Only 12 episodes of the TV western Gunslinger were made, and all 12 aired during the first half of 1961. Despite the short run, the series had a noticeable effect on two baby names.
First there’s Cord, from mononymous main character Cord (played by Tony Young), “a fast gun who worked on undercover assignments for…the commandant of Fort Scott, New Mexico.”
- 1963: 12 baby boys named Cord
- 1962: 27 baby boys named Cord
- 1961: 45 baby boys named Cord
- 1960: unlisted
- 1959: unlisted
The name Cord went on to see a lot more usage in the late ’80s, when Cordero was popular thanks to a character on the soap opera One Life to Live.
Second we have Amby, from character Amby Hollister (played by Midge Ware), who operated the Fort Scott general store and was also Cord’s love interest.
- 1963: unlisted
- 1962: unlisted
- 1961: 18 baby girls named Amby [debut]
- 1960: unlisted
- 1959: unlisted
Which name would you be more likely to use in real life, Cord or Amby?
Sources:
- Brooks, Tim, and Earle F. Marsh. The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-Present. New York: Ballantine Books, 2007.
- SSA
Image: Screenshot of Gunslinger