Endangered Baby Names

Not one but two Spice Girls are named Mel, which led to it briefly being more popular for girls than boys in the 90s and early 00s, but it has now fallen out of favor for both sexes.

This short form of classic Victor is popular in its own right in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Marybeth, something written like this as one word and sometimes as Mary Beth, is one of those compound versions of Mary popular in the midcentury US. Parents were trying to move away from plain old Mary, long the #1 girls' name, but not too far away. Marybeth is one of the most classic combinations, pairing Mary with the also-long-popular Elizabeth. About 400 baby girls were named Marybeth every year at its peak in the mid-1960s; today, it's fewer than 20.

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.

Sounding both tomboyish and feminine at the same time, this name is mostly associated with actresses Joely Richardson and Joely Fisher.

Occasionally used as an independent name, but why.

Lizzy is a feminine name primarily used as an affectionate diminutive of Elizabeth, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my oath' or 'pledged to God.' This friendly, approachable nickname gained independent usage in the 19th century and continues to be chosen as a standalone name today. Lizzy projects a youthful, spirited, and warm personality while maintaining connections to the regal history of Elizabeth. The name enjoyed renewed popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as parents increasingly chose shorter, less formal names for their daughters. Cultural references like Pride and Prejudice's Lizzy Bennet have contributed to the name's enduring charm and appeal.

See TRICIA.

One of the coolest girls in the class of '73, still cute but not quite as youthful.

Part of a group of similar midcentury names rarely given to babies today.

Phil is a masculine name primarily used as a familiar short form of Philip or Phillip, though it occasionally stands as an independent given name. Derived from the Greek name Philippos meaning 'lover of horses,' Phil has been used across generations and carries a friendly, approachable quality. It gained particular popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century. The name has a classic, unpretentious feel and is associated with notable figures like musician Phil Collins and television personality Dr. Phil McGraw. While many Phils formally have the longer version on their birth certificates, the shortened form has a warm, casual charm that has helped it endure as both a nickname and standalone name across different eras.

Kristy (and Kristi and Kristie) are the ultimate kool girl nicknames of the sixties and seventies, not kwite as kute any more.

Rich is a masculine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a diminutive of Richard, which derives from Germanic elements meaning "powerful" and "brave ruler." As an independent name, Rich emerged in English-speaking countries during the 20th century when abbreviated forms gained popularity. The name carries obvious associations with wealth and abundance, conveying a sense of prosperity and success. Its simplicity and positive connotations have made it appealing, though it remains less common as a formal given name than Richard. As a nickname, Rich has been consistently popular throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, valued for its straightforward, unpretentious quality.

Kristi is a feminine name primarily used as a diminutive form of Christina or Kristina, derived from the Greek word 'Christos,' meaning 'anointed one.' This short, sweet variation gained particular popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. The name carries Christian religious connotations while maintaining a contemporary feel. Kristi strikes a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness, as it's widely recognized but not overly common. The spelling with 'K' rather than 'C' gives it a slightly Nordic flair, reflecting its popularity in Scandinavian countries. Notable bearers include several athletes and performers, adding to its dynamic, spirited associations.

Marci is a feminine name with Latin roots, functioning as a diminutive form of Marcia, which itself derives from Mars, the Roman god of war. The name can also be considered a variant of Marcy or short form of Marcella. With its bright, upbeat sound and accessible spelling, Marci peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, embodying the friendly, approachable spirit of that era. Though less common today, Marci maintains appeal for parents seeking a name that's familiar yet not overused. The name conveys a sense of cheerful energy and straightforwardness. While primarily used for girls, Marci occasionally appears as a nickname for boys named Marcus or Marcel. Its short, uncomplicated nature gives it a contemporary feel despite its ancient origins.

Kris was once the ultimate cool cheerleader name, but now she's more likely to be a matriarch ala Kris Jenner.

Nicky is a feminine name that functions as both a nickname and a standalone given name. It traditionally serves as a diminutive for Nicole (feminine) or Nicholas (masculine), though when used for girls, it's most commonly associated with Nicole. The name Nicole derives from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning 'victory of the people.' Nicky gained popularity as a given name in its own right during the mid-20th century when nickname-names became fashionable. It carries a friendly, approachable quality with a touch of playfulness. The name experienced peak usage for girls in the 1970s and 1980s but maintains a timeless appeal. Nicky balances casual charm with a bright, energetic character that works well across different life stages.

A relic of the midcentury Mandi-Sandi-Andi era.

Shaun might be thought of by some as a more feminine spelling of Sean, but in fact in the most recent year counted there were only six baby girls called Shaun and five called Sean, which makes this a no longer a unisex name by any reckoning. In its heyday in the early 70s, though, Shaun and Shawn were given much more frequently to baby girls. In all spellings, this is one of the rare names that's become more masculine over time.

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.