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Names that Peaked in 1924

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Thu Nov 30 2023
  1. Calvin

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bald, hairless"

    • Description:

      Calvin is a slightly quirky but cozy name that has a fashion edge thanks to Calvin Klein. It has been steadily on the popularity list since records were kept, never lower than Number 250, peaking in the 1920s, the era of the Calvin (originally John Calvin ) Coolidge presidency.
  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. Robert

    • Origin:

      English from German

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. 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.
  5. Harlan

    • Origin:

      German and English

    • Meaning:

      "rocky land"

    • Description:

      Pleasant but uninspired surname name somewhat connected to writers Ellison and Coben. After three decades off the US Top 1000, it reentered in 2013, maybe because it's an unusual example of the trendy class of two-syllable n-ending boys’ names. Kevin Harlan is an NFL, NBA, and college basketball announcer for TV and radio.
  6. Roland

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "famous throughout the land"

    • Description:

      Roland is a chivalrous old name made famous by the supposedly eight-foot-tall romantic hero and nephew of Charlemagne, celebrated in medieval poetry and song. It is more widely heard in the US now in its Spanish form, Rolando. You might want to consider rollicking short form Rollo, either on its own or as an abbreviation of Roland. Orlando is the graceful Italian form.
  7. Marian

    • Origin:

      French medieval variation of Marie, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

    • Description:

      Marian's (and sister spelling Marion's) image has gone through a sea change of late, recalling less middle-aged matron and more Robin Hood's romantic Maid Marian. Some influences: the SJ Parker-M. Broderick twin daughter Marion and the glamorous French actress Marion Cotillard.
  8. Winona

    • Origin:

      Sioux Indian

    • Meaning:

      "firstborn daughter"

    • Description:

      Rode two rockets to fame, with actress Winona Ryder and singer Wynonna Judd. Winona entered the Top 1000 for the first time since 1957 this past year in 2022, following in the footsteps of trending short form Winnie.
  9. Carmen

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Carmel or Latin

    • Meaning:

      "garden or song"

    • Description:

      While the variation Carmine is more familiar for boys, Carmen has also been used as a masculine name; consider the very macho Carmen Basilio — the American boxer famous for defeating the great Sugar Ray Robinson — or composer Carmen Dragon.

      Spanish and Italian forms Carmelo and Carmello are also quite popular in the US, with Carmelo ranking in the Top 1000.
  10. Seymour

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "marshy land near the sea"

    • Description:

      Out playing shuffleboard at his condo and not expected back for several generations -- unless it morphs into a girls' name, a la Sydney.
  11. Hiroshi

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "generous"

    • Description:

      Several artistic Hiroshis make this one of the more plausible Japanese imports.
  12. Melba

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

      Australian opera singer Nellie Melba—self-named for her hometown of Melbourne—inspired this now-dated name more associated today with a peach dessert and dietetic toast.
  13. Norris

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "northerner"

    • Description:

      Somehow more modern and likable than Morris or Doris.
  14. Welton

    • Description:

      Welton is an English surname-turned-first-name with Old English origins, derived from place names meaning 'well town' or 'settlement with a spring.' It has historically been used primarily for boys and carries connotations of stability and natural resources. While never extremely common as a first name, Welton has maintained steady but minimal usage throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, particularly in English-speaking countries. It offers the friendly nickname options of 'Well' or 'Welt' and projects a dignified, somewhat old-fashioned character that appeals to parents seeking distinctive yet traditional-sounding names.
  15. Juanita

    • Origin:

      Spanish, feminine variation of Juan

    • Description:

      Pervasive in all Spanish-speaking cultures, Juanita, like Juana, has not emigrated.
  16. Virgle

    • Description:

      Virgle is an uncommon masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Virgil. The classical name Virgil derives from the Latin 'Vergilius,' possibly related to 'virga' meaning 'staff' or 'wand.' This alternative spelling emerged primarily in rural American communities during the early to mid-20th century. While Virgil connects to the renowned Roman poet Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro), the Virgle variant distances itself slightly from these classical associations, creating a more folksy, distinctive character. The name has never been widely popular but maintained a steady presence particularly in southern and Appalachian regions of the United States. Virgle conveys a vintage charm and rustic simplicity that appeals to those seeking traditional yet uncommon names.

  17. Wilton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "place by a stream"

    • Description:

      As passé as Hilton and Milton.
  18. Deward

    • Description:

      Deward is a masculine name of Old English origin, derived from 'deor' meaning 'dear, beloved' and 'weard' meaning 'guardian' or 'protector.' Historically, it developed both as a given name and surname, conveying the honorable meaning of 'beloved guardian.' The name has medieval roots but became relatively uncommon after the Middle Ages. Deward has a dignified, traditional quality with its strong consonants and meaningful etymology. In the United States, it saw modest usage in the early 20th century but remains rare today. The name might appeal to parents seeking an uncommon traditional name with a clear, positive meaning and historical depth.
  19. Luverne

    • Description:

      Luverne is a rare unisex name with Germanic origins, though it's more commonly given to males. It likely derives from elements meaning "beloved" or "love" combined with "erne" meaning "serious" or "determined." Popular in the early 20th century, particularly in Midwestern states like Minnesota (where there is a town called Luverne), the name has declined in usage since the 1930s. Luverne carries a vintage charm and evokes qualities of steadfastness and affection. The name's sound combines softness with strength, making it distinctive yet approachable. Though uncommon today, it represents a connection to American heartland values and simpler times.
  20. Wanita

    • Description:

      Wanita is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Spanish, it's a diminutive form of Juana (the feminine form of Juan/John), meaning 'God is gracious'. However, it's also recognized as an Aboriginal Australian word meaning 'water spirit' in some indigenous languages. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1920s-1940s but has since become less common. Wanita has a melodic quality with its three distinct syllables and soft sounds. The name carries a vintage charm while maintaining cultural connections that may appeal to families with Spanish or Australian indigenous heritage. Despite its relative rarity today, Wanita offers a combination of familiarity and uniqueness that distinguishes it from more common feminine names.