Names that Peaked in 1945
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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.
Lawrence
Latin
"from Laurentium or bay laurel"
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…
Santos
Spanish
"saint, holy"
The Spanish and Portuguese variation of the all-saints name. Santos is a name that has appeared in the US Top 1000 every year except for two: 1913 and 1915.
Roger
German
"famous warrior"
In the World War II era, Roger had nothing but the most positive associations, actually used by military personnel to mean 'Received and understood'--or A-OK, and though it is now on extended…
Laraine
Spelling variation of Lorraine
See LORRAINE.
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.
Oralia
Oralia is a feminine name with Latin and Spanish origins, derived from the Latin 'oralis' meaning 'spoken' or relating to the mouth or speech. Popular primarily in Hispanic communities, this melodic…
Dianne
Variation of Diane, French from Latin
"divine"
Dianne, one of the many offshoots and variations of the classic Diana, had its moment in the sun in the 1940s--it was a Top 100 name from 1943 to 1952. It now would make a very unlikely choice. This…
Frankie
Diminutive of Frank, Francis, or Franklin, Latin
"from France or free man"
Frankie used to be a name used for near-equal numbers of girls and boys. In 2015, it ranked Number 992 for both genders in the US. Now, though, the name is used for than twice as often for girls than…
Sharon
Hebrew
"a plain"
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.
Eusebio
Spanish and Italian form of Eusebio, Latin
"pious"
A pious and saintly name with a zippy sound, Eusebio is the Spanish and Italian form of the old Eusebios. Translating literally to "good worship", Eubsebio has been borne by Renaissance painter,…
Lucky
English word name
"having good fortune"
Recently chosen by singer Elle King for her son. Lucky is a name that could see a considerable rise in the near future, as word names continue to heat up.
Linwood
Linwood is a masculine name of English origin, derived from a surname and place name meaning 'lake forest' or 'pool in the woods,' combining Old English elements 'lin' (pool, lake) and 'wudu' (wood,…
Carolann
Combination of Carol + Ann, English
"free man of grace; song of grace"
A compound name that mirrors the cadence of Caroline but with a twist at the end. The name was briefly popular during the 30s and 40s.
Janey
Janey is a feminine name primarily used as a diminutive form of Jane. Jane itself derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' Janey carries the same meaning while adding an…
Truman
English
"loyal one"
Truman is an upstanding presidential name that radiates an aura of integrity and moral truth, values any parent would want for a child. It seems definitely headed for a revival. Also associated with…
