Names that Peaked in 1926

Currently overshadowed by the bright and lively Leo, Leon feels a slightly more serious, more quietly confident than its short and trending counterpart.

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 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.

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.

Part of the vogue for French-sounding names in the 1920s and 30s, Nadine has been replaced by the Russian sound of Nadia and Natasha.

Originally a feminine of John, Jean was popular in Scotland long before it found favor elsewhere, and had its most shining moment here in the era of Jean Harlow (born Harlean), ultimate symbol of silver screen glamour. Now, though there are many grandmas and even moms with the name, it doesn't seem all that baby-friendly. Though that could change, and Jean could join Jane.

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'."

Irish Aileen and Scottish Eileen may be pronounced the same way or Aileen can be pronounced with a long a at the beginning. While neither is particularly stylish, Aileen is slightly more popular and has reversed its downward slide to inch upward in the past few years, perhaps thanks to its stylish A beginning. Nicknames for Aileen include Isla, Ayla, Lee and Lena.

This once perfectly respectable surname has suffered decades of abuse, not least by Jerry Lewis's character in the fifties. NFL running back Melvin Gordon stars for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Sure, he'd probably get a certain amount of red-nosed teasing around the holiday, but a boy named Rudolph could probably take it. Besides, he's got other, more distinguished namesakes -- the great ballet dancer Nureyev, silent screen Lothario Valentino and 9-11 Mayor Giuliani.

A spelling variant of Corinne, which ranked a little behind its sister spelling until the 1990s when it fell out of favor.

One time joke name, à la Lily Tomlin's bossy telephone operator, Ernestine is ready for a possible reevaluation, like cousins Josephine and Clementine..

Has a lively and swaggering sound, and also some unfortunate associations with Reno, city of gambling and failed marriages.

Wilda (or Wylda) has two widely divergent images. Pronounced vill-da, it feels like a cousin of Hilda: a sturdy and none-too-attractive prairie settler. But you can also think of her as wild-ah, as in the feminine of wild and wilder.

Wilburn is an Old English name combining 'wil' meaning desire or will and 'burn/bourne' referring to a stream or brook. Primarily used in the United States, particularly in southern regions, Wilburn peaked in popularity during the early 20th century but has declined steadily since the 1930s. The name carries a certain rural Americana quality, evoking traditional values and straightforward strength. Notable bearers include country music's Wilburn Brothers. While considered somewhat old-fashioned today, vintage names periodically experience revivals. Wilburn maintains appeal for families seeking names with authentic historical usage and clear English language origins, while remaining distinctive in contemporary settings.

Widely used in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, has an air of generosity and could easily be adopted here.

Illa is a delicate feminine name with diverse cultural roots. It may derive from Latin-based languages where 'illa' means 'she' or 'that,' giving it a simple yet profound feminine essence. In some Scandinavian contexts, it could be connected to Ilse or related to elements meaning 'to shine.' Illa also appears in Sanskrit-influenced cultures where it refers to 'earth' or 'speech.' The name's brevity gives it a minimalist appeal that works well cross-culturally. Despite its ancient origins, Illa has a modern, streamlined quality that feels contemporary. The name remains uncommon in most English-speaking countries, appealing to parents seeking a short, distinctive name that's easy to pronounce across languages while carrying rich cultural significance.

Possible Gaelic alternative to Kevin and Devon.

Ailene is a gentle feminine name of varied origins, primarily considered a variant spelling of Aileen or Eileen. These names derive from the Gaelic Aveline or the Norman French Evelina, ultimately meaning "light" or "bright one." In some interpretations, it connects to the Gaelic word "eibhlín" meaning "radiant" or "shining." The distinctive spelling with the 'A' beginning and 'e' ending gives it a delicate, flowing quality. While less common than Aileen or Eileen, Ailene has maintained a quiet presence throughout the 20th century, particularly in Irish-American communities. The name blends traditional Celtic heritage with an elegant, somewhat vintage feel that appeals to parents seeking something familiar yet uncommon.

Lavern is a unisex name that was more commonly used in the mid-20th century, though it has traditionally been more popular for women. Derived from French elements, it likely combines "la" (the) and "verne" (alder tree or spring-like), suggesting natural imagery. The name reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1920s-1940s. Lavern carries a vintage charm that connects to an era of classic Americana. While less common today, it maintains appeal for those seeking a distinctive retro name. The name is sometimes associated with actress LaVerne Andrews of the famous Andrews Sisters trio, giving it musical and nostalgic connections.