Names that Peaked in 1925
By Nameberry
Updated Thu Nov 30 2023
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- June
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"young"Description:
June, a sweetly old-fashioned month name derived from the goddess Juno, was long locked in a time capsule with June Allyson (born Ella) and June Cleaver, but is rising again especially as a middle name.
- Mary
Origin:
Hebrew or EgyptianMeaning:
"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).
- Robert
Origin:
English from GermanMeaning:
"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.
- Dorothy
Origin:
English variation of Greek DorotheaMeaning:
"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.
- Marcel
Origin:
French variation of MarcellusMeaning:
"little warrior"Description:
Marcel, despite distinguished namesakes including Proust and Duchamp, suffers from a terminal headwaiter image in this country. But along with its sister name Marcella and French variation (and Jolie-Pitt pick) Marcheline, Marcel may be on the brink of a style renaissance.
- Roland
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"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.
- Gloria
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"glory"Description:
Gloria is beginning to move beyond its de-glamorized Grandma image, most recently thanks to glamorous young Hollywood parents Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard, who chose it for their second daughter. Gyllenhaal was quoted as saying they had been inspired by Patti Smith's rendition of the Van Morrison song "Gloria" at a concert and thought " 'We'll name our daughter that one day'."
- Blossom
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"to bloom"Description:
Now that parents have picked virtually every name in the garden, from the common Rose to the captivating Zinnia, some are reconsidering the old, more generic names like Flora and Posy and Blossom — which was last in favor in the 1920s and still has a Floradora showgirl aura.
- Wilma
Origin:
Diminutive of WilhelminaMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
In the US, Wilma is appears to be eternally fossilized in Bedrock as Fred Flintstone's wife, but in Sweden it's a Top 10 hottie. It did have its moment in the US--from 1912 to 1940 it was a Top 100 name. One notable namesake: track and field star Wilma Rudolph.
- Denver
Origin:
English or French place-name and surnameMeaning:
"from Anvers"Description:
Before there was Aspen, Denver was the Colorado city name of choice, and it reentered the US Top 1000 in 2015 after a 14 year absence as a stylish two-syllable boys’ name with its trendy -er ending. Its decade of greatest use was the 1920s, when it reached as high as Number 422.
- Delfina
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of DelphineDescription:
The Spanish and Italian variation of the sophisticated French Delphine is also the word for "dolphin". A popular choice in Uruguay and Argentina, the name is rarely used in the US.
- Burton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"fortified enclosure"Description:
Burton originated as a habitation surname that now feels like a appropriate first. Actor Richard Burton, two-time husband of Elizabeth Taylor, was the most famous bearer. Burtie makes an adorable short form.
- Vito
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"alive, life"Description:
Old World Italian name that might become fashionable in a so-far-out-it's-in way, like Enzo and Rocco. Main recommendation: It's among the rare boy names that mean life.
- Alfreda
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"elf power,"Description:
With a meaning like "elf power," Alfreda could find some appeal among fantasy enthusiasts. "Freda" makes for a pleasant nickname.
- Domenick
Description:
Domenick is a masculine name derived from the Latin 'Dominicus,' meaning 'belonging to the Lord' or 'of the Lord.' This variant spelling of Dominic carries the same religious connotations while offering a distinctive touch with its 'ck' ending. Historically associated with Saint Dominic, founder of the Dominican Order, the name conveys spiritual devotion and service. Popular in Italian-American communities, Domenick peaked in usage during the mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades. The name offers friendly nicknames like Dom, Nick, or Nico, combining religious heritage with a strong, classic sound that feels both traditional and approachable.
- Gene
Origin:
Short form of Eugenia, feminine of Eugene, GreekMeaning:
"wellborn, noble"Description:
Jean is primed to rise again – particularly in the middle slot. So could Gene follow suit?
- Enriqueta
Description:
Enriqueta is a feminine name of Spanish origin, functioning as the female form of Enrique (the Spanish equivalent of Henry). Derived from the Germanic name Heinrich, meaning 'home ruler' or 'ruler of the household,' Enriqueta carries an air of gentle authority and domestic dignity. The name has historical significance in Spanish-speaking countries, where it has been used since medieval times. With its melodic four syllables and rolling 'r' sound, Enriqueta possesses a romantic, classical Spanish elegance. While more common in Latin American countries and Spain, it remains relatively rare in English-speaking regions. The name offers the appealing nickname options of Queta or Etta, adding to its versatility. Enriqueta combines traditional heritage with a distinctive feminine grace that stands out in contemporary settings.
- Junior
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"young"Description:
The line should end with Junior Soprano. While most would expect this to be a nickname rather than an actual given name, Junior has always ranked in the US Top 1000, hitting its peak in 1925 at Number 116.
- Hideo
Description:
Hideo is a masculine Japanese name with several possible meanings depending on the kanji characters used to write it. Common interpretations include 'excellent man,' 'splendid hero,' or 'shining male.' It's been borne by several notable Japanese figures, including film director Hideo Nakata and video game designer Hideo Kojima, creator of the Metal Gear series. While primarily used in Japan, the name has gained some international recognition through these cultural exports. Hideo maintains its traditional usage in Japan, where names are often chosen for their meaningful characters rather than just their sound. The name conveys aspirations for excellence and achievement.
- Concha
Origin:
Spanish word name, or diminutive of Concepciòn, LatinMeaning:
"shell; conception"Description:
The Spanish word for "shell" is a new addition to the quickly growing list of ocean-inspired nature names.