Many of the names that were big hits in the 1950s and 1960s are making a stylish return, chosen by new parents looking for something timeless yet fresh. There’s just something about these names that carry a sense of nostalgia while still feeling just right today, so if you’re looking for inspiration, here are some classic ‘50s and ‘60s names that are making a comeback this year.
James
First and foremost, James has always been a strong and classic name, but it’s seeing a resurgence in popularity as parents opt for timeless choices. Associated with notable figures like James Dean and James Bond, it carries an effortlessly cool vibe. The name’s versatility makes it super appealing, too; like, James works just as well for a baby as it does for a professional adult, so it’s no surprise that it’s coming back.
Linda
Linda, meaning “beautiful” in Spanish and Portuguese, was one of the top names for girls in the mid-20th century. Now, it’s seeing a revival among parents who love its elegant simplicity. Something about this beautiful name feels both vintage and modern, making it a great pick for families wanting a name with timeless appeal.
Robert
Next up, Robert has long been a name that gives off a vibe of strength and tradition. Popular in the ’50s and ’60s, it’s making a comeback as parents gravitate toward solid, classic names. Nicknames like Rob, Robbie, and Bob give it a friendly and approachable feel, too!
Susan
Thanks to its floral connection to “lily,” Susan has long since been a favorite ever since the 1960s, and its charm is only becoming more popular. Why? Well, it’s a name that’s easy to pair with middle names and has a variety of nicknames like Sue or Susie.
Therefore, adorably, parents are rediscovering its timeless elegance and the way it balances simplicity with sophistication. Susan’s classic appeal is perfect for those looking for a name with a touch of history, so we’re welcoming all the Susans back with open arms!
Michael
Back in the 1950s and 1960s, Michael was a chart-topper when it came to name, and it’s still a strong choice today. Famously, this biblical name has a strong and enduring quality that appeals to many, all while offering plenty of flexibility with nicknames like Mike or Mikey. Ultimately, Michael’s timelessness is bound to ensure that it will remain a favorite for future generations.
Patricia
We’re super happy to see that Patricia, or Pat for short, is making a comeback. It was a go-to name in the mid-20th century, primarily due to how it carried a sense of vintage charm while still feeling fresh. Even today, Patricia has a regal quality, and its roots in Latin—meaning “noble”—give it a further distinguished air. So, for modern parents who love names with history and elegance, Patricia is still a standout choice.
David
Even in 2025, David is a biblical classic that continues to dominate the baby name charts. Back in the ‘50s and ‘60s, it was known for its association with the story of David and Goliath, a story that symbolizes bravery and strength. Therefore, it’s not so surprising that parents are turning back to David for its timeless appeal and universal recognition.
Barbara
You might think that it sounds old-fashioned, but Barbara is actually making a comeback. Originally, it was a staple name in the 1950s, associated with glamour and sophistication, and this line of reasoning is appearing once again.
In our opinion, it’s only considered old-fashioned because of its past popularity. So, we’re quite happy to see it making a quiet comeback among parents who appreciate its vintage vibe. We predict that nicknames like Barb or Barbie will be bringing a playful edge to playgrounds very soon!
John
As with David and Michael, John is one of those boy’s names that never really goes out of style. Sure, it was popular in the 1950s and 1960s, but it’s just as simple, strong, and timeless today. It’s ever-present in historical figures, pop culture icons, and religious stories, hence why John has always been such a consistent favorite. Furthermore, it’s straightforward, easy to spell, and universally recognized, making it a reliable pick for any parent.
Deborah
Deborah, often shortened to Deb or Debbie, was a top choice for baby girls in the ’50s and ’60s, and it’s getting popular once again! It feels traditional yet fresh, and its versatility appeals to modern parents looking for a name with a bit of history, so we’re not so surprised that it’s still so beloved!
Richard
Yet another common boy’s name that is gaining popularity again is Richard. Typically associated with strength and leadership, it carries a timeless appeal, especially thanks to nicknames like Rich, Richie, or Rick. These nicknames are approachable, yet the full name has a formal and distinguished feel, and ultimately, many parents find this to form the perfect balance.
Karen
Sadly, Karen has had its ups and downs in recent years, but its roots as a classic 1960s name are undeniable. Meaning “pure” in Greek, Karen has a sense of timeless simplicity that’s hard to ignore, and therefore, parents are finally starting to reclaim the name. Let’s be honest–the internet jokes are already starting to drop in popularity, so we can easily see Karen becoming a popular choice once again in the very near future.
Charles
In contrast to Karen, Charles is a name that has never really fallen out of favor. Its royal connections, traditional feel, and a plethora of nicknames have made it a strong choice for modern parents.
For instance, nicknames like Charlie or Chuck add a touch of playfulness, while the full name remains formal and sophisticated. Overall, Charles is a name that bridges the gap between vintage and modern perfectly, and we love that.
Carol
Synonymous with “song” or “hymn,” Carol was hugely popular in the 1950s and 1960s, and this trend is coming around once again. We can all agree that it’s a sweet and simple name, feeling warm and inviting. Above all, it’s just a lovely choice for parents drawn to names with a musical connection.
Thomas
Sure, Thomas has been a staple name for centuries, but its popularity in the ’50s and ’60s was particularly notable. Interestingly, this seems to be recurring! World-renowned for its biblical roots and strong, reliable sound, Thomas is a name that has clearly stood the test of time. Best of all, nicknames like Tom or Tommy add a whole lot of versatility, making it suitable for any stage of life.
Nancy
Despite being a top name all the way back in the mid-20th century, Nancy is still, to this day, often associated with sweetness and charm. Because of this, it’s making a well-deserved comeback as parents rediscover its vintage appeal. Nancy is simple, easy to pronounce, and has a friendly, approachable vibe, so for those looking for a classic name with a touch of nostalgia, it’s well worth considering!
Ronald
To finish this list of classic ‘50s and ‘60s names that are becoming popular again, we simply had to mention Ronald. Often shortened to Ron or Ronnie, Ronald was a big hit in the 1950s and 1960s and is finding its way back into baby name trends.
Thanks to its strong, confident sound, Ronald feels both traditional and approachable, and its association with leaders and cultural figures gives it a timeless quality. Ultimately, it’s really not surprising that it still appeals to modern parents in 2025!