Popular Baby Names 1938

Classic names that peaked in 1938 — now making a comeback.

200 names884 girl435 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
Boy
English-speaking countries
supplanter
#4
Kenneth
Boy
Scotland
Born of fire; handsome.
#262
Winston
Boy
United Kingdom
joyful stone
#398
Barty
Boy
English-speaking countries
Son of the farmer
#503
Lemoine
Boy
France
the miller
#503
Maclovio
Boy
Spain
one who is devoted to the Eucharist
#506
Charl
Unisex
English-speaking countries
free man
#508
Major
Boy
American
Greater; larger
#514
Karel
Unisex
Czech Republic
A feminine form of the name Karel, meaning 'man' or 'free man'.
#516
Hayne
Boy
England
heather-covered land
#525
Verland
Boy
American
from the land of the brave
#537
Tommey
Boy
American
twin
#544
Delmond
Boy
English-speaking Countries
derived from 'd'Alemann', meaning 'of the stranger'.; modern name possibly meaning 'noble estate'.
#555
Silberio
Boy
Italy
Silver
#557
Raburn
Boy
American
From the surname, possibly related to 'Raven' or 'Burn'
#562
Enrique
Boy
Spain
Ruler of the home
#565
Johan
Boy
Sweden
God is gracious
#567
Rondal
Boy
American
Ruler's Peace
#567
Arnald
Boy
Germanic
Eagle power or ruler
#568
Manfried
Boy
Germanic
powerful protector
#568
Jary
Boy
American
Descendant of Jer
#571
Arless
Boy
American
English
#580
Zelbert
Boy
American
Noble; bright
#581
Lendal
Boy
English
From the linden tree hill
#587
Roylee
Boy
American
Royal
#604
Garlon
Boy
American
guardian or protector
#605
Arlander
Boy
American
A variant of the name 'Alaric', meaning 'ruler of all'.
#608
Hassell
Boy
England
Holly trees' place
#621
Dermont
Boy
Ireland
without a master
#629
Gaylard
Boy
English-speaking countries
a brave one
#629
Elray
Boy
American
heir to the throne
#631
Wilmor
Boy
Germanic
will helmet
#633
Janiel
Unisex
English-speaking countries
God is gracious
#645
Clauzell
Boy
French
Small keyhole
#646
Selby
Unisex
England
Old Norse
#650
Vaughan
Boy
Welsh
little
#650
Benito
Boy
Spain
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
Garney
Boy
American
A beloved name with deep roots
#658
Cesario
Boy
Italian
a derivative of 'Caesar', which means 'long-haired'
#667
Therald
Boy
American
A modern variant of the name Harold, meaning 'army ruler' or 'leader of the army'.
#669
Searcy
Boy
American
A variant of the name 'Searcy', originally a surname.
#670
Rabon
Boy
Hebrew-speaking countries
a shepherd, a protector
#671
Cardell
Boy
English
Variant of Cardin
#675
Rexie
Unisex
American
Diminutive of 'Rex', meaning 'kingly' or 'queenly'.
#677
Almous
Boy
Arabic
caring, kind
#678
Lomax
Boy
England
from the snare
#680
Carville
Boy
France
From the town by the hill
#686
Linvel
Boy
American
A joyful and graceful person; an invented name
#697
Durie
Boy
Scotland
From the 'place of the pine.'
#704
Newland
Boy
UK
A beloved name with deep roots
#707
Starley
Unisex
American
star field
#708
Ponciano
Boy
Spain
of the fifth
#712
Gorham
Boy
England
Old English
#720
Wardel
Boy
USA
guardian of the forest
#721
Waynard
Boy
England
Old English
#722
Mead
Boy
English-speaking countries
Meadow or field
#725
Warne
Boy
United Kingdom
one who guards
#732
Remer
Boy
Germanic
remedy
#741
Elster
Boy
Germanic
A name referring to a magpie.
#742
Moreland
Boy
English-speaking countries
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
Boy
USA
A variant of Clovis, which means 'famous warrior'
#751
Wally
Boy
[English]
Diminutive of WALTER or WALLACE.
#751
Merrel
Boy
American
Variant of Meryl, meaning 'sea-bright' or 'shining sea'
#753
Garlond
Boy
American
A variant of Garland, meaning 'a wreath or chain of flowers, leaves, or stems.'
#762
Lyndal
Unisex
Australia
derived from the name 'Linda', meaning 'beautiful'
#763
Rc
Boy
American
Often interpreted as initials, commonly representing a person's first and last name.
#765
Harrel
Boy
American
army ruler
#768
Jerrald
Boy
American
A variant of Gerald, meaning 'ruler with a spear'.
