints, empresses and queens, has several spellings, including Catherine (No. 170) and Katharine (think Hepburn). Use Kate (No. 207) or Katie (No. 280) for nicknames.
John
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #26
Meaning: God is gracious
Reminiscent of American icons such as JFK, John Grisham and John Denver, this English name with Greek and Hebrew roots is also symbolic of two of Christ's most devoted followers: John the Baptist and the Apostle John.
Jane
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #322
Meaning: God is gracious
It's not really plain. This medieval English name, a French feminine form of John, is shared by actresses Jane Fonda and Jane Lynch. It also has a rich literary history thanks to author Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë's novel "Jane Eyre."
David
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #18
Meaning: Beloved
From Letterman to "the Hoff" to David Copperfield, this Hebrew name was a top 10 pick for boys from the late 1930s through the early '90s. King David of the Old Testament was said to be "a man after God's own heart."
Mary
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #120
Meaning: Wished-for child, rebellion, bitter
Hail, Mary! Mary Magdalene and the virgin mother of Jesus shared this revered Hebrew name, which has held the No. 1 girls' spot 41 times since 1915.
Michael
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #7
Meaning: Who is like God?
Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan and Michael Douglas (just to name a few) share this Hebrew moniker that has been the No. 1 boys' name in the U.S. a staggering 44 times in the past 100 years.
Jennifer
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #220
Meaning: White enchantress, the fair one
The Cornish form of Guinevere is so prevalent among Hollywood's leading ladies (think Jennifer Aniston and Jennifer Garner) that many of them are better known by nicknames such as JLo (Jennifer Lopez) and J.Law (Jennifer Lawrence). Jennifer was the No. 1 girls' name in the U.S. from 1970 to 1984.
