Names from the Golden Age of Hollywood

  1. Katharine
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Katherine, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "pure"
    • Description:

      This is the spelling that old-time film star Katharine Hepburn used, and it's still favored by fans wanting to reference her classic strength and beauty. But in general, it's losing ground to Katherine and even Ms. Hepburn's own favorite short form, Kate.
  2. Hedy
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Hedwig
    • Description:

      Linked to one of the great screen beauties, but has never appealed much to Americans.
  3. Cary
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "pleasant stream"
    • Description:

      Cary Grant's debonair image has stood the test of time - he is still rated as one of the most handsome and admired men in Hollywood. There are not many other names that can combine good-looks, wit and such decency all in two little syllables.
  4. Brigitte
    • Origin:

      French variation of Brighid
    • Meaning:

      "strength or exalted one"
    • Description:

      Brigitte is the French version of the ancient Irish Brighid long associated with 1950s sex symbol Brigitte Bardot. If you want to pronounce Brigitte the French way, it's brih-ZHEET.
  5. Bette
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elizabeth
    • Description:

      Pronounced a la Bette (Betty) Davis or Bette (Bet) Midler, a twentieth-century relic. Though if the equally vintage Betty comes back, Bette may be close behind.
  6. Deanna
    • Origin:

      English variation of Diana, Latin, feminization of Dean
    • Meaning:

      "divine; church official"
    • Description:

      Though still being used, Deanna peaked many decades ago.

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