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Names that Peaked in 1947

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. 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.
  4. Rudy

    • Origin:

      German, diminutive of Rudolph

    • Meaning:

      "famous wolf"

    • Description:

      Rudy is one of those names that has been consistently in the US Top 1000 since the early 20th century without ever becoming overwhelmingly popular. It peaked back in the 1930s, when it briefly entered the Top 250, though more recent years have seen it make the latter end of the charts. Certainly more stylish than its parent name, Rudolph, which has been relegated to reindeers in English speaking countries, Rudy was given to 300 boys in a recent year.
  5. Linden

    • Origin:

      Variation of Lyndon

    • Meaning:

      "linden tree hill"

    • Description:

      The graceful, natural image of the verdant shade tree transcends any connection with President Johnson.
  6. Linda

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese and Italian

    • Meaning:

      "pretty"

    • Description:

      Linda will live forever in baby name history for toppling Mary from its four hundred year reign as Number 1. Queen of Names in 1947, Linda has fallen even further in favor than Mary today.
  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. Terry

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Terence or Thierry, English

    • Meaning:

      "soft; thresher; ruler of the people"

    • Description:

      One of the first breakaway unisex baby names, Terry, used independently since the days of Terry and the Pirates. Popular in the mid-20th-century, it has fallen out of favor in recent years, replaced by Tommy, Sonny, and Ozzy.
  9. Larry

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Lawrence, English from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "from Laurentium or bay laurel"

    • Description:

      Your friendly next-door neighbor...not your baby. Although Larry was once one of the most popular boys' names starting with L, that title now belongs to Liam.
  10. Sandra

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alessandra, Italian from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      2012's Hurricane Sandy blew away whatever style currency Sandra retained from its 1960s Sandra Dee heyday. While in recent years it's been associated with Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, as a baby name Sandra is sinking beneath the waves.
  11. Jo

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Joanna or Josephine, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"

    • Description:

      The name Jo still evokes the spunky image of the character in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. Its literary status makes Jo one of the OG boyish nicknames for girls, ala Frankie, Billie, and Stevie. If you like that form, you can lengthen it to Joey.
  12. Phil

    • Description:

      Phil is a masculine name primarily used as a familiar short form of Philip or Phillip, though it occasionally stands as an independent given name. Derived from the Greek name Philippos meaning 'lover of horses,' Phil has been used across generations and carries a friendly, approachable quality. It gained particular popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century. The name has a classic, unpretentious feel and is associated with notable figures like musician Phil Collins and television personality Dr. Phil McGraw. While many Phils formally have the longer version on their birth certificates, the shortened form has a warm, casual charm that has helped it endure as both a nickname and standalone name across different eras.
  13. Denny

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Dennis

    • Description:

      Fast-food chain, no longer a baby.
  14. Luana

    • Origin:

      Combination of Louise and Anna or Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "content, at ease"

    • Description:

      In the slipstream of Luna, this everywhere-and-nowhere international name, with its attractive liquid sound, is popular in several European countries along with Hawaii.
  15. Eddy

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Edward

    • Meaning:

      "wealthy guardian"

    • Description:

      Eddy, recently used by Celine Dion for one of her twin boys, was chosen to honor Eddy Marnay, who produced her first five records. Though less common a nickname for Edward than Eddie, Eddy is used more often on its own.
  16. Aleta

    • Description:

      Aleta is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Greek, it's a variation of Alethea, meaning "truth," while some sources connect it to Spanish origins as a diminutive of Alicia. The name also appears in mythology as one of the Nereids, sea nymphs from Greek legends. Aleta enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon today. The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its simple three-syllable structure and soft sounds. Aleta strikes a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness—recognizable without being common. Its classical roots give it timeless appeal, while its slight exoticism adds interest. Parents might choose Aleta seeking a name with historical depth that still feels fresh and underused in contemporary contexts.

  17. Sandie

    • Description:

      Sandie is a charming feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Sandra, which itself is a shortened form of Alexandra (meaning 'defender of mankind'). With Scottish and English roots, Sandie peaked in popularity in the 1960s and 70s but has since become less common, giving it a vintage appeal. The name is often associated with warmth and friendliness, partly due to its connection to sandy beaches and sunshine. The spelling with 'ie' rather than 'y' adds a distinctive touch while maintaining its approachable character. Sandie works well as both a full name and nickname, offering versatility with its casual, unpretentious feel combined with historical depth.
  18. Gary

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "spear man"

    • Description:

      While not generally thought of as unisex, this is a male name that, like Perry and Barry, has occasionally been used for girls over the years.
  19. Dickie

    • Description:

      Dickie is traditionally a masculine name functioning primarily as an affectionate diminutive of Richard, which has Germanic origins meaning 'strong ruler' or 'brave power.' While sometimes used as a standalone name, particularly in the early to mid-20th century, Dickie is more commonly encountered as a nickname. The name carries a vintage quality, evoking mid-century Americana and British culture where such familiar forms were more commonly formalized. Notable bearers include various athletes and entertainers who preferred this friendly variation. Though its popularity as a formal name has declined in recent decades due to potential teasing concerns and changing naming trends, Dickie remains part of naming heritage particularly in English-speaking countries, representing an era when casual, approachable name forms were embraced.
  20. Charleen

    • Description:

      Charleen is a feminine name that emerged as a variant of Charlotte, sharing the same French and Germanic roots meaning 'free man' or 'strong.' This variation gained modest popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s in America. The name blends traditional elements with a contemporary sound, featuring the distinctive '-een' ending that was fashionable during that era. Charleen offers a softer, more relaxed alternative to the more formal Charlotte while maintaining its connection to strength and independence. Though less common today than in previous generations, Charleen maintains appeal for those seeking a name with vintage charm and historical depth without being overused. Its gentle yet substantive quality gives it enduring character.