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Names that Peaked in 1933

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Thu Nov 30 2023
  1. Mary

    • Origin:

      Hebrew or Egyptian

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"

    • Description:

      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 roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).
  2. Robert

    • Origin:

      English from German

    • Meaning:

      "bright fame"

    • Description:

      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 in the Top 100 for baby boys as a family favorite.
  3. Richard

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "dominant ruler"

    • Description:

      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), Richard was the sixth most popular US boys’ name in 1925, and was still Number 8 in 1950, but is now much less popular.
  4. Teddy

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Theodore or Edward

    • Meaning:

      "gift of God or wealthy guardian"

    • Description:

      Teddy is in some ways one of those midcentury boys' nicknames -- like Jimmy or Bobby or Billy -- yet because it was never that popular, it feels timeless too. The preferred short form of Theodore these days may be Theo and of Edward may be....Edward, but Teddy can work adorably for either and grows up to Ted. And of course, let's not forget the inevitable teddy bear.
  5. Joan

    • Origin:

      English feminine variation of John, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      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 early 60s, it was the fifth most popular name in the country for three years running and ranks as one of the most common names for girls in the 20th century. But alas, Joan hasn't even appeared in the Top 1000 for a dozen years, and these days it's primarily associated with Joans of the generation of Joan Crawford, Joan Collins and Joan Rivers--just a few of the noted Joans whose ranks also include the singers Joan Sutherland, Joan Baez, Joan Armatrading and Joan Jett. But it's possible that modern parents who are reviving Jane might move on to Joan, inspired by Joan Hollaway Harris.
  6. Lionel

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "young lion"

    • Description:

      Lionel is one leonine name that hasn't taken off as cousins Leo and Leonardo have, though it did reenter the Top 1000 in 2010 after several years away; it was at its highest point in the 1920s and 1930s.
  7. Betty

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      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 got presidential cred via Betty Ford and feminist history through Betty Friedan.
  8. Franklin

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "free landholder"

    • Description:

      A doubly Presidential name, via Pierce and Roosevelt, Franklin was given an initial boost via the fame of Benjamin Franklin. It also has a literary tie to the main character of the Wilkie Collins classic The Moonstone.
  9. Talmadge

    • Origin:

      English surname, Old French, Norman

    • Meaning:

      "pouch, knapsack; ringing of the bell"

    • Description:

      Distinctive Talmadge could be an Anglo-Saxon name and English surname that was originally given to a person who carried a knapsack or pack, for example, a traveller or a pedlar. It comes from the Old French word, "talemache".
  10. Delano

    • Origin:

      French surname

    • Meaning:

      "from the forest of nut trees"

    • Description:

      Popular President Franklin Delano Roosevelt inspired a brief fashion for this as a first name in the 1940s; almost never heard today.
  11. Marvin

    • Origin:

      Welsh, variant of Mervyn

    • Meaning:

      "sea hill"

    • Description:

      Marvin has been neglected for so long that it's hard to believe that it has windswept Welsh roots. It also has some strong namesakes going for it -- singer Marvin Gaye, composer Marvin Hamlisch and boxer Marvin Hagler. It's the real name of both Neil Simon and Meatloaf. And let's not forget mention Marvin Gardens on Monopoly.
  12. Nira

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "light, or furrow, plowed field"

    • Description:

      Symbolic name given to girls born on TuB'Shevat, the New Year of the Trees.
  13. Elouise

    • Origin:

      Variation of Eloise, English and French

    • Meaning:

      "healthy; wide"

    • Description:

      Familiar in the UK where it has featured just outside or towards the end of the Top 1000 since the late 90s, this spelling was once a well-used option in the US too, peaking in the 1920s and 30s, when it was in the Top 450. Now, it's making its way back to the American, mainstream, having re-entered the popularity charts in recent years.
  14. Bobby

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Roberta, English

    • Meaning:

      "bright fame"

    • Description:

      Bobby is a nickname-name that's long been used on its own for both girls and boys, though the Bobby spelling is more usually masculine while the girls' version is usually Bobbie. There were just over 50 baby girls named Bobbie in one recent year and only five named Bobby, compared with nearly 300 baby boys named Bobby. Robert F. Kennedy III and Amaryllis Fox named their daughter Bobby, continuing the family tradition across genders. And Millie Bobby Brown is a hot young actress.
  15. Faustino

    • Description:

      Faustino is a distinguished masculine name with Latin roots, derived from 'Faustus' meaning 'lucky' or 'fortunate.' Popular primarily in Spanish and Italian speaking countries, it carries the essence of good fortune and prosperity. The name gained prominence through Saint Faustino, a 2nd-century Christian martyr from Brescia, Italy. While not extensively used in English-speaking countries, Faustino maintains steady popularity in Hispanic communities and Southern Europe. Those named Faustino are often associated with positive qualities such as optimism and felicity. The name offers melodic charm with its flowing syllables and distinctive ending, making it both traditional yet uncommon in global contexts.

  16. Madonna

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "my lady"

    • Description:

      There's only one. Okay, two.
  17. Lavon

    • Description:

      Lavon has multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the French surname 'La Von' or could be related to the Hebrew name 'Lavan' meaning 'white.' Alternatively, it might be connected to geographical names like Lake Lavon in Texas or Lavon, Utah. The name has been documented in use in the United States since at least the early 20th century, with steady usage across different regions and communities. Lavon has been used for both males and females, though it appears to be predominantly masculine in contemporary usage. The name experienced peak popularity in the mid-20th century but has maintained consistent usage throughout the decades. Its compact, two-syllable structure gives it a strong, straightforward quality that contributes to its enduring appeal.
  18. Ernestina

    • Description:

      Ernestina is a feminine name derived from the Germanic masculine name Ernest, which means "serious," "resolute," or "battle to the death." This elegant feminine form adds Latin-based feminine suffix "-ina" to create a name that balances strength with grace. Popular throughout European countries, particularly in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, Ernestina reached its peak popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name offers several friendly nicknames including Tina, Erna, or Nessie. While less common among recent generations, Ernestina represents the classic tradition of feminizing masculine names. The name carries an air of vintage sophistication that may appeal to parents drawn to reviving elegant names from earlier eras. Notable bearers include Mexican artist Ernestina Garfias and Portuguese writer Ernestina de Champourcin.

  19. Margie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Margery

    • Description:

      Prime pert-teenager name in midcentury TV shows, replaced by Maggie.
  20. Leeroy

    • Description:

      Leeroy is a name that originated as a variant spelling of Leroy, which comes from French le roi, meaning "the king." This name has historical roots going back to Norman times and was fairly common in English-speaking countries during the early to mid-20th century. Leeroy experienced modest popularity in the United States and Britain, with usage declining somewhat after the 1960s. The name received renewed cultural attention in the early 2000s through internet culture with the viral "Leeroy Jenkins" gaming video. This alternate spelling with the double 'e' adds a distinctive touch to the traditional form. While less common than Leroy, Leeroy maintains recognition across various communities while carrying the same noble etymology connecting to royalty.