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.

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.

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.

Peggie is a feminine name that serves as an affectionate variant spelling of Peggy, which itself originated as a diminutive of Margaret. The name Margaret derives from Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' This spelling with an '-ie' ending adds a sweet, informal quality to the already endearing nickname. Peggie enjoyed modest popularity in the early to mid-20th century, particularly during the 1930s and 1940s, when nickname forms as given names were fashionable. The name carries a vintage charm and friendly, approachable quality that reflects the sensibilities of that era. While less common today, Peggie offers nostalgic appeal with its retro sound and connection to the classic Margaret tradition.