Names that Peaked in 1927
By Nameberry
Updated Thu Nov 30 2023
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- Mary
Origin:
Hebrew or EgyptianMeaning:
"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"Description:
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 roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).
- Robert
Origin:
English from GermanMeaning:
"bright fame"Description:
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 in the Top 100 for baby boys as a family favorite.
- Eugene
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"wellborn, noble"Description:
Eugene is a classic that has rather lost its way. On the one hand, it's a grandpa, even great-grandpa name that hasn't been one of the cool kids recently—or to quote Jim Carrey, who bears this name in the middle spot, "You can never get too cool with a name like Eugene." The hero of Disney's Tangled felt the same way, when he changed his birth name of Eugene to the more romantic Flynn.
- Mavis
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"songbird"Description:
Mavis, another word for the song thrush, is also a relative of the Welsh word for strawberries, mefus. Mavis has something of a British World War II feel, a friend of Beryl and Doris, but it was quite popular in the U.S. a couple of decades earlier, peaking in the Roaring Twenties.
- Millicent
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"strong in work"Description:
Combining the mild and the innocent, this sweet and feminine name is worthy of a comeback, in the mode of Madeline and Cecilia. Its original, also attractive form is Melisende, which came from Germany to France and was borne by a daughter of Charlemagne.
- Dorothy
Origin:
English variation of Greek DorotheaMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
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 parents today seeking a quiet classic are bringing Dorothy back—she reentered the Top 1000 in 2011 after almost completely disappearing.
- Merlin
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"sea fortress"Description:
This name of the famous fifth-century sorcerer and mentor of King Arthur may or may not be a bit wizardy for a real-life modern child. Its most noted modern bearer: football star turned actor Merlin Olsen, whose father was named Merle.
- Akira
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"bright, intelligent"Description:
Akira is a popular Japanese name for both sexes that's migrated to the West because of its appearance in manga and video games. Akiro is a related name popular for boys.
- Alvin
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"noble friend, friend of the elves"Description:
Alvin has a sturdy, no-frills sound that belies its somewhat whimsical meaning. Interesting potential namesakes include British rocker Alvin Stardust, and US footballer Alvin Williams, and African-American dance legend (and activist) Alvin Ailey.
- Therese
Origin:
German and Scandinavian variation of TheresaMeaning:
"to reap, gather, harvest"Description:
A form of Theresa with a touch of European flair along with its saintly connotations, Therese is particularly familiar in Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, and the UK. While it has declined in use in recent years, it remains a solid choice with nicknames ranging from Reese to Tessie, Thea to Tessan, Terri to Tracey.
- Imogene
Description:
Imogene is a feminine name of Celtic origin, believed to be derived from the Gaelic word 'imogen,' meaning 'maiden' or 'daughter.' Some scholars suggest it may also have connections to the Latin phrase 'Iphigenia,' from Greek mythology. The name gained literary significance through Shakespeare's play 'Cymbeline,' where the virtuous protagonist bears this name. Imogene enjoyed moderate popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries before declining, though it has seen renewed interest in recent years as part of the revival of vintage names. With its combination of classical literary associations and a distinctive, melodic sound, Imogene appeals to parents seeking names with historical depth, intellectual connections, and a touch of antiquated elegance.
- Roslyn
Origin:
Spelling variation of RosalindDescription:
Spelling variations abound when a name is trendy, which Rosalind is not these days. We say leave Roslyn back in the middle of the 20th century and reclaim the original Rosalind.
- Gilda
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"covered with gold"Description:
Gilda, although related to the words gold and gilded, has definitely tarnished. It once shimmered with the seductive image of Rita Hayworth in the film Gilda, then was associated with the beloved early Saturday Night Live star Gilda Radner. In opera, Gilda lives on as the name of the daughter of Rigoletto.
- Eldon
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"sacred hill"Description:
Popular in the 1920s, Eldon is a retro name that's waiting to be rediscovered. It has a similar placename/surname appeal to current Top 1000 names Alden and Holden. Several towns in the US and UK bear the name.
- Lita
Origin:
Norwegian diminutive of Elisabet, English and Spanish diminutive of names ending in -lita, or Romanian variation of Leta, LatinMeaning:
"pledged to God; little; glad, joyful"Description:
Vivacious but lightweight.
- Rudolph
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"famous wolf"Description:
Sure, he'd probably get a certain amount of red-nosed teasing around the holiday, but a boy named Rudolph could probably take it. Besides, he's got other, more distinguished namesakes -- the great ballet dancer Nureyev, silent screen Lothario Valentino and 9-11 Mayor Giuliani.
- Lupe
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"wolf"Description:
A nickname name heard in Spanish-speaking cultures, might lead to "loopy" jokes here.
- Leatrice
Origin:
English compound name, Leah + BeatriceMeaning:
"weary + blessed"Description:
Not quite Beatrice or Letitia, but Leatrice still has a gently old-fashioned charm of its own, a kind of silent movie star aura, as in one of the top actresses of that era, Leatrice Joy. Largely due to her popularity, Leatrice was in the Top 1000 from 1922 to 1943, reaching a high of 350 in 1927.
- Lavern
Description:
Lavern is a unisex name that was more commonly used in the mid-20th century, though it has traditionally been more popular for women. Derived from French elements, it likely combines "la" (the) and "verne" (alder tree or spring-like), suggesting natural imagery. The name reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1920s-1940s. Lavern carries a vintage charm that connects to an era of classic Americana. While less common today, it maintains appeal for those seeking a distinctive retro name. The name is sometimes associated with actress LaVerne Andrews of the famous Andrews Sisters trio, giving it musical and nostalgic connections.
- Refugio
Description:
Refugio is a masculine name of Spanish origin that carries deep symbolic meaning. Translating directly to 'refuge' or 'sanctuary,' it emerged from religious contexts, referring to places of shelter and protection. In Hispanic cultures, the name gained significance through connections to 'Nuestra Señora del Refugio' (Our Lady of Refuge), a Catholic devotion to the Virgin Mary. Refugio has historical importance in Latin American communities, particularly in Mexico and the southwestern United States. While never extremely common in English-speaking regions, the name maintains steady usage in Spanish-speaking communities and carries connotations of safety, protection, and spiritual shelter. Bearers of this name often go by the affectionate nickname 'Cuco' among family and friends.
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