Names that Peaked in 1947
Across 2 pages
of 2
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,…
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),…
Rudy
German, diminutive of Rudolph
"famous wolf"
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…
Luana
Combination of Louise and Anna or Hawaiian
"content, at ease"
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.
Michaele
Michaele is a feminine name of Italian origin, representing the female form of Michael. Derived from the Hebrew name Mikha'el, meaning 'who is like God,' it carries biblical significance as Michael…
Eddy
Diminutive of Edward
"wealthy guardian"
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…
Gaye
Gaye is a feminine name with multiple origins and meanings. In English contexts, it developed as a variant of Gail or a feminine form of Guy, ultimately derived from Germanic elements meaning…
Larry
Diminutive of Lawrence, English from Latin
"from Laurentium or bay laurel"
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.
Cheryle
Cheryle is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Cheryl, which itself developed as an Anglicized form of the French name Chérie, meaning 'dear one' or 'beloved.' The name gained…
Linda
Spanish, Portuguese and Italian
"pretty"
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. Still,…
Cornel
Romanian, variation of Cornelius; tree name
People are likely to want to put that second - Cornell University inspired - L on the end of this name, when in fact it has a completely different etymology. This name is very popular in Romania…
Jo
Diminutive of Joanna or Josephine, Hebrew
"Jehovah increases"
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…
Aleta
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…
Janis
Variation of Jane
Last moment of glory was in the Janis Joplin sixties.
Linden
Variation of Lyndon
"linden tree hill"
The graceful, natural image of the verdant shade tree transcends any connection with President Johnson. A sturdy tree that can live for centuries, Linden was actually quite a popular boys' name from…
Gary
English
"spear man"
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.
Charleen
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…
Denny
Diminutive of Dennis
Fast-food chain, no longer a baby.
Patricia
Latin
"noble, patrician"
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…
