Names that Peaked in 1933
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),…
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…
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…
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…
Ernestina
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…
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…
Madonna
Latin
"my lady"
There's only one. Okay, two.
Margie
Diminutive of Margery
Prime pert-teenager name in midcentury TV shows, replaced by Maggie.
Monna
Monna is a feminine name with Italian origins, derived from 'Madonna' which means 'my lady.' It's a shortened form that emerged in medieval Italy as a term of respect for women. The name shares…
Nira
Hebrew
"light, or furrow, plowed field"
Symbolic name given to girls born on TuB'Shevat, the New Year of the Trees.
Ouida
English diminutive
This Victorian pen name is the childish version of the novelist's real name, Louisa, but it has managed to gain a sophisticated image. Ouisa is a similar childhood nickname name.
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…
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…
Willene
Willene is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the name Wilhelmina, which means "resolute protector." It can also be considered a variant of Wilma or a feminine form of William. Willene…
Carrol
Carrol is a unisex name with Irish and Germanic origins, though it's more commonly used for males in contemporary times. Derived from the Gaelic name 'Cearbhal' meaning 'fierce in battle,' it also…
Delano
French surname
"from the forest of nut trees"
Popular President Franklin Delano Roosevelt inspired a brief fashion for this as a first name in the 1940s; almost never heard today.