Names that Peaked in 1933
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About this list
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),…
Franklin
English
"free landholder"
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…
Nira
Hebrew
"light, or furrow, plowed field"
Symbolic name given to girls born on TuB'Shevat, the New Year of the Trees.
Lionel
Latin
"young lion"
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…
Marvin
Welsh, variant of Mervyn
"sea hill"
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…
Glendon
English, Scottish
"valley between the hills; clean hill; from the dark glen"
With a hint of old-man clunkiness and modern surname style, Glendon is a name with Scottish and English origins. Connected to nature, it can mean "valley between the hills" (from its English roots)…
Pearline
Pearline is a feminine name derived from Pearl, which itself refers to the precious gem formed within oysters. The suffix "-line" adds a graceful, elongated quality to the classic jewel name. Popular…
Elouise
Variation of Eloise, English and French
"healthy; wide"
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,…
Teddy
Diminutive of Theodore or Edward
"gift of God or wealthy guardian"
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…
Dona
Dona is a feminine name with multiple origins. In Spanish, it's a title of respect (similar to 'lady' or 'madam') derived from the Latin 'domina' meaning 'lady of the house.' It's also a variation of…
Bernita
Bernita is a feminine name with Germanic origins, derived from the element 'bern' meaning 'bear.' It can be considered a diminutive or feminine form of Bernard or Bernice. The name combines strength…
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…
Duane
Irish
"swarthy"
An old Irish surname that was big in the 1960s, but would be an unexpected choice for a child now.
Lavon
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…
Bettye
Bettye is a feminine name representing a stylized spelling variant of Betty, which itself originated as a diminutive of Elizabeth. The name ultimately derives from Hebrew Elisheva, meaning 'God is my…
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…
Deloris
Deloris is a feminine name of Latin origin, derived from 'dolor' meaning 'sorrow' or 'pain.' It's related to the Spanish title for the Virgin Mary, 'Nuestra Señora de los Dolores' (Our Lady of…
Bobbye
Bobbye is a feminine name that originated as a variant spelling of Bobby, which itself is a diminutive of Robert. The name Robert comes from Germanic elements meaning 'bright fame.' Bobbye emerged in…
