1930s Names that are Ready for Revival

A name that's newly revival-ready would have peaked between the early 1920s and the early 1940s. Midway between that time interval is the 1930s. Here are twenty vintage names that peaked in the top 400 and are ready for revival:

GIRLS' NAMES:

Beverly (unranked)-With the popularity of Everly, it makes sense for the rhyming Beverly to come back. It peaked at #14 in 1937, after all. It also fits in with Emily and Natalie through its structure. We also love literary names these days like Eloise and Scarlett. George Barr McCutcheon's 1904 novel, Beverly of Graustark, puts it in the same category. 

Dixie (#1000)-Peaking at #167 in 1938, Dixie should be coming back now if the Fourth-Generation rule applies. This Southern nickname ranked consistently from 2007 to 2015. As of 2019, Dixie re-entered the charts again. This time, though, it needs to rise. 

Faye (#697)-In 1934, Faye peaked at #146. Almost ninety years later, it is on the rise again. Faye is not quite an antique yet, though. 

Glenna (unranked)-Wilma sounds hopelessly outdated, but slimmed-down Willa is back. It's the same relationship between Glenda and Glenna. Peaking at #256 in 1931, Glenna has potential to follow Willa, which also peaked in the 1930s, into the charts. 

Joan (unranked)-Like Jane, it is a feminization of John, except less classic. Joan peaked all the way up at #5 from 1931 to 1933. It has the same long "o" sound as up-and-coming classic Rose. 

Loretta (unranked)-Loretta peaked at #62 in 1938. Now it's about to re-enter the top 1000. Hence, it's not just revival-ready, but it's already starting to come back. 

Marilyn (#634)-Marilyn peaked at #13 in 1936 and 1937. It can be used to honor a Mary and has the same ending and structure as the popular Evelyn and Madelyn.

Roberta (unranked)-A feminization of classic Robert, Roberta peaked at #64 in 1936. With the similar-sounding Ramona on the rise, Roberta is about ready to become popular again. 

BOYS' NAMES:

Darwin (#951)-This is now at the bottom of the charts. It is due to begin rising again soon, however, because it peaked at #297 in 1938. 

Franklin (#422)-For parents with tastes outside the ordinary, Franklin can be used to honor a Francis because both can shorten to "Frank" or "Frankie". Perhaps since it peaked at #33 in 1933 thanks to Franklin Delano Roosevelt becoming president, it is revival-ready. 

Jerome (#909)-Traditional Jerome makes a great alternative to classic names James and Joseph. It peaked at #93 in 1938 and 1939. It has been declining for a long time, but it's ready to reverse course. 

Lowell (unranked)-Lowell begins with the same sound as the also-surnamey Logan and ends with the sound of Axel. Lowell peaked at #147 in 1931. 

Myron (unranked)-Myron peaked at #192 in 1931. Parents who think Miles is too popular should consider Myron instead. 

Ramon (#181)-Ramon appears to be a simplified form of the more familiar Raymond. It also has a long history of use since it peaked at #181 in 1930. 

Sheldon (unranked)-Sheldon peaked at #246 in 1936. I initially didn't want to include this name because I wasn't sure if it is still usable. However, if Shelly has been used for girls in the past, then Sheldon shouldn't be problematic for boys.

What other 1930s names do you think are ready for revival? 

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