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Names that Peaked in 1928

  1. Hortensia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "of the garden"

    • Description:

      Hortensia is an ancient Roman name that's also the common name of the flower hydrangea. The French form of the name is Hortense, which is coming back into style in Paris but has never caught on in English-speaking countries. A secondary character in Roald Dahl's Matilda is named Hortensia.
  2. Willodean

    • Origin:

      American, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      The Social Security Lists show this name to have been used throughout the 1920s and 30s especially in Southern states. There are a few theories on its origins (an invented name created to honor William/Willard and a a female name ending in "-dine", or it may be an Anglicization of a Native American name). Either way, it has a willowy sweetness that deserves a comeback.
  3. Amparo

    • Origin:

      Spanish and Portuguese

    • Meaning:

      "refuge, shelter"

    • Description:

      Amparo is a medieval name related to the Virgin Mary most closely associated with the city of Valencia, in Spain. Although it does not appear at all on the most recent US name roster, meaning it was used for fewer than five babies last year, it was used in the US throughout the 20th century.
  4. Romaine

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "a Roman"

    • Description:

      In this country, likely to conjure up visions of leafy lettuce.
  5. Juana

    • Origin:

      Spanish, feminine variation of Juan

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Juana has not achieved the popularity in the U.S. of the male version Juan. Whereas Juan has made it almost to the Top 50 on the U. S. hit parade, sister Juana has barely entered the thousand most popular. It is nevertheless a popular choice in Mexico.
  6. Felicitas

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "good luck, fortune"

    • Description:

      In Roman mythology. Felicitas was the deity of good luck.
  7. Hoover

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "owner of a patch of farmland"

    • Description:

      A huve is 40 acres of land, so the occupational name Hoover refers to the farmer who owned and worked it. Hoover also relates to the rock band, the vacuum cleaner, the dam, and former FBI head J. Edgar.
  8. Merwin

    • Description:

      Merwin is a masculine name of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English elements 'mære' meaning 'famous' and 'wine' meaning 'friend,' creating the meaning 'famous friend' or 'renowned friend.' This distinguished name has historical roots as both a surname and given name in English-speaking countries. While never extremely common, Merwin experienced modest usage in the early 20th century before declining in popularity. The name carries literary associations through the celebrated American poet W.S. Merwin. With its distinctive sound and meaningful etymology, Merwin offers a dignified alternative to more common names, appealing to parents seeking a name with traditional roots and an intellectual quality, while remaining uncommon enough to stand out.
  9. Joline

    • Description:

      Joline is a feminine name with French influences, likely derived from 'Jolene' or serving as a variation of 'Jolene' without the final 'e'. The name ultimately connects to the French word 'joli' meaning 'pretty' or 'beautiful'. Joline gained some recognition through Dolly Parton's famous 1973 song 'Jolene', though this spelling variation has remained less common. The name has a musical, flowing quality with its soft consonants and long vowel sounds. While never reaching high rankings on popularity charts, Joline has maintained consistent if limited usage, particularly in the United States during the 1950s-1970s. It offers a classic yet uncommon choice for parents seeking a name with gentle feminine qualities and subtle French character without being difficult to pronounce or spell.
  10. Margarito

    • Description:

      Margarito is a masculine name of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin 'Margaritus,' which means 'pearl.' It's the masculine form of Margarita, which itself comes from the Greek word 'margarites.' Popular primarily in Hispanic cultures, particularly in Mexico and other Latin American countries, Margarito has historical usage dating back centuries. The name often carries religious significance as it connects to St. Margaret, though in its masculine form. Margarito peaked in popularity in the early to mid-20th century and has gradually become less common. It remains a traditional choice that honors Hispanic heritage while offering a distinctive sound. In the United States, the name is most common in areas with large Hispanic populations, where it represents cultural continuity and family traditions.

