Names that Peaked in 1960
- Kim
Origin:
English diminutive of Kimberly; Vietnamese; Scandinavian diminutive of Joachima; Soviet nameDescription:
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.
- Skip
Description:
Skip is a casual, spirited masculine name that originated as a nickname rather than a formal given name. Traditionally, it emerged as a diminutive for various names, particularly Christopher, but also for Richard, Skipper, or other names. The name evokes a carefree, energetic personality—someone who might 'skip' through life with enthusiasm. Skip gained some popularity in mid-20th century America, particularly during the 1950s-60s, reflecting the era's fondness for friendly, approachable nicknames as standalone names. While rarely used as a birth name today, it retains nostalgic charm and continues to be used as a nickname. The name carries associations with youthfulness, informality, and an unpretentious American sensibility.
- Toni
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"from Antium"Description:
In the 1940s, Toni began to surpass its progenitor, Antonia, but it peaked in 1960 and has since dropped back below the US Top 1000.
- Fran
Origin:
Diminutive of FrancesMeaning:
"from France or free man"Description:
This short form has been pretty much replaced by Frankie, however, it could fit in with other clunky but charming names, like Peggy, Bess, and Enid.
- Kenny
Origin:
Diminutive of KennethDescription:
Kenny might be all South Park to some, but it has been in steady use in the US since the 1930s.
- Kerry
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark, dark-haired"Description:
An Irish county name almost exclusively used for girls now. Kerrigan would be a more modern and masculine choice.
- Rolf
Origin:
Abbreviated form of Rudolf, GermanMeaning:
"famous wolf"Description:
Like Papa name Rudolf, Rolf never quite emigrated from the Bavarian Alps. You might want to move on to Rollo or Wolf.
- Elana
Description:
Elana is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, derived from variants of Elena, Helen, or Elaine. It means 'light,' 'bright one,' or 'torch.' This melodic name combines the elegance of Elena with a slightly unique spelling, making it both familiar and distinctive. Elana gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but has remained relatively uncommon, appealing to parents seeking a name with cultural roots and a gentle sound. The name carries a warm, luminous quality that reflects its meaning, and it works well across various cultural backgrounds while maintaining its connection to Hebrew heritage.
- Chuck
Origin:
Diminutive of CharlesDescription:
So far out it's almost ready to be let back in.
- Curt
Origin:
Diminutive of CurtisMeaning:
"courteous, polite"Description:
Short and to the point, muscular and strong.
- Jeanine
Origin:
French variation of JeanMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
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.
- Janine
Origin:
French variation of JaneDescription:
Has lost all trace of its French accent.
- Teri
Origin:
English, diminutive of TheresaMeaning:
"to harvest"Description:
One of the original cool, sleek gender neutral names, but it's since lost that edge to hits like Leni and Teddy. Today's Teri would probably be Tess or Tessa.
- Barb
Origin:
Short form of Barbara, GreekMeaning:
"stranger"Description:
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.
- Dori
Description:
Dori is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Greek, it's a diminutive of Dorothea or Dorothy, meaning 'gift of God.' In Hebrew, it relates to 'generation' or can be a nickname for Deborah. In Japanese culture, Dori can mean 'bird.' This multicultural versatility adds to its appeal. The name gained recognition through pop culture, including as a character in 'Finding Nemo.' With its short, sweet sound and easy pronunciation across languages, Dori offers a friendly, approachable quality. While never reaching top popularity charts, it maintains consistent usage as parents appreciate its simplicity and cheerful essence. The name balances being recognizable without being overly common.
- Teressa
Description:
Teressa is a feminine name that represents a spelling variant of the more common Teresa or Theresa. Of Greek origin, the name ultimately derives from 'therizo,' meaning 'to harvest,' or possibly from the Greek island of Thera. Teressa carries the warmth and classic appeal of the traditional form while offering a slightly different spelling. The name has religious significance through Saint Teresa of Ávila and Mother Teresa. While less common than Teresa, this variant maintains the name's associations with compassion, spiritual devotion, and inner strength. Teressa experienced modest popularity in the mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades, giving it a vintage charm.
- Britt
Description:
Britt as a masculine name is less common than its usage for females, making it an interesting gender-neutral option. Originally a nickname for Brittany or Bridget when used for women, as a male name it typically derives from the Old Norse 'Britr' meaning 'Briton' or can be a shortened form of names like Britton. The name has a strong, concise sound with Nordic connections. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, Britt has been used as a standalone name for both genders, though more commonly for females. For males, it projects a modern, slightly unconventional image while maintaining simplicity and strength. Its brevity gives it a contemporary feel that works well internationally, though its usage for boys remains relatively uncommon in most regions.
- Antionette
Description:
Antionette is a variation of Antoinette, the feminine diminutive form of Antoine, which is the French version of Anthony. The name ultimately derives from the Roman family name Antonius, possibly meaning 'priceless' or 'praiseworthy.' This spelling variant with 'ion' instead of 'oin' gives the name a slightly more modern and distinctive look while maintaining its elegant French character. Most famously associated with Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France before the Revolution, the name carries an air of aristocratic refinement. Though less common than the traditional spelling, Antionette remains an appealing choice for parents drawn to classic feminine names with a slight twist.
- Laureen
Origin:
Diminutive of LauraDescription:
Failed attempt to turn Laura into an Irish Colleen.
- Venita
Description:
Venita is a feminine name with Latin roots, likely derived from 'venire' meaning 'to come' or possibly connected to Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. The name has a gentle, flowing quality with its soft consonants and melodic rhythm. Venita saw modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s, but has since become less common, giving it a distinctive vintage charm today. The name carries a warm, inviting quality while maintaining an air of elegance. With its romantic undertones and lyrical sound, Venita appeals to parents looking for a name that's both graceful and uncommon. Its similarity to the Spanish word 'bonita' (beautiful) may add to its cross-cultural appeal.