Popular Baby Names 1938
Classic names that peaked in 1938 — now making a comeback.
200 names885 girl439 boy
These 1938 names are having a revival — vintage names often cycle back into popularity after 80–100 years. Many of these are trending upward right now.
James
BoyEnglish
supplanter
#4 →
Rosalie
GirlFrance
French, German and Dutch form of ROSALIA. In the English-speaking this name received a boost after the release of the movie 'Rosalie' (1938), which was based on an earlier musical.
#182 ↑
Kenneth
BoyScotland
Born of fire; handsome.
#262 ↓
Elaine
GirlFrance
bright, shining light
#381 ↑
Winston
BoyUnited Kingdom
joyful stone
#398 ↓
Sylvia
GirlItaly
of the forest
#426 ↑
Barty
BoyEnglish
Son of the farmer
#503 →
Lemoine
BoyFrance
the miller
#503 →
Wyonne
GirlEnglish
Blessed
#505 →
Maclovio
BoySpain
one who is devoted to the Eucharist
#506 →
Charl
UnisexEnglish
free man
#508 →
Daralene
GirlAmerican
Derived from the combination of the names Darla and Eileen.
#508 →
Cather
GirlAmerican
English
#510 →
Rosemarie
GirlGermanic
Rosemarie
#512 →
Ivena
GirlEnglish
English
#513 →
Major
BoyAmerican
Greater; larger
#514 ↓
Doylene
GirlEnglish
A beloved name with deep roots
#515 →
Karel
UnisexCzech Republic
A feminine form of the name Karel, meaning 'man' or 'free man'.
#516 →
Lerae
GirlAmerican
To arise; to be lifted up
#516 →
Virley
GirlAmerican
A modern name that could be a combination of 'Vera' and 'Wiley', suggesting diverse influences.
#516 →
Claranne
GirlEnglish
Bright, clear; a variant of the name Clara.
#519 →
Omma
GirlSouth Korea
Korean
#520 →
Lindola
GirlAmerican
A blend of 'Linda' (meaning beautiful) and '-ola' which may suggest a diminutive form.
#521 →
Shirline
GirlEnglish
English
#521 →
Laurelee
GirlAmerican
A variant of the name Laurel, which is derived from the laurel tree, symbolizing victory and honor.
#522 →
Normia
GirlScotland
A variation of 'Norman', meaning northman or former Norseman.
#522 →
Hayne
BoyEngland
English
#525 →
Marvalee
GirlAmerican
English
#528 →
Velmarie
GirlAmerican
A combination of the names Velma and Marie, typically signifying a noble or beloved woman.
#531 →
Kather
GirlAmerican
A variant of 'Catherine', meaning 'pure' or 'clear'.
#535 →
Jerelene
GirlAmerican
English
#537 →
Verland
BoyAmerican
English
#537 →
Nelta
GirlAlbania
mighty
#538 →
Noreita
GirlSpain
Spanish
#541 →
Edena
GirlHebrew
Hebrew
#542 →
Tommey
BoyAmerican
twin
#544 →
Evila
GirlAmerican
Life, Life-giving
#546 →
Deotha
GirlIndian
goddess
#547 →
Marieda
GirlSpain
Of Mary; beloved
#547 →
Clata
GirlAmerican
Derived from the word 'clay'
#553 →
Leneta
GirlScandinavian countries
light
#553 →
Delmond
BoyEnglish
French
#555 →
Silberio
BoyItaly
Italian
#557 →
Clementeen
GirlEnglish
merciful, gentle
#562 →
Raburn
BoyAmerican
From the surname, possibly related to 'Raven' or 'Burn'
#562 →
Joanetta
GirlAmerican
God is gracious
#564 →
Enrique
BoySpain
Ruler of the home
#565 ↓
Johan
BoySweden
God is gracious
#567 →
Rondal
BoyAmerican
Ruler's Peace
#567 →
Arnald
BoyGermanic
Eagle power or ruler
#568 →
Manfried
BoyGermanic
powerful protector
#568 →
Darlie
GirlEnglish
English
#569 →
Dorinne
GirlFrance
Derived from 'Dorine', meaning 'gift'.
#569 →
Wyota
GirlNative American
Native American
#570 →
Jary
BoyAmerican
Descendant of Jer
#571 →
Shelvie
GirlEnglish
from the willow farm
#571 →
Glendean
GirlAmerican
Valley of the glen
#574 →
Jearldean
GirlEnglish
English
#578 →
Remonia
GirlAmerican
English
#579 →
Arless
BoyAmerican
English
#580 →
Arolyn
GirlAmerican
A little noble one
#581 →
Delberta
GirlUSA
Derived from the name Delber, potentially meaning 'noble' or 'bright'.