#768
Dairel
Boy
American
A variant of Daire
#777
Lewellyn
Boy
Welsh
like a lion
#780
Nelson
Boy
American
Means 'son of Neil'; in contemporary contexts, it is often used as a given name for girls as a twist on the surname.
#797
Lougene
Unisex
American
famous warrior
#802
Leanord
Boy
English-speaking countries
brave lion
#803
Lowel
Boy
English-speaking countries
young wolf
#804
Carsie
Boy
American
a descendant of Carsey or or 'son of Earc.'
#809
Doyel
Boy
India
a musical note, expresses joy
#827
Tsosie
Boy
American
Navajo
#829
Bufford
Boy
English-speaking countries
dweller by the buffer,
#830
Alcuin
Boy
United Kingdom
noble friend
#834
Odaniel
Boy
Hebrew
God is my judge
#835
Sacramento
Boy
American
Sacrament.
#835
Delmore
Boy
English
From the elm tree estate.
#836
Dual
Boy
English-speaking countries
Two; a pair
#838
Raydell
Boy
American
Derived from the old English word 'rad' meaning counsel or advice, and 'dell' meaning valley.
#838
Lones
Boy
American
Alone,
#841
Berchman
Boy
Germanic
bear man
#845
Branford
Boy
English
burnt ford or river crossing
#846
Jerry
Boy
American
Rules by the spear
#846
Verdell
Unisex
American
green, youthful
#847
Ramon
Boy
Spain
wise protector
#853
Granvel
Boy
English
From the granary
#855
Uyless
Boy
USA
Ulysses, Wrathful
#855
Rudolphus
Boy
Latin-speaking countries
Famous wolf
#858
Nesta
Unisex
[Welsh]
Welsh diminutive of AGNES.
#870
Bing
Boy
China
zhèngzhèng), meaning 'the one who is generous'
#881
Rihcard
Boy
English-speaking countries
Strong ruler
#887
Fielden
Boy
England
Field dweller
#891
Gaylon
Boy
American
a combination of Gaye and Lon
#892
Lamarr
Boy
American
the sea
#893
Ardel
Unisex
English
Winged one, nurturer
#897
Redus
Boy
American
Derived from the word 'red', often associated with strength and energy.
#900
Dewayne
Boy
American
From the blackberry hill
#912
Semmie
Boy
American
A diminutive form of Samuel
#916
Burnard
Boy
England
bear strength
#919
Dix
Boy
English
son of Richard
#927
Levon
Boy
Armenia
Armenian form of LEON. This was the name of several kings of Cilician Armenia, including the first king Levon I the Magnificent.
#937
Myrlin
Unisex
American
A variant of the name Merlyn, meaning 'sea fortress' or 'sea hill'.
#942
Marvyn
Boy
American
Variant of Marvin, which means 'sea friend' or 'great lord'.
#947
Windell
Boy
USA
derived from 'wind' and 'valley', meaning 'valley of the wind'
#948
Allin
Boy
English-speaking countries
Noble, cheerful; Handsome
#949
Loy
Unisex
American
loyalty, faithful
#949
Garlan
Boy
English
a variant of Garlan meaning a small garland or wreath; a form of the name Garland, which has connotations of honor or victory
#951
Procopio
Boy
Italy
to advance, to progress
#951
Willes
Boy
England
from the spring
#953
Ordean
Boy
American
variant of Ord, meaning 'spear' or 'point'.
#956
Felimon
Boy
Greece
a son of friendship
#964
Leman
Boy
France
Beloved, affectionate; It's like a water body, derived from 'leman'/lemanlar which means 'river'.
#968
Bernel
Boy
Old French
derived from Bernard, meaning ‘brave as a bear’
#974
Clement
Boy
[English]
English form of the Late Latin name Clemens (or sometimes of its derivative Clementius) which meant "merciful, gentle".
#983
Merel
Boy
Dutch
blackbird
#1000
Calton
Boy
United Kingdom
from the town by the caldron
Levane
Boy
Hebrew-speaking regions
To be in white, purity; Light
Franchot
Boy
France
Derived from ‘François’, meaning ‘free man’.
Cloude
Boy
France
the famous one; the renowned; to be clear or to shine
Rogerio
Boy
Portuguese
famous spear
Malcum
Boy
Scottish
Scottish Gaelic
Rayborn
Boy
English-speaking countries
Born during the day
Bobie
Unisex
American
Bright fame
Murrill
Boy
American
sea hill
Hosie
Boy
American
Derived from the Hebrew name 'Hosea', meaning 'salvation'.
Milferd
Boy
American
From the mill by the ford
Eraclio
Boy
Spanish-speaking countries
Derived from 'Hercules', symbolizing strength and bravery.
