The Prime Child Names of the Fifties

September 5, 2024

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The Fifties have been the launch pad into the second half of the twentieth century. The post-World Warfare II interval noticed the spark of the Civil Rights motion, the surge into the suburbs, and the beginning of rock and roll. The interval can be synonymous with the “child increase,” which was characterised by a pointy improve in births nationwide, so mother and father have been naturally in search of child title inspiration.

The highest child names of the Fifties will in all probability look acquainted—you may even spot your individual mother and father’ names on the listing! And whereas most Fifties monikers are nonetheless fairly frequent at present, a few of them haven’t cracked the highest 20—and even high 100—lately, that means it is time for the subsequent era to revive them.

Maintain studying for timeless child title concepts from the Fifties, compiled with data from the Social Safety Administration (SSA).

Though this text separates names by gender, your child’s assigned intercourse at beginning doesn’t have to dictate the title you select for them. Names will not be inherently gendered or related to a selected intercourse, and it is essential to pick out a reputation that feels proper on your infant and your loved ones.

Widespread Fifties Names for Boys

In keeping with SSA information, the most well-liked boy title within the Fifties was James. Certainly, James was within the high 10 names for boys yearly from 1900 to 1992! Whereas it dipped within the Nineteen Nineties and 2000s, it reentered at quantity 9 in 2014 and has been climbing up since.

Different names that spherical out the highest 10 embrace Michael, Robert, John, David, William, Richard, Thomas, Mark, and Charles. Learn extra about these Fifties boy’s names beneath.

James

Origin: Hebrew, English
That means: Supplanter
Different Spellings & Variations: Jimmy, Jamie, Jaymes
Enjoyable Reality: Six presidents have been named James, making it the commonest first title for presidents.

Michael

Origin: Hebrew
That means: Who’s like God?
Different Spellings & Variations: Mike, Mikey
Enjoyable Reality: Michael was the primary title for boys from 1954 to 1998, aside from 1960 when it dropped right down to quantity two.

Robert

Origin: German, English
That means: Vibrant fame
Different Spellings & Variations: Rob, Robbie, Robby, Bob, Bobby

John

Origin: Hebrew
That means: God is gracious
Different Spellings & Variations: Jon, Jack
Enjoyable Reality: This brief child title truly peaked in reputation earlier than the Fifties—it was the highest boy title from 1900 to 1923!

David

Origin: Hebrew
That means: Beloved
Different Spellings & Variations: Dave

William

Origin: German
That means: Resolute safety
Different Spellings & Variations: Will, Wills, Invoice, Billy
Enjoyable Reality: Since 1900, William has by no means fallen beneath the highest 20 names for child boys.

Richard

Origin: German
That means: Dominant ruler
Different Spellings & Variations: Ricky

Thomas

Origin: Aramaic
That means: Twin
Different Spellings & Variations: Tomas, Tom, Tommy

Mark

Origin: Latin
That means: Warlike
Different Spellings & Variations: Marc

Charles

Origin: German, French
That means: Free man
Different Spellings & Variations: Charlie, Charley, Chuck
Enjoyable Reality: Charles is a standard title for the Aristocracy, and these days it is typically thought of a gender-neutral child title.

Extra ’50s Names for Boys

Steven: As soon as widespread, this title hasn’t cracked the highest 100 since 2007.
Gary: Gary had a second within the Fifties, maybe because of Hollywood icon Gary Cooper, however you gained’t come throughout many school rooms with this title these days.
Joseph: Joe? Joey? Joseph? All variations have an amazing ring to it.
Donald: Donald peaked in reputation in 1934, however remained within the high 20 till 1960.
Ronald: Not feeling Donald? How concerning the similar-sounding Ronald!
Kenneth: Kenneth means “born of fireplace” or “good-looking,” which could clarify how Barbie’s boyfriend acquired his title.
Paul: This can be a protected and easy title.
Larry: One of many best NBA gamers of all time, Larry Fowl was born in 1956.
Daniel: The title Daniel solely acquired extra widespread after the ‘50s; it didn’t peak till 2007-2008!
Stephen: A barely extra formal tackle Steven.

Getty Photos / Tom Kelley Archive.

Widespread Fifties Names for Women

From 1900 via 1965, Mary was all the time both the primary or second hottest title for child ladies. Nevertheless it has since fallen out of style and hasn’t even cracked the highest 100 since 2008.

Different widespread lady names within the Fifties embrace Linda, Patricia, Susan, Deborah, Barbara, Debra, Karen, Nancy, and Donna.

Mary

Origin: Hebrew
That means: Drop of the ocean, bitter, or beloved

Linda

Origin: Spanish, Portuguese, Italian
That means: Fairly
Enjoyable Reality: Linda claimed the primary spot in 1947, ending Mary’s 47-year streak.

Patricia

Origin: Latin
That means: Noble, patrician
Different Spellings & Variations: Patty, Patsy, Tricia

Susan

Origin: Hebrew
That means: Lily
Different Spellings & Variations: Sue, Susie

Deborah

Origin: Hebrew
That means: Bee
Different Spellings & Variations: Debra, Debbie

Barbara

Origin: Latin
That means: Overseas girl
Different Spellings & Variations: Barb, Barbie, Barbra
Enjoyable Reality: Barbara Millicent Roberts (aka Barbie) hit the scene in 1959. Perhaps the latest Barbie film will give the title’s reputation a lift; it hasn’t appeared within the high 100 since 1977.

Debra

Origin: Hebrew
That means: Bee
Different Spellings & Variations: Deborah, Debbie

Karen

Origin: Danish
That means: Pure
Enjoyable Reality: Karen is a Danish diminutive of Katherine.

Nancy

Origin: Hebrew, French
That means: Pure
Different Spellings & Variations: Nan, Nanny

Donna

Origin: Italian
That means: Girl
Enjoyable Reality: Legendary actress Donna Reed might need been a contributing issue for the title’s reputation within the ‘50s.

Extra ’50s Names for Women

Cynthia: Cynthia appeared within the high 20 from 1951 via 1968.
Sandra: Sandra was hottest within the Forties, which carried over into the subsequent decade. Nonetheless, the title dwindled in curiosity after that.
Pamela: Pamela means “all honey,” which sounds fairly candy!
Sharon: Actress Sharon Stone was born in 1958, becoming a member of the ranks of many different Sharons that yr.
Kathleen: This Irish child title means “pure” and is expounded to Katherine and Kaitlin.
Carol: This could be the proper title for infants born across the holidays!
Diane: At present it’s much less widespread than Diana, however in 1958, Diane was the most well-liked title for women.
Brenda: Do you know Brenda means “blade of a sword”? Now that’s fierce!
Cheryl: Cheryl hasn’t appeared within the high 1,000 child lady names since 1997, however with a French that means of “darling,” it could be price revisiting.
Janet: Janet Leigh was one of the well-known actresses of the Fifties—and he or she’s additionally Jamie Lee Curtis’s mother!

Extra Child Title Concepts

For extra child title inspiration, check out the next lists: