MGM Musical Stars

A once-popular nickname for Albert and Bertram now being polished up by hip Brits, but still hibernating in the Land of Nerd over here.

Short but substantial, Russ does not need the full-form Russell to go on the birth certificate. Russ strikes a nice balance between familiar, friendly, and underused.

The S may confuse English speakers, but it's a French classic.

Marge used to be as common as Maggie or Megan, ranking on its own in the girls' Top 1000 from 1900 until right after World War II, when so many Old School names fell off the list in favor of a new generation cuter, perkier choices.

Harve is a masculine name that functions as a shortened form of Harvey, which derives from Old Breton origins meaning "battle worthy" or "iron." This concise variant maintains the strength of the original while offering a more casual, approachable quality. Harve was more commonly used in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in rural American communities, giving it a rustic, vintage charm. Though less common than Harvey in contemporary usage, Harve fits with the trend toward shorter, straightforward masculine names. The name carries associations of reliability, straightforwardness, and unpretentious strength. While uncommon today, its simplicity and historical usage make it an option for parents seeking a distinctive name with traditional roots.

This Old Welsh name associated with blacksmiths has never caught on, but it has the right two-syllable occupational feel to qualify for revival. Gower Champion was a successful midcentury dancer, choreographer and director on the Broadway stage, in films and on TV.

Last moment of glory was in the Janis Joplin sixties.

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

Richard is far from fashionable, but Ricardo is one of the most popular Spanish names for boys in the US. And it does sound far more appealing that the English version.

This unusual spelling of a simple name is notable as the name of dancer Cyd Charisse, whose given name was Tula Ellice but whose brother's mispronunciation of Sis begat Sid. Famed dance teacher Arthur Freed varied it to Cyd.