Names that Peaked in 1950
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- James
Origin:
English variation of Jacob, HebrewMeaning:
"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.
- Thomas
Origin:
AramaicMeaning:
"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.
- Nancy
Origin:
English diminutive of Ann or Agnes, Hebrew or GreekMeaning:
"grace or pure"Description:
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.
- Bonnie
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"beautiful, cheerful"Description:
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
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Patricia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"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.
- Linda
Origin:
Spanish, Portuguese and ItalianMeaning:
"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.
- Mona
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"noble good"Description:
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.
- Danny
Origin:
Short form of Daniel, HebrewMeaning:
"God is my judge"Description:
A diminutive of Daniel that's been immortalized in odes ranging from 'Danny Boy' to 'Danny's Song.'
- Margarita
Origin:
Spanish, Russian, GreekMeaning:
"pearl, daisy"Description:
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.
- Marta
Origin:
Italian, Spanish, Scandinavian, SlavicMeaning:
"lady"Description:
Sharper and steelier than Martha, but with the same underused vintage appeal.
- Phillip
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"lover of horses"Description:
Spelling variation of Philip. Exactly as many baby boys were named with the single 'l' spelling in 2017.
- Terrence
Origin:
Spelling variation of TerenceDescription:
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.
- Lyn
Description:
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.
- Roseanne
Origin:
Combination of Rose and AnneDescription:
Forever -- or at least for a while -- linked to the onetime "Domestic Goddess", Roseanne Barr.
- Daryl
Origin:
Variation of Darrell, English from Norman FrenchMeaning:
"dear one, beloved"Description:
Actress Daryl Hannah made this a girls' name in theory, though in the most recent year counted, about 75 baby boys in the US were named Daryl...and zero baby girls.
- Patrica
Description:
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 of the 'i's from the traditional form but retains the same pronunciation. Patrica emerged as a variant in the 20th century but has remained significantly less common than Patricia, which reached peak popularity in the 1940s-1960s in the United States. The name carries associations with dignity, elegance, and high social standing from its noble Roman origins. Those named Patrica might appreciate having a recognizable name with a slightly unique spelling.
- Glynn
Description:
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.
- Marsha
Origin:
Variation of Marcia, diminutive of MarcellaMeaning:
"warlike"Description:
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.
- Jerel
Description:
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.
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