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Names that Peaked in 1948

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. Lana

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Alana

    • Meaning:

      "rock or handsome"

    • Description:

      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 in the popularity "sweet spot" – familiar, but not overused. Simple, sleek and seamlessly international, it makes a great choice.
  4. Allen

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "handsome, cheerful"

    • Description:

      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 nickname, as this can easily offer you Len or Lenny as options.
  5. 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.
  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. Maureen

    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Mary

    • Description:

      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 with most of her een-ending sisters such as Eileen and Colleen.
  8. Cherry

    • Origin:

      Fruit name

    • Description:

      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 1948. The unsavory slang meaning no doubt goes a long way towards explaining its fall from grace.
  9. Carlotta

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Charlotte, French diminutive of Charles

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      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 Opera, and there was an Empress Carlotta of Mexico.
  10. Georgette

    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of George

    • Description:

      Has a musty 1940s feel. Try Georgia -- or Georgiana.
  11. Noreen

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Nora

    • Description:

      Noreen's in limbo, especially now that Nora has made a comeback.
  12. Mickey

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Michelle or Michaela

    • Description:

      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.
  13. Danny

    • Origin:

      Short form of Daniel, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is my judge"

    • Description:

      A diminutive of Daniel that's been immortalized in odes ranging from 'Danny Boy' to 'Danny's Song.'
  14. Merry

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "lighthearted, happy"

    • Description:

      She'd better be. Merry is one of the classic names for Christmas babies.
  15. Starr

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Star, word name

    • Description:

      Starr today is more fashionably the plain-spoken Star or the more obscured Stella, Esther, or Estella.
  16. Dianna

    • Description:

      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 'heavenly.' Dianna peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s but remains a recognizable choice. This spelling variation with the double 'n' gives the name a slightly distinctive quality while maintaining its classical roots. The name evokes grace, strength, and independence—qualities associated with the goddess Diana. Notable bearers include American singer Dianna Agron, which has helped maintain the name's visibility in contemporary culture.
  17. Terrill

    • Description:

      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 French 'tirer,' meaning 'to pull,' possibly referring to a skilled archer. As a given name, Terrill emerged primarily in the United States during the 20th century, often as a variant of Terry or Terrence, both of which stem from the Roman family name Terentius. Terrill has maintained a modest presence in naming patterns, never reaching high popularity but providing a slightly more distinctive alternative to more common Terry. The name carries a sophisticated yet approachable quality with its soft consonants and traditional English character.
  18. Delois

    • Description:

      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 found in Southern states. The name has a melodious quality and vintage charm that connects to a bygone era. While never extremely common, Delois had a steady presence through mid-20th century America before declining in usage. Today, it's considered a rare vintage name that might appeal to parents seeking something distinctive with historical resonance. Women named Delois are often called 'Dee' or 'Lois' as nicknames.
  19. Elvia

    • Description:

      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 Spanish-speaking countries and communities, Elvia has a delicate, melodious quality that gives it enduring appeal. The name experienced modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades. Despite its relative rarity, Elvia maintains a timeless elegance and cross-cultural versatility. The name often evokes associations with brightness, purity, and beauty, making it an understated yet distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with classical roots.
  20. Regenia

    • Description:

      Regenia is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'regina' meaning 'queen.' This elegant variation maintains the regal connotations of its root while offering a slightly softer pronunciation with the addition of the 'i' before the final syllable. The name saw modest usage in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly from the 1940s through the 1970s, but remained relatively uncommon. Regenia conveys a sense of dignity and leadership through its connection to royalty, while its flowing sound gives it a gentle femininity. The four-syllable structure creates a rhythmic, melodious quality when spoken. Though not frequently chosen in recent decades, Regenia might appeal to parents seeking a name with classical roots and dignified associations that isn't commonly heard in contemporary settings.