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Names that Peaked in 1927

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

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "songbird"

    • Description:

      Mavis, another word for the song thrush, is also a relative of the Welsh word for strawberries, mefus. Mavis has something of a British World War II feel, a friend of Beryl and Doris, but it was quite popular in the U.S. a couple of decades earlier, peaking in the Roaring Twenties.
  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. Eugene

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "wellborn, noble"

    • Description:

      Eugene is a classic that has rather lost its way. On the one hand, it's a grandpa, even great-grandpa name that hasn't been one of the cool kids recently—or to quote Jim Carrey, who bears this name in the middle spot, "You can never get too cool with a name like Eugene." The hero of Disney's Tangled felt the same way, when he changed his birth name of Eugene to the more romantic Flynn.
  6. Millicent

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "strong in work"

    • Description:

      Combining the mild and the innocent, this sweet and feminine name is worthy of a comeback, in the mode of Madeline and Cecilia. Its original, also attractive form is Melisende, which came from Germany to France and was borne by a daughter of Charlemagne.
  7. Akira

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "bright, intelligent"

    • Description:

      Akira is a popular Japanese name for both sexes that's migrated to the West because of its appearance in manga and video games. Akiro is a related name popular for boys.
  8. Alvin

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "noble friend, friend of the elves"

    • Description:

      Alvin has a sturdy, no-frills sound that belies its somewhat whimsical meaning. Interesting potential namesakes include British rocker Alvin Stardust, and US footballer Alvin Williams, and African-American dance legend (and activist) Alvin Ailey.
  9. Therese

    • Origin:

      German and Scandinavian variation of Theresa

    • Meaning:

      "to reap, gather, harvest"

    • Description:

      A form of Theresa with a touch of European flair along with its saintly connotations, Therese is particularly familiar in Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, and the UK. While it has declined in use in recent years, it remains a solid choice with nicknames ranging from Reese to Tessie, Thea to Tessan, Terri to Tracey.
  10. Eldon

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "sacred hill"

    • Description:

      Popular in the 1920s, Eldon is a retro name that's waiting to be rediscovered. It has a similar placename/surname appeal to current Top 1000 names Alden and Holden. Several towns in the US and UK bear the name.
  11. Merlin

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "sea fortress"

    • Description:

      This name of the famous fifth-century sorcerer and mentor of King Arthur may or may not be a bit wizardy for a real-life modern child. Its most noted modern bearer: football star turned actor Merlin Olsen, whose father was named Merle.
  12. Imogene

    • Description:

      Imogene is a feminine name of Celtic origin, believed to be derived from the Gaelic word 'imogen,' meaning 'maiden' or 'daughter.' Some scholars suggest it may also have connections to the Latin phrase 'Iphigenia,' from Greek mythology. The name gained literary significance through Shakespeare's play 'Cymbeline,' where the virtuous protagonist bears this name. Imogene enjoyed moderate popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries before declining, though it has seen renewed interest in recent years as part of the revival of vintage names. With its combination of classical literary associations and a distinctive, melodic sound, Imogene appeals to parents seeking names with historical depth, intellectual connections, and a touch of antiquated elegance.

  13. Gilda

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "covered with gold"

    • Description:

      Gilda, although related to the words gold and gilded, has definitely tarnished. It once shimmered with the seductive image of Rita Hayworth in the film Gilda, then was associated with the beloved early Saturday Night Live star Gilda Radner. In opera, Gilda lives on as the name of the daughter of Rigoletto.
  14. Edsel

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "wealthy man's estate"

    • Description:

      Besides having an unappealing sound, has long been identified with a much-mocked Ford car model; use of this name is now restricted to the Ford family.
  15. Roslyn

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Rosalind

    • Description:

      Spelling variations abound when a name is trendy, which Rosalind is not these days. We say leave Roslyn back in the middle of the 20th century and reclaim the original Rosalind.
  16. Rudolph

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "famous wolf"

    • Description:

      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.
  17. Lita

    • Origin:

      Norwegian diminutive of Elisabet, English and Spanish diminutive of names ending in -lita, or Romanian variation of Leta, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God; little; glad, joyful"

    • Description:

      Vivacious but lightweight.
  18. Lupe

    • Origin:

      Spanish diminutive of Guadalupe, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "wolf"

    • Description:

      Derived from a Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, Guadalupe, Lupe has both a spiritual and animal meaning. In relation to its long form, it is associated with a convent in Spain and the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe to a Mexican man in the 16th-century. Taken as a stand-alone name, it derives from the Latin word for "wolf", lupus.
  19. Lindbergh

    • Description:

      Lindbergh is a masculine name derived from a Swedish or German surname meaning 'linden tree hill' or 'linden mountain.' The name gained international recognition through Charles Lindbergh, the famous American aviator who completed the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927. As a first name, Lindbergh is quite rare, typically chosen by parents with an appreciation for aviation history or seeking a distinctive name with historical significance. The name carries connotations of pioneering spirit, courage, and achievement. Despite its recognizable nature, Lindbergh has never become common as a given name, remaining an uncommon choice that immediately evokes connections to exploration and adventure.
  20. Lavern

    • Description:

      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.

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