15 Nostalgic 1950s Baby Names that Are Suddenly Trendy Again

• SSA rank in the 1950s: 6
• Current SSA rank: 860
• Meaning: foreign woman

Thanks, no doubt, to a little movie called Barbie, Barbara rose 17 spots in the 2024 SSA rankings. In the 1950s, the name—which is of Greek origin—ranked a very respectable #6. Among the celebs who kept Barbara in the limelight throughout the decade was the enduringly popular actor Barbara Stanwyck, famed for playing strong, independent women.

• SSA rank in the 1950s: 25
• Current SSA rank: 124
• Meaning: farmer

The man known and loved by millions in the 1950s as Superman was named George Reeves, and that fact might partially account for the moniker's popularity throughout the decade. Of Greek origin, it means farmer, though it has been the name of British kings, as well as our nation's first president. It's remained a favorite choice of expecting parents, but seems to be on the upswing lately, climbing a dozen spots on the SSA tally from 2023 to 2024.

• SSA rank in the 1950s: 9
• Current SSA rank: 921
• Meaning: grace, pure
  

She was better known for marrying Ronald Reagan than her movies, but this future First Lady was one very famous Nancy in the 50s. The name snuck inside that decade's top ten, and it's recently seen a bump in popularity over the last three years, checking in at #921 last year, and #942 in 2023. Still, that first statistic only translates into 288 babies who were named Nancy in 2024.

• SSA rank in the 1950s: 39
• Current SSA rank: 192
• Meaning: rock or stone

Another name derived from a Greek word, Peter has never fallen out of the top 215 most popular names. But it was most fashionable in 1955, when it hit #35 on the SSA's rundown. Afterward, although well-known actors like Peter Cushing kept the name in the public eye, it gradually slid down the list. That's until last year, when Peter rallied and gained 18 spots, more or less out of the blue.

• SSA rank in the 1950s: 23
• Current SSA rank: 119
• Meaning: pearl

Trendy in the 1900s, Margaret is growing increasingly popular today, bounding up from #132 in 2023 to #119 last year. This classic, regal-sounding name, which is of Greek origin, has long been associated with royals, such as Britain's Princess Margaret. But for parents who favor a more casual version of the name, there's always Meg or Maggie.

• SSA rank in the 1950s: 42
• Current SSA rank: 509
• Meaning: bay laurel

Lawrence is said to be taken from the name of a ancient Roman city, Laurentium, which was celebrated for its laurel trees. The laurel has been long associated with wisdom and achievement; for Americans in the mid-20th century, Lawrence could only mean the beloved bandleader and television host, Lawrence Welk. The name, which can alternately be spelled as Laurence, has experienced a surprising surge in popularity lately, rising nearly 50 places from 2023 to 2024.

• SSA rank in the 1950s: 42
• Current SSA rank: 654
• Meaning: glory

This old-timey (but beautiful) name was represented in the 1950s by screen legend Gloria Swanson, whose iconic film Sunset Boulevard was released at the start of the decade. Gloria, which evolved from a Latin term, was most popular in 1926. Its star seems to be on the rise, however, with the name advancing 17 spots from its 2023 location on the SSA list.

• SSA rank in the 1950s: 45
• Current SSA rank: 167
• Meaning: handsome, cheerful

Of Irish origin (just like 2024's most popular boy's name, Liam) Alan is a traditional-sounding name that can also be spelled Allen and Allan. Alan Ladd, the star of the cherished 1953 western, Shane, probably helped it stay in vogue throughout the 50s, but it's been gaining ground as of late, moving up 22 spaces from 2022 to 2024.

• SSA rank in the 1950s: 51
• Current SSA rank: 269
• Meaning: God is gracious

Anything but a name for Plain Janes, this moniker has been steadily creeping up SSA's list since 2022, when it checked in at #290. Jane dates back to the Tudor times of England; mid-20th-century celebs with the name included the va-voomy Jane Russell, who starred with Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

• SSA rank in the 1950s: 55
• Current SSA rank: 105
• Meaning: bear

This bookish and quaint-sounding (in a good way!) Celtic name was big in the 50s, and it looks like it's poised to become so again as we head into the second half of the 2020s. The first name of the playwright Arthur Miller—who for a time in the 50s became more famous for being Mr. Marilyn Monroe—it rose 25 spots from 2023 to 2024.

• SSA rank in the 1950s: 56
• Current SSA rank: 666
• Meaning: God is gracious

Speaking of Arthur's wife, she was pretty much the most famous woman in the world in the 1950s. You'd figure Marilyn Monroe's name would have been more popular in that decade, but it actually reached its zenith in 1936 and 1937, when it hit #13. But it's on the rise again, leaping up 76 places from 2023's list. A combination of Mary and Lynn, Marilyn hails from England and is theorized to mean drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + lake.

• SSA rank in the 1950s: 57
• Current SSA rank: 883
• Meaning: Jehovah increases

This diminutive of Joseph is of Hebrew and English origin, and was the name of baseball hero Joe DiMaggio. (He was also married to Marilyn Monroe in the 5os, literally six months before she wed Arthur Miller. We know. It's a lot.) The "everyman" name was most popular way back in 1900, but it seems to be making a bit of a comeback. It moved up 25 spots last year, maybe thanks to President Biden.

• SSA rank in the 1950s: 58
• Current SSA rank: 432
• Meaning: gift of God

This pleasingly throwback name got its start in both the Greek and English languages and was made famous in the States by Dorothy Dandridge, who starred in Carmen Jones and Porgy and Bess. The name's least popular year was 2006, when it dropped to #977 on the SSA tally. Since that time, Dorothy has been gaining momentum, moving up 31 spots last year alone.