  11. Winford

    • Description:

      Winford is a masculine English name with Anglo-Saxon origins, combining elements meaning 'pleasant' or 'friend' (win) and 'ford' or 'river crossing.' Originally a surname denoting someone who lived near a fordable river, it transitioned to given name status in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Winford enjoyed modest popularity in rural America, particularly in southern states, but has become increasingly uncommon in recent decades. The name carries associations with pastoral English countryside settings and traditional values. With its distinctive sound and vintage appeal, Winford might appeal to parents seeking a rare masculine name with authentic historical roots and a gentle strength that stands apart from contemporary naming trends.
  12. Norwood

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "woods in the north"

    • Description:

      Another stiff northerly choice.
  13. Rolland

    • Description:

      Rolland is a masculine name with Germanic origins, derived from the Old Germanic elements 'hrod' meaning 'fame' and 'land' meaning 'land' or 'territory.' It is a variant spelling of Roland, a name that gained fame through the legendary medieval hero Roland, a Frankish military leader under Charlemagne who was immortalized in the epic poem 'The Song of Roland.' The name conveys strength and heroism, reflecting its literary heritage. While not among the most common names in recent decades, Rolland maintains a timeless quality and steady presence in various Western countries, particularly those with French or Germanic influences. Its distinctive spelling with the double 'l' gives it a slight French flair.

  14. Dorman

    • Description:

      Dorman is a masculine name of English origin that began as a surname before occasionally being adopted as a first name. The surname Dorman likely derived from the Old English 'deor' (animal, beast) and 'mann' (man, person), possibly referring to a gamekeeper or hunter. Alternatively, it may have evolved from 'door-man,' describing someone who served as a gatekeeper or porter. As a first name, Dorman has never achieved widespread popularity but saw some limited use in the early to mid-20th century in the United States. The name has a solid, traditional quality with a hint of vintage appeal, fitting into the category of surname-inspired first names that project strength and reliability.
  15. Charline

    • Description:

      Charline is a feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Charlotte or a feminine version of Charles. Both root names derive from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man' or 'strong one.' Charline gained modest popularity in France and French-speaking areas of Canada during the mid-20th century. In the United States, it saw brief periods of usage in the 1920s and again in the 1950s but has remained relatively uncommon. The name has a delicate, refined quality with its soft 'ch' sound and elegant ending. Charline strikes a balance between classic and distinctive, offering a less common alternative to the more widely used Charlotte while maintaining its sophisticated French heritage and graceful sound.
  16. Christeen

    • Description:

      Christeen is a feminine name that represents a spelling variation of Christine, ultimately derived from the Latin 'Christianus' meaning 'a Christian' or 'follower of Christ.' This particular spelling emerged as an alternative to the more traditional Christine or Kristin forms, offering a distinctive appearance while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. The name carries rich historical significance through its connection to Christianity and has been used in various forms across numerous cultures. While less common than Christine, Christeen saw modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. The name conveys qualities of faith, devotion, and classical femininity. Like many traditional names with alternate spellings, Christeen offers families a way to honor religious or family traditions while adding a subtle unique quality through its orthography.
  17. Fidencio

    • Description:

      Fidencio is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the Roman name Fidentius, which means 'confident' or 'full of faith.' Most commonly found in Hispanic cultures, particularly in Mexico, the name gained recognition through José Fidencio Constantino Síntora, a famous Mexican folk healer known as 'El Niño Fidencio' in the early 20th century. Though relatively uncommon in the United States, Fidencio has maintained steady usage in Latin American communities. The name carries connotations of faithfulness, trustworthiness, and spiritual devotion. With its melodic four syllables and distinctive sound, Fidencio offers the friendly nicknames 'Fide' or 'Encio.'

  18. Audry

    • Description:

      Audry is a feminine name that represents a variation of the more commonly spelled Audrey. Derived from the Anglo-Saxon name Æðelþryð (Etheldreda), it ultimately means 'noble strength.' Saint Audrey was a 7th-century English princess known for her piety. The name gained popularity in the 20th century, partly due to the elegance and grace associated with actress Audrey Hepburn. The Audry spelling variation offers a slightly more distinctive touch while maintaining the name's classic appeal. Though less common than Audrey, this streamlined spelling has its own understated charm while still carrying the name's rich historical significance and connotations of nobility and strength.