Vintage Girl Names from the 1950s Making a Modern Comeback

As new parents embark on the journey of naming their newborns, many are turning back the clock to find inspiration in the names of previous generations. Vintage names, particularly those from the 1950s, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, offering a timeless charm that can accompany a child from infancy through adulthood. This trend is particularly evident in the United States, where the Social Security Administration (SSA) tracks the 1,000 most popular names annually, revealing which retro names are gaining favor once more.

While boys’ names have historically remained steady, girls’ names often experience significant fluctuations in popularity. This year, several names that were once common in the mid-20th century are making a notable comeback. According to a recent list compiled by Good Housekeeping, these names, though not all originally from the 1950s, saw a rise in popularity last year and the year before, hinting at a potential return to the top of the charts.

Deborah: A Name of Biblical Proportions

The name Deborah, of Hebrew origin, means ‘bee’ and is famously associated with the prophetess in the Old Testament Book of Judges. It was a top choice for girls in the United States from the 1950s to the 1970s, frequently ranking among the top 20 names. Although it experienced a decline in subsequent decades, Deborah saw a resurgence last year, climbing over 100 places in the SSA’s ranking.

Marilyn: A Star-Studded Legacy

When one hears the name Marilyn, the iconic image of Marilyn Monroe often comes to mind. This name, which means ‘drop of the sea,’ ‘bitter,’ and ‘beloved,’ peaked in popularity in 1937 but remained a favorite throughout the 1950s. Monroe’s influence was so profound that many parents named their daughters after the Hollywood star, despite her real name being Norma Jeane. Interestingly, Marilyn Monroe’s Scottish ancestry adds another layer of appeal to this classic name.

Judith: A Name of Praise

Judith is a name with Hebrew roots, meaning ‘praised,’ ‘woman of Judea,’ and ‘Jewish woman.’ Often shortened to Judy, it has been borne by several notable figures, including Judy Garland and Judy Collins, which may have contributed to its enduring popularity. In the UK, Judith maintains a respectable popularity rating, according to ukbabynames.co.uk.

Leslie: A Gender-Neutral Trend

The name Leslie, meaning ‘garden of holly,’ is experiencing renewed interest, partly due to its gender-neutral appeal. Names ending in ‘ie’ are trending, with others like Marjorie, Scottie, Elodie, and Lettie also seeing a rise in popularity.

Bonnie: A Scottish Beauty

Bonnie, a name of Scottish origin meaning ‘pretty’ or ‘beautiful,’ has long been a favorite in the UK. It was ranked #26 for baby girls in 2025, according to babycentre.co.uk, demonstrating its sustained appeal. Bonnie peaked in 1950 and, after falling off the US popular names list in 2004, reemerged in 2014, steadily climbing since. The name gained additional spotlight when former Love Island contestant and Scottish TV personality Laura Anderson named her daughter Bonnie in 2023.

This resurgence of vintage names reflects a broader cultural trend towards nostalgia and the timeless appeal of classic names. As parents seek names with history and character, these 1950s favorites offer a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, ensuring their place in the hearts of new generations.