Names that Peaked in 1961

  1. Jackie
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"
    • Description:

      Jackie Kennedy gave this name a lot of style, but it doesn't seem destined for a comeback the way brother name Jack has. Jackie and Jacqueline both peaked in 1961.
  2. Liz
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elizabeth
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Some might think a girl named Liz on her birth certificate would feel deprived of her full identity, but in a time when mini names like Liv, Kit, Tru, Kai, Lou, and Bea are in style, Liz feels substantial enough that its bearer won't feel bereft.
  3. Mike
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Michael
    • Description:

      Unlike Jake or Sam, few parents put Mike on the birth certificate.
  4. Chuck
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Charles
    • Description:

      So far out it's almost ready to be let back in.
  5. Benita
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "blessed"
    • Description:

      In fashion limbo with Anita and Juanita.
  6. Chris
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Christina
    • Meaning:

      "a Christian"
    • Description:

      Chris is one of the longest-running and still most appealing unisex short forms, still used nearly equally for boys and girls. Though no longer fashionable, Chris still feels crisp and appropriate for both sexes.
  7. Shari
    • Origin:

      Anglicized variation of Hungarian Sari, variation of Sarah
    • Meaning:

      "princess"
    • Description:

      This once-cool nickname-y name now belongs to the grandma generation.
  8. Mitch
    • Dwayne
      • Origin:

        Spelling variation of Duane
      • Meaning:

        "swarthy"
      • Description:

        This is an offshoot of Duane, which is an old Irish surname. It took off in the 1960s, when it conveyed a surfer boy image, and reached as high as Number 111 in 1961. The most prominent current bearer is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The basketball superstar spells his name DwYAne Wade.
    • Les
      • Juli
        • Lauri
          • Lorri
            • Jacki
              • Loria
                • Origin:

                  Basque
                • Meaning:

                  "glory"
                • Description:

                  While Aintza is perhaps a more accurate and modern Basque alternative to Gloria, Loria has long been considered a possibility too. It comes from loriatsua or loria meaning "glorious" or simply "glory".
              • Cherri
                • Juliann
                  • Origin:

                    Latin
                  • Meaning:

                    "youthful or sky father"
                  • Description:

                    Variant of Julian or Julianne