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Names that Peaked in 1944

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. 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.
  6. Dottie

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Dorothy

    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"

    • Description:

      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 names that flourished in the 1890's.
  7. Jimmy

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of James

    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"

    • Description:

      Every other little kid's name in 1957 but few Jameses are called Jimmy today; they're more often James or Jamie.
  8. Jan

    • Origin:

      Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Czech, Polish, Slovene, German, and Catalan variation of John, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      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 with the Brady Bunchesque girls' name Jan, which is now officially extinct.
  9. Tommy

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Thomas

    • Meaning:

      "twin"

    • Description:

      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 been off the United States popularity charts. More recently, however, the name has been trending downward.
  10. Johnny

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of John

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      The ultimate midcentury nickname, retaining a good measure of retro charm, was chosen for her son by Mira Sorvino.
  11. Woody

    • Origin:

      Word name or diminutive of Woodrow, English

    • Meaning:

      "row of houses by a wood"

    • Description:

      While Woodrow is too forbidding, its nickname Woody is a bit cartoonish, as in Woody Woodpecker and the animated cowboy character in Toy Story. Woody also has a slang meaning that no teenage boy will thank you for. Woody Allen was born Allen.
  12. Glenda

    • Origin:

      Feminine form of Glenn, English, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "valley"

    • Description:

      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 meaning "valley", if you do consider it a smoosh name with Linda, Wanda, or Brenda, you get means such as "beautiful valley", "tender valley", "Wend's valley", "sword valley" or "fire valley".
  13. Dorinda

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "bountiful gift"

    • Description:

      Cinderella stepsister type Victorian-valentine name.
  14. Jonnie

    • Description:

      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' ending gives it a distinctly feminine touch compared to the masculine Johnny (derived from John). Jonnie has a casual, friendly quality that maintains its connection to its more formal origins while offering a playful, approachable alternative. The name enjoyed modest popularity in the mid-20th century in the United States, often used as a nickname but also given as a formal name. Jonnie embodies the American trend of transforming nicknames into standalone names, appealing to parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive. Its simple spelling and easy pronunciation make it accessible across cultures.

  15. Domingo

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "born on a Sunday"

    • Description:

      Commonly heard in Hispanic cultures, a rhythmic possibility here.
  16. Marilynn

    • Origin:

      English combination of Mary and Lynn

    • Meaning:

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

    • Description:

      Variant of Marilyn
  17. Glynda

    • Description:

      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 with a 'y' gives it a slightly more whimsical quality. The name gained some recognition through the character Glinda the Good Witch in L. Frank Baum's 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' (though with a different spelling). Glynda saw modest popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, but remains relatively uncommon today. The name evokes qualities of kindness and goodness, carrying a gentle, magical quality that connects to its literary association.
  18. Sammie

    • Description:

      Sammie is traditionally a diminutive form of Samuel or Samantha that has evolved into a standalone masculine name (though it's used for both genders). With Hebrew origins through Samuel, meaning 'heard by God' or 'name of God,' Sammie carries warm, friendly associations. The name has an approachable, unpretentious quality with its informal '-ie' ending. It peaked in popularity during the early 20th century in the United States and has experienced occasional revivals. Sammie offers a cheerful, youthful energy that some parents find appealing, though others may prefer it as a nickname. Its familiar sound and spelling make it instantly recognizable while remaining less common than Samuel as a formal name.

  19. Sherrill

    • Description:

      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 diminutive of the name Sherrie (itself a diminutive of Sharon), Sherrill gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1920s through 1950s. It has a gentle, traditional quality while remaining relatively uncommon. Sherrill peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century and has since become less common, giving it a somewhat vintage feel today. The name carries connotations of brightness and clarity, reflected in its linguistic roots relating to light or shining.
  20. Durwood

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "gatekeeper"

    • Description:

      As wooden as its second syllable.