#581 →
Zelbert
BoyAmerican
Noble; bright
#581 →
Jereldine
GirlAmerican
Form of Geraldine, Ruler with Spear
#584 →
Rebertha
GirlAmerican
Bright and shining
#585 →
Lendal
BoyEnglish
From the linden tree hill
#587 →
Rosenell
GirlAmerican
Derived from rose; a small rose
#587 →
Lovelia
GirlAmerican
Derived from the word 'love', denoting affection and beauty.
#588 →
Jolean
GirlEnglish
God will increase
#592 →
Ladona
GirlMexico
The Lady
#593 →
Vinell
GirlAmerican
A person who is full of life.
#594 →
Audrienne
GirlAmerican
Noble strength; strong and brave
#601 →
Jaynell
GirlUSA
English
#604 →
Jeneal
GirlEnglish
A beloved name with deep roots
#604 →
Patsy
GirlEnglish
noble patrician
#604 →
Roylee
BoyAmerican
Royal
#604 →
Garlon
BoyAmerican
guardian or protector
#605 →
Ellean
GirlScotland
Scottish
#606 →
Shelba
GirlAmerican
English
#606 →
Arline
GirlEnglish
Eagle
#608 →
Arlander
BoyAmerican
A variant of the name 'Alaric', meaning 'ruler of all'.
#608 →
Claudetta
GirlEnglish
Lame; crippled; a feminine form of Claudius.
#610 →
Jeanette
GirlFrench
gift from God
#611 →
Marleene
GirlEnglish
Little warrior
#611 →
Shelbyjean
GirlAmerican
English
#614 →
Glo
GirlEnglish
English
#618 →
Garlene
GirlAmerican
a combination of 'garland' and 'lean'
#619 →
Marnette
GirlAmerican
Little Sea.
#619 →
Laquata
GirlAmerican
A beloved name with deep roots
#620 →
Hassell
BoyEngland
Holly trees' place
#621 →
Maelene
GirlAmerican
Maelene is often interpreted as a variation of names like Madeline or Melinda, which generally convey the meaning 'high
#623 →
Nonna
GirlItaly
Grandmother
#623 →
Jolane
GirlAmerican
God will increase
#625 →
Gaylia
GirlAmerican
English
#627 →
Dermont
BoyIreland
without a master
#629 →
Gaylard
BoyEnglish
a brave one
#629 →
Maryln
GirlAmerican
A variation of Marlene, meaning 'from the sea' or 'star of the sea'
#629 →
Elray
BoyAmerican
heir to the throne
#631 →
Gearldene
GirlEnglish
English
#631 →
Wyvonia
GirlAmerican
A modern coinage, possibly derived from the word 'Wyvern'.
#631 →
Corlene
GirlAmerican
English
#632 →
Wilmor
BoyGermanic
will helmet
#633 →
Clarabeth
GirlAmerican
English
#635 →
Shelva
GirlAmerican
Hebrew
#635 →
Gennette
GirlFrance
little generation, young one
#636 →
Ersell
UnisexAmerican
derived from the name Ursella, meaning little bear
#643 →
Sydna
GirlAmerican
a prosperous protector
#643 →
Janiel
UnisexEnglish
God is gracious
#645 →
Shelma
GirlHebrew
Hebrew
#645 →
Babara
GirlEnglish
Foreign woman; stranger
#646 →
Clauzell
BoyFrench
Small keyhole
#646 →
Ludean
GirlEnglish
inspired by 'lud' meaning 'to play'
#646 →
Laferne
GirlAmerican
A modern name possibly derived from the name Fern.
#649 →
Rodessa
GirlAmerican
Spanish
#650 →
Selby
UnisexEngland
Old Norse
#650 →
Vaughan
BoyWelsh
little
#650 →
Priscilla
GirlItaly
Ancient, venerable
#652 ↓
Willean
GirlAmerican
Determined protector
#654 →
Benito
BoySpain
Spanish form of BENEDICT. This name was borne by Mexican president Benito Juárez, and also by Benito Mussolini (who was named after Juárez), the fascist dictator of Italy during World War II.
#656 →
Collene
GirlAmerican
Irish
#656 →
Earnestean
GirlEnglish
earnest, serious
#658 →
Garney
BoyAmerican
A beloved name with deep roots
#658 →
Glenese
GirlEnglish
A beloved name with deep roots
#659 →
Selvia
GirlItaly
of the forest
#659 →
Jonell
GirlAmerican
God is gracious
#660 →
Laveda
GirlSpanish
One who is adored
#660 →
Geroldine
GirlFrance
A feminine form of Gerald, which means 'rules by the spear'.
#663 →
Loretta
GirlItaly
laurel; victory
#665 →
Cesario
BoyItalian
a derivative of 'Caesar', which means 'long-haired'
#667 →
Therald
BoyAmerican
English
#669 →
Searcy
BoyAmerican
A variant of the name 'Searcy', originally a surname.
#670 →
Ronaele
GirlAmerican
likely derived from names like 'Ronald' or 'Ronni', meaning 'ruler' or 'counsel'
#671 →
Rabon
BoyHebrew
a shepherd, a protector
#671 →
Wyonda
GirlAmerican
A variant of Wanda, meaning 'wanderer' or 'shepherd' in Polish.
