Names that Peaked in 1939
- Mary
Origin:
Hebrew or EgyptianMeaning:
"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).
- Robert
Origin:
English from GermanMeaning:
"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.
- Kenneth
Origin:
Scottish and IrishMeaning:
"born of fire, handsome"Description:
Kenneth may have lost much of its luster now, but Kenneth has had its moments of glory. The first king of Scotland was Kenneth, and Sir Kenneth, a Christian crusader, was the hero of the Sir Walter Scott novel The Talisman.
- Sally
Origin:
Diminutive of SarahMeaning:
"princess"Description:
Sally is a cheerful, fresh-faced girl-next-door name that was originally a nickname for Sarah, but has long been used independently. Sally was popular in the eighteenth century and then again from the 1920s to the 1960s--it was just outside the Top 50 around 1940. Though it hasn't been heard as a baby name for decades, we can see Sally bouncing back, especially after her exposure as young Ms. Draper on Mad Men--the Nameberries rank it at Number 621, and it's a Top 100 name in Sweden.
- Richard
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"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.
- Barbara
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"foreign woman"Description:
Barbara is back and among the fastest-rising names of recent years! Credit goes to 2023's breakout movie Barbie, which gave a new stylish feel to the classic Barbara and set it up to rank alongside clunky, retro choices like Deborah, Marjorie, Marilyn, and Dorothy.
- Patricia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"noble, patrician"Description:
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 fading ever since. But a comeback in its full form is definitely conceivable—just look at Penelope.
- Jerome
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"sacred name"Description:
Jerome has a bespectacled, serious, studious image, just like its namesake saint, who was a brilliant scholar. St. Jerome is the patron saint of students, librarians, and archaeologists.
- Gerald
Origin:
English and Irish from GermanMeaning:
"ruler with the spear"Description:
Both a saint's name and a presidential one via Gerald Ford—who was born Leslie—Gerald is a quintessential 1930s-40s name, when it ranked as high as Number 19. Hence all those nice middle-aged and senior Jerrys we've known and loved. Gerald has always been popular in Ireland, accounting for the prevalence of Fitzgeralds there. Though not considered stylish, Gerald remains on the popularity charts. Cousin Gerard has a similar profile, Geraldo is the well-used Spanish version, and Geraldine is the most promising of the family, in line to follow the path of Josephine to imminent revival.
- Loren
Origin:
Variation of Laurence, English from LatinMeaning:
"from Laurentum or bay laurel"Description:
A variant form of Laurence or Lawrence which ranked in the #200s in the US from the 1900s through to the 1960s. It didn't fall off the boys' Top 1000 until the late 1990s, following the huge popularity of Lauren for girls.
- Eartha
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"earth"Description:
Used by the Puritans but off the US charts completely since the mid-1990s, Eartha is best known today as the name of American singer Eartha Kitt, as well as of the philanthropist and humanitarian Eartha M. M. White.
- Benny
Description:
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.
- Nelda
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"one who lives by the alder tree"Description:
Occasionally heard in Ireland, small chance of success here.
- Jeanette
Origin:
French, diminutive of JeanneDescription:
Relic of a past period of French favorites, out to pasture with Claudette and Paulette.
- Gale
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
Gale for boys is more a storm name than a short form of Abigail. Since Gale has resurfaced as the name of Liam Hemsworth's daring character in The Hunger Games, it has new force for boys.
- Prentice
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"apprentice"Description:
Long-used surname name that's up for promotion to greater popularity.
- Karel
Description:
Karel is a feminine name in English-speaking contexts, though it originated as the Czech and Dutch masculine form of Charles. This cross-cultural name derives from the Germanic element 'karl' meaning 'man' or 'free man.' In Czech culture, Karel has strong associations through the renowned writer Karel Čapek and composer Karel Husa. When used for girls in English-speaking countries, it represents a distinctive alternative to Carol or Caroline. The name has a crisp, modern sound despite its historical roots. Karel's gender-crossing nature gives it a contemporary appeal for parents seeking names that challenge traditional gender norms while still having established historical usage. The name combines simplicity with an intriguing international character.
- Treva
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"large homestead"Description:
Trevor with a New York accent.
- Marleen
Description:
Marleen is a feminine name of Dutch and German origin, derived as a variation of Marlene or a diminutive of Maria combined with the suffix '-leen.' It gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in Northern European countries. The name carries a gentle yet strong character, balancing traditional roots with a modern feel. Marleen was notably popularized by the 1912 German song 'Lili Marleen,' which became an international hit during World War II. While never reaching top-ranking status in most countries, it maintains steady usage, particularly in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Many parents choose Marleen for its melodic sound, manageable pronunciation across different languages, and its blend of classic appeal with a touch of uniqueness.
- Ronal
Description:
Ronal is a masculine name that functions as a variant of Ronald or a shortened form of Ronaldo. Ronald derives from Old Norse elements meaning "ruler's advisor" or "king's power" (from "Rögnvaldr"). The name gained popularity in Scotland before spreading throughout English-speaking countries. In Spanish-speaking regions, Ronal may be used as a variation of Ronaldo or Ronald. While less common than its more traditional counterparts, Ronal maintains the strong, commanding quality of its origins. The name has international appeal, recognized across various cultures while still being distinctive. Popularity has declined since the mid-20th century when Ronald reached its peak, but Ronal offers a slightly more contemporary option for parents seeking a traditional name with a modern twist.