Benny
Boy
American
Son of the right hand
Romane
Boy
France
French feminine form of Romanus (see ROMAN).
Karroll
Unisex
American
free man
Hearl
Boy
American
A modern variant of the name Earl, meaning 'nobleman' or 'warrior.'
Lonell
Boy
English-speaking countries
A variation of 'Lona', which relates to 'lioness'.
Rhoderick
Boy
England
famous ruler
Jomes
Boy
Spain
a variation of the name James, meaning 'supplanter'
Cleophis
Boy
Greece
Glory of the father.
Drexell
Boy
American
derived from the old surname meaning 'a town dweller'
Federico
Boy
Italy
Peaceful ruler
Ruberto
Boy
Italy
Famous, bright fame
Kirke
Boy
[Greek Mythology]
Greek form of CIRCE.
Nick
Boy
[English
Short form of NICHOLAS.
Jearl
Boy
American
Variant of Earl, meaning nobleman
Adelmo
Boy
Italian
noble protector
Baynard
Boy
England
brave as a bear
Kenwood
Boy
English-speaking countries
From the king's forest
Arther
Boy
English
bear, strong
Sherrod
Boy
American
The surname is believed to be of Norman origin, derived from the Old French name 'Cheraud', meaning 'dear' or 'beloved'.
Coleman
Boy
[English
Variant of COLMÁN.
Dowell
Boy
American
Variant of 'Dowel', meaning a small wooden peg used in carpentry.
Forster
Boy
UK
forester or woodsman
Fremon
Boy
American
from the town of Fremont
earlis
Boy
American
Nobleman or Earl
Ulyssee
Boy
French
Wrathful, hater
Romer
Boy
Germanic
one who is a pilgrim to Rome
Zee
Unisex
American
Often used as a diminutive or nickname for names starting with 'Z'.; In Hebrew, it can imply light or brightness.
Jerre
Unisex
English-speaking countries
Rules by the spear
Arven
Boy
Sweden
heir; from the shore
Rondel
Boy
France
little round
Harlis
Boy
American
A beloved name with deep roots
Narvell
Unisex
USA
a blend of nature and valor
Delyle
Boy
French
from the dell
Pledger
Boy
England
one who makes a pledge or promise
Leavon
Boy
American
the one who is kind, gentle
Wendal
Boy
English-speaking countries
A variant of the name Wendell, which means 'wanderer' or 'traveler'.; Derived from the High German 'Wendel', which can also mean 'to wander'.
Gayron
Boy
American
Strong and brave
Lendel
Boy
English-speaking countries
from the land of the sword
Duel
Boy
English-speaking countries
a fight between two people
Wardie
Unisex
Scotland
Scottish
Woody
Boy
American
dweller near the woods
Carle
Unisex
English-speaking countries
a variant of Carla or Charles, meaning 'free man'
Buddy
Boy
[English]
From the English word meaning "friend". It probably originated as a nursery form of the word brother.
Georg
Boy
Germanic
Form of GEORGE. This name was borne by the German idealist philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770-1831).
Toby
Unisex
[English]
Medieval form of TOBIAS. It was sometimes used as a feminine name in the 1930s and 40s due to the influence of American actress Toby Wing (1915-2001).
Jesue
Boy
Spain
God is salvation
Romelle
Unisex
France
Little Kite
Leamond
Boy
Old French
of the land, protector
Darol
Boy
English-speaking countries
Dear and beloved.
Laymon
Boy
American
A variant of the Old English name Leofman, meaning 'dear man' or 'beloved person.'
LeGrant
Boy
France
The grant given
Eudon
Boy
Scotland
wealthy ruler
Pete
Boy
USA
Short form of PETER.
Dahl
Boy
Norway
valley
Onecimo
Boy
Spanish
the one who is born
Sheldon
Boy
English-speaking countries
Old English
Fedrick
Boy
American
peaceful ruler; powerful leader
Claudell
Unisex
American
lame or disabled; claud, derived from Claude, meaning 'lame'
Wallis
Unisex
American
Old English
Elbern
Boy
English-speaking countries
noble warrior
Dearld
Boy
American
(English: "the one who is dear")
Hareld
Boy
Norway
Meaning 'army ruler'.
Doyce
Unisex
English-speaking countries
A beloved name with deep roots
Gaynor
Unisex
England
the fair one
Novel
Unisex
American
New, fresh, a new story or narrative in literature.
Filbert
Boy
Germanic
Variant of FILIBERT. It is particularly used in Tanzania due to track star Filbert Bayi (1953-), who set a world record running the 1500 meter in 1974.
Merald
Boy
American
A variant of the name 'Emerald'