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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. 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.
  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. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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".
  11. 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.

  12. Margie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Margery

    • Description:

      Prime pert-teenager name in midcentury TV shows, replaced by Maggie.
  13. Deloris

    • Description:

      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 Sorrows). Despite its somewhat melancholy etymology, Deloris became quite popular in the United States during the 1920s through 1940s. The name peaked in popularity around 1930 but has declined steadily since the 1950s. Deloris is often considered a variant spelling of Dolores, with the two used interchangeably. The name carries a vintage charm that resonates with the current trend of reviving early-to-mid 20th century names. Deloris evokes images of strong, practical women from America's heartland.
  14. Duane

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "swarthy"

    • Description:

      An old Irish surname that was big in the 1960s, but would be an unexpected choice for a child now.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. Marilou

    • Origin:

      Compound name or French diminutive of Marie and Louise

    • Meaning:

      "beloved and renowned in battle; bitterness and strength in battle"

    • Description:

      A cheerful and bubbly compound name that is popular in France and Belgium. It might also be used in the Philippines as a combination of Maria and Lourdes.
  18. 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.
  19. Loyce

    • Description:

      Loyce is a feminine name that likely developed as a variant of Lois, which derives from Greek meaning 'better' or 'more desirable.' It may also be connected to the name Louise in some cases. The distinctive spelling with a 'y' gives the name a unique quality while maintaining its soft, pleasant sound. Loyce had a small period of popularity in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s but has remained uncommon throughout history. The name has a vintage charm that might appeal to parents seeking something both traditional and distinctive. Loyce combines brevity with a gentle sound, making it both sophisticated and approachable. Though rare today, it shares qualities with currently trending short, sweet names for girls.

  20. Glendon

    • Origin:

      English, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "valley between the hills; clean hill; from the dark glen"

    • Description:

      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) and "from the dark glen" (from Scottish Gaelic). It is also the name of an English place, whose name means "clean hill".

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