13 Baby Names That Were Most Popular in the 1950s

Oh, the 1950s. The era of sock hops and suburbs, Eisenhower and Elvis, civil rights and communism. If you love this decade, whether you’re a fan of the fashion or you remember the era fondly, then you’re probably a big fan of 1950s names.

Do you know which names were most popular from 1950 to 1959? Here are the 13 that were all the rage back in the day – you might recognize a few monikers of today’s most famous celebrities.

1. Thomas

This Hebrew name for “a twin” isn’t too unpopular nowadays, honestly! In 2017, Thomas was ranked the 69th most popular name. Still, it has seen a dip in use since the 1950s, where it never left the Top 10.

2. James

A classic boys’ name derived from the Hebrew name Jacob. It means “supplanter,” which means one who follows. In the 17th century, the Scottish king James VI inherited the English throne, becoming the first ruler of all Britain, and the name became popular in the public eye for the first time.

The moniker hovers just outside of the Top 10 nowadays at 11th, but it bounced around in the Top 3 for all of the 1950s.

3. Mary

Another name of Hebrew origin, meaning “bitter.” This moniker has seen a serious dip in popularity and now sits at 190th, far from its nine-year stint as the #1 female baby name during the 1950s in America.

4. Patricia

This is one we definitely don’t hear anymore! Now at 1,013th, this regal Latin name means “of nobility” and jumped all around the Top 10 baby names during the 1950s.

5. John

Admittedly, this boy’s name is a staple that seems to have ALWAYS been popular and will likely always be pretty popular. The Hebrew name for “God is gracious,” now sits at 47th, far from its decade-long run in the Top 5.

6. Michael

Talk about a name that’s been experiencing years of popularity – Michael has been a popular moniker since the Bible was written. Which is, for those of you who aren’t sure, a long time ago. In 2017, Michael sits just outside the Top 20 at 19th. However, from 1954-59 this was the most popular boy’s name in the U.S.

7. Susan

Meaning “lily” in Hebrew, this lovely name has seen one of the biggest drops in popularity: it sits at 1,186th for 2017. Back in the 1950s, this name was in the middle of the Top 10, even landing 2nd towards the end of the era.

8. David

Another biblical name! The name comes from Hebrew origins (surprise) and means, “beloved.” Still decently popular (so far for 2017, the moniker is 34th), David really saw its heyday in the 1950s where it never left the Top 5.

9. Robert

Whether you know them as Bob, Rob, or Bobby, you likely know more than one person with this common name. The name comes from the English and means, “bright fame.” That fame seems to have faded, as the name sits at 109th this year, but rest assured it was one of the Top 10 names about 60 years ago.

10. Richard

A tough German name which means “strong ruler,” Richard is sorely missing its time in the limelight way back in the 1950s. Now, the moniker sits at 233rd, but it used to reign in the Top 10 with an iron fist.

11. Nancy

You can spell it with a “y,” “ie,” or an “i,” but it doesn’t change the fact that this Hebrew name, meaning “grace,” is far from being in vogue. The name now sits at 1,615th, a long way from its Top 10 and Top 20 turn in the 1950s.

12. Donna

This Italian name, meaning “lady,” might have started becoming popular in the 1950s, but it continued to be well-used into the 1970s. Nowadays, however, is a very different story, as the name now stands 1,379th.

13. William

It’s safe to say that this might be the most popular name on this list for the longest amount of time. Meaning “strong-willed warrior,” the name is of Old German origin but became popular in English after the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Several kings of England, U.S. Presidents, actors, writers, and hundreds of famous men in history have had this moniker.

Although it may not be in Top 10 status like it was in the 1950s, the name is still going strong today at 24th.