Names that Peaked in 1957
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…
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…
Dani
Hebrew and Italian, diminutive of Daniella, Danielle, Danita
Short form occasionally used on its own, with an open and friendly androgynous quality.
Cynthia
Greek
"moon goddess; woman from Kynthos"
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…
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…
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…
Jerri
Diminutive of Geraldine, feminine variation of Gerald, English and French
"ruler with the spear"
Boyish nicknames for girls -- like Charlie and Frankie -- are in fashion, but Geraldine is out. Jerri just might split the difference. Jerri Manthey is a polarizing three-time contestant on Survivor .
Gisele
The French variation of Giselle was made famous by the spectacular Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen.
Jeannie
Diminutive of Jean, English and Scottish
"God is gracious"
A nickname-y choice with a touch of vintage charm, Jeannie is ultimately a feminine diminutive form of the classic John, via Johanna and Jean. With sounds reminiscent of magical genies and of genius,…
Joanie
Diminutive of Joan, English
"God is gracious"
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…
Marianne
French combination of Marie and Anne
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + grace"
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. The…
Mariann
Mariann is a feminine name that functions as a variant of Marian or a combination of Maria and Ann. With roots in both Hebrew and Latin traditions, it carries the meanings of 'bitter' (from…
Marty
Short form of Martha or Martina, Aramaic or Latin
"lady or warlike"
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…
Susan
English diminutive of Susannah, Hebrew
"lily"
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…
Vicky
Diminutive of Victoria
"victory"
This once vivacious midcentury nickname is rarely used for modern babies.
Vickey
Vickey is a diminutive form of Victoria, ultimately derived from the Latin 'victoria' meaning 'victory.' This spelling variation emerged as a nickname that eventually became used as an independent…
Vikki
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…
Brion
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…
Carey
Irish
"dark, black"
Carey is a surname name that works equally well on babies of all genders: Jazz great Carey Bell and motorcross champion Carey Hart are just two examples of how handsome this name can be for a boy.…