Names that Peaked in 1955
Across 2 pages
of 2
The names
Michael
Hebrew
"who is like God?"
Michael was the Number 1 American boys' name for almost half a century. While Michael has moved out of the Top 10 baby boy names , it's still widely used. How has Michael racked up this phenomenal…
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,…
Mary
Hebrew or Egyptian
"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"
Mary is the English form of Maria, which ultimately was derived from the Hebrew name Maryam/Mariam. The original meaning of Maryam is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew…
Steven
English variation of Stephen
"garland, crown"
Steven, the phonetic and now predominant spelling of the classier Stephen, has finally dropped out of the Top 100 after seventy years. Steve has become one of the ultimate regular-guy names, right up…
Rocky
English, Italian
"rock; rest; rook"
A popular choice back in the 50s and 70s, Rocky fell into decline after Sylvester Stallone's battered but not beaten boxer character became the overwhelming association many had with the name. Now,…
Sheilah
Spelling variation of Sheila
"blind"
Jeryl
Jeryl is an uncommon feminine name that likely developed as a variant of Cheryl, Jeryl, or Beryl. Its origins are somewhat obscure, though it may have connections to the Greek word for 'precious…
Roxann
Roxann is a feminine name that emerged as a variant of Roxanne, which derives from the Persian name Roshanak, meaning 'bright' or 'dawn.' This shortened form offers a more streamlined, modern feel…
Sherree
Sherree is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Sherry or Sherrie, which originated as diminutive forms of Sharon or Cheryl. This particular spelling adds a distinctive touch to the…
Marla
Variation of Marlene
"Mary Magdalene; beloved, bitter, drop of the sea + high tower"
Marla might have dropped out of style in the US back in the 90s, but it has seen a resurgence in the UK in recent years. With a little dated charm about it, this variation of Marlene, itself a…
Deborah
Hebrew
"bee"
Deborah has suffered from the fact that in the mid-twentieth century there were so many Debbies on the block that the beauty and meaning of the original name got lost. Deborah may no longer be among…
Connie
Diminutive of Constance, English
"steadfastness"
Connie is a sweet and charming vintage nickname, which ranks in the top 200 in the UK and has a vintage charm that makes it ready for a comeback in the US as well.
Rudolfo
Rudolfo is a masculine name of Germanic origin, serving as a Latin/Spanish/Italian variation of Rudolf. The name combines the elements 'hrod' (fame) and 'wolf,' creating a meaning along the lines of…
Denise
French, feminine variation of Denis
"god of Nysa"
Denise was a French favorite of the fifties and sixties but is less chic now. In 2020 it broke back into the Top 1000 after a five-year hiatus, catapulted into style by reality TV star Denisse Novoa…
Debroah
Debroah appears to be a variant spelling of Deborah, a feminine name of Hebrew origin meaning 'bee.' The traditional Deborah comes from the Hebrew name Devorah and carries biblical significance as…
Diane
French variation of Diana, Latin
"divine"
Like Joanne and Christine, middle-aged Diane has been overshadowed by the a-ending version of her name. Diane has a definite mid-century feel; it was a Top 20 name from 1946 to 1959. Though it has…
Dinah
Hebrew
"God will judge"
Dinah is a charming, underused Old Testament name with a rich literary and musical resume. In the Old Testament, Dinah was the beautiful daughter of Jacob and Leah and while some conflate her with…
Joesph
Joesph is an alternative spelling of the classic biblical name Joseph, which derives from Hebrew and means 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' This masculine name carries the same rich biblical…
Bonny
Bonny is a charming feminine name of Scottish and English origin that literally means 'pretty,' 'attractive,' or 'fair.' It derives from the Old French word 'bon' meaning 'good.' The name gained…
Roni
Hebrew
"my song or my joy"
Roni may sound like the Doowop-era Ronnie or Ronni, often named for her dad Ron, but it's actually a freestanding Hebrew name with an uplifting meaning.
