Names that Peaked in 1958

Michael was the Number 1 American boys' name for almost half a century. While Michael has moved out of the Top 10 baby boy names, it's still widely used.

Mary is the English form of Maria, which ultimately was derived from the Hebrew name Maryam/Mariam. The original meaning of Maryam 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).

Although Susan had her heyday from the thirties to the sixties, and is now common among moms and new grandmas, and though most modern parents would prefer Susanna/Susannah, we have spotted some flickers of interest in a revival. It still retains a certain black-eyed-Susan freshness.

Steven, the phonetic and now predominant spelling of the classier Stephen, has finally dropped out of the Top 100 after seventy years. Steve has become one of the ultimate regular-guy names, right up there with Dave and Joe. and there have been innumerable pop-culture role models among its bearers--from Steven Spielberg to Steven Soderbergh to Steve Jobs.

A light and breezy nature name that's currently in style limbo, despite its pleasant meaning.

One of those midcentury shortenings that are starting to sound cool again, though we prefer Van.

The kind of name last found in northern Wisconsin in the 1950s, and even then it was probably a nickname for Delbert.

Though most Mels are playing pinochle with Murray and Morris, there was a notable Saint Mel. He is one of the earliest Irish saints, a nephew of St. Patrick. He became a priest, then built a great monastery where he served as abbot.

As frozen in the pre-Beatles era as short white gloves.

Gone with Richard and Rick, Ricky has been falling since the turn of the 21st century. Probably still suffering from overuse in the 1990s.

Ginny was more common before Jenny and its myriad variants came along.

A modern(ish) invented name, only in widespread use since the 20th century. It is a combination of the English word darling and the popular midcentury suffix -lene.

Blane is the attractive surname name of an important seventh-century Scottish saint, but is in danger of sounding slightly feminine and soap opera-ish.

The sidekick in almost every movie or TV show with an Italo-American setting.

Last cool when Bogie roamed Casablanca.

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

There are lots of Kathy moms and grandmas but very few babies, most of whom are now called Kate or Katie.

One of the most popular nicknames of the fifties and sixties -- and who could forget the romantic heroine of "Wuthering Heights"? -- now largely ignored in favor of Cate or Kate.

Occasionally used as an independent name, but why.

Patrice is a more modern-sounding and polished unisex alternative to Patricia.