Names that Peaked in 1934

Popular in the US from the 1920s to the 1950s, Arlene is of uncertain origin and seems to be a modern innovation, perhaps based on names like Marlene and Darlene which were popular around the same time. Nowadays, the -lene names are mostly outdated, although the recent rise of retro Arlette could make Arlene seem plausible again as well.

Kids love Bob the Builder, but do they want to be Bob the Builder? Bob and Bobby have been out of style since the 1960s, but as vintage nickname-names -- Fred, Archie -- come back into vogue, Bob may tag along. Charlie Sheen used it for one of his twin sons.

Since it's also Spanish for "nothing," this name wouldn't be great for a girl's self-esteem.

This Spanish variation of the French Estelle and spelling spin on Estella is on the rise, along with most star-related names, even Starr (and Star) herself. Popular personality Ali Landry chose it for her daughter.

This name was consistently in the boys' Top 200 until WW2. It's a name with so many dimensions to it: the hyper-masculine meaning, the surname-as-firstname trendiness, and the softer sound and connotation since homophone Carol was favoured in the 1940s and '50s for daughters. We think it's time for a resurgence of Carrolls amongst the boys.

Verlyn is an obscure name that found some use in the US in the early part of the 20th century, but now it and variation Verlin are virtually extinct, given to no baby boys in the US last year.

See DOLORES.

See RETA.