20 Most Popular Baby Names Of The 1920s You’ll Love
The 1920s were a time of jazz, flapper dresses, and names that have stood the test of time. Who knows? Your future Dorothy or Walter might just be waiting in the wings. Maybe your grandparents’ names once topped the charts.
From the elegance of Eleanor to the cheeky charm of Charlie, these names aren’t just relics of the past. They’ve evolved, finding a place in modern families and proving that true style never fades.
Nostalgia and new beginnings go hand in hand, and these timeless treasures are ready for their revival.
1. John
Who can forget the ever-reliable John? A stronghold on popularity charts for decades, this name is as classic as a Gatsby party. If names were cocktails, John would be the Old Fashioned!Timeless, straightforward, and universally adored.
Just ask John Barrymore, the legendary 1920s actor known as “The Great Profile,” whose charm and talent made him one of the most famous leading men of the silent film era.
2. Mary
Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your popularity grow? Quite well, it seems!
In the roaring ’20s, Mary was as widespread as jazz music. This name has a sweetness that’s both inviting and enduring, much like a timeless melody.
Even today, Mary continues to leave its mark—2,061 newborn girls in the U.S. were given this name last year, proving that some classics never truly fade.
3. Robert
Is it possible you haven’t met at least one Robert?
It’s a name that seems to pop up everywhere. Ah, Robert! A name as solid as the flapper era itself. Known for its debonair charm, Robert was a favorite among parents seeking a name with a touch of sophistication.
Robert has personality, and it’s a name for visionaries and dreamers
4. Helen
Helen – a name that glows like the marquee lights of a 1920s cinema!
In the roaring ’20s, Helen was a name that captured the essence of Hollywood’s golden age, evoking images of starlets with bobbed hair and pearl necklaces. It was a name synonymous with beauty, talent, and an unshakable poise.
Take Helen Hayes, for example, the legendary actress known as the “First Lady of the American Theatre.”
Her performances were as captivating as the name itself, leaving audiences spellbound. But Helen wasn’t just a name for the silver screen—it was a name for dreamers, for women who dared to shine brightly in a world full of possibilities.
5. James
James is the kind of name that never gets old, much like a well-aged wine.
This name carries a charm that’s as infectious as Charleston. The name James originates from the Latin ‘Iacobus,’ which is derived from the Hebrew ‘Yakob,’ meaning ‘one who follows’ or ‘one who supplants.’
Parents who chose James in the ’20s knew they were selecting a name with staying power.
6. Dorothy
Does Dorothy remind you of someone special, or do you have a favorite Dorothy from literature or film?
Dorothy is a name full of adventure and magic, often linked to the iconic character from The Wizard of Oz. In the 1920s, Dorothy was a top choice for parents, capturing the spirit of optimism and possibility. The name is playful yet elegant, representing a time when dreams felt within reach.
Today, over 1,500 baby girls in the U.S. are given the name Dorothy, showing its enduring appeal.
7. William
William, a name fit for a king!
This classic has been favored by royalty and commoners alike. In the 1920s, William was synonymous with greatness. If names were plays, William would be Shakespeare.
Parents who chose William in the 1920s sought a name that promised respect and a legacy of distinction. It’s a name that commands attention, as enduring as a masterpiece
8. Betty
Betty Boop-a-doop! This name is as lively and upbeat as the Jazz Age itself.
Betty is a name that instantly brings a smile, evoking youth and vitality. It feels like sunshine on a rainy day. Parents loved Betty for its cheerful charm.
Do you happen to know a Betty in your neighborhood?
9. Charles
Did you know that the name Charles means “free man” in Old German?
In the 1920s, Charles was a choice that echoed the sophistication of the era. If names had accents, Charles would speak with a posh British lilt.
It definitely carries the weight of a seasoned politician’s presence. Parents in the 1920s loved Charles for its dignified air, knowing it was a name that would stand the test of time.
It’s a name that commands respect, just like the kings, leaders, and even U.S. presidents who have borne it throughout history. Timeless, reliable, and undeniably strong
10. Ruth
In the 1920s, Ruth was a popular choice for parents seeking a name with grace and warmth. Like a calming melody, Ruth is a name that soothes the soul, embodying kindness and sincerity.
Parents loved Ruth for its biblical significance and its simple, heartfelt sound. It’s a name that feels like a comforting hug, a timeless classic that continues to resonate.
