Names that Peaked in 1960

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.

Unlike Jake or Sam, few parents put Mike on the birth certificate.

An Irish county name almost exclusively used for girls now. Kerrigan would be a more modern and masculine choice.

Nickname name hep in the era of Grease.

This short form has been pretty much replaced by Franny, Fanny. and especially Frankie.

Together with the more common (in France) Jeannine spelling, this feminine form of Jean was most popular in the 1930s in its home country, and in the 1960s in the US. It's fallen off the Top 1000 list since, but perhaps cute retro nickname Jeannie could tempt some vintage-loving parents back.

Has lost all trace of its French accent.

So far out it's almost ready to be let back in.

Like Papa name Rudolf, Rolf never quite emigrated from the Bavarian Alps. You might want to move on to Rollo or Wolf.

Short and to the point, muscular and strong.

See TERRY.

Barb is a midcentury nickname name that, like Deb and Sue, feels terminally dates now. But with the revival of Barbie, Barb may not be far behind.

Cute combination name which is now past its peak. It may be written as one word, two words (Mary Jo), or hyphenated (Mary-Jo).

A short form that covers multiple names including Cristian, Cristóbal, and Crispin.