Names that Peaked in 1944
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About this list
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),…
Johnny
Diminutive of John
"God is gracious"
The ultimate midcentury nickname, retaining a good measure of retro charm, was chosen for her son by Mira Sorvino.
Tommy
Diminutive of Thomas
"twin"
A surprising number of parents choose to put the nickname Tommy on their son's birth certificate rather than the more traditional Thomas. Perhaps even more surprising is thE fact that Tommy has never…
Marilynn
English combination of Mary and Lynn
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + lake"
Variant of Marilyn
Maryellen
English, combination of Mary and Ellen
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + shining light"
A gentle old-fashioned compound name that has never been epidemically popular, but is now almost unused. The meaning of Mary is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots…
Karol
Karol is a feminine name in many English-speaking countries, though it functions as a masculine name in Slavic countries, particularly Poland, where it's the equivalent of Charles. Derived from the…
Jimmy
Diminutive of James
"supplanter"
Every other little kid's name in 1957 but few Jameses are called Jimmy today; they're more often James or Jamie.
Glenda
Feminine form of Glenn, English, Scottish
"valley"
Part nature name, part mid-century favorite, Glenda came into use in the 20th century as a feminine form of Scottish Glenn, likely inspired by Linda and Wanda too. While Glenn would give it the…
Dottie
English, diminutive of Dorothy
"gift of God"
Dottie and Dot are old Dorothy nicknames that some cutting-edge Brits are bringing back to fashion. It's been half a century since Dottie ranked on its own in this country, one of those nickname…
Jonnie
Jonnie is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Joan or Joanna, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious.' This spelling variation with the 'ie'…
Charolette
Charolette is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Charlotte, which derives from the masculine name Charles, ultimately meaning 'free man' or 'warrior.' This alternative spelling…
Domingo
Spanish
"born on a Sunday"
Commonly heard in Hispanic cultures, a rhythmic possibility here.
Jan
Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Czech, Polish, Slovene, German, and Catalan variation of John, Hebrew
"God is gracious"
A standard form of John in Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Czech, Polish, Slovene, German, and Catalan. Properly pronounced yahn (in most of these languages), most Americans will still equate it…
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…
Sherrill
Sherrill is a feminine name with English origins, though it occasionally appears as a surname or male name as well. Derived from either a place name referring to a 'bright meadow' or possibly as a…
Durwood
English
"gatekeeper"
As wooden as its second syllable.
Glynda
Glynda is a feminine name that emerged as a variant of Glenda, which itself originated as a Welsh name derived from the elements 'glan' meaning 'clean' or 'pure' and 'da' meaning 'good.' The spelling…
