Names that Peaked in 1957
Across 2 pages
of 2
Cheyenne
Sioux
"people of a different language"
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.
Elvis
Meaning unknown
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. The name Elvis is…
Gil
Hebrew
"happiness"
Pronounced zheel, it's a dashing conquistador; as gill, it's the nice and slightly boring guy down the street.
Jame
Jame is a masculine name that can be considered a shortened form of James, which derives from the Hebrew name Jacob (Ya'akov), meaning 'supplanter' or 'one who follows.' Despite its connection to one…
Mickey
Diminutive of Michael, Hebrew
"who is like God?"
Pugnacious and spunky like the young Mickey Rooney and the original Mickey Mouse, but virtually never given to babies today.
Rock
Word name or diminutive of Rocco
"rock or rest"
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.
Stevie
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…
Tab
Modern invented name
A Hollywood agent created the name Tab Hunter and poof -- the former Arthur Gelien became a fifties teen idol. We don't advise trying this at home.
Michel
French form and German short form of Michael, Hebrew
"who is like God"
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…
Maribeth
English, combination of Mary and Beth
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + oath"
Variant of Marybeth
Dann
Dann is a masculine name that functions as a short form of Daniel or occasionally as an independent given name. The Hebrew name Daniel means "God is my judge" and has biblical roots, appearing in the…
Nilda
Nilda is a feminine name with Germanic and Spanish origins. In Germanic contexts, it evolved as a shortened form of names containing the element '-hild' meaning 'battle' or 'conflict,' such as…
Gale
Spelling variation of Gail
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.
Grayling
Grayling is an uncommon masculine name with English origins, derived from nature. The name refers to the grayling, a type of freshwater fish found in clear streams and known for its distinctive…
Caren
Caren is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Karen, which originated as a Danish form of Katherine. Katherine ultimately derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, possibly meaning…
Sheryl
Variation of Cheryl, English invented name from Cherie, French
"dear"
Somehow, the S versions are even more passe than the C's.
Cindy
English diminutive of Cynthia, Greek, or Lucinda, Spanish and Portuguese
"moon goddess, woman from Kynthos; "
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…