#672 →
Cobina
GirlAmerican
Variant of the name Cobin, possibly derived from 'cabin'
#673 →
Lennea
GirlSwedish-speaking countries
A form of the name Linnea, referring to the twinflower.
#673 →
Cardell
BoyAmerican
English
#675 →
Glorice
GirlAmerican
glory or famous
#675 →
Mildren
GirlEnglish
A beloved name with deep roots
#675 →
Rexie
UnisexAmerican
Latin
#677 →
Almous
BoyArabic
Arabic
#678 →
Janilee
GirlAmerican
God is gracious
#680 →
Lomax
BoyEngland
from the snare
#680 →
Carville
BoyFrance
French
#686 →
Nancylee
GirlUSA
A combination of the names Nancy and Lee.
#691 →
Saralou
GirlAmerican
Princess, beloved
#691 →
Linvel
BoyAmerican
English
#697 →
Annett
GirlGermanic
gracious
#704 →
Durie
BoyScotland
From the 'place of the pine.'
#704 →
Newland
BoyUK
A beloved name with deep roots
#707 →
Immaculate
GirlLatin
Latin
#708 →
Jacquolyn
GirlAmerican
A modern variation of the name Jacqueline, often signifying 'supplanter'.
#708 →
Starley
UnisexAmerican
star field
#708 →
Barabra
GirlEnglish
Hebrew
#709 →
Marylan
GirlAmerican
sea of bitterness
#709 →
Ponciano
BoySpain
of the fifth
#712 →
Veanna
GirlEnglish
derived from the Welsh name Tanwen, meaning 'white fire' or 'radiant'
#714 →
Nannetta
GirlItaly
little Ann; favor; grace.
#715 →
Gorham
BoyEngland
Old English
#720 →
Maridee
GirlAmerican
English
#720 →
Wyomia
GirlAmerican
a gift from God
#720 →
Wardel
BoyUSA
guardian of the forest
#721 →
Jeanenne
GirlFrance
French
#722 →
Waynard
BoyEngland
Old English
#722 →
Laree
GirlAmerican
Derived from 'Laurie', meaning 'laurel' or 'bay tree'
#723 →
Hermene
GirlGreek
Greek
#725 →
Mead
BoyEnglish
Meadow or field
#725 →
Ervena
GirlEnglish
Italian
#726 →
Marliene
GirlAmerican
A blend of 'Maria' and 'Lina', often interpreted as 'beloved' or 'sea of bitterness'
#726 →
Atlean
GirlAmerican
English
#729 →
Clea
GirlGreek
glory
#729 →
Wadena
GirlNative American (Sioux)
to wake up, to rise
#730 →
Warne
BoyUnited Kingdom
one who guards
#732 →
Remer
BoyGermanic
remedy
#741 →
Elster
BoyGermanic
A name referring to a magpie.
#742 →
Marilyn
GirlAmerican
star of the sea
#742 ↓
Olna
GirlRussia
Russian
#745 →
Mablean
GirlAmerican
Variant of Mabel, meaning 'lovable'
#746 →
Moreland
BoyEnglish
marshland, boggy land
#747 →
Pat
Unisex[English]
Short form of PATRICK or PATRICIA. A famous bearer of this name was Pat Garrett (1850-1908), the sheriff who shot Billy the Kid.
#749 →
Cloys
BoyUSA
A variant of Clovis, which means 'famous warrior'
#751 →
Wally
Boy[English]
Diminutive of WALTER or WALLACE.
#751 →
Merrel
BoyAmerican
English
#753 →
Laverle
GirlAmerican
the small river
#754 →
Vear
GirlAmerican
English
#754 →
Hermenia
GirlSpain
A variation of 'Herminia', often interpreted as 'the one who belongs to Hermes'
#758 →
Oteka
GirlNigeria
A source of joy
#758 →
Gaynol
GirlAmerican
English
#761 →
Garlond
BoyAmerican
A variant of Garland, meaning 'a wreath or chain of flowers, leaves, or stems.'
#762 →
Lyndal
UnisexAustralia
derived from the name 'Linda', meaning 'beautiful'
#763 →
Lamona
GirlAmerican
Derived from the Hebrew word 'lamon' meaning 'the one who brings light'.
#763 →
Christell
GirlFrench
follower of Christ
#765 →
Pearlene
GirlAmerican
English
#765 →
Rc
BoyAmerican
Often interpreted as initials, commonly representing a person's first and last name.
#765 →
Arzetta
GirlAmerican
Italian
#768 →
Harrel
BoyAmerican
English
#768 →
Jerrald
BoyAmerican
English
#768 →
Neatha
GirlEnglish
English
#769 →
Tita
GirlSpain
Bringer of joy
#771 →
Fayerene
GirlEnglish
fairy princess
#772 →