Names that Peaked in 1940
Across 2 pages
of 2
The names
James
English variation of Jacob, Hebrew
"supplanter"
James is one of the classic Anglo-Saxon names, a stalwart through the ages that is more popular—and yes, stylish—than ever today. It recently came out Number 1 in a poll of America's favorite boys'…
Thomas
Aramaic
"twin"
A solid classic with plenty of history, Thomas strikes the balance between strength and gentleness. A favorite in the UK, a staple in France, and Australia, and never absent from the US Top 100,…
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),…
Priscilla
Latin, diminutive of Prisca
"ancient"
Despite her somewhat prissy, puritanical air, Priscilla has managed to stay widely used for well over a century -- it reached as high as Number 127 in 1940 -- appreciated for its delicacy and solid…
Allen
English and Scottish
"handsome, cheerful"
Allen is the spelling of this name -- other common spellings are Alan and Allan -- most associated with the surname; it might also be the most appropriate if you're trying to steer clear of Al as a…
Judith
Hebrew
"He will be praised or woman from Judea"
The biblical Judith, the fourth most popular name in 1940, may be getting ready for a comeback in its full, elegant, if somewhat solemn form. Many of those earlier Judiths were called Judy—some after…
Jerry
Diminutive of Gerald or Jerome, German or Greek
"ruler with the spear or sacred name"
Jerry is one of those short forms that, like Mike and Debbie, rose to popularity on the coattails of their formal versions. The equivalents today are nickname names like Ellie and Theo. Though Jerry…
Barbara
Greek
"foreign woman"
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…
Harrell
Hebrew
"God's mount"
While everyone may think you said "Harold," this name sounds more up-to-date. And if you get tired of explaining, you can always call him Harry.
Kennith
Kennith is a masculine name that represents an alternative spelling of Kenneth, which derives from the Scottish Gaelic name Coinneach, meaning 'handsome' or 'comely.' This spelling variant emerged in…
Tex
Place-name, nickname for state of Texas resident
Despite its rakish western charm, still remains a cowboy costume without a real persona inside.
Wendell
German, English
"wanderer; to travel, to proceed"
This name has hardly been used since Wendell Willkie ran for president in 1940, and it may not quite be ready for revival yet. Still, clunky grandpa names like Lionel, Douglas, Benedict, Carl, and…
Wilkie
Scottish surname from a diminutive of William
"resolute protection"
William was such a popular name, thanks to the Conquerer, in early England that it gave rise to a range of nicknames, including the distinctly Scottish Wilkie. Heard mostly as a surname these days,…
Earnestine
Earnestine is a feminine name with deep historical roots, being the female form of Ernest, which derives from the Germanic word 'ernst,' meaning serious or determined. Popular in the early 20th…
Merlene
Merlene is a feminine name that likely evolved as a variation of Marlene or a combination of Mary and Lene/Lena. Marlene itself gained popularity through actress Marlene Dietrich in the early 20th…
Jerrel
Jerrel is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Jerrell, which itself is likely a diminutive form of the name Jerome. Jerome derives from the Greek name Hieronymos, meaning…
Windell
Windell is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing a variant spelling of Wendell. The name derives from the Germanic elements 'wandal' and 'dal,' roughly translating to 'wanderer' or…
Sondra
Variation of Sandra
Considered distinctive back when Sandra was stylish.
Wendel
Wendel is a masculine name with Germanic origins, derived from the Vandals, an ancient East Germanic tribe. The name means 'wanderer' or 'one who travels,' reflecting the nomadic nature of these…