Names that Peaked in 1907

  1. William
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection"
    • Description:

      William is one of the most enduring of classic names for boys. It's also among the most popular boys' names, as American parents see it as being ideally conservative yet contemporary, and hands-down the most popular baby name beginning with W of all time.
  2. Margaret
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "pearl"
    • Description:

      Margaret is derived from the French Marguerite, which in turn came from Margarita, the Latin form of the Greek Margarites. Margarites was based on the Old Persian word margārīta, meaning "pearl."
  3. Cleo
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "glory"
    • Description:

      Cleo, one of the few girls' names to boast the cool-yet-lively o ending, is of course short for Cleopatra, the name of one of the most powerful women in history.
  4. John
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      John reigned as the most popular of all boys' Christian names for 400 years, from the time the first Crusaders carried it back to Britain until the 1950s. Then American baby namers finally seemed to tire of this straight-arrow, almost anonymous John Doe of names, replacing it with fancier forms like Jonathan and the imported Sean and Ian.
  5. Eve
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "life"
    • Description:

      Eve, the oldest name in the Book, is now coming back into style, having the virtues of simplicity and purity, yet with more strength and resonance than other single-syllable names like Ann. British actor Clive Owen chose Eve for his daughter, as did Jessica Capshaw.
  6. George
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "farmer"
    • Description:

      Iconoclasts though we may be, we like Fred, we like Frank, and we like George, which was among the Top 10 from 1830 to 1950, when the number of little Georges started to decline. Solid, strong, royal and saintly, yet friendly and unpretentious, we think that George is in prime position for a comeback, especially since it was chosen by Britain's royal couple.
  7. Mary
    • Origin:

      Hebrew or Egyptian
    • Meaning:

      "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).
  8. Helen
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "torch; shining light"
    • Description:

      Helen is a name that has connoted beauty since ancient times – Helen of Troy was the the mythological "face that launched a thousand ships," over whom the ten-year Trojan War was fought.
  9. Virgil
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "staff bearer"
    • Description:

      The name of the greatest Roman poet and an early Irish saint who believed the earth was round, Virgil is heard most notably today as the name of designer Virgil Abloh of Off-White.
  10. Evelyn
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "desired; or water, island"
    • Description:

      Renowned English author Evelyn Waugh pronounced his name "EEV-lin" (fun fact: his first wife, also named Evelyn, was referred to as "She-velyn"). But "EV-uh-lin" also works, and is probably the most familiar pronunciation of the name today.
  11. Leroy
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "the king"
    • Description:

      Leroy's heyday was in the early twentieth century, when it was in the US Top 100 until 1949. As a result, it's now more frequently seen as a father or grandfather name. Nevertheless, it remains in the latter end of the US Top 1000, perhaps passed down from father to son, or similar enough to popular Levi that it still appeals.
  12. Odelia
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, German
    • Meaning:

      "I will praise the Lord or wealth"
    • Description:

      Pretty Hebrew name that would create a strong but feminine impression, as well as a variant of the Germanic name Odilia or Ottilie.
  13. Fay
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "fairy"
    • Description:

      Fay, also spelled Faye, who had been napping quietly since the 1930's, has, like cousins May/Mae and Ray/Rae, sat up and started rubbing her eyes, ready for a mini-comeback, especially as a middle name. In 2014, Faye hopped back onto the US Top 1000, though Fay is used much more quietly as a first name.
  14. Neoma
    • Origin:

      Greek or Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "new moon; pleasantness"
    • Description:

      An obscure yet on-trend name with two wonderful meanings associated with it. Neoma is one of the freshest celestial girl names with moon-related meanings, rarer than Luna or Phoebe but with the same fluid sound.
  15. Theta
    • Origin:

      Eighth letter of Greek Alphabet
    • Description:

      Theta is the name of the eighth letter of the ancient Greek alphabet, which is also the symbol of death. As such, it has rarely been used as a baby name.
  16. Wilfrid
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Wilfred, English
    • Meaning:

      "desires peace"
    • Description:

      Wilfrid is a distinguished masculine name of Anglo-Saxon origin, combining the elements "will" (determination or desire) and "frid" (peace), creating the meaningful combination "desires peace" or "peaceful resolution." This traditional name was borne by several saints and bishops in medieval England, contributing to its historical significance.
  17. Iola
    • Origin:

      Greek or Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "violet; beautiful lady"
    • Description:

      Isla is hot, Iona is cool – maybe it's time Iola got a second look? Last heard from on Carol Burnett's Mama's Family show, Iola feels like just the sort of uncommon, vowel-rich, vintage name that should be ripe for rediscovery.
  18. Rubin
    • Description:

      Rubin is a masculine name of Germanic and Yiddish origin that developed as a variant of Reuben or directly from the gemstone ruby. The name derives from the Latin 'rubinus' meaning 'red,' referring to the precious stone. In Jewish traditions, it connects to the biblical Reuben, Jacob's firstborn son, whose name means 'behold, a son' in Hebrew. Rubin has moderate popularity in German-speaking countries and among Jewish communities. As a surname-turned-first-name, it carries an intellectual, distinguished quality. The gemstone association gives Rubin connotations of value and brilliance. While less common than the spelling 'Reuben' in English-speaking countries, Rubin offers a concise, distinctive alternative with rich cultural heritage.

  19. Leamon
    • Description:

      Leamon is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Lehman (meaning "feudal tenant" in German), a form of Lemon (from the fruit), or derived from the Middle English "leofmann" meaning "beloved man." Most common in the southern United States, particularly in rural communities, Leamon has a folksy, distinctive quality that peaked in popularity in the early 20th century. The name carries a sweet yet strong character, with historical connections to agriculture and honest labor. While never widely popular, Leamon has maintained a steady presence among families valuing traditional, uncommon names with American heritage. Its bright sound and straightforward pronunciation make it accessible despite its rarity.
  20. Delmas
    • Description:

      Delmas is a masculine name with French origins, functioning primarily as a surname before occasionally transitioning to first-name use. It derives from place names in southern France, particularly in regions where Occitan was spoken, and means 'from the farm' or 'of the farmstead,' combining 'del' (from the) and 'mas' (farmhouse or rural dwelling). The name carries a rustic yet dignified quality, evoking the French countryside and agricultural heritage. While relatively uncommon as a given name, Delmas has seen modest use particularly in French-speaking regions and the southern United States. Its distinctive sound and continental European flavor make it appealing for parents seeking something unique with authentic linguistic roots and a subtle sophistication.

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