Annette is a French diminutive of Ann which was among the first wave of widely-used girls' names from France, now neglected for so long that it's almost starting to feel stylish again.

A modern(ish) invented name, only in widespread use since the 20th century. It is a combination of the English word darling and the popular midcentury suffix -lene. It was recently used on a character in the BBC comedy-crime drama, Death in Paradise.

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.

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.

Sheila peaked in popularity from the 1930s to the 1960s (she reached Number 49 in 1965), along with Maureen and Colleen; parents today would probably go back to the original Cecilia or forward to Shea.

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.

Midcentury Irish-American favorite, never used in Ireland itself, being the generic word for "girl"; rarely given today.

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 like Kim's short, sweet sound might look to a choice such as Sam, Lou, or Belle.

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 13. But if the Hundred Year Rule holds, Tracey and Tracy are halfway back to a comeback.

For a minute or two this sounded more modern than Janet, now equally outmoded.

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.

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

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.

In the Top 25 in the unisex seventies, these days Tracy would more likely be Gracie.

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.

There are lots of Kathy moms and grandmas but very few babies, most of whom are now called Kate or Katie.

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 through the 1970s in the United States, Sherri reached its peak in 1962, reflecting the mid-century preference for friendly, accessible names ending in 'i' or 'y.' The name has a warm, approachable quality that evokes the optimistic spirit of its heyday. Though less common for newborns today, Sherri maintains a clear identity and unpretentious charm. The name's simple spelling and pronunciation give it an straightforward appeal, while its vintage quality connects it to a specific cultural moment in American naming traditions.

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 name Debbie ringing too loudly in their ears.

See TERRY.