Names that Peaked in 1946

Suzanne

French variation of Susan

"lily"

Suzanne became popular along with Susan but has just dropped out of the Top 1,000. Wait a generation (or two) in the US, though in France Suzanne is once again tres chic.

Ilona

Hungarian variation of Helen, Finnish

"shining torch; light; joy"

This variant of Helen is used across Europe, in France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, and it's native Hungary. Reminiscent of Elena, Leona, Ilaria, Fiona and Lola, it nevertheless remains a rarity in…

Jeanne

French variation of Jean

"God is gracious"

Pronounced just like Jean in the English-speaking world, but as the more unusual zhahn in France, this has sailed away with the first wave of French favorites: Denise, Michelle, et soeurs.

Trudy

German

"spear of strength"

Innocent, sincere, and bright-eyed, and as outdated as its mother name, Gertrude.

Ruthanne

Compound name, blending Ruth and Anne

"compassionate and gracious friend"

Short and sharp but endearing too, Ruthanne is a combination of two classic names. Briefly popular in the 40s, Ruthanne is still given to around 15 girls each year - and, with Ruthie back on the…

Sue

Diminutive of Susan

Much-used midcentury diminutive, now fallen far from favor even as a middle name.

Judi

Judi is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Judith, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'woman from Judea' or 'praised.' This shorter variation gained particular popularity in the…

Susanne

Susanne is a feminine name representing a French and German variation of Susan, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Shoshana meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' With its elegant double 'n' and silent 'e'…

Sheron

Sheron is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Sharon, which has Hebrew origins meaning "a fertile plain" or "a forest." In the Bible, Sharon refers to a coastal plain in Israel known…

Dian

Dian is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. Most commonly, it's considered a variant of Diana, the Roman goddess of the moon and hunting, derived from an Indo-European root meaning…

Dayle

Dayle is a feminine name with English origins, though it can occasionally be used for boys as well. It evolved as a variant of Dale, which originally referred to someone who lived in a valley. The…

Corliss

English

"carefree person"

Corliss, eccentric yet well-established, has an independent and artistic air.

Cherryl

Cherryl is a feminine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Cheryl, which itself developed as a feminine form of the French name Cherie, meaning 'darling' or 'beloved.' This alternative spelling…

Diann

Diann is a feminine name that represents a variation of Diana or Diane. It derives from the Roman goddess Diana, who was associated with the moon, hunting, and nature. This particular spelling offers…