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Names that Peaked in 1951

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. Alan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "handsome, cheerful"

    • Description:

      In its three most popular spellings -- Alan along with Allen and Allan -- this midcentury favorite has tended to skew older. It was a Top 100 name from 1938 to 1971, peaking at Number 40 in 1951. Alan has had leading roles on recent TV, in shows like Two and a Half Men, 24 and Boston Legal.
  5. Gwendolyn

    • Origin:

      Variation of Gwendolen, Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "white ring"

    • Description:

      One spelling variation that's more popular than the original, this somewhat old-fashioned name might be in honor of poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the first African-American to win a Pulitzer prize for poetry, or may be a way to get to the modern short form Gwen.
  6. Rex

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "king"

    • Description:

      Now that many dogs are named Max, it's safe to use this sleek, solid, regal name again for your child. And with the charm of its final x, its regal meaning, and its offbeat simplicity, Rex is definitely one to consider.
  7. Margo

    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Margaret

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      Margo and Margot sound exactly the same, so why has the Margot spelling hopped back onto the Top 1000, outpacing Margo in numbers more than two to one? (Over 350 baby girls were named Margot in the most recent year, versus 150 named Margo.)
  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. 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.
  10. Gail

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, short form of Abigail

    • Meaning:

      "my father rejoices"

    • Description:

      Gail was a mid-twentieth century favorite, which has been far surpassed by its original form, Abigail and nickname Abby. Spelling variations include Gale and Gayle, the latter represented by TV journalist and Oprah bestie Gayle King. Gail was most popular in the 1950s, when it was in the Top 40, and could rise again, possibly as a middle.
  11. Kathryn

    • Origin:

      English variation of Katherine, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      Although the Kathryn spelling feels like a modern streamlining of this ancient royal and saints' name, it is in fact found back through history. At least one of Henry the Eighth's unfortunately wives sometimes spelled her name as Kathryn.
  12. Marcia

    • Origin:

      Latin, feminine version of Marcius

    • Meaning:

      "warlike"

    • Description:

      Marcia is an ancient Roman name which derives from Mars, the god of war. It was used by Dante in the Inferno and later by Thomas Hardy and others.
  13. Levon

    • Origin:

      Armenian, variation of Leon

    • Meaning:

      "lion"

    • Description:

      Levon, an unusual alternative to Levi. has two musical associations: it's the title of an Elton John song, inspired by late, great drummer for The Band, Levon Helm--whose birth name was Mark. Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke chose Levon for their son.
  14. Jan

    • Origin:

      Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Czech, Polish, Slovene, German, and Catalan variation of John, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      A standard form of John in Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Czech, Polish, Slovene, German, and Catalan. Properly pronounced yahn (in most of these languages), most Americans will still equate it with the Brady Bunchesque girls' name Jan, which is now officially extinct.
  15. Glinda

    • Origin:

      Literary name

    • Description:

      Glinda is famous as the name of the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz, invented by author L. Frank Baum. but has there ever been a real life, non-fictional Glinda? Not in the US last year.
  16. Gayle

    • Description:

      Gayle is a feminine name with multiple origins. It can be derived from the Hebrew name Abigail, meaning 'father's joy,' or it may be a variant of Gail, which began as a short form of names beginning with the Germanic element 'gal' meaning 'happy' or 'cheerful.' The name may also relate to the English word 'gale,' referring to a strong wind. Gayle enjoyed particular popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s but has declined since then. The name has a clean, straightforward quality with a subtly nature-inspired undertone. Its brief, single-syllable structure gives it a certain crisp efficiency, while the spelling with 'y' adds a touch of distinction to this classic mid-century favorite.
  17. Kyle

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "narrow spit of land"

    • Description:

      Not as popular for girls as Kylie or Kyla, but we prefer its simplicity.
  18. Janice

    • Origin:

      Variation of Jane

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      For a minute or two this sounded more modern than Janet, now equally outmoded.
  19. Donnie

    • Origin:

      Short form of Donald, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "proud chief"

    • Description:

      Infantilizing short form best reserved for toddlers and younger.
  20. Ezzard

    • Description:

      Ezzard is a masculine name with potential English or Germanic origins, though it remains quite uncommon in contemporary use. The name gained some recognition through American boxing champion Ezzard Charles, who held the world heavyweight title from 1949 to 1951. Pronounced EZ-ard, this distinctive name carries a strong, confident sound with its prominent 'z' consonants. The name may have evolved as a variant of names like Ezra or Edward, or possibly derived from an older surname. While never reaching widespread popularity, Ezzard offers a rare combination of familiarity in structure yet uniqueness in actual usage, making it an option for parents seeking a name that stands out while maintaining a traditional masculine energy.

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