Names that Peaked in 1924
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About this list
The names
Robert
English from German
"bright fame"
Robert was the Number 1 boys' name in the US in both 1925 and 1950, and in fact was in the Top 25 for more than a century, giving it true classic status. Strong if not quite stylish, Robert remains…
Mary
Hebrew or Egyptian
"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"
Mary is the English form of Maria, which ultimately was derived from the Hebrew name Maryam/Mariam. The original meaning of Maryam is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew…
Calvin
Latin
"bald, hairless"
Calvin is a slightly quirky but cozy name that has a fashion edge thanks to Calvin Klein. It has been steadily on the popularity list since records were kept, never lower than Number 250, peaking in…
Dorothy
English variation of Greek Dorothea
"gift of God"
In the 1930s, Dorothy left Kansas and landed in the Land of Oz; by the '80s she had become a Golden Girl, living in Miami with roommates Blanche and Rose, giving her a decidedly older image. But…
Roland
German
"famous throughout the land"
Roland is a chivalrous old name made famous by the supposedly eight-foot-tall romantic hero and nephew of Charlemagne, celebrated in medieval poetry and song. It is more widely heard in the US now in…
Harlan
German and English
"rocky land"
Pleasant but uninspired surname name somewhat connected to writers Ellison and Coben. After three decades off the US Top 1000, it reentered in 2013, maybe because it's an unusual example of the…
Winona
Sioux Indian
"firstborn daughter"
Rode two rockets to fame, with actress Winona Ryder and singer Wynonna Judd. Winona entered the Top 1000 for the first time since 1957 this past year in 2022, following in the footsteps of trending…
Marian
French medieval variation of Marie, Hebrew
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Marian's (and sister spelling Marion's) image has gone through a sea change of late, recalling less middle-aged matron and more Robin Hood's romantic Maid Marian. Some influences: the SJ Parker-M.…
Coolidge
Coolidge is a masculine name that originated as an English surname before occasionally transitioning to first-name usage. Most famously associated with Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the…
Deward
Deward is a masculine name of Old English origin, derived from 'deor' meaning 'dear, beloved' and 'weard' meaning 'guardian' or 'protector.' Historically, it developed both as a given name and…
Carmen
Spanish variation of Carmel or Latin
"garden or song"
While the variation Carmine is more familiar for boys, Carmen has also been used as a masculine name; consider the very macho Carmen Basilio — the American boxer famous for defeating the great Sugar…
Seymour
English
"marshy land near the sea"
Out playing shuffleboard at his condo and not expected back for several generations -- unless it morphs into a girls' name, a la Sydney.
Bettyjane
Compound name, combining Betty and Jane
"Gracious God is my oath"
A smoosh name, blending Betty and Jane that made the US Top 1000 in the 1920s.
Juanita
Spanish, feminine variation of Juan
Pervasive in all Spanish-speaking cultures, Juanita, like Juana, has not emigrated.
Melba
Modern invented name
Australian opera singer Nellie Melba—self-named for her hometown of Melbourne—inspired this now-dated name more associated today with a peach dessert and dietetic toast.
Wilton
English
"place by a stream"
As passé as Hilton and Milton.
Hiroshi
Japanese
"generous"
Several artistic Hiroshis make this one of the more plausible Japanese imports.
Jeane
Jeane is a refined feminine name, representing a variant spelling of Jean or Jeanne. Ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious,' it traveled through medieval French…
Vernelle
Vernelle is a feminine name that likely originated as a variation of Verna, which derives from the Latin word 'vernus' meaning 'spring.' The addition of the '-elle' suffix gives it a French-inspired…
Welton
Welton is an English surname-turned-first-name with Old English origins, derived from place names meaning 'well town' or 'settlement with a spring.' It has historically been used primarily for boys…
