20 retro baby names from the 1960s that could be making a comeback
From timeless to groovy, parents are loving these baby names
The 1960s was a decade of big changes, with the oldest of the Baby Boomer generation starting to come into their own – bringing with it a focus on modern youth culture. And, while the youngest Boomers weren’t quite at the age to start having their own kids yet, surely their favourite songs, bands, actors and writers had a trickle-down effect on the most popular baby names of the decade.
We’ve gone back through the Office for National Statistics records (ONS), which lists the most popular baby names of each decade. Which isn’t to say that these names were invented in the 1960s, just that these were the ones dominating nurseries around that time. As is fitting for a decade of big changes, many of the names had actually already hit their peak in the 1950s or earlier, and wouldn’t stay in the top spots into the next decade. But that just means they could be prime for a comeback…
David
Ranking in the 1960s: 1
Meaning: ‘beloved’
In the 1960s, David was at the top of the list of popular boys’ names. Like folk singer David Crosby, Davids march to the beat of their own drum and it’s a good choice for parents looking for that disruptor energy.
Susan
Ranking in the 1960s: 1
Meaning: ‘gift from God’
Actor Susan Strasberg is a great example of a glamorous Susan, with the name peaking in popularity in 1964. It’s been declining over the years, so this is a good pick for parents looking for a retro name that they can make their own.
Paul
Ranking in the 1960s: 2
Meaning: ‘humble’
The name Paul might mean small or humble, but there are no limits to the heights a child with the name could reach. Just look at Paul McCartney, who was at the height of his success with The Beatles in the 1960s.
Julie
Ranking in the 1960s: 2
Meaning: ‘youthful’
Julie was the second most popular name of the 1960s according to the ONS, with star of the stage and screen Julie Andrews being a perfect example.
Andrew
Ranking in the 1960s: 3
Meaning: ‘strong’
With a present-day Andrew as Spiderman (Andrew Garfield) and the name being extremely popular in the 1960s, this is a choice that really spans the ages.
Karen
Ranking in the 1960s: 3
Meaning: ‘pure’
It’s true that name trends come and go and any name can have a resurgence, but Karen is going to be harder than most to stage a comeback – but nothing is impossible. In the 1960s, it was a cool and creative name embodied by musicians such as Karen Carpenter.
Mark
Ranking in the 1960s: 4
Meaning: ‘warlike’
The ’60s was the decade of Mark, as in medal-winning swimmer Mark Spitz. Today, it’s not uncommon, but it’s much further down in popularity, which means it’s ripe for rediscovery.
Jacqueline
Ranking in the 1960s: 4
Meaning: ‘supplanter’
In the early 1960s, elegant Jacqueline Kennedy was the First Lady of the United States and is still heavily referenced in modern culture. While her popularity hasn’t waned, the name Jacqueline has fallen out of fashion, meaning it might be the perfect time to bring it back.
John
Ranking in the 1960s: 5
Meaning: ‘God is gracious’
John, as in President John F. Kennedy and husband of fellow near-top spot, Jacqueline. John is a stalwart name of the ages and as timeless as they come.
Deborah
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Ranking in the 1960s: 5
Meaning: ‘bee’
Deborah – as in British actor of the era Deborah Kerr, who starred opposite Cary Grant in An Affair To Remember, was a glamorous name back in the 1960s and may just be ripe for a comeback now.
Michael
Ranking in the 1960s: 6
Meaning: ‘gift from God’
The name Michael, as in British actor Michael Caine, has something in common with one of Caine’s signature ’60s roles, Alfie: They’re both constantly desired. It wouldn’t be a top retro baby-name list without a Michael on it. It’s still a common name today, which shows it has enduring appeal.
Tracey
Ranking in the 1960s: 6
Meaning: ‘warrior’
Tracey is certainly a strong name, meaning ‘fighter’ or ‘warrior’ but today is probably best associated with renowned artist Tracey Emin, making it ideal for a creative couple looking to name their new baby.
Stephen
Ranking in the 1960s: 7
Meaning: ‘crown’
Stephen is a classic name with a regal air, as its meaning translates to ‘wreath’ or ‘crown’. Stephen Stills was a big name in the music industry of the era, so this could be a great choice for parents with a musical flair.
Jane
Ranking in the 1960s: 7
Meaning: ‘God is gracious’
In the 1960s, Jane was a popular choice as a first name before later becoming a common middle name for girls. Jane Asher is a good example of a star from the era, and it could be time to let the name come back again – there’s nothing plain about Janes!
Ian
Ranking in the 1960s: 8
Meaning: ‘God is gracious’
Like Jane, Ian also means ‘God is gracious’ and has Scottish as well as Hebrew roots. Sir Ian McKellen is a stellar example of a huge talent under the classic name.
Helen
Ranking in the 1960s: 8
Meaning: ‘light’
There’s one Helen who has been known throughout the decades – Dame Helen Mirren – and hers is a name that still feels like a truly timeless choice today.
Robert
Ranking in the 1960s: 9
Meaning: ‘bright fame’
Actor and singer Robert Goulet appeared in three stage productions in 1960 alone — South Pacific, Meet Me In St. Louis and Carousel — so if there’s anyone from the 1960s who embodies the meaning of the name Robert, which is ‘bright fame’, it’s him. Plus nickname options, such as Rob, Bob and Bobby, keep things feeling fresh.
Diana
Ranking in the 1960s: 9
Meaning: ‘goddess’
Diana Ross is arguably one of the most iconic and enduring talents in the music world, so there’s certainly a strong heritage for any child named Diana today – not least as the name can also mean ‘goddess’.
Richard
Ranking in the 1960s: 10
Meaning: ‘strong ruler’
Richards were lighting up the screen in the 1960s, from This Sporting Life actor (and future Dumbledore) Richard Harris to Dr. Kildare heartthrob Richard Chamberlain. Is it any wonder it was a top-1o name then? We predict the wave of popularity around the name could rise again?
Sharon
Ranking in the 1960s: 10
Meaning: ‘fertile plain of land’
Sharon just made it into the last slot on the top 10 most popular names back in the 1960s. A glamorous modern example is Sharon Stone and, while the name has fallen out of fashion in more recent times, it could be a great time to bring it back for a retro feel.
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