Names that Peaked in 1956
Across 3 pages
of 3
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…
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…
Robin
Bird name; or English, diminutive of Robert
"bright fame"
Gentle but solid, as much of a word as it is a name, Robin is a rising star in the US, and a favorite in Belgium, France, Czechia and Switzerland. With memorable namesakes like Robin Hood, Robin…
Laurel
Latin
"laurel tree"
Laurel takes Laura back to its meaning in nature, resulting in a gentle, botanical option. Even more directly than Laura, Laurel relates back to the laurel wreath signifying success and peace in…
Debora
Debora is the Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian form of Deborah, a name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'bee.' In the Old Testament, Debora (Deborah) was a respected prophetess and judge…
Teena
Teena is a diminutive form of names ending in '-tina' such as Christina, Martina, or Ernestina. It can also be used as a nickname for teen-related names like Athena or Valentina. The name has a…
Cathleen
Variation of Kathleen, English and Irish
"pure"
Variant of Kathleen
Leesa
Spelling variation of Lisa, short form of Elizabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
Leesa is a feminine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Lisa, which itself derives from Elisabeth or Elizabeth, a Hebrew name meaning 'God is my oath' or 'consecrated to God.' This alternative…
Doreen
Variation of Dora; also Anglicized variation of Irish Doireann
"sullen"
Much fresher Irish imports available for colleens now.
Lynn
Diminutive of Linda, English, Welsh
"pretty, soft, tender; lake"
Lynn arrived in the 1940s, spinning off from the wildly popular Linda to become a top mid-century middle (and first) name, ranking at #58 during its 1956 peak. Now, however, Lynn is out of the…
Gaylene
Gaylene is a feminine name derived from the Old French word 'gai' meaning cheerful or joyful. It emerged as a variant of Gayle with the feminine suffix '-ene' added to enhance its delicate quality.…
Jeri
Jeri is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Geraldine or Jeraldine, though it has long since established itself as an independent given name. It ultimately derives from Germanic…
Geralyn
Geralyn is a feminine name that emerged in the mid-20th century as a blend of traditional elements – likely combining Geraldine with the popular suffix '-lyn.' The name peaked in popularity in the…
Cherrie
Cherrie is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Cherry, which began as a nickname derived from the French 'chérie,' meaning 'beloved' or 'darling.' As a given name, it gained modest…
Karan
Karan as a feminine name has multiple cultural origins. In Hindi, it's primarily masculine, meaning 'helper' or 'one who acts,' but has been adapted as a feminine name in Western contexts. It may…
Jaye
Jaye is a gender-neutral name that has been more commonly used for females in recent decades. It originated as a simplified variant of names like Jay, Jayne, or Jay, with the added 'e' giving it a…
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…
Jayne
Variation of Jane
Unplain (if dated) Jane.
Joni
English
"God is gracious"
Iconic folk singer Joni Mitchell lends this vintage nickname a cool, bohemian feel, while the streamlined spelling feels more contemporary and confident than the sweeter, cosier Joanie. While it may…