Names that Peaked in 1958

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.

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 roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).

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 flickers of interest in a revival. It still retains a certain black-eyed-Susan freshness.

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 there with Dave and Joe. and there have been innumerable pop-culture role models among its bearers--from Steven Spielberg to Steven Soderbergh to Steve Jobs.

A light and breezy nature name that's currently in style limbo, despite its pleasant meaning.

One of those midcentury shortenings that are starting to sound cool again, though we prefer Van.

Ginny was more common before Jenny and its myriad variants came along.

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 monastery where he served as abbot.

As frozen in the pre-Beatles era as short white gloves.

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 character in the BBC comedy-crime drama, Death in Paradise.

Last cool when Bogie roamed Casablanca.

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.

Gone with Richard and Rick, Ricky has been falling since the turn of the 21st century. Probably still suffering from overuse in the 1990s.

The kind of name last found in northern Wisconsin in the 1950s, and even then it was probably a nickname for Delbert.

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.

This short form of classic Victor is popular in its own right in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Patrice is a more modern-sounding and polished unisex alternative to Patricia.

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.

Blane is the attractive surname name of an important seventh-century Scottish saint, but is in danger of sounding slightly feminine and soap opera-ish.

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 popularity in America during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. Notable bearers include baseball legend Rickey Henderson, which enhanced the name's sporty, energetic associations. While Rickey has declined in usage since its peak, it maintains a casual charm and retro appeal. Many Rickeys may go by Rick or use Rickey as a nickname, appreciating its unpretentious, amiable quality that balances familiarity with a touch of distinctive character.