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Names that Peaked in 1920

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Thu Nov 30 2023
  1. Eleanor

    • Origin:

      English variation of French Provencal Alienor, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Eleanor's straightforward feminine image combined with its royal medieval history is striking just the right note for parents in search of a girls' name that combines substance and style.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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).
  5. Althea

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "with healing power"

    • Description:

      Althea is a poetic, almost ethereal name found in Greek myth and pastoral poetry, associated in modern times with the great tennis player Althea Gibson, the first African-American to win at Wimbledon.
  6. Edward

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "wealthy guardian"

    • Description:

      Unlike perennials William, John and James, Edward is a classic that moves in and out of fashion. This royal Anglo-Saxon standard has benefited in recent years from the popularity of the hot hero of the vampire sensation Twilight — Edward Cullen — who has given his name a new infusion of cool.
  7. Dorothy

    • Origin:

      English variation of Greek Dorothea

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  8. Howard

    • Origin:

      German, English

    • Meaning:

      "high guardian; brave heart"

    • Description:

      Howard, once hugely popular -- in the Top 50 from the 1870s to early 1950s, hitting Number 24 in 1920 -- has been stuck in Dad-Grandad limbo for decades, but is showing some signs of stirring back to life. Along with such formerly-fusty names as George and Harold, Howard may soon feel baby-appropriate, perhaps with the short form Ward, or the clunky-cute Howie.
  9. Enid

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "life, spirit"

    • Description:

      This Celtic goddess and Arthurian name may sound terminally old-ladyish to many ears--but so did names like Ella and Etta not so long ago. So Enid is yet another forgotten four-letter E-possibility: she's has been M.I.A since 1954.
  10. Harold

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian

    • Meaning:

      "army ruler"

    • Description:

      The name of the last Anglo-Saxon king of England before the Norman conquest, and a name that's long been associated with a pipe-smoking, bespectacled grandpa or uncle.
  11. Beryl

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "sea-green jewel"

    • Description:

      Dated British favorite that never caught on in this country, where Jade remains the green gem of choice. Interesting namesakes: British writer Beryl Bainbridge and British aviatrix Beryl Markham.
  12. Geneva

    • Origin:

      Swiss place-name or French

    • Meaning:

      "juniper tree"

    • Description:

      Unlike its somewhat formal Swiss city namesake, this is a lively and appealing place-name that also has a real history as a female name.
  13. Mildred

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "gentle strength"

    • Description:

      When scientists do research on the effects of an unpopular name, we're afraid that Mildred is one of the examples they cite, often in tandem with Bertha and Gertrude. But with cute nickname Millie on the rise, anything's possible.
  14. Vernon

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "place of alders"

    • Description:

      Once aristocratic British surname yet to be revived. Vince Vaughn recently gave his son the same double initials as his own when he named him Vernon Vaughn.
  15. Marcelle

    • Description:

      Marcelle is the feminine form of Marcel, a name with Latin origins derived from 'Marcellus,' a diminutive of Marcus meaning 'dedicated to Mars,' the Roman god of war. Popular in France and other French-speaking regions, Marcelle carries an elegant, classic quality. The name has historical significance, having been borne by several saints and notable figures throughout European history. While more common in previous generations, Marcelle has the timeless sophistication that could appeal to parents seeking a name with French flair and historical depth. The name balances femininity with strength, and its familiar sound pattern makes it accessible despite being relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries today. Marcelle offers the appeal of vintage names while maintaining a distinctive international character.

  16. Mozelle

    • Origin:

      French, Hebrew, Latin, "drawn from water; little meuse"

    • Meaning:

      "drawn from water; little meuse"

    • Description:

      Mozelle is a feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Moses, which means "drawn from the water" in Hebrew. There is also the possibility that it is derived from Latin, to mean "little Meuse" in reference to a river, while other sources suggest it was used as a form of Marcella.
  17. Weldon

    • Description:

      Weldon is a masculine name of English origin, derived from an Old English surname meaning 'hill near a spring' or 'well on a hill.' This place-name became a given name and gained modest popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. Weldon carries a distinguished, somewhat vintage quality that conveys strength and reliability. While never ranking among the most common names, it maintains steady usage among parents drawn to traditional Anglo-Saxon names with clear meanings. The name projects an image of dependability and seriousness, often associated with southern American naming traditions. Weldon has experienced a slight revival among parents seeking uncommon vintage names.
  18. Winton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "friend's farm"

    • Description:

      See WYNTON.
  19. Ervin

    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Irving; Hungarian variation of Erwin

    • Description:

      An old-school great-grandpa name, like Irving and Ernest, that may just be ready for revival. It's also a well-known name in Hungary and elsewhere in central and eastern Europe. As a surname, it's associated with jazz sax player Booker Ervin.
  20. Delbert

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "day-bright"

    • Description:

      Problematic, even if not for Dilbert.