Names that Peaked in 1958
Across 2 pages
of 2
Rick
Diminutive of Richard, Frederick
Last cool when Bogie roamed Casablanca.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
Randal
Randal is a masculine name with Germanic roots, originating as a variant of Randall, which comes from the Old Norse elements 'rand' (shield) and 'varr' (warrior). This 'shield warrior' meaning…
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…
Sal
English, diminutive of Salvador or Salvatore, Latin
"savior"
The sidekick in almost every movie or TV show with an Italo-American setting, this once common name has now fallen onto the endangered list, given to fewer than 50 baby boys each year.
Von
Norse
"hope"
One of those midcentury shortenings that are starting to sound cool again, though we prefer Van.
Vic
Diminutive of Victor, Latin
"conqueror"
This short form of classic Victor is popular in its own right in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Lanita
Lanita is a feminine name with multiple cultural influences. It may function as a diminutive form of Lana, itself derived from names like Alana or Svetlana, or it could be a feminine variation of…
Leisa
Spelling variation of Lisa
"pledged to God"
While Liesa is the German short form of mother name Elizabeth, Leisa is a spelling variation and is pronounced just like Lisa, though some people say it Lee-sha.
Cheryl
Modern invented name, variation of Cherie, French
"darling"
As frozen in the pre-Beatles era as short white gloves.
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…
Kathy
English diminutive of Katherine, Greek
"pure"
There are lots of Kathy moms and grandmas but very few babies, most of whom are now called Kate or Katie.
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…
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.