Names that Peaked in 1948
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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,…
Lana
English diminutive of Alana
"rock or handsome"
Popularized in the 1940s by Lana (born Judy) Turner, today Lana is synonymous with American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. Although it has been rising steadily since the early 2000s, Lana still sits…
Allen
English and Scottish
"handsome, cheerful"
Allen is the spelling of this name -- other common spellings are Alan and Allan -- most associated with the surname; it might also be the most appropriate if you're trying to steer clear of Al as a…
Danny
Short form of Daniel, Hebrew
"God is my judge"
A diminutive of Daniel that's been immortalized in odes ranging from 'Danny Boy' to 'Danny's Song.'
Noreen
English, diminutive of Nora
Noreen's in limbo, especially now that Nora has made a comeback.
Karon
Karon is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may represent a variant spelling of Karen, derived from the Danish form of Katherine, meaning 'pure.' Alternatively, it could be connected…
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,…
Delois
Delois is a feminine name with French roots, likely a variation of Delores or a combination of the prefix 'de' with 'Lois.' It was most popular in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s, often…
Maureen
Irish variation of Mary, Hebrew or Egyptian
"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"
Almost as popular in the 1950s among the Irish in Boston as it was with those back in Bray, Maureen was once among the most prominent Irish names for girls in the US but has fallen from favor along…
Regena
Regena is a feminine name with Latin roots, functioning as a variant of Regina, which means "queen." This alternate spelling emerged while maintaining the regal associations of the original. Regena…
Merry
English
"lighthearted, happy"
She'd better be. Merry is one of the classic names for Christmas babies .
Mickey
Diminutive of Michelle or Michaela
Mickey is a nickname-name redolent of the mid-20th century and best-known as a mouse name. While this spelling works for either gender, the girls' version is more often spelled Micki.
Shirleen
Shirleen is a feminine name that evolved as an elaboration of Shirley. While Shirley originated as an English surname derived from Old English words meaning 'bright clearing' or 'bright meadow,'…
Elvia
Elvia is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the elements 'alb' or 'elf' meaning 'white' or 'fair.' It can be considered a variation of names like Elva or Alba. Popular in…
Terry
Diminutive of Terence or Thierry, English
"soft; thresher; ruler of the people"
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…
Terrill
Terrill is a masculine name with English origins, derived from the Norman surname Tyrel or Tirel, which was introduced to Britain after the Norman Conquest. The surname itself likely came from the…
Georgette
French, feminine variation of George
Has a musty 1940s feel. Try Georgia -- or Georgiana.
Dianna
Dianna is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Diana, which derives from the Roman goddess of the moon, hunting, and childbirth. With Latin origins, the name means 'divine' or…
Darell
Darell is a masculine name representing a variation of Darrell, which originated as an English surname derived from Norman-French roots. The name ultimately comes from the Old French 'd'Airelle,'…
