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Names that Peaked in 1943

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Thu Nov 30 2023
  1. James

    • Origin:

      English variation of Jacob, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Thomas

    • Origin:

      Aramaic

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Mary

    • Origin:

      Hebrew or Egyptian

    • Meaning:

      "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).
  4. Richard

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  5. Eileen

    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Evelyn

    • Meaning:

      "desired; or water, island"

    • Description:

      The Scottish Eileen was a midcentury darling that was on a long downward slide for decades. And then, in 2012, it took an unexpected pivot and has been inching upward in the US. The unrelated but similar-sounding Isla may have revived the taste for Eileen. Isla along with Lee and Lena might be nicknames for Eileen. Eileen is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Eibhlin or Aibhilin, which is technically a form of to Evelyn/Aveline, but is also sometimes considered part of the Helen family of names. Aileen is the Irish version, less popular now than Eileen.
  6. Patricia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Barbara

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "foreign woman"

    • Description:

      Barbara is back! Among the fastest-rising names of 2023, Barbara came back from oblivion at the very bottom of the Top 1000, gaining nearly 100 places on the popularity list.
  8. Ronald

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "ruler's counselor"

    • Description:

      To many people, Ronald is off playing shuffleboard with Donald, though others aren't swayed by its old man image. In the Top 10 in the late 1930s through the mid-1940s, the name later came to be strongly associated with President Reagan, along with his nicknames, Ron and Ronnie—as well as with the McDonald franchise mascot. A more youthful bearer is the likable character Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter series. In the early days of Hollywood, Ronald Colman was a dashing matinee idol.
  9. Gay

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "joyful"

    • Description:

      The meaning of this word flipped from "cheerful" to "homosexual" during the twentieth century, and it's now almost certainly too loaded to sit comfortably as a baby name. Which is a shame as sound-wise it's very appealing, just a short step away from Faye, May, and Rae.
  10. Sharon

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "a plain"

    • Description:

      This Old Testament place name was in the Top 10 fifty years ago, but now Sharon, along with sound-alike Karen, have fallen out of favor.
  11. Edwina

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Edwin

    • Meaning:

      "wealthy friend"

    • Description:

      Edwina may still be taking tea in the parlor, but we can see her joining friends like Matilda and Josephine for a comeback, especially if pronounced like Edwin rather than Edween.
  12. Maryann

    • Origin:

      English, combination of Mary and Ann

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + grace"

    • Description:

      Combination of Mary and Ann which has been more popular than Marianne in recent years, although still below the Top 1000, after a peak in the 1940s.
  13. Kaye

    • Origin:

      Short form of Katherine, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      Kaye and its more popular sister Kay, once common short forms of the perennially popular Katherine, are now on the endangered list, given to fewer than 50 baby girls each year. But maybe that makes them prime for a comeback? Rarer than Kate, in any case.
  14. Carlyn

    • Description:

      Carlyn is a feminine name combining elements of Carol and Lynn, though it can also be considered a variant of Caroline or Carolyn. With Germanic origins, it relates to the root 'karl' meaning 'free man' or 'strong,' adapted to feminine usage. This streamlined spelling emerged in the mid-20th century as parents sought alternatives to more traditional forms. Carlyn offers a modern, simplified approach while maintaining connections to classical naming traditions. The name has maintained modest but consistent usage in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. With its strong consonants balanced by the soft ending, Carlyn strikes a pleasing balance between strength and femininity. The name works well in professional settings while avoiding the more common variations of Caroline that might result in duplicate names in social or work environments.
  15. Judie

    • Description:

      Judie is a feminine name that serves as a variation of Judy, itself a diminutive of Judith. Derived from the Hebrew name Yehudit meaning 'woman from Judea' or 'praised,' Judie carries biblical connections to the Book of Judith. This spelling variant with an 'ie' ending was particularly popular during the 1940s and 1950s, coinciding with actress Judy Garland's fame. While less common than the standard Judy spelling, Judie offers a slight twist on the familiar name. The name evokes a friendly, approachable quality and carries nostalgic associations with mid-20th century America. Though its usage has declined since its mid-century peak, Judie retains a classic, unpretentious charm.

  16. Fredric

    • Description:

      Fredric is a masculine name representing a streamlined spelling variant of Frederick. With Germanic origins, it combines the elements 'fridu' meaning 'peace' and 'ric' meaning 'ruler' or 'power,' thus signifying 'peaceful ruler.' This spelling variation maintains the name's distinguished history while offering a slightly more concise form. Frederick has been borne by numerous European rulers, giving the name royal associations. Fredric gained some usage in the mid-20th century but remains less common than Frederick or the shortened Fred. The name projects qualities of dignity, leadership, and stability. Its traditional character appeals to parents seeking a classic name with historical depth, while the slightly uncommon spelling adds a subtle point of distinction.
  17. Roseann

    • Origin:

      Compound name, combining Rose and Ann

    • Meaning:

      "graceful rose"

    • Description:

      A shaper, more succinct variation on Roseanne, Rosanne or Roseanna, Roseann was popular in the 1940s.
  18. Ronny

    • Description:

      Ronny is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Ronald or Ron. Ronald derives from the Old Norse name Rögnvaldr, combining 'regin' (advice, decision) and 'valdr' (ruler), meaning 'ruler's counselor.' Ronny emerged as an affectionate nickname that eventually became used as an independent given name in English-speaking countries, particularly gaining popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its 'y' ending giving it a youthful, casual feel. Ronny has been used for notable figures in sports and entertainment, contributing to its familiar yet distinct character. While its peak popularity has passed, it maintains a classic, unpretentious appeal that connects to mid-century naming traditions.
  19. Darleen

    • Description:

      Darleen is a feminine name that originated as a variant of Darlene, which combines the English word 'dear' with the suffix '-lene.' This name gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. Darleen carries a sweet, affectionate connotation, literally meaning 'beloved' or 'dearly loved.' While its usage has declined since its peak, Darleen retains a nostalgic charm that evokes the post-war era. The name has a friendly, approachable quality and is often associated with warmth and kindness. Variations include Darlene, Darline, and Darlina.
  20. Prentiss

    • Description:

      Prentiss originated as an English surname derived from the word 'apprentice,' referring to someone who was learning a trade or craft. As a given name, it has transitioned primarily to use as a masculine first name, though it occasionally appears as a unisex or feminine name as well. Prentiss has an aristocratic, distinguished quality that evokes New England prep schools and old-money families. It peaked in popularity in the early 20th century but has since become quite uncommon, giving it a vintage appeal. The name carries connotations of learning, skill development, and professional dedication based on its etymological roots. Its distinctive sound and spelling make it stand out, while its historical usage gives it substance. Prentiss might appeal to parents drawn to rare surname-style names with a touch of traditional prestige.