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.

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.

As frozen in the pre-Beatles era as short white gloves.

The phonetic Carolyn spelling, which was very popular from the 1920s to the '60s, has been steadily on the wane while Caroline herself has stayed strong.

Lori, with this sleek modern spelling, was an extremely popular name in the middle of the 20th century, ranking among the Top 100 girls' names from the early 1950s until the early 1980s.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

See TERRY.

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

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

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

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.

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.