The world is full of weird and wonderful names, so if you’re seeking inspiration for your baby’s name or are simply curious about the popular names from 50 to 60 years ago, you’re in the right place. This list explores a selection of distinctive baby names that were in vogue during the 1960s and 1970s, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past.
Kinley
Kinley is an American-invented name for girls that “might be derived from the Irish surname McKinley,” according to Nameberry. Despite this, it was a rare and distinctive choice in ’70s Britain and exemplified a move toward more modern-sounding names. Kinley indicates a preference for names that are both unique and easy to pronounce.
Mika
Unusual for the time, Mika was a male name with a contemporary feel. It highlights the period’s fascination with short, catchy names and reflects the global influence on naming trends, as Mika has diverse origins (supposedly Hungarian, Japanese, and Russian).
Alberta
A unique and somewhat vintage choice in the late ‘60s and early ’70s, the feminine name Alberta demonstrated a trend toward geographical or place-based names. It also shows the era’s appreciation for names with a classic, enduring sound—having previously been extremely popular in the 1910s, according to Babycenter.
Fleur
This beautiful feminine name had a rare and distinctly European feel in the ‘60s and ‘70s. While it was unique at the time, it also reflects the era’s fascination with nature and floral themes. The name indicated a preference for names with an elegant, sophisticated quality at the time.
Norah
Norah was a relatively uncommon name at the time—one with a timeless and classic appeal. It demonstrates the era’s fondness for short, melodic names and reflects the continuing appeal of names with historical or literary connections.
Alick
Alick, an unusual male name in the ’70s, represented a bold deviation from traditional naming conventions. Its rarity gave it a distinctive edge, appealing to parents seeking a unique name with character. Alick exemplifies the era’s trend toward more attention-grabbing, unconventional names.
Conan
Rare and evocative, the name Conan carried a strong, commanding presence. According to The Bump, “It’s the anglicized form of the Celtic name Conán, which was the name of a member of the legendary group of warriors in Irish myth, the Fianna.” Though, its later popularity may have been influenced by popular culture, such as Conan the Barbarian.
Emmett
At the time, Emmett was a relatively uncommon name for boys with a vintage charm. Its classic allure was complemented by a solid, unpretentious feel, making it a standout choice for parents seeking something timeless yet unique. The name’s rarity in the era underscores its appeal as a distinctive name.
Astrid
The feminine name Astrid was a unique and culturally rich choice for the ‘60s and ‘70s. It shows the era’s interest in names from various cultural backgrounds and reflects a preference for names that were both distinctive and melodious.
Bonita
Bonita was a rare name in the ’70s with a distinctly lyrical quality. As shared by The Bump, the name has origins in Spain and means pretty, full of charm, or cute. It reflects the era’s interest in names with a romantic, evocative sound and indicated a broader trend of choosing names with positive connotations.
Zelda
The name Zelda was uncommon and culturally resonant, particularly in the arts. It reflects the era’s fascination with unique, characterful names and also shows an inclination toward names with a strong, memorable identity. The name later became known as a popular video game character.
Bjorn
This was seen as a rare Scandinavian name, one that stood out in the ’70s. Bjorn demonstrates the era’s openness to culturally diverse names and once again reflects a preference for names that were both unique and robust.
Yann
Yann, a European name uncommon in the ’70s, highlighted the era’s attraction to short yet distinctive names. Its simplicity, paired with a unique cultural flair, made it a standout choice for those seeking a name that was both easy to pronounce and memorable.
Adina
Adina was a beautiful and unique name for a baby girl in the mid to late ‘70s. Use of the name reflected a move toward more distinctive, individualistic names rather than the traditional ones that were popular at the time.
Bertha
Bertha was a unique choice in the 1970s. According to The Bump, “Bertha is a feminine name with Old German roots to make sure baby never dims their light. Coming from the name Berahta, it translates to ‘the bright one’ or ‘famous.”’
Connell
The name Connell was used for baby boys at the time, and back then it was seen as quite distinct and rare. The name does, however, exhibit the era’s preference for strong-sounding names and demonstrates a departure from more common, traditional male names.
Dane
Another uncommon name for the time, Dane was unique yet memorable. The use of the name in the ‘60s and ‘70s reflects a trend toward the shorter, impactful names that followed. Names like Dane, with a robust, simple structure, started to become increasingly popular.
Goldie
The name Goldie stood out at the time, a unique name with a playful, charming quality. It reflects the era’s trend toward charming and distinctive names. The association with actress Goldie Hawn also likely added to its appeal. Whimsical and memorable, Goldie offered a break from more traditional choices.