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Names that Peaked in 1949

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. Stephen

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "garland, crown"

    • Description:

      Stephen, also spelled Steven, is a strong and likable classic, with the he's-a-great-guy short form Steve. Though not as well-used or fashionable as it was in its heyday -- it was a Top 25 name from 1946 to 1957 -- it's still a widely used name. It remains an even more popular in Ireland.
  4. Constance

    • Origin:

      English version of Latin Constantia

    • Meaning:

      "steadfastness"

    • Description:

      Constance is one of the more subtle of the virtue baby names, but still has quite a prim and proper image. One impediment to its revival has been the decidedly dated nickname Connie, though modern parents might well opt for using the strong and dignified name in full.
  5. 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.
  6. Kathleen

    • Origin:

      Anglicized form of Irish Caitlin

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      Kathleen is the early Irish import version that came between Katherine and Kaitlin, and which hasn't been used in so long it's almost beginning to sound fresh again. It was a surprise pick by one of the hip Dixie Chicks, Martie Maguire. Kathleen was a Top 10 name from 1948 to 1951, and it is the subject of several old sentimental songs, such as "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen."
  7. Dennis

    • Origin:

      French from Greek, vernacular form of Dionysius

    • Meaning:

      "god of Nysa"

    • Description:

      Although it has come to sound Irish, Dennis is one of the most widely-used French names (St. Denis is the patron saint of France) and harks back even further to Dionysius, the Greek god of wine and debauchery. It was introduced to England by the Normans.
  8. 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.
  9. Galen

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "calm, healer"

    • Description:

      Many will associate this name with Galen of Pergamon, the second-century physician considered to be the founding father of medicine. A more recent reference is Star Wars character Galen Erso. The name still projects a gentle, scholarly image, while sharing sounds with more popular names like Aiden and Nathan. Bonus: it's also an anagram of Angel.
  10. 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.
  11. Vaughn

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "small"

    • Description:

      Vaughn, also commonly spelled Vaughan, has been used quietly over the years, reaching a peak of Number 349 in 1949. It is now in the process of rediscovery, being seen as a good Sean alternative or an updated way to honor an ancestral Paul (which also means small).
  12. Portia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "pig"

    • Description:

      Portia is a perfect role-model name, relating to Shakespeare's brilliant and spirited lawyer in The Merchant of Venice, and is now also a Hunger Games name .
  13. Charlene

    • Origin:

      English feminization of Charles, German and French

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      Charlene is a Charlotte variation that, along with similar names like Arlene and Marlene, spiked in popularity in the 1940s and fifties, reaching a high of Number 100 in 1949. Most parents today would prefer one of the note classic versions -- or even nickname Charlie.
  14. 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.
  15. Jeanie

    • Origin:

      Short form of Jean or Jeanne

    • Description:

      Jeanie is a midcentury bobby soxer kind of nickname that might almost be so old it's new again.
  16. Vernell

    • Description:

      Vernell is a gender-neutral name with historical usage primarily for males in the United States. It likely developed as a variation of Vernon, which comes from a Norman place name meaning 'alder tree grove.' The suffix '-ell' adds a softer quality to the original name. Vernell experienced modest popularity in the United States during the first half of the 20th century, particularly in Southern states, peaking between the 1920s and 1940s. The name has a vintage charm that connects to an era of traditional values and straightforward nomenclature. Though it has declined in usage since mid-century, Vernell retains appeal for those drawn to revival of vintage names or seeking family connections. Its gentle sound combined with solid construction gives it a dignified quality without pretension.
  17. Phillis

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Phyllis, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "green bough"

    • Description:

      The Phillis spelling of this once-popular name lives on thanks to Phillis Wheatley, the first African-American to publish a book of poetry, in the 18th century.
  18. Erlinda

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "spirited"

    • Description:

      Hillbilly twang.
  19. Ronna

    • Description:

      Ronna is a feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive form of names like Veronica, Rhonda, or Sharon. It may also be considered a feminine variation of Ron or Ronald, which comes from the Old Norse 'Rögnvaldr' meaning 'ruler's advisor.' Emerging in popularity during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s, Ronna peaked as part of the trend toward shorter, friendlier-sounding female names. The name has a distinctly mid-century American feel, sharing qualities with contemporaries like Donna and Lonna. Though never reaching high levels of popularity, Ronna maintains a straightforward, unpretentious charm with its simple two-syllable structure and soft sounds. Usage has declined since its mid-century peak, giving it a somewhat vintage character today.

  20. Gaylen

    • Description:

      Gaylen is a masculine name with Celtic and Gaelic origins, though some sources also suggest possible Germanic roots. It's believed to be a variation of Galen, which comes from the Greek word meaning "calm" or "tranquil." Alternatively, it may derive from the Gaelic elements meaning "slender" or "foreign." Gaylen gained modest recognition in the United States during the mid-20th century but has remained relatively uncommon. The name has a gentle, melodic quality while still maintaining masculine energy. It offers parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible a perfect balance of uniqueness and familiarity. Notable bearers include musicians and athletes, though it hasn't been widely popularized by celebrity usage. Gaylen can also be spelled Gaylon or Galen, with each variation maintaining similar pronunciation.