The 1970s was a transformative decade for baby names, influenced by cultural shifts, television, and the rise of nature-inspired trends. During this time, certain names surged in popularity, with many reflecting the era’s spirit of individuality and creativity.
Interestingly, many names from this vibrant decade have since faded from mainstream usage, making them unique choices for today’s parents seeking something classic yet distinctive.
Here are 21 baby names from the 1970s that are rarely used today, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era of naming trends.
1. Lisa
Lisa was immensely popular in the 1970s, ranking high due to its simplicity and charm as a diminutive of Elizabeth. However, Lisa has since faded from modern baby name lists, overshadowed by newer, more elaborate choices.
Today, it’s rare to hear of baby girls named Lisa, making it a distinctive option for parents seeking a retro vibe.
2. Brian
Brian was a strong, dependable choice for boys throughout the ‘70s, favored for its solid and approachable nature. However, its usage has sharply declined in recent decades, with names like Liam and Noah taking over the charts.
For parents who want a name with history and character, Brian could offer a refreshing alternative.
3. Heather
Inspired by the delicate flower, Heather peaked in the 1970s as a soft, natural option for baby girls. Its floral and earthy qualities made it a hit during an era that embraced nature and free-spiritedness.
However, Heather’s appeal has diminished, and it’s seldom seen today. This name might still attract those who appreciate its vintage yet graceful qualities.
4. Jeffrey
Jeffrey had a warm, friendly appeal during the ‘70s and was often shortened to “Jeff.” It was popular for its balance of formality and familiarity but has fallen out of favor as shorter, modern names gained traction.
Still, Jeffrey maintains a timeless quality that could appeal to those searching for something classic.
5. Sherry
A lively and vibrant name, Sherry was associated with fun and carefree attitudes fitting into the upbeat cultural trends of the 1970s. However, Sherry has become one of those names deeply tied to the past and is rarely used today.
Despite its retro feel, Sherry could bring a splash of unique character to the modern baby name pool.
6. Dawn
Symbolizing new beginnings, Dawn was a hopeful choice for girls in the 1970s that conveyed light and renewal, aligning perfectly with the era’s free-spirited vibe.
Unfortunately, it has mostly fallen out of use in contemporary times, making it an intriguing option for parents looking for a poetic and rarely heard name.
7. Stacy
Stacy gained popularity as a unisex name in the 1970s with an upbeat and youthful charm that resonated with many parents. However, Stacy has largely disappeared from baby name charts today.
It offers a nostalgic twist for those who love names with vintage flair.
8. Craig
Craig was favored for its sturdy and no-nonsense appeal as a strong name for boys during the 1970s but has since fallen out of fashion as parents turn to trendier names. For those who appreciate its simplicity and rugged feel, Craig could be a fresh yet retro choice.
9. Sandra
Made famous by figures like Sandra Dee, Sandra was popular in the early part of the decade due to its elegant sound and timeless appeal that fit right into baby name trends at the time. However, Sandra has since taken a backseat to newer names.
If you’re looking for vintage star power, Sandra is worth considering.
10. Kevin
Kevin was seen as both cool and classic in the ‘70s with Gaelic roots adding tradition. However, its popularity has waned over the years as shorter contemporary names like Finn and Jack have taken over.
Still, Kevin retains an approachable feel that might make it appealing again.
11. Tara
With Irish roots and connections to “Gone with the Wind,” Tara stood out in the 1970s for its elegance and simplicity but has largely fallen out of fashion like many names from that era.
For those interested in something with history and style, Tara is a beautiful option.
12. Mark
Mark was a straightforward biblical name favored for boys during the 1970s due to its dependability and ease of spelling contributing to its lasting popularity during that decade.
However, its popularity has since faded. Mark offers a solid choice for parents who appreciate historically grounded names.
13. Carrie
Thanks in part to Stephen King’s novel and its film adaptation, Carrie saw a surge in popularity in the late ‘70s due to its approachable sound but has since declined significantly in use.
If you’re looking for literary connections with vintage charm, Carrie might be an appealing option.
14. Chad
Short and punchy with an energetic vibe, Chad epitomized coolness in the 1970s but has all but disappeared from modern baby name lists today. Its retro charm could make it a standout choice now.
15. Amy
Meaning “beloved,” Amy was sweet and simple with massive popularity peaking in 1975 when it ranked among top names for girls; however, it has since been replaced by names like Ava and Emma.
For parents who love short classic names, Amy still carries enduring charm.
16. Jill
Jill had a friendly girl-next-door vibe widely used in the 1970s often paired with names like Jack in nursery rhymes; while its popularity has waned, Jill retains an approachable elegance that could appeal to parents today.
17. Crystal
Inspired by precious stones, Crystal sparkled through the 1970s offering glitz and glamour as a name for girls; however, its popularity has dropped significantly making it more uncommon today.
For parents who like names with shine and elegance, Crystal remains unique.
18. Donny
Popularized by Donny Osmond’s fame during the ’70s with youthful appeal; however, it has since declined significantly making it rare to hear babies named Donny today.
For those who love nostalgic pop-culture twists on names, Donny could be bold choice.
19. Jason
Jason soared in popularity during late 1970s with sleek modern sound; however today it is overshadowed by newer names making it less trendy than before but still offers cool timeless appeal that could be revived by parents.
20. Tiffany
Linked to glamour thanks to “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” Tiffany was popular among many parents during the ’70s but has dropped significantly in recent years. Nevertheless, it remains a stylish yet underused choice for parents seeking elegance.
21. Kareem
Thanks to basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s influence, this name rose during the ’70s due to its strong, meaningful roots, making it a favorite among sports fans.
While still used today, it’s far less common than before, providing meaningful, powerful choices for parents wanting cultural richness in their child’s name.
Many once-popular choices have become rare gems in today’s naming landscape. Whether inspired by pop culture, nature, or timeless elegance, these names offer a nostalgic charm that can appeal to modern parents seeking something unique.
By considering these vintage options, you can honor the past while giving your child a distinctive identity that stands out in a sea of contemporary names.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.