Names that Peaked in 1931
Across 2 pages
of 2
The names
Robert
English from German
"bright fame"
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…
Mary
Hebrew or Egyptian
"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"
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…
Richard
German
"dominant ruler"
A classic old Norman name popular for a thousand years and favored for kings (Richard Nixon was named for Richard the Lionhearted), as well as the hoi polloi (as in every Tom, Dick and Harry),…
Paul
Latin
"small"
Paul is an ancient name for boys -- popular in Roman and medieval times -- that's not very fashionable now, which can work in its favor, scarcity balancing simplicity. To the thousands of girls who…
Conrad
German
"brave counsel"
Solid and intellectual, with just a touch of ruggedness thanks to that rad ending, Conrad has appeared consistently in on the US popularity charts since the 19th century. Over the years, it has been…
Winona
Sioux Indian
"firstborn daughter"
Rode two rockets to fame, with actress Winona Ryder and singer Wynonna Judd. Winona entered the Top 1000 for the first time since 1957 this past year in 2022, following in the footsteps of trending…
Roselyn
Combination name of Rose and Lynn
Roselyn was a frequent member of the US Top 1000 in the early twentieth century until it dropped off the charts in 1954. It didn't return until 2003. This name takes Rosalind and makes it rosier. As…
Glenna
Irish
"glen"
Honoring a male relative. Be bold and go with Glenn.
Hortencia
Hortencia is a feminine name derived from Latin origins, a variant of Hortensia. It comes from the Roman family name Hortensius, which is related to 'hortus' meaning 'garden.' The name directly…
Jacquelin
Jacquelin is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Jacqueline, the French feminine form of Jacques (James). It ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Jacob, meaning "supplanter."…
Joan
English feminine variation of John, Hebrew
"God is gracious"
Joan was the perfect name choice for one of the leading characters on Mad Men , being a quintessential girls' name of the period. A Top 10 name in the 30s, a Top 50 name from the 40s through the…
Norene
Norene is a feminine name with Germanic origins, typically considered a variation of Noreen or Norine. These names derive from the Irish Nóirín, a diminutive of Nora or Honora, meaning 'honor.'…
Norma
English or Latin
"from the north; or, the pattern"
Invented for Bellini's opera, Norma had some star quality in the silent-screen and Marilyn Monroe days, but at this point it's a graying grandma in baby name limbo.
Bill
English, diminutive of William
"resolute protection"
Most Bills today are dads...or grandpas. The younger Williams are usually nicknamed Will, or called by their full names.
Billy
English, diminutive of William
"resolute protection"
Cute kid with freckles, bouncing a Spalding ball. Cool couple Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton put the name Billy Burton on their son's birth certificate. While the classic William, name of the…
Bobbie
Bobbie, as a masculine name, originated as a diminutive form of Robert, derived from the Germanic elements "hrod" (fame) and "beraht" (bright), meaning "bright fame" or "famous brilliance." While…
Darl
Literary name
This name of a character in Faulkner's As I Lay Dying is short, sweet and Southern-sounding.
Delmar
Spanish
"of the sea"
Cross-cultural name with a great nautical meaning. It boomed in the 1930s and has potential for revival now.
Donal
Scottish variation of Donald
"proud chief"
Donal is, yes, just Donald with the final d cut off, but that somehow gives it a jauntier, fresher feel. Donal Logue is a Canadian actor and Donal Skehan is an Irish cookbook author.
Doyle
Irish
"black stranger"
An Irish surname possibility for those who like Daley, Royal, Dougal, and Dolan, though it may sound too much like doily to catch on for modern boys. Nevertheless, it was fairly well used in the 20th…