James is one of the classic Anglo-Saxon names, a stalwart through the ages that is more popular—and yes, stylish—than ever today. It recently came out Number 1 in a poll of America's favorite boys' baby names, and is the most common male name, counting people of all ages, in the US.

A solid classic with plenty of history, Thomas strikes the balance between strength and gentleness. A favorite in the UK, a staple in France, and Australia, and never absent from the US Top 100, Thomas feels like a safe bet and a name that fits into any era.

Mary is the English form of Maria, which ultimately was derived from the Hebrew name Maryam/Mariam. The original meaning of Maryam is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).

Barbara is back and among the fastest-rising names of recent years! Credit goes to 2023's breakout movie Barbie, which gave a new stylish feel to the classic Barbara and set it up to rank alongside clunky, retro choices like Deborah, Marjorie, Marilyn, and Dorothy.

A classic old Norman name popular for a thousand years and favored for kings (Richard Nixon was named for Richard the Lionhearted), as well as the hoi polloi (as in every Tom, Dick and Harry), Richard was the sixth most popular US boys’ name in 1925, and was still Number 8 in 1950, but is now much less popular.

Patricia still sounds patrician, though its scores of nicknames definitely don't. Wildly popular from the forties (alternately Number 3 and 4 throughout the decade) to the sixties, Patricia has been fading ever since. But a comeback in its full form is definitely conceivable—just look at Penelope.

The Scottish Eileen was a midcentury darling that was on a long downward slide for decades. And then, in 2012, it took an unexpected pivot and has been inching upward in the US. The unrelated but similar-sounding Isla may have revived the taste for Eileen. Isla along with Lee and Lena might be nicknames for Eileen. Eileen is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Eibhlin or Aibhilin, which is technically a form of to Evelyn/Aveline, but is also sometimes considered part of the Helen family of names. Aileen is the Irish version, less popular now than Eileen.

A strong, if slightly dated sounding choice, Ronald made the US Top 10 in the late 1930s through into the mid-1940s, before it became heavily associated with President Reagan, as well as with the McDonald franchise mascot. More recently, it has appeared in the Harry Potter series, borne by Ronald "Ron" Weasley, while others may immediately think of its rhyme, Donald. All of these factors may work against Ronald making a big resurgence, but popular nickname Ronnie might make others reconsider.

Edwina may still be taking tea in the parlor, but we can see her joining friends like Matilda and Josephine for a comeback, especially if pronounced like Edwin rather than Edween.

This Old Testament place name was in the Top 10 fifty years ago, but now Sharon, along with sound-alike Karen, have fallen out of favor.

Darleen is a feminine name that originated as a variant of Darlene, which combines the English word 'dear' with the suffix '-lene.' This name gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. Darleen carries a sweet, affectionate connotation, literally meaning 'beloved' or 'dearly loved.' While its usage has declined since its peak, Darleen retains a nostalgic charm that evokes the post-war era. The name has a friendly, approachable quality and is often associated with warmth and kindness. Variations include Darlene, Darline, and Darlina.

The meaning of this word flipped from "cheerful" to "homosexual" during the twentieth century, and it's now almost certainly too loaded to sit comfortably as a baby name. Which is a shame as sound-wise it's very appealing, just a short step away from Faye, May, and Rae.

Kaye and its more popular sister Kay, once common short forms of the perennially popular Katherine, are now on the endangered list, given to fewer than 50 baby girls each year. But maybe that makes them prime for a comeback? Rarer than Kate, in any case.

Fredric is a streamlined spelling variant of the traditional Frederick. Frederick has been borne by numerous European rulers, giving the name royal associations.

Sharron is a feminine name that represents an alternative spelling of Sharon, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'a fertile plain' or 'forest.' In the Bible, Sharon refers to a coastal plain in Israel known for its beauty and fertility. This variant spelling with a double 'r' emerged in the mid-20th century, reaching its peak popularity in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. Sharron offers a slight distinction from the more common Sharon while maintaining the same pronunciation and meaning. The name carries associations with natural beauty and abundance from its biblical context. Though less common now than in previous generations, Sharron retains a classic, feminine quality with its soft sounds and meaningful heritage.

Combination of Mary and Ann which has been more popular than Marianne in recent years, although still below the Top 1000, after a peak in the 1940s.

Sharen is a feminine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Sharon, which derives from the biblical place name referring to a fertile coastal plain in Israel. In the Song of Solomon, the phrase 'rose of Sharon' contributed to the name's association with beauty and blossoming. This spelling variation with an 'e' gained some traction in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s when Sharon was at its peak popularity. Sharen offers a subtle twist on the more common spelling while maintaining the same pronunciation. The name has declined in usage since its mid-century height but retains an established, recognizable quality. Those named Sharen might appreciate having a slight distinction from the more common Sharon while still connecting to its biblical heritage and enduring appeal.

Ronny is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Ronald or Ron. Ronald derives from the Old Norse name Rögnvaldr, combining 'regin' (advice, decision) and 'valdr' (ruler), meaning 'ruler's counselor.' Ronny emerged as an affectionate nickname that eventually became used as an independent given name in English-speaking countries, particularly gaining popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its 'y' ending giving it a youthful, casual feel. Ronny has been used for notable figures in sports and entertainment, contributing to its familiar yet distinct character. While its peak popularity has passed, it maintains a classic, unpretentious appeal that connects to mid-century naming traditions.

Rosann is a feminine name that combines elements of Rose and Ann/Anne, two classic names with long histories. Rose derives from the Latin 'rosa,' referring to the flower that has symbolized love and beauty across many cultures. Ann comes from Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace.' The combination creates a melodic two-syllable name that peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1950s but has since become uncommon. Rosann offers a slightly more distinctive alternative to the more common Roseanne or Rosanna. The name carries the romantic, floral associations of Rose while maintaining the timeless simplicity associated with Ann. It evokes a vintage charm characteristic of mid-20th century names while remaining recognizable and straightforward to pronounce and spell. Rosann suggests a person who embodies both natural beauty and graceful dignity.