Names that Peaked in 1960
- Tim
Origin:
Greek, diminutive of TimothyDescription:
Tim is a boyish short form very rarely given on its own.
- 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.
- Sandy
Origin:
Diminutive of Sandra or AlexandraDescription:
Nickname name in the era of Grease. Sandy fits well in the era of boyish nicknames for girls - a la Scottie and Stevie - or as an alternative to the rapidly rising Goldie. While it peaked in 1960, Sandy is still given to about 60 baby girls each year.
- Dino
Origin:
Italian, diminutive of any name ending in -dinoDescription:
Italian heritage name. It's sweet and simple, but has fallen almost out of use since its heyday in the 1960s.
- 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.
- Skip
- 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.
- Elana
- Janine
Origin:
French variation of JaneDescription:
Has lost all trace of its French accent.
- 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.
- 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.
- Teressa
- 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.
- Venita
- 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.
- Dori
- Darry
- Randell
- Britt