Names that Peaked in 1950

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.

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.

Bonnie is an adorable nickname name, heading back up the popularity list after a 50-year nap. A Top 100 girls' name throughout the rest of the English-speaking world, Americans are later to jump on the Bonnie bandwagon but now it's trending here too.

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.

To some, Nancy is a sweet, sparkly, vintage choice with plenty of energy and style. For it strays too much into '"old-lady" territory to be cool again yet. It's out of fashion in France, New Zealand, and Canada; it lingers towards to bottom of the US charts. In the UK however, Nancy has been a Top 100 name for nearly a decade where it fits right in with Evie, Mabel, and Pippa.

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.

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.

Spelling variation of Philip. Exactly as many baby boys were named with the single 'l' spelling in 2017.

Mona had more than a moment in the sun, peaking in 1950 at Number 230 but falling off the Top 1000 completely in the late 1980s. Its similarity to the word "moaner" undercuts the appeal of its simplicity. In one recent year, fewer than 100 baby girls received the name, and we don't see it reviving any time soon.

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

Lyn as a masculine name has multiple origins and interpretations. It can be a shortened form of names like Lyndon, Lincoln, or Linden, or used independently. In Welsh, 'lyn' means 'lake' or 'waterfall,' giving the name a nature-inspired meaning. The name also sometimes appears as a variant spelling of Lin, which has Chinese origins meaning 'forest' or 'fine jade' depending on the character used. As a masculine name, Lyn has a simple, strong quality with its crisp single syllable. While more commonly used as a feminine name or nickname in many Western countries, masculine Lyn carries a gentle yet dignified quality. Its brevity makes it distinctive in an era of longer male names.

Infantilizing short form best reserved for toddlers and younger.

In the US, this variation is more popular than the original. Terrence has been in the US Top 1000 since 1920, but Terence has been left behind. Alternate spelling Terrance is the most popular iteration of the name.

Sharper and steelier than Martha, but with the same underused vintage appeal.

Marcia is the most common version of this group of names in the U. S., now found more often among moms and grandmas than babies. Marsha was a Top 100 name in the 1950s, when Marcy was its common go-by name.

Margarita is an international form of Margaret that shares its meaning of "pearl", but also directly translates to "daisy" in Spanish and Greek. Despite being widely associated with the alcoholic beverage in English, it has a long history of use in Spanish, Greek and several Slavic languages — most notably being the name of the heroine of Mikhail Bulgakov's 1966 novel Master and Margarita.

Glynn is a masculine name with Welsh and Irish origins, derived from the word 'glin' meaning 'valley' or 'glen.' It can be both a surname and first name, sometimes used as a variation of Glenn or Flynn. In Welsh contexts, it relates to geographical features, literally referring to someone who lived in or near a valley. Glynn has maintained modest usage throughout the 20th century, particularly in Celtic regions and their diaspora communities. The name has a concise, strong sound while maintaining a touch of Celtic mystique. Notable bearers include various athletes, musicians, and actors, though it has never reached mainstream popularity. The distinctive double 'n' spelling gives this short name a visual interest while honoring its Celtic linguistic roots.

Deryl is a masculine name that represents a variant spelling of Daryl or Darryl, which originated as an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Dáire, meaning 'fruitful' or 'fertile.' This alternate spelling emerged in the mid-20th century when creative name variations became fashionable. While less common than the standard spellings, Deryl peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. The name carries a distinctly vintage American feel, evoking the mid-century era when short, punchy male names were in vogue. Deryl has a straightforward, unpretentious quality that reflects traditional masculinity while the unique spelling adds a touch of individuality.

Jerel is a modern masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant of Jerrell, which itself could be a variation of Darrell (from an English surname meaning "open land"). Some linguists suggest it could be a blend of Jerry (diminutive of Gerald or Jerome) and elements of names like Darrell. The name emerged in the United States primarily in the mid-20th century, with increased usage in the 1970s and 1980s. Jerel follows phonetic patterns common in contemporary American naming, with the popular "Jer-" beginning (as in Jerome, Jeremy) and a strong, single-syllable ending. The name has remained relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. Usage patterns show it has been embraced across various communities in the United States, particularly from the 1970s onward.

Sharman is a gender-neutral name more commonly given to females in contemporary usage. It originated as an English occupational surname meaning 'shearer of cloth' or 'cloth cutter.' In some contexts, it may also be related to the word 'shaman,' denoting a spiritual healer or mediator between the human and spirit worlds. As a given name, it gained modest usage during the mid-20th century. Sharman shares sound elements with more common names like Sharon and Sharma, making it accessible despite its rarity. The name has been carried by notable individuals including British astronaut Helen Sharman, which adds a pioneering quality to its associations. Its crisp sound and professional feel make it appealing to those seeking a distinctive yet straightforward name.