Names that Peaked in 1948
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,…
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.'
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,…
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…
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…
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,'…
Starr
Spelling variation of Star, word name
Starr today is more fashionably the plain-spoken Star or the more obscured Stella, Esther, or Estella.
Cherry
English word name
"cherry"
With other fruity names like Clementine, Olive and Plum ripe for the picking, sweet Cherry remains remarkably underused: just 27 baby girls received the name in 2017, down from 343 at its peak in…
Carlotta
Italian variation of Charlotte, French diminutive of Charles
"free man"
Carlotta has a large measure of finger-snapping charm and substance — despite being a not too pleasant character in The Little Mermaid . Carlotta is also the diva/prima donna in The Phantom of the…
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…
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…
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,'…
Pauletta
Pauletta is a feminine diminutive form of Paula, which derives from the Latin name Paulus meaning 'small' or 'humble.' This charming elaboration adds a touch of elegance and femininity to the more…