Names that Peaked in 1935
Across 3 pages
of 3
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),…
Royce
English
"son of the king"
It may seem like an indecisive cross between Roy and Reece, but Royce was fairly popular in the 1930s and '40s. It has seen a resurgence in recent years, helped by some well-known athlete bearers.…
Darwyn
Darwyn is a variation of Darwin, a surname-turned-first-name with Old English origins meaning "dear friend." This spelling with a 'y' gives the name a more distinctive appearance while maintaining…
Ruthie
Diminutive of Ruth, Hebrew
"compassionate friend"
With vintage names on the rise and recent data suggesting that the US is following the UK trend of nicknames-as-given-names, Ruthie joined Goldie, Daisy, and Nellie on the US Top 1000 list in 2023. A…
Ardith
Hebrew
"flowering field"
Appearing in some versions of the Old Testament, Ardith sounds like an ethereal combination of Arden and Edith, with a sweet naturey meaning. Also appearing as Ardeth and Ardath, it was first…
Caryl
Caryl is a unisex name though more commonly used for females, derived from either the masculine name Carl (meaning 'free man' in Germanic languages) or as a variation of Carol, which has Latin roots…
Rosita
Spanish, diminutive of Rosa
"rose"
This spirited Spanish variation of Rosa was familiar in the mid-20th century, but is used more quietly now. Given to around 35 babies in the US each year, it could work as a fresh alternative to…
Shirleyann
Compound name, combining Shirley and Ann
"grace of the bright meadow; bright meadow + grace"
Quaint, quirky, and slightly clunky, Shirleyann is a smoosh name with a 30s feel about it. An unexpected vintage choice, a potential honor name, or perhaps for diehard fans of Anne of Green Gables…
Lynwood
Lynwood is a distinctive masculine name with English origins, derived from the elements 'linn' meaning 'waterfall' or 'pool' and 'wood' referring to a forest. The name evokes images of a peaceful,…
Shirlee
Shirlee is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Shirley, which originated as an Old English place name derived from the elements 'scir' (bright) and 'leah' (clearing or meadow). This…
Leroy
French
"the king"
Leroy's heyday was in the early twentieth century, when it was in the US Top 100 until 1949. As a result, it's now more frequently seen as a father or grandfather name. Nevertheless, it remains in…
Jackie
English
"God is gracious"
A cute diminutive of Jack, already technically a nickname for John, famously borne by Hong Kong actor, director and martial artist Jackie Chan.
Billy
English, diminutive of William
"resolute protection"
Cute kid with freckles, bouncing a Spalding ball. Cool couple Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton put the name Billy Burton on their son's birth certificate. While the classic William, name of the…
Huey
Variation of Hugh, English
"mind, intellect"
Once upon a time, in the 1930s, Huey (yes, just Huey) was a Top 250 name. Could the 100-Year Rule bring it back?
Shirlie
Shirlie is a variant spelling of Shirley, a name that originated as an Old English place name meaning "bright clearing" or "bright meadow." This alternative spelling emerged in the early 20th…
Gearldine
Gearldine is a feminine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Geraldine, which itself is the female form of Gerald. The name has Germanic roots meaning 'rule of the spear' or 'brave with the…
Joycelyn
Variation of Jocelyn or combination of Joyce + Lyn, Latin and Welsh
"joyous lake"
The compound name Joycelyn, which combines the names Joyce and Lyn and also is a spin on Jocelyn, was brought to widespread attention via the first African-American female surgeon general, Joycelyn…
Shirley
English
"bright meadow"
Shirley Temple almost single-handedly lifted the gloom of the Great Depression, and in tribute (and perhaps wishing for a similarly curly-headed, dimpled darling of their own), thousands of parents…
