Do These 20 Popular Baby Names from the 1960s Stand the Test of Time?
The 1960s is a decade marked by icons, such as The Beatles, John F. Kennedy, Twiggy, and momentous pop culture moments like Woodstock, the first man on the moon, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Amidst this trailblazing decade arose many popular and now classic names — many of which were inspired by famous faces from the time: Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, Julie Andrews. We’ve gathered a list of the top 1960s baby names to reflect on with nostalgia or use as inspiration for baby names today.
While some of these names (more than sixty years old) are still popular, others have long since been dethroned from the top 100 most popular baby names list. Karen, for example, doesn’t have quite the same meaning today as it did in the ‘60s, but James, on the other hand, has remained in style, ranking as the fourth most popular boy’s name in 2023. This reminds us that trends are cyclical — what’s out always seems to find a way back into the cultural zeitgeist.
For more nostalgia and baby name ideas, make sure to check out our list of baby names that were popular in the 1950s, unique baby girl names, and biblical baby names.
Julie
An icon of the 1960s and onward, actor and singer Julie Andrews reps the 18th most popular girl's name of the decade. Perhaps because of her star roles in movies such as Mary Poppins (1964) and The Sound of Music (1965), the name Julie skyrocketed to the top of baby name charts in the 60s. Rifts of the name include Julia and Jules.
Frank
By the 1960s, Frank Sinatra had cemented himself as a great American singer and actor with hits such as "New York, New York," "My Way," and "Fly Me to the Moon." Frank's fame undoubtedly influenced the more than 87,000 children who were given the same name in the 1960s.
Kimberly / Kim
Kimberly was the 5th most popular girl's name of the decade. Funnily enough, one of the namesake's most famous actors, Kim Novak (best known for her role in Hitchcock's Vertigo (1958)), wasn't a true Kimberly. In fact, her birth name was actually Marilyn Novak, but she changed it to stand out from star Marilyn Monroe.
James
A classic name with ancient Hebrew roots, James was the decade's fourth most popular boys' name. Famous James include 007 himself, James Bond, and funk music figure James Brown, known for hits such as "I Got You (I Feel Good)" and "Medley: Get Up Offa That Thing."
Judy
Somewhere over the rainbow (in the 1960s), the name Judy was given to over 50,000 newborn girls. Perhaps dazzled by actor and singer Judy Garland, the name saw its heyday during her reign of popularity.
Robert / Bob
Mr. Sundance himself, Robert Redford, spearheaded the popularity of Robert and its multiple variations and nicknames in the 1960s — Robby, Rob, Bobby, Bob. Robert was the fifth most popular boy's name of the decade.
Lisa
Topping the list of the most popular names of the 1960s is Lisa, with icons such as Lisa Gaye and Lisa Marie Presley sporting the moniker. Lisa Gaye was a famous actor and dancer, known for her role in TV shows such as, I Dream of Jeannie and How to Marry a Millionaire.
Keith
The name Keith saw its popularity peak in the United States in the '60s and, more specifically, in 1966. Keith Richards, the '60s rockstar by the same name, helped pioneer hard rock music with his group, The Rolling Stones, which formed in 1962.
Patricia / Patsy / Pat
The sixth most popular girl's name of the decade was Patricia, with variations such as Pat, Patsy, and Patty. Fun fact: popular '60s singer Patsy Cline was one of the first artists to make the jump from country to pop music. Her most popular songs include "Crazy," "I Fall To Pieces," and "Sweet Dreams (Of You)."
Patsy Cline
RELATED: Top Baby Girl Names That Start With "P" for Perfection
John
When you think of the name John, there's a good chance Western movie star John Wayne comes to mind—otherwise known as 'The Duke.' The actor was the third most popular name of the decade, with star roles in classic films such as True Grit (1969) and Rooster Cogburn (1975).
RELATED: Biblical Baby Names
Sandra
Carrying over popularity from the '40s and '50s, the name Sandra just narrowly escaped the top 10 most popular girl names of the decade, falling at number 11. The starlet with the same name, Sandra Dee, saw popular roles in Come September (1961) and I'd Rather Be Rich (1964), but it was Grease (1978) that catapulted her into stardom in a new generation, with a callout in the song, "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee."
Raymond / Ray
With a name meaning 'king, counsel, and advice,' it's no wonder famous singer-songwriter of soul, Ray Charles, was nicknamed 'The Genius.' The blind musician wrote and performed top songs such as "Hit the Road Jack" and "I Can't Stop Loving You."
Susannah / Susan / Sue
With a name meaning 'lily,' actor Susannah York was notably typecast as an 'English rose' in movies such as Tom Jones (1963) and A Man for All Seasons (1966). It wasn't until the late '60s that she was given the opportunity for greater range in They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969).
Paul
Paul Newman is arguably the most popular actor of the 1960s, so it's no surprise that the name Paul was the 18th most common name of the decade. Who wouldn't want to name their baby after the Oscar, Emmy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA winner?
Elizabeth
Now, a popular middle name, the moniker Elizabeth was given to nearly 170,000 babies during the 1960s. And who better to exemplify the name than '60s starlet Elizabeth Taylor, the iconic actor known for her leading roles in Cleopatra (1963) and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966).
RELATED: Baby Girl Names That Start With "E" for Elegance
Michael
The most popular boy's name of the decade was Michael, and over 830,000 babies were given the name. To flaunt the name is '80s and '90s star, Michael Douglas, whose career kickstarted in the late '60s with his Golden Globe-nominated role in Hail, Hero!
Mary
We know Mary Poppins is a fictional character, but with a name meaning 'beloved,' we couldn't think of a better figure to represent the name. As a bonus, Mary Poppins is played by actor Julie Andrews, whose name was also on this list. Mary was the second most popular girl's name of the decade.
RELATED: Baby Names That Were Popular in the 1950s
Thomas / Tom
With a hearty name, it only makes sense that singer Tom Jones would have a hearty voice. The "She's A Lady" singer possessed the 9th most popular name of the decade and a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1966.
Karen
Though modern times have given the name Karen a new meaning, the Danish-originated name means 'pure' — a great descriptor for the voice of Karen Carpenter, one half of the Carpenters duo. The two-person team was known for songs such as "(They Long to Be) Close to You" and "We've Only Just Begun." Karen was the fourth most popular girl's name of the '60s.
Richard
Known today for his role as Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film franchise, Richard Harris was previously best known for his roles in '60s films This Sporting Life (1963), Red Desert (1964), and Camelot (1967). His name marks the 8th most popular boy's name of the '60s.
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