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Endangered Baby Names

  1. Bob

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Robert

    • Meaning:

      "bright fame"

    • Description:

      Kids love Bob the Builder, but do they want to be Bob the Builder? Bob and Bobby have been out of style since the 1960s, but as vintage nickname-names -- Fred, Archie -- come back into vogue, Bob may tag along. Charlie Sheen used it for one of his twin sons.
  2. Lorne

    • Origin:

      Variation of Lawrence

    • Description:

      Alive thanks to Ponderosa papa Greene and SNL creator Michaels, both from Canada, where the name is much more popular.
  3. Keisha

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Keziah

    • Meaning:

      "cinnamon, cassia tree"

    • Description:

      A long-popular name, particularly among the African-American community, Keisha was first publicized by the child actress, Keshia Knight Pulliam, who starred on the old Cosby Show. It entered the US Top 1000 in 1967 and remained there for 30 years, but it hasn't featured again since 1997.
  4. Jodie

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Jody

    • Description:

      The Jodie spelling might be even more obscure, at this point, than the fading original, except actresses Jodie Foster and Jodie Sweetin have kept it in the public eye.
  5. Stan

    • Origin:

      Short form of Stanley

    • Meaning:

      "near the stony meadow"

    • Description:

      One of the old-school nicknames -- think Ray, Vince, Frank -- that's on the brink of coming back into style. Name him Stanislav or Constantine and he'll have a groovier long form to fall back on.
  6. Debra

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Deborah

    • Meaning:

      "bee"

    • Description:

      When Deborah seemed too formal in the laid-back sixties, Debra stepped in as a pared-down alternative, but the pendulum is about to swing back.
  7. Jeff

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Jeffrey, Jefferson

    • Meaning:

      "pledge of peace"

    • Description:

      The ultimate dad name.
  8. Tim

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Timothy, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "honoring God"

    • Description:

      Tim is a boyish short form occasionally given on its own. There were 37 baby boys named Tim in the US last year, versus over 1700 named Timothy.
  9. Tim

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Timothy, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "honoring God"

    • Description:

      Tim is a boyish short form occasionally given on its own. There were 37 baby boys named Tim in the US last year, versus over 1700 named Timothy.
  10. Noreen

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Nora

    • Description:

      Noreen's in limbo, especially now that Nora has made a comeback.
  11. Vinnie

    • Description:

      Vinnie is primarily a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Vincent, though it can occasionally be used for girls as well. The name derives from the Latin 'Vincentius,' meaning 'conquering.' Vinnie offers a friendly, approachable alternative to the more formal Vincent, with a casual charm that has remained consistently appealing. The name gained particular popularity in Italian-American communities and saw broader usage in the early to mid-20th century. While not typically among the top-ranking names, Vinnie maintains steady usage, often associated with its warm, unpretentious character. The name conjures images of a friendly, down-to-earth individual and is recognized across various English-speaking countries.

  12. Shelley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "clearing on a bank"

    • Description:

      The Shirley of the 1950s. Shelley Winters was born a Shirley.
  13. Patsy

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Patricia

    • Meaning:

      "noble, patrician"

    • Description:

      This sassy, spunky name was used for the mostly Irish jump-roping pigtailed girls of the thirties and forties -- and some Irish and Italian boys as well. Its most noted bearer was iconic country music singer Patsy Cline (born Virginia), and was sighted most recently in the Ab Fab movie. After reaching Number 52 in the late thirties, it dropped off the list completely in 1970--and we're not anticipating a return.
  14. Kerry

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "dark, dark-haired"

    • Description:

      Kerry is the name of one of the most beautiful and lush counties of Ireland was a seventies favorite. Related, updated versions might include Cerys and Keira.
  15. Jodi

    • Description:

      Jodi is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive of Judith or Joan. With Hebrew roots, it carries the beautiful meaning of "praised" or "Jehovah increases." Gaining significant popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, Jodi reached its peak ranking in the early 1970s. Often also spelled as Jodie or Jody, this short, sweet name has a friendly, approachable quality that resonates with its casual American origins. Though its usage has declined since its heyday, Jodi maintains a classic appeal while avoiding feeling dated. The name brings to mind a person who is good-natured, straightforward, and vibrant.
  16. Melba

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

      Australian opera singer Nellie Melba—self-named for her hometown of Melbourne—inspired this now-dated name more associated today with a peach dessert and dietetic toast.
  17. Ed

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Edward et al

    • Meaning:

      "wealthy"

    • Description:

      The most minimalist of names, Ed is decidedly out -- though that usually means it's due to swing back in. More stylish these days: Ned or even Ted.
  18. Brad

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Bradley

    • Description:

      Pitt is the prototypical blond Brad.
  19. Brad

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Bradley

    • Description:

      Pitt is the prototypical blond Brad.
  20. Denny

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Dennis

    • Description:

      Fast-food chain, no longer a baby.