Names that Peaked in 1963
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About this list
The names
Michael
Hebrew
"who is like God?"
Michael was the Number 1 American boys' name for almost half a century. While Michael has moved out of the Top 10 baby boy names , it's still widely used. How has Michael racked up this phenomenal…
Kevin
Irish
"handsome"
Kevin came to the US with the large wave of Irish Immigrants after World War I, hitting the US Top 1000 list for the first time in 1921 and never leaving. Though an ancient Irish name -- a Saint…
Mark
Latin
"warlike"
Mark has the rare appeal of a strong, sleek name with a minimalist modern feel and ancient roots. The name Mark is taken from the Roman god of war Mars, also the namesake of the planet. After…
Gregory
Greek
"vigilant, a watchman"
The Greek name of sixteen popes and fifteen saints, the gregarious Gregory became big in the United States with the emergence of admirable actor Gregory Peck (born Eldred) in the late 1940s. From…
Robin
Bird name, or English, diminutive of Robert
"bright fame"
After a 60 year slide down the popularity ladder, Robin made a turnaround in 2020 and began climbing back into favor for baby girls. One reason may be its new status as one of the most evenly-divided…
Wes
Short form of Wesley, English
"West"
Short and cool with rugged charm, Wes is a rising star in the US, climbing the charts along side Wesley and Weston and joining other one syllable options such as Mack, Jett, Tate, and Brooks.…
Penny
English, diminutive of Penelope, Greek
"weaver"
Like Peggy and Patsy, Penny is a peppy vintage nickname that fell out of favor (and the Top 1000) for a while, but has recently rebounded by reentering the charts in 2013. Expect it to continue…
Glynis
Welsh
"small glen, valley"
The feminine version of the common Welsh name Glyn became somewhat known in this country via the charming Welsh actress Glynis Johns. Variations include Glenys and Glynys. With other Welsh…
Lorie
Lorie is a feminine name with multiple origins, primarily functioning as a diminutive of names like Lorraine, Lorelei, or Laura. Derived from Latin 'laurus' meaning 'laurel tree' (a symbol of…
Tal
Hebrew
"rain, dew"
A unisex Hebrew name often found in combination with others, as in Tal-El and Tal-Or.
Lolita
Spanish, diminutive of Lola and Dolores, Spanish
"lady of sorrows"
In Nabokov's notorious novel, Lolita is the pet name given by the pedophilic narrator, Humbert Humbert, to his victim: a young girl called Dolores and nicknamed Lola or Lo by her mother. Still, it…
Greggory
Greggory is a variant spelling of Gregory, a masculine name with ancient Greek origins. Derived from 'gregorios,' meaning 'watchful' or 'alert,' the name has a rich historical legacy. While Gregory…
Nannette
Nannette is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Anne, ultimately derived from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace.' This charming variation emerged in medieval France, where adding…
Robbie
Diminutive of Robert, English from German
"bright fame"
This short form of Robert was borne by famous figures from Robbie Williams to Robbie Coltrane to Robbie Robertson. At one point, Robbie was the cool new Bobby, but now Robbie is cool only for girls.
Jonna
Scandinavian variation of Johanna
"God is gracious"
A Scandinavian short form of Johanna, properly pronounced with a Y sound at the start, but would likely be read as the more prosaic "John-a" in an English-speaking context.
Lourdes
Spanish, Portuguese, from French, meaning unknown
This name of the French town where a young peasant girl had a vision of the Virgin Mary in 1858 vaulted into the spotlight when Madonna chose it for her daughter, but few other families except for…
Edie
English, diminutive of Edith
"prosperous in war"
Edie is part of the Evie-Ellie et al family of cute and friendly short forms that sometimes stand on its own. Briefly popular in the 1960s, it could well be due for rediscovery. It's already a…
Merri
Merri is a feminine name that serves as a diminutive or variation of Meredith, Mary, or Meryl. Its spelling with an 'i' ending gives it a cheerful, bright quality that aligns with its phonetic…
Felecia
Felecia is a variant spelling of Felicia, a feminine name derived from the Latin 'felix' meaning 'happy,' 'fortunate,' or 'lucky.' This alternate spelling maintains the melodic quality of the…
Anita
Spanish diminutive of Ana; Sanskrit
"grace; unguided"
Once a Top 100 name, this Spanish diminutive of Ana still retains some of her Latin flair. A notable namesake is noted attorney Anita Hill, another is the great jazz singer Anita O'Day. Plus there's…
