Names that Peaked in 1942
By Nameberry
Updated Thu Nov 30 2023
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- James
Origin:
English variation of Jacob, HebrewMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
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' baby names, and is the most common male name, counting people of all ages, in the US.
- Thomas
Origin:
AramaicMeaning:
"twin"Description:
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, Thomas feels like a safe bet and a name that fits into any era.
- 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).
- 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.
- Lawrence
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"from Laurentium or bay laurel"Description:
Lawrence has survived from Roman times, when Laurentium was a city noted for its laurel trees (the laurel is a symbol of wisdom and achievement). It was in the Top 50 from the 1890s through the 1950s and the Top 100 for decades longer, always among the most popular boys' names starting with L, but Lawrence is now used less for babies than Landon or Lorenzo.
- Douglas
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"black water"Description:
Douglas, and more particularly its nickname, Doug, had a real romantic swagger in the 1950s and 1960s dating back to swashbuckling Douglas Fairbanks, but today is more likely to conjure up your mom's prom date. Originally a Celtic river name, it became attached to a powerful Scottish clan, renowned for their strength and courage. In its earliest incarnation, Douglas was used equally for girls and boys.
- Rosalind
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"soft horse or pretty rose"Description:
Rosalind has a distinguished literary history – used and popularized by Edmund Spenser and Shakespeare via one of his most charming heroines, in As You Like It. Along with a bouquet of other Rose names, Rosalind might be ready for a comeback.
- 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.
- Allen
Origin:
English and ScottishMeaning:
"handsome, cheerful"Description:
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 nickname, as this can easily offer you Len or Lenny as options.
- Mac
Origin:
Scottish or IrishMeaning:
"son of"Description:
In Ireland and Scotland, Mac and Mc mean "son of"; here, Mac is a generic fella, or a short form cooler than either Matt or Max. Mac can be a nickname of any longer Mac or Mc starting name such as McCoy or Macalister. If you want to make it feel more complete, you can always spell it Mack.
- Ronald
Origin:
Scottish, NorseMeaning:
"ruler's counselor"Description:
A strong, if slightly dated sounding choice, Ronald made the US Top 10 in the late 1930s through into the mid-1940s, before it became heavily associated with President Reagan, as well as with the McDonald franchise mascot. More recently, it has appeared in the Harry Potter series, borne by Ronald "Ron" Weasley, while others may immediately think of its rhyme, Donald. All of these factors may work against Ronald making a big resurgence, but popular nickname Ronnie might make others reconsider.
- Carolyn
Origin:
English variation of Caroline, FrenchMeaning:
"free man"Description:
The phonetic Carolyn spelling, which was very popular from the 1920s to the '60s, has been steadily on the wane while Caroline herself has stayed strong.
- Niles
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"son of Neil"Description:
Perfect name for TV Frasier's effete brother. In the 2020 film Palm Springs, Andy Samberg plays a character with the updated spelling Nyles.
- Michal
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"brook"Description:
In the Bible, daughter of King Saul and wife of King David.
- Maryanne
Origin:
English, combination of Mary and AnneMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + grace"Description:
Variant of Marianne or Maryann
- Merrily
Origin:
English word name or combination of Mary and LeeMeaning:
"cheerful, joyful; drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + meadow"Description:
Slightly sing-song and very joyful, with a hint of Melody, a bit of Felicity, and a dash of Truly thrown in, Merrily was briefly popular in the 1940s.
- Aloma
Origin:
Invented nameDescription:
Aloma is a name invented for a Hawaiian dancer, the title character in a 1925 play later adapted twice as a film. But long before that, it was also used by the medieval scholar Ramón Llull, possibly as a feminine form of Alomar (from the Germanic name Aldemar, "old + famous"). The Catalan author Mercè Rodoreda used it for the heroine of her novel Aloma/, making it a classic Catalan literary choice.
It has not been used enough to make the US charts since the 1980s, but would fit with the trend for liquid-sounding, multicultural names like Alaia and Alina.
- Carole
Description:
Carole is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the masculine name Charles, ultimately from Germanic roots meaning 'free man' or 'strong.' Popularized in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century, Carole reached its peak popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, boosted by celebrities like Carole Lombard. The spelling with an 'e' ending gives it a distinctly French flair compared to the variant Carol. Though less common for newborns today, Carole retains a classic, elegant image. The name carries musical associations through the tradition of Christmas carols and gained recognition through famous bearers like singer-songwriter Carole King. Its timeless quality balances tradition with a warm, approachable character.
- Gerry
Description:
Gerry is a friendly, approachable masculine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a diminutive of Gerald, Gerard, or Geraint. Derived from Germanic roots meaning 'spear ruler' or 'brave with a spear,' Gerry carries the history of these longer forms while offering a more casual, accessible feel. The name peaked in popularity in the mid-20th century and maintains associations with that era. Gerry has cross-cultural appeal, being recognized in English-speaking countries as well as throughout Europe. Notable bearers include musicians Gerry Rafferty and Gerry Marsden, lending the name a somewhat artistic, musical association. Though less commonly given today as a formal name, it remains a well-recognized and affable choice.