Maybe it’s a family tradition, or maybe it’s the nostalgic aspect of choosing a vintage name that offers such modern appeal, but 1960s baby names are making a huge comeback! Trends and styles cycle through the times and gain popularity long after their limelight, and retro names are no different.
Short names such as Beth, Kip, Pam and Chris became popular in this decade—as first names and as nicknames. Spelling names by ending them with an “i” to make the “ee” sound, such as Sherri, Lori and Tami, gained traction as well. In choosing their baby’s names, the people of the ’60s opted for originality that would mark a generational shift.
We’ll go through the most popular names from the time period according to sites like the Social Security Administration for you to choose the grooviest name for your newest addition. We’ll also go over why it is that vintage baby names are coming back in style now and provide tips and tricks for you to choose your favorites. Continue reading to discover the most popular ’60s names for girls and boys!
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The 1960s Baby Name Boom: Why ‘Groovy’ Names Are Back in Style
We all know that styles and trends have a way of making their way back into the spotlight long after their initial popularity. When it comes to choosing a name for your new baby, that same concept applies.
While it used to be all the rage to go way “out there” and name your child something that was sure to stand out like Apple, Mckaleigh or even a name such as X Æ A-Xii (pronounced Ex-Ash-A-Twelve), it’s clear that parents today are taking things back a notch and opting for a more mid-century name with all the charm of the ’60s. These groovy options are making a big comeback, and it’s easy to see why!
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11 ‘Groovy’ 1960s Baby Names We Love Today
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1. Donna
With Italian roots, the name Donna means “lady,” “woman” or “mistress of the home.” It was also used as a respectful title that held similarities to “Madam.”
With popular celebrities such as Donna Reed of The Donna Reed Show and Donna Douglas—who played tomboy Elly May on the comedy TV show The Beverly Hillbillies—it’s no wonder why this name was so groovy! This is a great option for a family who wants a name full of grace and dignity for their little girl.
2. Sharon
This Hebrew name means “a fertile plain.” Also from The Beverly Hillbillies, Sharon Tate made the name known through being in films like Valley of the Dolls and The Fearless Vampire Killers. She was also known as a prominent fashion and cultural symbol of 1960s Hollywood glamour. The name is appealing for modern parents as it offers connotations of compassion, creativity and resilience.
3. Eric
Derived from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, Eric means “eternal ruler” or “sole ruler.” British rock guitarist Eric Clapton made the name all the rage in the ’60s, as he was coined a global “guitar god” and epitomized the word “cool.” Modern parents will like the name Eric due to its representation of confidence, ruggedness and strength.
4. Penny
As a diminutive of the Greek name Penelope, Penny means “weaver” or “silent worker.” Made popular in the ’60s by The Beatles song “Penny Lane,” this moniker symbolizes luck and prosperity, making it an appealing name that’s as cute as it is sophisticated.
5. Dylan
Originally a masculine name of Welsh origins meaning “son of the sea,” “born from the ocean” or “great tide,” Dylan is now widely thought of as a lovely gender-neutral option.
A famous Dylan of the 1960s, Bob Dylan, defined counterculture of the time and evolved into a revolutionary innovator of the rock-and-roll movement. This free-spirited, creative and adventurous name is sure to be popular with modern parents!
6. Lori
A Latin name stemming from Laura or Lauren, Lori means “laurel” or “sweet bay tree.” It can also be used as a nickname for Lorraine, Loretta or Lorelai.
The quintessential “i” ending that makes an “ee” sound made a huge impact in the 1960s, and for good reason! The spelling of this name feels fresh and helped those struggling with a harsh ’50s mindset feel a bit more free. Modern parents will love this name due to its cute nature and vintage vibe.
7. Jude
Derived from the Hebrew name Yehudah or Judah, Jude means “praised” or “praised be God.” The hit song “Hey Jude” by The Beatles tied a record when it held the number one spot for nine consecutive weeks on the US Billboard Top 100. The song’s popularity naturally makes Jude a hip choice of names from the 1960s, and parents today will love this soulful choice for its cool and classic sound.
8. Sandra
As a shortened form of the Greek names Alexandra or Cassandra, Sandra means “defender of humanity” or “protector of mankind.” Sandra Dee was a major Hollywood pop culture icon in the ’60s, starring in romantic comedies and dramas with a wholesome, girl-next-door vibe. Parents today will love the moniker Sandra for its meaning of caring and its strong roots.
9. Jackie
Acting as a nickname for either gender, the name Jackie means “God is gracious” or “holder of the heel” as a diminutive of John, Jack, Jacob or Jacqueline. If you wanted to know about chic, elegant style in the 1960s, Jackie Kennedy was your girl! Parents today should opt for this name as a playful yet tasteful classic.
10. Keith
Of Scottish and Celtic origins, this name means “wood,” “forest” or “from the battleground.” Keith Richards made this masculine name popular in the ’60s with his rebellious addition to the British Invasion. Modern parents will like this name as it offers an appealing natural strength.
11. Jimi
Jimi is a variant of Jimmy, a nickname for James, which stems from the Hebrew name Jacob. It means “supplanter” or “one who follows.”
The “i” ending is coming in strong again here, and Jimi Hendrix made this name all the rage. His popularity skyrocketed in the late 1960s with his groundbreaking electric guitar and psychedelic showmanship. Parents today will love this name for its unique spelling and its creative and free-spirited feel.
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Peace, Love and Pop Culture: What Influenced 1960s Naming Trends?
Following the rigidity of the 1950s social norms, parents of the ’60s wanted to choose names for their children that felt more individualistic and offered freedom from the same old traditional patterns.
Inspiration for many of their choices came from music and celebrity icons in pop culture and the heightened social awareness brought on by the Civil Rights Movement, which encouraged a wider range of cultural representation that resulted in experimenting with more creative name options.
Girls vs. Boys: The Ultimate Top 10 Most Popular Names in the 1960s
Based on the Social Security Administration, here are the top 10 most popular names for boys and girls in the decade of the 1960s.
1960s Boy Names
1
Lisa
David
3
Susan
James
5
Kimberly
Mark
7
Linda
Richard
9
Michelle
Jeffrey
Cynthia
Related: 75 Terrific Girl Names That Start With ‘T’
Tips for Choosing a Timeless Vintage Baby Name
Check the “100-year rule” — See if the name is trending upward. Names generally cycle back into style after about four generations, or around 80 to 100 years. Look for built-in nicknames — Many classic names offer flexible, modern-feeling shortened versions which provide options for your child as they age. For example: Josie for Josephine or Theo for Theodore. Consider the spelling — Retro names often have simple, phonetic spellings that modern names lack. Say it out loud with your last name — Ensure the mid-century cadence matches your current surname. It’s also a good idea to test how your chosen name will look or sound on a high school diploma, resume or business card.Up Next:
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