Names that Peaked in 1958
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About this list
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…
Randell
Randell is a masculine given name that evolved as a variant of Randall, which originated from the Old Norse name 'Randulfr,' combining elements meaning 'shield' and 'wolf.' This name traveled to…
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…
Blane
Scottish
"yellow"
Blane is the attractive surname name of an important sixth-century Scottish saint, though Blaine is a more familiar spelling. Ultimately from the Old Irish Bláán, it has the coloful and upbeat…
Del
English, diminutive
"small valley"
The kind of name last found in northern Wisconsin in the 1950s, and even then it was probably a nickname for Delbert.
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…
Derrell
Derrell is a masculine name of English origin, derived from the surname Darrell, which originated from Norman French 'd'Airelle,' referring to someone from Airelle in France. The name has been…
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…
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…
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.'…
Cathi
Cathi is a feminine name primarily serving as a diminutive or variant spelling of Catherine or Cathy. Derived ultimately from the Greek name Aikaterine or Hekaterine, its meaning is debated but…
Dale
English
"valley"
A light and breezy nature name that's currently in style limbo, despite its pleasant meaning, Dale was originally a surname, used for someone who lived near a valley. It was a Top 100 choice in the…
Tambra
Tambra is a feminine name with a melodious, rhythmic quality. It appears to be a variant of Tamara, which derives from the Hebrew name Tamar meaning "date palm" or "palm tree." The altered spelling…
Mel
English, diminutive of Melvin
"council protector"
Though most Mels are playing pinochle with Murray and Morris, there was a notable Saint Mel. He is one of the earliest Irish saints, a nephew of St. Patrick. He became a priest, then built a great…
Mitchel
Mitchel is a masculine name derived from Michael, with Hebrew origins meaning 'who is like God?' This variant spelling emerged as both a surname and given name, offering a slightly less common…
Cathy
English diminutive of Catherine, Greek
"pure"
One of the most popular nicknames of the fifties and sixties — and who could forget the romantic heroine of "Wuthering Heights"? — now largely ignored in favor of Cate or Kate.
Rick
Diminutive of Richard, Frederick
Last cool when Bogie roamed Casablanca.
Rickey
Rickey is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Richard, which comes from Germanic elements meaning 'powerful' and 'ruler' or 'brave.' This friendly, approachable variant gained…