It’s no surprise that a woman like Ruth Elder, an aviator and actress known for her daring attempts to fly across the Atlantic, carried the same name. Her adventurous spirit captured the essence of the 1920s.
11. George
George – a name as solid and dependable as the rhythm of a jazz band, yet as regal as a crown. In the 1920s, George was a name that carried weight.
It was a name for leaders, for men who stood tall and inspired others to follow.
Think of George Gershwin, the musical genius who defined the sound of the Jazz Age with timeless classics like Rhapsody in Blue. His creativity and passion made the name George synonymous with innovation and artistry. And let’s not forget George Washington, the first U.S. president!
12. Margaret
Margaret, a name that exudes the elegance of royalty. In the 1920s, it was a name that spoke of sophistication, elegance, and timeless class.
Much like a fine piece of jewelry, Margaret adds an air of refinement, making it the perfect choice for parents seeking a name that balances tradition with charm.
Its royal connections only enhance its sense of dignity and grace. Margaret was a name that carried itself with poise, much like a classic waltz that never loses its elegance.
13. Joseph
Joseph, a name as reliable as a trusty compass. In the 1920s, it was a favorite among parents seeking a name that conveyed strength and dependability.
Chosen for its biblical roots and steadfast sound, Joseph resonates with strength, much like the powerful engines of the era’s locomotives
14. Frances
Frances – a name that flows like a gentle melody, as graceful as a swan gliding across a moonlit lake. In the 1920s, Frances was a name that captured the elegance and poise of the era, evoking images of flapper girls with feathered headbands and pearl necklaces.
It was a name for women who were both refined and fearless, embodying the spirit of a generation that dared to dream.
The name Frances means “free one” in Latin, a fitting meaning for a name that has always been associated with independence and strength.
15. Edward
Edward echoes through history like a grand symphony. In the 1920s, it reflected nobility and distinction. The name symbolized both leadership and valor.
This legacy of excellence continued through the decades, with Edward “Duke” Ellington, the legendary jazz musician, embodying the name’s connection to creativity and artistry.
His rise to fame in the 1920s brought Edward into the musical spotlight, adding yet another layer of significance to this noble name.
16. Barbara
A name as lively as a swing dance under the stars!
In the 1920s, Barbara was a popular choice for parents looking for a name full of energy and excitement.This name embodies the spirit of the era—full of movement, joy, and confidence.
Barbara is a name that has stood the test of time, remaining a popular choice through the years.
In fact, it consistently ranked among the top 10 names for girls in the United States during the mid-20th century, making it a name with a lasting legacy.
17. Richard
Richard – a name that rolls off the tongue with a suave, debonair flair, like the smooth notes of a saxophone in a smoky jazz club.
In the 1920s, Richard was a name that exuded charm and charisma, perfect for a generation that valued style and sophistication. It was a name for leaders, for men who could command a room with their presence and eloquence.
Think of Richard Barthelmess, the silent film star whose talent and charm made him a household name, proving that Richard was a name for the ages.
18. Shirley
This name sounds like a melody from the good old days, don’t you think?
In the roaring 1920s, Shirley was a name that carried a breath of joy and innocence, like a gentle breeze dancing through a field of flowers. It was a name that brought a smile to your face, light and cheerful, like a sunny spring day.
But Shirley wasn’t just a name. Shirley Mason, a silent film star whose career shone brightly in the 1920s, embodied that charm. Her talent and charisma captivated audiences, and her films were like visual poems that brought joy during tough times.
19. Donald
Does the name Donald remind you of someone you know or perhaps a famous figure?
It has been a popular choice in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where it carries a certain boldness.
Whether you think of Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, or perhaps the beloved animated character Donald Duck, the name has certainly made its mark in both politics and pop culture.
With roots in the Scottish Gaelic language, Donald means “ruler of the world,” which is a fitting reflection of the name’s strong, commanding nature.
20. Patricia
In the 1920s, Patricia was a popular choice for parents seeking a name with flair and sophistication. Like a well-tailored dress, Patricia is a name that fits perfectly with grace.
It’s a name that feels both refined and timeless. Parents loved Patricia for its stylish sound and its association with elegance. It’s a name that carries itself with poise, much like the fashion icons of the era.
Patricia Collinge was an Irish actress who made her mark on Broadway and in Hollywood during the 1920s. Her performances were as refined as the name itself.