The 20 vintage baby names from the 1950s making a comeback in 2025

Choosing a name for your baby is one of the most significant decisions a parent will ever make. Whether you're a fan of the more classic names or want to opt for something a bit more unique, choosing a name for your child is anything but easy.

Over the years, many names have come in and out of popularity, with certain names being symbolic of the decades they were most common in. However, there are some that seem to stick and will forever be seen as popular choices by families across the UK.

In recent years, there has been a clear increase in families choosing classic, old-word vintage names for their babies. Names from the 1950s are still proving to be a popular choice for families - whether they are looking for uniqueness, simplicity or timelessness. According to Good Housekeeping, below is the list of the top 20 vintage names making a comeback this year.

List of the 20 top vintage names that are now making a comeback

1. James - Still extremely popular, James is often considered a timeless name. However in the 50s, it was heavily associated with rebelliousness and youth culture of the day, thanks to Rebel Without a Cause star James Dean.

2. Mary - Mary was the most popular female name throughout the 50s, just beating Linda. Mary Blair - the artist who worked with Disney on the Lady and the Tramp, Alice in Wonderland and Cinderella — is one of the most popular Mary's of the decade.

3. Michael - Often considered a classic American country and western name, Michael's popularity can be traced back to Michael Landon, star of 1959 cowboy film Bonanza.

4. Linda - 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.

5. Robert - In the 1950s, Robert was an extremely popular name for actors, including Robert Mitchum, Robert Taylor and Robert Conrad. It means "bright fame," and continues to be a popular name for boys to this day.

6. Patricia - A modern name that still has a vintage touch, Patricia is still seen as one of the 50s most unique names. It's often associated with popular actress of the era, Patricia Barry, who appeared in The Twilight Zone.

7. John - The name John has been popular long before the '50s. 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.

8. Susan - Through the 1950s, the name Susan rapidly increased in popularity for girls, becoming a common name in 1960. It's often said the name was well-used during that decade thanks to popular actress Susan Hayward.

9. David - Throughout the '50s era, the name 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.

10. Deborah/Debra - 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.

11. William - 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.

12. Barbara - The name 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.

13. Richard - The name 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 - Richard, Ricky and Ricardo.

14. Thomas - The name 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 50 - loved for it's nicknames Thomas, Tom and Tommy - appears to be slowly coming back into popularity and looks set to crack into the top 10 again.

15. Karen - The name Karen is another 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.

16. Mark - 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.

17. Nancy - 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.

18. Charles - While still extremely popular, the name Charles 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.

19. Donna - In the 1950s, the name Donna was everywhere and 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.

20. Cynthia - In the 20th century, the name 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.