100 most popular Girl names 1960's

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

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.

Tina, despite its petite and tinkly image, is apt these days to be replaced by the more elegant originals, Christina and Martina.It does have some strong namesakes, though, in Tina Turner (born Anna Mae), Tina Brown (born Christina), Tina Fey (born Elizabeth), and photographer Tina Barney (born Tina).

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

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

First the heroine of Sir Walter Scott's 1822 novel The Pirate, then a glamorous 1940s debutante, then the troubled twin on Beverly Hills 90210, and now fading in favor of more modern Brenna, Briana, and Bryn. Much more likely to be worn by a mother or grandmother these days. The song "Brenda's Got a Baby" was late rap megastar Tupac's debut single.

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.

A short form for a whole variety of names, this short form has been used across Europe as a stand-alone since the 1920s. It spiked in popularity in the 1950s, owing to the fame of Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida but faded out of use in the 2000s. A sweet and sparky name akin to Nina and Mina, some parents in English speaking countries may be concerned about teasing potential, though it was still given to around 115 girls in the US in a recent year. Popular in Spain, it is borne by martial artist Gina Carano, and actresses Gina Gershon, Gina Rodriguez, Gina Torres, and Gina McKee.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

See TERRY.