Names that Peaked in 1932
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),…
Willa
Feminine variation of William
"resolute protection"
Willa has become increasingly fashionable, with its combination of Willa (born Wilella) Cather-like pioneer strength and the graceful beauty of the willow tree. Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas are the…
Garner
English surname
"granary"
Garner is an unncommon word and surname with some prospect of garnering popularity, especially now that Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have given it to son Samuel as his middle name, and Jessica…
Robbie
Diminutive of Roberta, English from German
"bright fame"
Roberta and Robert may be so far out they're...still out, but Robbie might make one of the trendy new boyish nicknames for girls a la Scottie and Charlie. Actress Margot Robbie gave it a surname…
Hershel
Hebrew
"deer"
Gentle meaning and bona fide Hebrew history, but feels old-mannish, like Herman and Menashe.
Joyce
Yes, the poet Joyce Kilmer ("Trees") was a man, the very last male named Joyce. And even for women, it's been in limbo for several generations.
Joye
Joye is a feminine name with Medieval English origins, representing an archaic spelling of the modern name Joy. Derived from the Old French word 'joie,' meaning happiness or delight, this name…
Weldon
Weldon is a masculine name of English origin, derived from an Old English surname meaning 'hill near a spring' or 'well on a hill.' This place-name became a given name and gained modest popularity in…
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…
Bebe
English diminutive of Beatrice or any other B name
High-kicking cohort of Coco, Gigi, Fifi, Kiki, et al.
Greta
German, diminutive of Margarethe
"pearl"
Greta is an Old World name long tied to the iconic Garbo, but now synonymous with environmental activism. In the early 2000s, Greta was showing signs of a comeback, along with other Old Hollywood…
Earlean
Earlean is a feminine name that appears to be derived from the masculine name Earl, which has Old English origins meaning 'nobleman' or 'warrior.' The suffix '-ean' creates a feminine form, similar…
Margarett
Margarett is a feminine name that represents a spelling variation of Margaret, which derives from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' This alternative spelling with the double 't' ending gives…
Estela
Spanish
"star"
This Spanish variation of the French Estelle and spelling spin on Estella is on the rise, along with most star-related names, even Starr (and Star) herself. Popular personality Ali Landry chose it…
Doretha
Doretha is a feminine given name that appears to be a variant spelling of Dorothea, which has ancient Greek origins. The name derives from the elements 'doron' meaning 'gift' and 'theos' meaning…
Porfirio
Italian and Spanish from Greek
"purple dye"
This ancient saint's name was borne by the infamous midcentury playboy, Porfirio Rubirosa.
Betty
Diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
Combine the popularity of Betty White and Mad Men 's glamorous Betty Draper Francis, with the residual sweetness of Ugly Betty 's Betty Suarez, and the result is an impending return of the name. It's…
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.
