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Names that Peaked in 1923

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Thu Nov 30 2023
  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. Maxine

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "greatest"

    • Description:

      With the success of all names Max, from Max itself to Maxwell to Maxfield to Maximilian, it's just possible that Maxine could be lured away from her mah-jongg game at the clubhouse and into the nursery. She's already been chosen by hip musician Nick Hexum for his daughter, sister to Echo.
  5. 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.
  6. Wallace

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "foreigner, stranger"

    • Description:

      Wallace is so square could almost be ripe for a turnaround, especially with the hipness imparted by the British Claymation series Wallace & Gromit. And Wally makes an adorable Leave it to Beaver retro-style nickname.
  7. Leonard

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "brave lion"

    • Description:

      Leonard is the name of several saints, including one who is the patron saint of childhood, and another medieval saint who's the patron of prisoners--known for freeing prisoners he deemed worthy of God. Popular from 1900 to 1930, Leonard is perhaps more notable for those who dropped the name when they entered show biz than those who kept it: former Leonards include Roy Rogers and Tony Randall. Two musical Leonards did keep their names though--composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein and poet-singer Leonard Cohen. Leonard Woolf was the husband and publisher of great English novellist Virginia Woolf. These days, modern parents tend to prefer Leo or the romantic Italian Leonardo, especially since Leonard does not get pronounced with the trendy "Leo" sound.
  8. Marjorie

    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Margery, diminutive of Margaret

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      Scottish Marjorie and her English twin Margery were early twentieth century favorites that date back to medieval times, when it was popular among the royals. They were at their height in the 1920s, when they were seen as more lively versions of the old standard. Marjorie was always the preferred spelling, in the Top 25 from 1920 to 1927.
  9. Eris

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "strife, discord"

    • Description:

      Eris was the goddess of strife and discord, turned fairy tale and then popular culture figure Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty. Ironic, as her name sounds so much like that of Eros, the god of love.
  10. Carmela

    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Carmel

    • Meaning:

      "garden"

    • Description:

      Carmela has been most famous recently as the name of Tony Soprano's TV wife, played by Edie Falco. The spellings Carmela and Carmella are both used in Latin cultures including Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, and are used nearly equally in the US, given to a total of about 300 baby girls last year.
  11. Maryjane

    • Origin:

      English, combination of Mary and Jane

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, beloved + god is gracious"

    • Description:

      Mary was such a common name for so long that it sprouted a whole family of chimeric name splices: Maryann, Marybeth, Mary-Lousie, ad infinitum. Spiderman's Mary Jane Watson, the closed toe shoe with a strap, and the common nickname for marijuana have helped keep this one especially familiar to the American ear.
  12. 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.
  13. Marybelle

    • Origin:

      English, combination of Mary and Belle

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + beautiful"

    • Description:

      Variant of Maribel or Maribelle
  14. Jaunita

    • Description:

      Jaunita appears to be a variant spelling of Juanita, the feminine diminutive form of Juan, which is the Spanish equivalent of John. The name ultimately derives from Hebrew, meaning 'God is gracious.' This particular spelling variation incorporates an 'a' after the initial 'J,' possibly reflecting pronunciation patterns or creative adaptation. While less common than the standard Juanita, this version maintains the melodic quality and Hispanic cultural connections of the original. Juanita gained popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, with this variant remaining relatively rare. The name evokes connections to Spanish and Latin American heritage while carrying friendly, approachable connotations through its diminutive form.
  15. Dorris

    • Description:

      Dorris is a feminine name with multiple origins. It can be considered a spelling variation of Doris, which comes from ancient Greek mythology where Doris was a sea nymph, daughter of Oceanus and Tethys. The name means 'gift' in Greek. Alternatively, it may be connected to the Celtic name Dóireann, meaning 'sullen' or 'daughter of the sea.' Dorris saw peak popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly the 1920s and 1930s. While less common today, it carries a vintage charm that appeals to some parents seeking names with a classic, mid-century feel. The double 'r' spelling gives it a slightly distinctive quality compared to the more traditional Doris.

  16. Cruz

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "cross"

    • Description:

      Cruz might be a sister for Concepcion and Corazon, although its masculine side was emphasized when the high profile David Beckhams chose it for their son.
  17. Kiyoshi

    • Description:

      Kiyoshi is a Japanese male name meaning 'pure', 'clear', or 'quiet'. It combines the elements 'ki' (pure) and 'yoshi' (good, respectful). The name carries connotations of purity of heart and spirit, as well as a calm and serene demeanor. Kiyoshi has been a traditional name in Japan for centuries, often given to boys with hopes they will grow up to be honorable, pure-hearted individuals. While primarily used in Japan, the name has gained some recognition internationally as Japanese culture has become more globally influential. It remains a popular choice for parents seeking a name with meaningful qualities of tranquility and moral integrity.
  18. Fumiko

    • Description:

      Fumiko is a Japanese feminine name rich in cultural significance. It combines the elements 'fumi' meaning 'writing' or 'literature' and 'ko' meaning 'child,' a common suffix in traditional Japanese female names. The name suggests a person who is scholarly, artistic, and connected to literary traditions. Fumiko became known internationally through notable bearers like Japanese author Fumiko Enchi. In Western countries, the name remains relatively uncommon, primarily used within Japanese diaspora communities. Fumiko carries the beautiful cultural heritage of Japan while bestowing the virtues of creativity and intellect upon its bearer.

  19. Waneta

    • Origin:

      American, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Rumors abound about Waneta, which is a Canadian place name. Some say it's an Anglicization of Juanita, while others claim it's a Native American name. Interestingly, Waneta is a common name among the American Amish.
  20. Fernand

    • Description:

      Fernand is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from elements meaning "journey" and "brave." It's the French and Catalan form of Ferdinand, a name with royal connections throughout European history. Fernand has been particularly popular in French-speaking regions and Spanish-speaking communities. The name exudes a certain aristocratic charm while maintaining a strong, masculine quality. Though less common today than in previous generations, Fernand continues to be appreciated for its distinguished history and international appeal. Notable bearers include French painter Fernand Léger and Belgian cyclist Fernand Jacobs. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name offers a sophisticated European alternative to more common names while being easy to pronounce and spell.