Full list of popular baby names from the 1950s making a comeback in 2025
by Olivia Sheed · ChronicleLiveChoosing a name for your baby is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. Whether the parent-to-be prefers classic names or something more unique, this process can be quite challenging and take up a lot of time in the lead-up to the birth.
Over the years, many names have fallen in and out of popularity, often reflecting the trends of the decades in which they were most common. However, some names remain timeless and continue to be popular choices for families across the UK.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in families opting for classic, vintage names for their babies. Names from the 1950s are still a popular choice, appealing to those who value uniqueness, simplicity, and timelessness, or perhaps even as a tribute to an older member of the family.
Good Housekeeping has released a list of the top 20 vintage names making a comeback this year, with hundreds of thousands of babies taking a name from over 70 years ago in 2025.
Top baby names from the 50s making a comeback in 2025
James is often considered a timeless name, having been around for centuries and people still not getting tired of it. In the 50s, it was heavily associated with rebelliousness and youth culture of the day, thanks to Rebel Without a Cause star James Dean. With the publication of the first James Bond novel in 1953, many associate the name with the suave nature of 007. Common nicknames these days include Jim, Jay or Jamie
Mary was the most popular female name throughout the 50s, just about beating Linda. In fact, from 1900 to 1961, Mary was the number one name for a baby nearly every year.
Michael was often considered a classic American country and western name, with the name's popularity tracing back to Michael Landon, star of the 1959 cowboy film Bonanza. Much like Mary, it was also a name closely associated with the Bible.
Linda and Mary were often fighting for the top spot of the most popular names of the 50s. Mary narrowly took it, however Linda was still an extremely popular name - and continues to be today.
Robert was an extremely popular name in the 1950s, especially for actors. Famous Roberts of the time include Robert Mitchum, Robert Taylor and Robert Conrad. It means "bright fame," and continues to be a popular name for boys to this day, with common nicknames including Rob and Robbie.
Patricia is a modern name with a vintage touch. It is still seen as one of the most unique names of the 1950s. It's often associated with the popular actress Patricia Barry, who appeared in The Twilight Zone.
John has been popular long before the '50s, again another name associated with the Bible. The number one name between 1900 and 1923, John has always been popular and continues to be today. Landing somewhere in the top-five names every year from 1924 to 1972, it still continues to rank in the top 30 list of baby names today.
Susan saw a rapid increase in popularity for girls, becoming a household name in 1960. It's often said the name was well-used during that decade thanks to popular actress Susan Hayward.
David often fought Michael for the number one spot of most popular name. It only took it for one year - in 1960 - but continues to be popular today. It's now more often in the top 30 list rather than the top five, but it's still a popular choice for families.
Deborah and Debra were both extremely popular names for girls throughout the 1950s. Different variations on the same name, both were favoured by families throughout the decade and the name continues to be popular today, being one of the more unique ones from the era. The popularity at the time stemmed from Deborah Kerr for her role in the widely popular "The King and I" movie.
William was a popular choice for parents in the 50s and was often associated with American writers of that decade, such as William S. Burroughs and William Goldman. The name is still popular and appears in the top 30 list today, and is handy for families who like to use nicknames, such as Will, Willy, Bill or Billy.
Barbara is currently going through a rapid resurgence. Last year, it jumped 87 places up on the list compared to the year before and is now considered one of the fastest-growing baby names today.
Richard is commonly associated with the popular musicians of the '50s, from composer Richard Rogers to rock 'n' roller Little Richard. The name hit its peak during the end of the decade, but continues to be popular today and is also loved for it's associated nicknames - Ricky and Rick.
Thomas ranked the lowest it ever has in 2011 and 2012, being the 63rd most popular name of those years. However, the classic name from the 50s, loved for its nicknames Thomas, Tom, and Tommy, appears to be slowly returning to popularity and looks set to crack into the top 10 again.
Karen is another name which is currently experiencing a major comeback. One of the most popular of the '50s, the name has continued to be a favourite for families over the years, despite its place on the list fluctuating and some unfavourable social trends.
Mark continues to be a favourite name for families today, especially those looking for a short, trendy four-letter name. Popular in the '50s, it has maintained its steady place on the top list through the years, owing to the prevalence in the Bible again.
Nancy was one of the most popular girl names from the '50s and continues to be popular today, especially for families looking for a short and snappy name.
Charles is still somewhat popular, but has slipped down on the top name list since reaching its peak in 1929. It is believed the current reign of King Charles III could give the name the popularity boost it needs.
Donna was everywhere in the 1950s and was most famously associated with Richie Valens's 1958 hit 'Donna'. It is yet to reach the popularity heights it once did, but is slowly back on its way to being one of the most popular girl names of the 21st century.
Cynthia was briefly extremely popular, especially through the '50s and '60s. It is yet to be as popular as it once was, but is also slowly on the way up and is becoming a common choice for families looking for a quirkier name from the era, perhaps in part due to Wicked star Cynthia Erivo.
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