Names that Peaked in 1952
Across 2 pages
of 2
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,…
Bruce
Scottish, English, French
"from the brushwood thicket"
Bruce is a Norman place name made famous by the Scottish king Robert the Bruce, who won Scotland's independence from England in the fourteenth century. Hugely popular in the 40s and 50s, it has since…
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,…
Debera
Debera is a feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Deborah, which has Hebrew origins meaning "bee." This alternate spelling emerged in the 20th century, offering a slightly different…
Ellyn
Ellyn is a feminine name with Welsh origins, functioning as a variation of Ellen or Helen. The name derives from the Greek 'Helene' meaning 'torch' or 'bright light.' Throughout history, Ellyn has…
Gaye
Gaye is a feminine name with multiple origins and meanings. In English contexts, it developed as a variant of Gail or a feminine form of Guy, ultimately derived from Germanic elements meaning…
Gwenda
Welsh
"fair and good"
The Good Witch's first cousin.
Meryl
Variation of Muriel via Meriel, Irish
"of the bright sea"
Meryl is a name that's at once rare and famous, thanks to Meryl (born Mary Louise) Streep. Streep's name is an invented short form of Mary Louise, but Meryl might also be a contraction of the unique…
Randy
Considering that randy is slang for 'horny' this is not a great choice.
Nanci
Nanci is a feminine name primarily functioning as a variation of Nancy, which derived from the medieval English name Annis, ultimately from Hebrew Hannah meaning 'grace.' This spelling variant offers…
Pandora
Greek
"all gifted"
Pandora has occasionally been used by the British gentry (for girls with brothers who might be called Peregrine) and is now starting to be heard in the US too: It was given to 34 baby girls last…
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…
Rosalyn
Variation of Rosalind
True Blood may be the reason that variation Rosalyn has retained some popularity while the original Rosalind still languishes. Moderately popular in the middle of the last century, Rosalyn may…
Valorie
Valorie is a feminine name representing a variation of Valerie, which derives from the Latin 'Valerius,' meaning 'strong' or 'healthy.' This spelling with an 'o' instead of an 'e' gives the classic…
Butch
Nickname name
Old-school nickname ala Spike and Babe that's favored by some hipster parents.
Cornell
British from Latin, or Anglicized form of French
"corner or crow"
This name has not one but two impressive cultural connections: collage artist Joseph Cornell and photographer Cornell Capa--not to mention Cornell University.
Dale
English
"valley"
A light and breezy nature name that's currently in style limbo, despite its pleasant meaning, Dale was originally a surname, used for someone who lived near a valley. It was a Top 100 choice in the…
Danial
Danial is a variant spelling of Daniel, a masculine name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my judge.' This alternate spelling maintains the same pronunciation while offering a slightly…
Denis
French from Greek
"god of Nysa"
While Dennis may be more familiar to English speakers, Denis, or sometimes Denys, were the original medieval French forms of the name. Ultimately derived from Dionysius, the Greek god of wine and…