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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. Barbara

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. 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.
  8. Ronald

    • Origin:

      Scottish, Norse

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  9. Edwina

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Edwin, English

    • 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.
  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. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.

  14. 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.
  15. Sharen

    • Description:

      Sharen is a feminine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Sharon, which derives from the biblical place name referring to a fertile coastal plain in Israel. In the Song of Solomon, the phrase 'rose of Sharon' contributed to the name's association with beauty and blossoming. This spelling variation with an 'e' gained some traction in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s when Sharon was at its peak popularity. Sharen offers a subtle twist on the more common spelling while maintaining the same pronunciation. The name has declined in usage since its mid-century height but retains an established, recognizable quality. Those named Sharen might appreciate having a slight distinction from the more common Sharon while still connecting to its biblical heritage and enduring appeal.
  16. Karren

    • Description:

      Karren is a feminine name that originated as a variant spelling of Karen, which derives from the Danish form of Katherine. Katherine itself comes from the Greek name Aikaterine, possibly meaning "pure." Karren gained some popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century but remained less common than Karen. The unique double-r spelling gives the name a distinctive appearance while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. Karren peaked in usage during the 1950s and 1960s in the United States, aligning with the popularity surge of Karen. Today, the name has decreased in frequency, giving it a vintage quality. Karren projects strength and clarity while its uncommon spelling offers individuality to those who bear it.

  17. 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.
  18. Carolee

    • Description:

      Carolee is a feminine name that emerged as a blend of Carol and the popular suffix '-lee' or as a creative variation of Caroline. With English origins, the name has a vintage charm, having reached modest popularity in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. Carol derives from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man,' while the '-lee' element adds a melodic, feminine touch. Carolee offers a sweet, friendly quality with its bouncy rhythm and familiar sounds while remaining sufficiently uncommon to be distinctive. The name carries associations of joy and celebration through its connection to Christmas carols. For contemporary parents, Carolee represents a retro choice that balances vintage appeal with a continued feeling of freshness and individuality.

  19. Gerry

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Geraldine

    • Description:

      Gerry was hep along with poodle skirts and banana splits.
  20. Ruthann

    • Description:

      Ruthann is a feminine name that combines the classic biblical name Ruth with the suffix 'ann.' Ruth derives from Hebrew origins, meaning 'friend,' 'companion,' or 'vision of beauty.' This combination name gained modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1930s and 1940s. Ruthann offers a slightly more elaborate alternative to the simpler Ruth, while maintaining its traditional roots and dignified sound. The name carries associations with loyalty and steadfastness, qualities attributed to the biblical Ruth. While less common today than in previous generations, Ruthann has a timeless quality that appeals to parents seeking a name with both classic roots and a distinctive character.