Names that Peaked in 1938
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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…
Rosalie
French variation of Rosalia, Latin
"rose"
Rosalie hit its apex in 1938 and then slid straight downhill until it fell off the U.S. Top 1000 completely in the 1980s, only to spring back to life in 2009 as the name of a character in the…
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),…
Elaine
French and Scottish
"bright, shining light"
This old Scottish form of Helen has had quite a history, going from appearing as one of the shining heroines of the Arthurian legends, the princess who fell in love with Sir Lancelot and became the…
Noel
French
"Christmas"
Noel is British, fey, and sophisticated, connoting wit and creativity, much like namesake Noel Coward. Noel has also been a character on Felicity and Pretty Little Liars . Thanks to their association…
Loretta
English variation of Italian Lauretta; diminutive of Laura
"bay laurel"
Though Loretta has long ago lost its Latin flair, fashionable Sarah Jessica Parker's choice of it as the middle name of one of her twin daughters freshens it up a bit. It's one of several such names,…
Melvyn
Melvyn is a masculine name of Scottish origin, serving as a variant spelling of Melvin. Both derive from the Old English name Ælfwine, combining elements meaning 'friend' and 'elf' or 'magical…
Helaine
French variation of Helen
Like twins Helene and Elaine, a relic of the 1930s to 40s French Renaissance of names.
Maralyn
Maralyn is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Marilyn, which combines the names Mary and Lynn. It ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Miriam, thought to mean "sea of bitterness,"…
Rayburn
English
"roe-deer brook"
If you feel a burning need to gussy up Ray -- think again.
Pearlene
English, elaboration of Pearl
Ilene
Greek variation of Helen
Ilene might be a phonetic way to spell Aileen or Eileen, though in the end people may have more luck pronouncing the original.
Joetta
Joetta is a feminine name with American origins, functioning primarily as a combination name blending Jo (from Josephine or Joan) with the feminine suffix -etta. This type of combined name became…
Darvin
Darvin is a masculine name that appears to be a variation of Darwin, which itself originated as an English surname meaning 'dear friend.' The name gained recognition through Charles Darwin, the…
Rondal
Rondal is a masculine name that serves as a variation of Ronald, which derives from Old Norse elements meaning 'ruler's counselor' or 'mighty ruler.' This alternative spelling maintains the strong,…
Patricia
Latin
"noble, patrician"
Patricia still sounds patrician, though its scores of nicknames definitely don't. Wildly popular from the forties (alternately Number 3 and 4 throughout the decade) to the sixties, Patricia has been…
Myrna
Irish
"festive; affection, endearment"
An anglicized spelling of Muirne, the name of the mother of Finn mac Cool in Irish legend, Myrna has a unique sound and two possible meanings, both of which are positive. Actress Myrna Loy was a…
Marolyn
Marolyn is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Marilyn or a combination of Mary and Lynn. With Germanic and Latin roots, the name carries meanings associated with 'famous',…
Janet
Diminutive of Jane
"God is gracious"
Janet started as a pet form of Jane but has long been used independently. Jane is a feminine form of John, which derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan. Janet can also be considered a variation of…
