User-created list
By namecrazy59
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Irish
"girl"
Midcentury Irish-American favorite, never used in Ireland itself, being the generic word for "girl"; rarely given today.
English, diminutive of Laura
"from Laurentum or bay laurel"
Laurie morphed into the more streamlined Lori in the sixties but now feels dated for a girl in either spelling. Update Lauren has been renovated as Laurel or Laura itself. If you're looking to name a…
Diminutive of Constance, English
"steadfastness"
Connie is a sweet and charming vintage nickname, which ranks in the top 200 in the UK and has a vintage charm that makes it ready for a comeback in the US as well.
English diminutive of Katherine, Greek
"pure"
There are lots of Kathy moms and grandmas but very few babies, most of whom are now called Kate or Katie.
English diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
The sweetest and most sensitive of the pet names for Elizabeth, now also one of the most dated.
English, diminutive of Tamara
Made famous in fifties movies as a wholesome backwoods gal, Tammy was a Top 10 choice from the mid-60s to early-70s, but is now given to fewer than 100 babies per year in the US.
English diminutive of Kimberly; Vietnamese; Scandinavian diminutive of Joachima; Soviet name
Kim was the coolest name... of the 1960s. Kim was popularized by actress Kim Novak, and its energy is still maintained by rapper Lil' Kim, but it holds lil' or no appeal for new babies. Parents who…
Modern invented name, variation of Cherie, French
"darling"
As frozen in the pre-Beatles era as short white gloves.
Spelling variation of Deborah
"bee"
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.
Feminine variation of Michael, Hebrew
"who is like God"
Onetime superstar name (Number 4 in the seventies) that's now in steep decline. Today's feminine is more likely to be some form of Michaela...or Makayla.
English diminutive of Deborah, Hebrew
The quintessential friendly fifties name, nearly epidemic in its day. Now many grownup Debbies have reverted to the full and lovely form of their name, which modern parents often avoid because of the…
Phonetic variation of French Cheri; also a Spanish fortified wine
Peppy cheerleader name of the 1960s and 70s that's sure to evoke the Four Seasons song of that name.
Diminutive of Gillian or Juliana
"youthful"
Probably due to its nursery rhyme association, Jill has the perpetual air of a rosy-cheeked tot -- even though it is one of the oldest names on the roster, a medieval variation on the Roman Julia.…
Slavic or German
"shepherdess; wanderer"
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…
Welsh
"noisy one"
"Help Me, Rhonda. sang the Beach Boys -- help me convince my parents not to give me this sixties name.
English, diminutive of Theresa
See TERRY.
Variation of Tracy, French
"of Thracia"
Tracey is the spelling of Tracy used by British comedian Tracey Ullman, who was born Trace. A Top 10 name in 1970, Tracy was last year given to fewer than 50 baby girls in the US and Tracey to only…
English diminutive of Catherine, Greek
One of the most popular nicknames of the fifties and sixties — and who could forget the romantic heroine of "Wuthering Heights"? — now largely ignored in favor of Cate or Kate.
Sherri is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Sharon or Sheridan. With Hebrew roots, it connects to Sharon, meaning 'a fertile plain' in ancient Israel. Popular during the 1950s…
