Names that Peaked in 1958
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…
Ricky
English diminutive of Richard or Frederick
"dominant ruler; peaceful ruler"
Gone with Richard and Rick, Ricky has been falling since the turn of the 21st century. Probably still suffering from overuse in the 1990s.
Cindi
Cindi is a feminine name that emerged as a diminutive and variant spelling of Cindy, which itself originated as a nickname for Cynthia. The name ultimately derives from Greek mythology, where Cynthia…
Danita
Danita is a feminine given name with multiple possible origins. It may be a diminutive form of Dana (itself having Hebrew origins meaning 'judge') with the feminine suffix '-ita' which is common in…
Darlene
English
"darling"
A modern(ish) invented name, only in widespread use since the 20th century. It is a combination of the English word darling and the popular midcentury suffix -lene. It was recently used on a…
Debi
Debi is a feminine name primarily used as a friendly, approachable nickname for Deborah or Debra. These parent names have Hebrew origins meaning 'bee' or 'industrious one.' The simplified spelling…
Deb
English diminutive of Deborah, Hebrew
"bee"
During the heyday of Deborah, Debra, and Debra — the late 1950s and early 60s — there were enough baby girls named Deb, just Deb, for it to make the Top 1000. Today, Deb is literally extinct for…
Debbi
Debbi is a feminine name that emerged as a diminutive form of Deborah, which has Hebrew origins meaning "bee." This shorter variant gained independent popularity during the 1950s and 1960s in…
Dorene
Dorene is a feminine name that emerged as a variant of Doreen in the mid-20th century. Both derive from the Greek name Dora, a diminutive of names containing the element 'doron' meaning 'gift.'…
Lizabeth
Lizabeth is a shortened form of Elizabeth, carrying the same Hebrew heritage meaning 'God is my oath' or 'pledged to God.' This streamlined version eliminates the initial 'E' while maintaining the…
Gerri
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. Gerri just might split the difference.
Geri
Diminutive of Gerladine, feminine variation of Gerald, English and French
"ruler with the spear"
Out of fashion alongside the full form - Geraldine. But with boyish nicknames for girls rising, maybe Geri isn't so far out.
Ginny
Diminutive of Virginia, Ginevra, Genevieve, or Imogen
"virgin, pure; white wave; maiden"
A nickname to Latin Virginia, French Genevieve, Italian Ginevra, English Imogen, and any other name with the 'gin' sound in there, Ginny ranked in the latter end of the US charts in the mid 20th…
Patrice
French variation of PATRICIA
"noble"
Patrice is a more modern-sounding and polished unisex alternative to Patricia.
Patti
English diminutive of Patricia
"patrician"
Long one of the most popular girls' names starting with P , Patti replaced Patsy as the midcentury's popular, peppy babysitter but has now joined her in the retirement home.
Perri
English
"dweller near a pear tree"
For boys, this name calls to mind old-school detective Perry Mason. But peppy Perri is coming around as part of a group of boyish nicknames for girls - along with favorites like Leni and Charlie. In…
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…
Val
Diminutive of Valentina, Valerie, etc, Latin
"strength, health"
Occasionally used as an independent name, but why.