​
​
Advanced Search

Endangered Baby Names

  1. Gayle

    • Description:

      Gayle is a feminine name with multiple origins. It can be derived from the Hebrew name Abigail, meaning 'father's joy,' or it may be a variant of Gail, which began as a short form of names beginning with the Germanic element 'gal' meaning 'happy' or 'cheerful.' The name may also relate to the English word 'gale,' referring to a strong wind. Gayle enjoyed particular popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s but has declined since then. The name has a clean, straightforward quality with a subtly nature-inspired undertone. Its brief, single-syllable structure gives it a certain crisp efficiency, while the spelling with 'y' adds a touch of distinction to this classic mid-century favorite.
  2. Kerri

    • Description:

      Kerri is a feminine name of Irish Gaelic origin, typically considered a variation of Kerry, which means 'dark-haired' or 'dark one.' It can also be seen as a diminutive form of Katherine or a variant spelling of Keri or Kerry. The name gained significant popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, reflecting the trend toward Irish-influenced names during that period. Kerri has a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining a touch of Celtic heritage. Though its usage has declined since its peak, it remains a recognizable name that balances familiarity with distinctiveness. The name is often associated with strength and vibrancy, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with Irish roots.
  3. Georgette

    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of George

    • Description:

      Has a musty 1940s feel. Try Georgia -- or Georgiana.
  4. Corey

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "from the hollow"

    • Description:

      Cool a few decades ago, along with Lori and Tori. Currently out of fashion but may make a retro tomboy choice as an offbeat spin on Charlie.
  5. Trisha

    • Origin:

      English, phonetic respelling of Tricia, diminutive of Patricia

    • Description:

      See TRICIA.
  6. Terri

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Theresa

    • Description:

      See TERRY.
  7. Cory

    • Origin:

      English variation of Corey, Irish, or diminutive of any Cor-beginning name

    • Meaning:

      "from the hollow"

    • Description:

      This Corey variation is getting a fresh shot of style juice thanks to young It Girl Cory Kennedy (not to be confused with RFK daughter, filmmaker Rory Kennedy).
  8. Margie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Margery

    • Description:

      Prime pert-teenager name in midcentury TV shows, replaced by Maggie.
  9. Tisha

    • Description:

      Tisha is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It can function as a diminutive of Patricia or Letitia, but also has independent roots as a Sanskrit name meaning 'auspicious' or 'fortunate.' In Hebrew contexts, it may relate to Tisha B'Av, a significant date in the Jewish calendar. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and early 1980s, partly influenced by actress Tisha Campbell. With its simple two-syllable structure and accessible pronunciation (TEE-sha), the name offers a friendly, approachable quality. Though less common today than in previous decades, Tisha maintains appeal for parents seeking a short, sweet name with cross-cultural connections. Its brevity and feminine sound make it distinctive without being complicated.
  10. Missy

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Melissa

    • Description:

      A name that works until your daughter is, say, six.
  11. Marybeth

    • Origin:

      English, combination of Mary and Beth

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + oath"

    • Description:

      Marybeth, something written like this as one word and sometimes as Mary Beth, is one of those compound versions of Mary popular in the midcentury US. Parents were trying to move away from plain old Mary, long the #1 girls' name, but not too far away. Marybeth is one of the most classic combinations, pairing Mary with the also-long-popular Elizabeth. About 400 baby girls were named Marybeth every year at its peak in the mid-1960s; today, it's fewer than 20.
  12. Russ

    • Origin:

      Variation of Russell, French

    • Meaning:

      "redhead, fox-colored"

    • Description:

      Short but substantial, Russ does not need the full-form Russell to go on the birth certificate. Russ strikes a nice balance between familiar, friendly, and underused.
  13. Christie

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Christina, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "a Christian"

    • Description:

      One of the coolest girls in the class of '73, still cute but not quite as youthful.
  14. Suzy

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Susan and Suzanne, English, French

    • Meaning:

      "lily"

    • Description:

      An energetic, charmingly retro nickname, Suzy and all her sisters are off their fashion peak but will rise again around the middle of this century.
  15. Wilber

    • Description:

      Wilber is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements "wil" meaning "will" or "desire" and "berht" meaning "bright" or "famous." It's a variation of the more common Wilbur, which gained recognition through Charlotte's Web's lovable pig character. Wilber has historical significance as both a given name and surname throughout English-speaking countries. While experiencing peak popularity in the early 20th century, Wilber has become less common in recent decades, giving it a distinctive vintage charm. The name carries associations of intelligence and gentle determination, with a friendly, approachable quality. For parents seeking a name with historical roots that remains recognizable without being common, Wilber offers a balance of familiarity and uniqueness.

  16. Scotty

    • Description:

      Scotty is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Scott, which itself began as a surname referring to a person from Scotland. This friendly, approachable nickname has occasionally been used as a given name in its own right, particularly in the mid-20th century. Scotty has a distinctly casual, boyish charm that some parents find appealing for its warmth and accessibility. The name gained cultural recognition through various fictional characters, including Star Trek's Chief Engineer Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott. While traditional as a nickname, Scotty as a formal given name peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. It carries associations with loyalty, practicality, and an unpretentious nature. Some parents may choose it to honor Scottish heritage or family members named Scott.

  17. Judi

    • Description:

      Judi is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Judith, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'woman from Judea' or 'praised.' This shorter variation gained particular popularity in the mid-20th century as a more modern alternative to the traditional Judith. The name received significant visibility through acclaimed British actress Dame Judi Dench, whose distinguished career helped maintain the name's association with elegance and talent. Judi peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s, reflecting the era's preference for friendly, accessible shortened names. Though less common among newborns today, Judi maintains an image of warmth and approachability. The name's straightforward pronunciation and spelling, combined with its rich historical roots, make it simultaneously unpretentious and meaningful.
  18. Sherry

    • Origin:

      Phonetic variation of French Cheri; also a Spanish fortified wine

    • Description:

      Peppy cheerleader name of the 1960s and 70s that's sure to evoke the Four Seasons song of that name.
  19. Erma

    • Origin:

      English variation of Irma, English, German, Slovene

    • Meaning:

      "whole, great, universal; army man"

    • Description:

      A variation of the German Irma, Erma emerged in the 19th century in English-speaking countries where its similarity to timeless Emma might have helped it gain popularity. In fact, if you follow its Germanic roots, it relates back to irmin meaning "whole, great", the same as Emma does.
  20. Lynda

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Linda

    • Meaning:

      "pretty"

    • Description:

      When President LBJ's daughter Linda Bird changed the spelling of her name to Lynda, she set a trend for spelling adventurism that's still rippling through the name world today.