Names that Peaked in 1957

  1. Michael
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "who is like God?"
    • Description:

      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.
  2. Mary
    • Origin:

      Hebrew or Egyptian
    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"
    • Description:

      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 roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).
  3. Susan
    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Susannah, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "lily"
    • Description:

      Although Susan had her heyday from the thirties to the sixties, and is now common among moms and new grandmas, and though most modern parents would prefer Susanna/Susannah, we have spotted some flickers of interest in a revival. It still retains a certain black-eyed-Susan freshness.
  4. Cynthia
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "moon goddess; woman from Kynthos"
    • Description:

      Sleek and serious, yet bright and energetic at the same time, Cynthia appears in classic mythology as an epithet for Artemis or Diana. While it is now a more neglected choice, it was once hugely popular in the middle of the 20th-century, peaking at #7 in the US, and in the Top 20 by diminutive Cindy.
  5. Marianne
    • Origin:

      French combination of Marie and Anne
    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + grace"
    • Description:

      A midcentury Catholic classic that's not chosen by many parents today. Leonard Cohen fans might think of the beautiful song So Long, Marianne, named for his lover and muse Marianne Ihlen.
  6. Steven
    • Origin:

      English variation of Stephen
    • Meaning:

      "garland, crown"
    • Description:

      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 there with Dave and Joe. and there have been innumerable pop-culture role models among its bearers--from Steven Spielberg to Steven Soderbergh to Steve Jobs.
  7. Cindy
    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Cynthia, Greek, or Lucinda, Spanish and Portuguese
    • Meaning:

      "moon goddess, woman from Kynthos; "
    • Description:

      Cindy as a name in its own right made it into the Top 20 in 1957 and remained a Top 200 girls' name until the end of the 20th century. Although it's fallen precipitously since then and left the Top 1000 completely in 2015, Cindy remains a name commonly heard in the US. Today, though, it would more likely be attached to moms or grandmas than to babies.
  8. Stevie
    • Description:

      Stevie is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive of Stephen or Steven, meaning "crown" or "garland" from Greek origins. While traditionally a nickname, Stevie gained popularity as a standalone name in the mid-20th century, bolstered by famous bearers like musician Stevie Wonder and singer Stevie Nicks (who popularized it for females as well). For boys, Stevie carries a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining masculine associations. The name peaked in popularity during the 1950s-1970s but has maintained steady usage since. Stevie offers the rare combination of being recognizable without being overly common, with a vintage charm that appeals to contemporary parents. The name evokes a sense of warmth and familiarity while still feeling distinctive in today's naming landscape.

  9. Cheyenne
    • Origin:

      Sioux
    • Meaning:

      "people of a different language"
    • Description:

      This is a great American name that deserves more attention from parents looking for a name that balances a soft sound with a more traditionally masculine cowboy image.
  10. Elvis
    • Origin:

      Meaning unknown
    • Description:

      When the King was alive, and for years afterwards, few people (except Declan McManus who became Elvis Costello) dared use his singular name, but now it's very much up for grabs.
  11. Gil
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "happiness"
    • Description:

      Pronounced zheel, it's a dashing conquistador; as gill, it's the nice and slightly boring guy down the street.
  12. Joanie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Joan, English
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Although Joan was the more popular name in the 20th century, it's the nickname Joanie that is likely to be revived first. Joan ranked as a Top 100 name from the mid '20s to the mid '60s, and the US is still Joan-ed out from that era. But sweet Joanie feels fresh — a sister to names like Sadie, Elsie, and Sylvie. It could have a future on the Top 1000 but for now, scoop up Joanie while it's undiscovered.
  13. Mickey
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Michael, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "who is like God?"
    • Description:

      Pugnacious and spunky like the young Mickey Rooney and the original Mickey Mouse, but virtually never given to babies today.
  14. Michel
    • Origin:

      French form and German short form of Michael, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "who is like God"
    • Description:

      While the (male) French form is pronounced in English like the girls' name Michelle and the German form had a hard k-like sound in the middle, this variation of Michael is distinguished by being used evenly for girls and boys in the U.S. For either gender, though, pronunciation issues will dominate.
  15. Gale
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Gail
    • Description:

      When Gail was popular, half a century ago, Gale was a plausible choice. Gale does put a slightly more masculine spin on the name, but it's dated in any version.
  16. Rock
    • Origin:

      Word name or diminutive of Rocco
    • Meaning:

      "rock or rest"
    • Description:

      Rock definitely has a macho image, if a somewhat caricatured one, ala The Rock. But with the rise of word names and also of tough guy names, Rock feels more plausible than it did a generation ago.
  17. Vikki
    • Description:

      Vikki is a feminine name primarily used as a nickname or diminutive form of Victoria, though it has also established itself as an independent given name. Derived from Victoria's Latin origins meaning "victory," Vikki maintains these connotations of triumph and success while adding a friendly, approachable quality through its shortened form. The spelling with two K's became particularly popular in the mid-20th century, reflecting trends toward creative variants of traditional names. Vikki peaked in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, conveying a retro charm today. The name projects a spirited, energetic personality with its bouncy consonants and cheerful sound. While less formal than Victoria, Vikki balances casual friendliness with the strength of its victorious meaning, making it appeal to parents seeking a name that's both familiar and distinctive.
  18. Marty
    • Origin:

      Short form of Martha or Martina, Aramaic or Latin
    • Meaning:

      "lady or warlike"
    • Description:

      Marty and Martie are old-fashioned gender-neutral nickname names, boyish nicknames not heard much since the middle of the last century. That could change, though, with the rise of vintage boyish nicknames for girls. They have a certain charm and may come back into style along with mother names such as Martha.
  19. Vicky
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Victoria
    • Meaning:

      "victory"
    • Description:

      This once vivacious midcentury nickname is rarely used for modern babies.
  20. Brion
    • Description:

      Brion is a masculine name with Celtic and French origins, representing a variant spelling of Brian or Brienne. The traditional Brian comes from the Celtic word meaning 'high' or 'noble.' This variation with the 'o' spelling gives the classic name a more distinctive, sophisticated appearance. While less common than the standard Brian, Brion has maintained steady if modest usage throughout the English-speaking world. The name carries connotations of strength and dignity from its noble meaning. Brion offers parents a slightly unusual alternative to a familiar name, providing uniqueness without sacrificing recognizability or pleasant sound. Its straightforward pronunciation and spelling make it accessible despite being less common.

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