1960s Girl Names - Common AND Rare Names

  1. Doreen
    • Origin:

      Variation of Dora; also Anglicized variation of Irish Doireann
    • Meaning:

      "sullen"
    • Description:

      Much fresher Irish imports available for colleens now.
  2. Blanca
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "white"
    • Description:

      More colorful than Blanche, but blanker than Bianca.
  3. Zelma
    • Origin:

      German, diminutive of Anselma
    • Meaning:

      "God helmet"
    • Description:

      Familiar in the US, Brazil, and Latvia in the early 20th century, Zelma has been off the radar for some time. While the Selma-Thelma-Velma connection might date it, with Zelda and Alma sparking recent interest and clunky names holding new appeal, Zelma may be one to reconsider.
  4. Kristine
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Christine
    • Description:

      Christine was one of the first megapopular C-to-K baby names, from Scandinavian variations such as Kristine and Kirsten to Kris, Kristy, and Kristy. While Kristine retains its krisply lovely sound, it's lost much of its kool.
  5. Jody
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Joan and Judith
    • Description:

      One of the cute and bouncy nicknames so popular in the 1960s and 70s, but that hasn't made a comeback in the way Eames chairs and miniskirts have. Think of it as one of the original but now old-school unisex names starting with J, ala Jamie and Jessie.
  6. Theta
    • Origin:

      Eighth letter of Greek Alphabet
    • Description:

      Theta is the name of the eighth letter of the ancient Greek alphabet, which is also the symbol of death. As such, it has rarely been used as a baby name.
  7. Lupe
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "wolf"
    • Description:

      A nickname name heard in Spanish-speaking cultures, might lead to "loopy" jokes here.
  8. Laverne
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "springlike"
    • Description:

      Although it has a sweet meaning, this name feels dated nowadays, like a fifties poodle skirt. Lavender may be a fresher alternative.
  9. Lela
    • Origin:

      Variation of Leila, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "night"
    • Description:

      There are a dizzying number of varieties of the Arabic name Leila or Layla, two of the most popular versions, with Lela one of the rarer, given to fewer than 100 baby girls in the US each year. Pronunciation and spelling can be a challenge, so if you choose this simple, lovely name, you will be explaining it much more often than you want to.
  10. Rene
    • Origin:

      Variation of Renee
    • Meaning:

      "reborn"
    • Description:

      This name is hanging on as Renee, thanks to Ms. Zellweger, and in newer forms Renae and Renny.
  11. Evette
    • Description:

      Evette is a feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Eve. Eve derives from the Hebrew name Chavah, meaning "life" or "living one." Evette emerged as a more delicate, affectionate version with the characteristic French diminutive suffix "-ette." The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, though it never reached the top rankings. Evette offers a softer, more elaborate alternative to the biblical simplicity of Eve while maintaining its connection to the concept of life and vitality. The name has a certain vintage charm today, as it's less commonly given to newborns than in previous generations. Evette's French styling gives it an elegant, feminine quality while its biblical roots provide historical depth and meaning.

  12. Dianne
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Diane
    • Meaning:

      "divine"
    • Description:

      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.
  13. Elissa
    • Origin:

      Variation of Alice or Elizabeth
    • Description:

      The Elissa version of a long-popular name is fading in favor of Alyssa, Eliza and other variants. The legion of other forms and spellings includes Alissa, Allissa, Allyssa, Alyssa, Elissah, Ellisa, Ellissa, Ellyssa, Elys, Elyssa, Elyssia, Ilissa, Ilysa, Ilyssa, Lissa, Lissie, Lissy Lyssa.
  14. Candice
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Candace, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "white, pure, sincere"
    • Description:

      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.
  15. Alethia
    • Description:

      Alethia is a feminine name derived from the Greek word 'aletheia,' meaning 'truth' or 'disclosure.' In ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in the works of Plato and Heidegger, aletheia represents the concept of unconcealedness or the revealing of reality. The name carries profound philosophical undertones about honesty and authentic existence. Pronounced ah-LEE-thee-ah or ah-leh-THEE-ah, this melodic name has a timeless quality with its classical roots. While never ranking among the most popular names in Western countries, Alethia maintains steady usage, particularly among families valuing its meaningful etymology. The variant spelling Alethea is also seen. The name appeals to parents drawn to classical Greek names or those seeking a name with intellectual depth and positive moral associations.

  16. Carolee
    • Description:

      Carolee is a feminine name that emerged as a blend of Carol and the popular suffix '-lee' or as a creative variation of Caroline. With English origins, the name has a vintage charm, having reached modest popularity in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. Carol derives from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man,' while the '-lee' element adds a melodic, feminine touch. Carolee offers a sweet, friendly quality with its bouncy rhythm and familiar sounds while remaining sufficiently uncommon to be distinctive. The name carries associations of joy and celebration through its connection to Christmas carols. For contemporary parents, Carolee represents a retro choice that balances vintage appeal with a continued feeling of freshness and individuality.

  17. Queen
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "queen"
    • Description:

      Queen has seen a revival in recent times, reaching its record high in 2018 with 280 births — it has remained steady since then. Previously, Queen saw a peak in the 1920s, but its origins go back even further than that. Queen was a noted name among enslaved people in America, along with other royal choices such as Duke, Squire, and Prince.
  18. Reed
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "red-haired"
    • Description:

      Sleek, unisex surname rarely heard for girls -- which could be seen as an asset.
  19. Christiana
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Christian
    • Meaning:

      "follower of Christ"
    • Description:

      Not cutting edge, but still graceful and feminine.
  20. Raye
    • Origin:

      Variation of Rae, English
    • Meaning:

      "ewe"
    • Description:

      Like many single-syllable R names right now, Raye is on the rise.