Names that Peaked in 1950
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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,…
Stephen
Greek
"garland, crown"
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…
Bonnie
Scottish
"beautiful, cheerful"
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…
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.'
Phillip
Greek
"lover of horses"
Spelling variation of Philip. Exactly as many baby boys were named with the single 'l' spelling in 2017.
Sharman
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,…
Joellen
Joellen is a feminine name that combines the elements of two popular names: Jo (from Joanne/Josephine) and Ellen. Ellen derives from Helen, meaning "light" or "bright one" in Greek. Joellen emerged…
Lawrance
Lawrance is a masculine name that represents an alternative spelling of the more common Lawrence. Derived from the Latin name Laurentius, meaning 'from Laurentum' (an ancient Roman city known for its…
Sanjuanita
Sanjuanita is a feminine name with Hispanic origins, specifically derived from the name San Juan (Saint John). This diminutive form adds the feminine suffix '-ita' to create a name meaning 'little…
Sanjuana
Sanjuana is a feminine name with Hispanic origins, particularly popular in Mexican and Mexican-American communities. The name combines elements of 'San' (saint) and 'Juana' (the feminine form of…
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,…
Roseanna
Roseanna is a feminine name that combines the classic 'Rose' with the graceful 'Anna,' creating a name that's both familiar and distinctive. With Latin and Hebrew roots, it essentially means…
Patrica
Patrica is a feminine name that represents a spelling variation of Patricia, which derives from the Latin word 'patricius,' meaning 'noble' or 'of patrician rank.' This alternate spelling removes one…
Marta
Italian, Spanish, Scandinavian, Slavic
"lady"
Sharper and steelier than Martha, but with the same underused vintage appeal.
Patricia
Latin
"noble, patrician"
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…
Glynn
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…
Cathryn
Cathryn is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Catherine, which traces back to Greek origins, meaning 'pure.' This alternative spelling maintains the classic elegance of the…
Donnie
Short form of Donald, Scottish
"proud chief"
Infantilizing short form best reserved for toddlers and younger.
Margarita
Spanish, Russian, Greek
"pearl, daisy"
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…
