Names that Peaked in 1941

  1. Nedra
    • Origin:

      Variation of Nedda, Slavic
    • Meaning:

      "born on Sunday"
    • Description:

      Nedra was one of a phalanx of names -- Delma, Verda, Vernice -- popular in the late 19th and early 20th century that dropped out of fashion after World War II and now have disappeared completely. Like the others, Nedra is now extinct.
  2. Marge
    • Origin:

      Short form of Margaret, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "pearl"
    • Description:

      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.
  3. Pat
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Patricia
    • Meaning:

      "noble, patrician"
    • Description:

      An early and still quintessentially androgynous name, now supplanted by thousands of fresher options.
  4. Jere
    • Herb
      • Marylee
        • Origin:

          English combination of Mary and Lee
        • Meaning:

          "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + meadow"
        • Description:

          The meaning of Mary 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).
      • Suellen
        • Origin:

          Compound name, blending Susan and Ellen
        • Meaning:

          "shining lily"
        • Description:

          Suellen is a smoosh name that combines two classic names into one that feels both mid-century and modern, a little like Carolyn, a bit like Elowen. Notably used by Margaret Hill in her novel, Gone with the Wind, Suellen peaked in the 1940s and is rarely used today.
      • Karolyn
        • Gearld
          • Phyliss
            • Judyth
              • Georgene