SE2's list "1960s Girl Names - Common AND Rare Names" of 20 great name ideas: Nubia - Lorene!

1960s Girl Names - Common AND Rare Names

Nubia is a feminine name derived from the ancient northeast African region of the same name, which was home to one of civilization's earliest advanced societies along the Nile River. The name carries rich historical connections to the Kingdom of Nubia, which at times rivaled ancient Egypt in power and cultural influence. As a personal name, Nubia began gaining modest usage in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, coinciding with growing interest in African heritage and cultural names. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing vowel sounds and conveys strength, dignity, and cultural richness. For many parents, Nubia represents a beautiful connection to African history while offering a distinctive yet accessible name with historical gravitas.

Nubia

Candice is the spelling of this ancient name used by actress Candice Bergen. Candice is a form of Candace, an ancient title of a dynasty of Ethiopian queens mentioned in the New Testament.

A few dozen baby girls were named Candice in the US last year, with about 50 given the Candace spelling. Too-slight nickname Candy undercuts the name's usability in modern times.

Candice

Much fresher Irish imports available for colleens now. 

Doreen

Janette is a feminine name derived from Jane, which ultimately comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning "God is gracious." This French diminutive form adds refinement and elegance to the simpler Jane. Janette enjoyed modest popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s-1960s, often as an alternative to the more common Janet. The name combines classic origins with a softly feminine sound. While less commonly given to babies today, it retains a timeless quality that avoids feeling dated. Janette offers the perfect balance between familiarity and distinctiveness, recognizable without being overused, and carries the graceful, meaningful heritage of its root name.

Janette

A unisex name with lots of flair and a daring spirit, Adair was first noticed as a girl's name in the 1980's, thanks to the long-running daytime drama Search for Tomorrow, with the character Adair McCleary, who had ahead-of-their-time brothers named brothers Hogan, Cagney and Quinn. Given to just 22 girls in a recent year (along with 59 boys), it remains a familiar but quietly used choice.
 
A name with several different sources, Adair may be considered a Scottish surname, derived from the name Edgar. As such, it would mean "wealthy spearman". Other possibilities are that it derives from the place name, Adare, meaning "ford of oak trees" or from the Irish Darragh, also relating to oak. In any of these cases, it is pronounced uh-DEHR. 
Adair may also be seen in Brazil, likely used as a variation on the Portuguese name, Ademar. Pronounced with three syllables ("a-du-EER"), it would mean "wealth and fame". Adair may make an appealing alternative to Addie, Ada, Blair, or Arde.

Adair

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

Sherry

Cecile is a fairly common French saint's name, scattered throughout classic French literature--in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, in Balzac's Cousin Pons, and Zola's Germinal.
 Cecile, Cecily and Cecilia all make pretty choices.

Cecile

Delores

Dianne, one of the many offshoots and variations of the classic Diana, had its moment in the sun in the 1940s--it was a Top 100 name from 1943 to 1952. It now would make a very unlikely choice.
 This spelling is currently associated with California Senator Dianne Feinstein.

Dianne

Jeanie is a midcentury bobby soxer kind of nickname that might almost be so old it's new again.

Jeanie

The original brief, breezy name is somewhat out of favor now even as a middle name. The Leigh spelling has more substance and is more identifiable as female.

Part nature name, part mid-century favorite, Glenda came into use in the 20th century as a feminine form of Scottish Glenn, likely inspired by Linda and Wanda too. While Glenn would give it the meaning "valley", if you do consider it a smoosh name with Linda, Wanda, or Brenda, you get means such as "beautiful valley", "tender valley", "Wend's valley", "sword valley" or "fire valley".
 
Could Glenda rise back up the charts as a clunky cool option? Perhaps one day, but with around 20 girls called Glenda in each recent year, it hasn't yet begun to climb.

Glenda

Ocie is antiquated ie-ending nickname that was popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s and has seen a slight uptake in interest in recent years. 
 
What's Ocie short for? Ocean in all its forms is the most likely long form, though some sources say Octavia or Octavio, meaning eighth. An alternative source could be the Spanish Ocielle, meaning "from the sky". Given to 15 girls and 8 boys in a recent count, it might rise alongside Ozzie and Ocean itself.

Ocie

Rarely heard, and when it is, usually attached to a witch. Historically, though, Wanda was a legendary eighth century queen of Poland, and in literature it is the central character of Ouida's eponymous novel Wanda. A musical namesake is the great Polish harpsichordist Wanda Landowska.

Wanda

Jeanna is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Jean, Jeanne, or Joanna, all ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' This softened variation offers a slightly more contemporary feel while maintaining connections to its traditional roots. Popular during the mid-20th century, Jeanna peaked in usage in the United States during the 1970s and early 1980s. The name carries a gentle, feminine quality while still maintaining substance and history. While less common today than some of its variants like Jennifer or Joanna, Jeanna appeals to parents seeking a name that is recognizable but not overused. Its smooth pronunciation and classic heritage make it a subtle choice that works well across different age groups.

Jeanna

"Help Me, Rhonda. sang the Beach Boys -- help me convince my parents not to give me this sixties name. 

Rhonda

Aza is an excellent Arabic choice: elegant and simple. Too simple for you?  Consider Aziza.

Katharina is an attractive form of Katherine and a great way to update a classic. Popular in Austria and a classic in Germany, it is typically pronounced as ka-ta-REE-na, though kath-uh-REE-nuh or ka-THREE-nuh are sometimes heard among English speakers. Worn by royalty and saints, it makes a strong and elegant choice. 

Katharina

Leola is a feminine name of Latin and German origins. It can be a variant of Leola, meaning 'lioness,' derived from 'leo' (lion), or an elaboration of Leah or Lee. It was most popular in the United States during the early 20th century, peaking between 1890-1920 when it ranked in the top 300 names. More recently, fewer than 20 baby girls were named Leola in the US, though a trend for lion-themed names may raise its profile..

Leola

Derived from either the Laura/Lauren/Laurence family, ultimately from the Latin laurus meaning "bay laurel", or a variation of Lorraine and Lorena, names associated with the French province of Lorraine, Lorene was familiar in the US in the early 20th century. It peaked in the 1920s, when it reached the Top 200, but had fallen out of style by the 70s. Given to 23 girls in a recent year, filmmaker Lorene Scafaria is a notable bearer. 
 
LAW-reen, LAW-RAYN, LAW-rehn, and LAW-ruhn may all be used as pronunciations.