Ringing in a new year can be exciting, letting you turn over a new leaf and make plans for the future. But it can also be nostalgic, inspiring you to look back at the past and think about what once was. As we enter 2026, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and take a look at the top names 100 years ago, in 1926.

Top Girl Names 100 Years Ago

Mary

Not only was Mary, a Hebrew name meaning “Of the sea/bitter/beloved”, the top name in 1926, it actually held that spot from 1925 to 1946.

While Mary’s popularity has declined over time, it’s still holding steady in the top 1000, last ranked at 132.

Dorothy

A name of Greek origins meaning “Gift of God,” Dorothy held the number two spot for girls’ names in 1926. It also appeared in the top five list for the next few years.

While Dorothy is nowhere near the top five these days, it has shown a slight resurgence in the past few years, going from a rank of 806 in 2013 up to to 431 in 2024.

Betty

Betty, which stems from the English and means “God is my oath,” was the third most popular girls’ name in 1926.

However, this popularity didn’t last; since 2000, Betty has not appeared in the top 1000 girls’ names.

Helen

Helen, which originates in the Greek and means “Light,” was the number four name for girls in not just 1926, but every year from 1925 to 1930.

As of 2024, Helen was ranked only 424, having seen a steady decline over the years.

Margaret

Meaning “Pearl,” English name Margaret came in fifth in 1926. While its popularity has waned, it’s still in use: in 2024, it ranked 119.

Ruth

Ruth, a Hebrew name that means “Friendship,” is also the name of a Biblical figure.

Doris

From the Greek, Doris means “Sea.” It’s often associated with singer/actress Doris Day, who was born in 1922 and rose to popularity in the 1940s.

Virginia

Meaning “Virginal, pure,” this Latin-originating name came in eighth in 1926.

Mildred

Mildred is an English name meaning “Mild strength.” While popular in the 1920s, it’s no longer ranked in U.S. births.

Frances

The name Frances originates from Latin and means “From France” or “Free.” While it’s no longer as popular as it once was, it last ranked 379 in the U.S.

Elizabeth

A timeless classic, Elizabeth means “God is my oath” and stems from Hebrew. At last ranking, it came in at #17 for U.S. girls’ names.

Jean

An English name meaning “God is gracious,” Jean is a gender neutral name that still appears fairly often as a middle name. However, it’s no longer ranked as a first name.

Evelyn

Meaning “Desired/beautiful,” this English name was once considered gender neutral and now leans strongly feminine. Its popularity dipped for a bit, but in the 2020s, it’s solidly in the top 10, last coming in at number eight.

Shirley

This English name that means “Bright meadow” is often associated with former child star Shirley Temple. While it made the top 20 in the ’20s, it’s not currently ranking as a popular baby name.

Anna

A Hebrew name meaning “Gracious, merciful,” Anna is another timeless classic. Today, it’s ranked #94.

Barbara

Barbara is a name of Greek origin that means “Stranger.” It’s currently ranking #860 in the U.S. and is often associated with older women like TV anchor Barbara Walters, actress Barbara Stanwyck, or Barbara Billingsley who played the iconic June Cleaver in Leave it to Beaver.

Alice

Alice is an English name that means “From nobility.” It’s likely that it’s popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries was due to the character Alice from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Today, it’s once again in heavy rotation, coming in at #62.

Marie

From the French, Marie means “Of the sea” or “bitter.” It’s associated with strong women such as scientist Marie Curie and queen Marie Antoinette. Today, it’s a common middle name (including for this article’s author) but ranks #639 for first names.

Lois

Meaning “Better” and originating from the Greek, Lois is often associated with characters like Lois Griffin from Family Guy or Lois Lane from the Superman universe. It’s no longer ranking for U.S. births.

Gloria

A Latin name meaning “Glory to God,” Gloria is currently ranked #654 in the U.S. Famous Glorias include activist Gloria Steinem, singers Gloria Estefan and Gloria Gaynor, and designer Gloria Vanderbilt.

Top Boy Names 100 Years Ago

Robert

A name of English origins meaning “Bright fame,” Robert was the top boys’ name in 1926 – and all the way from 1925 to 1939. Its popularity has never fallen far, with its latest rank coming in at 90.

John

John, a Hebrew name that means “God is gracious,”  is another name that made a splash 100 years ago, held strong on the charts for years, and still shows up frequently. Even today, it’s ranked at just number 21.

James

A Hebrew name meaning “Supplanter,” James held strong on the charts through the 1930s, with reappearances in the 60s, 70s, and 2000s. Even today, it’s topping the list at number five.

William

Originating in the English and meaning “Will, desire” and “helmet, protection,” William, was number four in 1926. Today, it’s still holding steady at number 10.

Charles

An English name meaning “Free man,” Charles held the number five spot from 1925 to 1930. While its popularity has waned slightly, it’s still fairly popular, last ranked in the 51st spot.

George

George originates from Greek and means “Farmer.” It appears frequently throughout history, used by notable figures like Saint George, several kings, and multiple United States presidents. It’s still in use, ranking #124 in the U.S.

Richard

Richard stems from English and means “Brave ruler.” It was the name of three kings of England and today is often associated with celebrities like Richard Gere, Richard Burton, Little Richard, and Richard Simmons. And it’s still used, coming in at #232.

Joseph

Joseph is another classic, meaning “God will increase” and originating from Hebrew. It’s a significant Biblical name that’s still in rotation today, ranking #32.

Donald

A Scottish name that means “World leader,” Donald is much less popular than it was in the 1920s. Today, it ranks #672. It’s commonly associated with actor Donald Sutherland, Donald Trump, or Disney character Donald Duck.

Edward

Meaning “Wealthy guardian,” this English name calls to mind Edward Cullen of Twilight fame. It’s still used today, including as a common middle name, but ranks #228 today instead of in the top 20.

Thomas

A Greek name meaning “A twin,” Thomas has been used throughout history, including in the Bible. It’s never completely fallen out of favor, even as its popularity has waxed and waned; it currently ranks at #39.

Frank

Frank, an English name that means “Free” or “From France,” is also a diminutive form of Francis. Today it ranks #468.

Paul

Paul originates from Latin and means “Humble, small.” Famous Pauls include the Biblical disciple, musician Paul McCartney of The Beatles, actor Paul Newman, and folk hero Paul Revere.

Harold

Harold means “Army ruler” and has Scandinavian origins. It’s fallen quite a bit in popularity since the 1920s, currently ranking at #988.

Raymond

Originating from English and meaning “Counsel protection,” Raymond is currently ranked #379.

Jack

The name Jack is an English name meaning “God is gracious.” While it originated as a nickname for John, it’s become a name in its own right. It’s still quite popular, ranking #15. Famous Jacks include actors Jack Black and Jack Nicholson, musician Jack Johnson, and the old-school toy the jack in the box.

Walter

Walter originates from the English and means “Army ruler.” It’s currently ranking at #271.

Kenneth

The name Kenneth has Scottish origins and means “Handsome.” It’s less popular today, ranking #284.

Henry

Henry, a German name that means “Ruler of the home,” was brought to England in 1066 by the Normans. It’s been used for eight kings and has remained popular throughout history. Even today, it’s ranked at #6.

Arthur

Meaning “Bear” and originating from Welsh, Arthur is often associated with legends of King Arthur or the beloved children’s cartoon aardvark. Today, it’s seen a big of a resurgence, coming in at #105 after dipping a bit in the mid 2000s.