Names that Peaked in 1939

Benny is traditionally a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Benjamin, which comes from Hebrew and means "son of the right hand" or "son of the south." Benny can also serve as a nickname for other names like Benedict, Bennett, or Bentley. Throughout the 20th century, Benny gained recognition through notable figures like bandleader Benny Goodman and comedian Benny Hill. The name has a friendly, approachable quality that has maintained modest popularity over the decades. While some parents choose Benny as a given name, it more commonly serves as an affectionate nickname that conveys warmth and familiarity.

Verlon is an uncommon masculine name with uncertain origins, possibly a variant of Vernon or a unique creation combining elements of names like Vernon and Marlon. Vernon itself derives from a French surname meaning "alder tree grove." Verlon emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, peaking in usage during the 1930s-1950s but remaining relatively rare even then. It has a distinctive, somewhat vintage quality with its strong 'V' beginning and the smooth '-lon' ending that characterized several mid-century masculine names. Today, Verlon has an uncommon, distinctive quality that might appeal to parents looking for a vintage name that hasn't become trendy in modern revivals. Its rarity makes it stand out while still having a familiar phonetic structure.

Darrel is a masculine name of Old French origin, derived from 'Darrell,' originally a surname meaning "open-hearted" or coming from the French place name d'Airelle. The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s when it reached its peak usage in the United States. Darrel conveys a sense of strength and reliability while maintaining a friendly, approachable quality. Often associated with the American heartland, the name projects masculine virtues without pretension. While its popularity has declined since its mid-century height, Darrel remains recognizable without being overly common. Variant spellings include Darrell, Darryl, and Daryl, with each form having its own subtle connotations and regional preferences.

Glennis is a feminine name with Celtic and Scottish origins, deriving from the Welsh 'glân' meaning 'clean' or 'pure,' or possibly from Scottish place names containing 'glen' (valley). The name gained modest recognition in the mid-20th century, notably through Glennis Yeager, wife of famous test pilot Chuck Yeager. Glennis balances uniqueness with recognizability—distinctive enough to stand out while remaining familiar in sound. The name has a crisp, tailored quality that combines strength with femininity. Though never extremely common, Glennis saw peak usage in the 1940s and 1950s in the United States. Today, it offers parents seeking vintage revival names an option that hasn't yet experienced the full resurgence of other mid-century choices.

Karlene is a feminine name derived from the Germanic male name Karl, meaning 'free man' or 'strong man.' It emerged as a feminine variant in the mid-20th century, particularly gaining traction in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. The name combines the strength of its masculine root with a distinctly feminine ending. Karlene peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century but has since become less common, giving it a vintage charm. Variations include Charlene, Karleen, and Carleen. The name is appreciated for its strong sound while maintaining femininity. While not among the most popular names today, Karlene continues to appeal to parents looking for a name with both character and historical roots.