Old-school names are having a serious moment. What used to sound like your grandma’s bridge partner or your great-uncle’s bowling buddy is suddenly cool again. Thanks to pop culture throwbacks, vintage aesthetics, and good old-fashioned nostalgia, these names are back on birth certificates. We’ve listed 15 retro baby names making a full-on comeback.
Marjorie
Once the toast of the 1920s, Marjorie is back in action after leaping more than 400 spots on the baby name charts. It’s got that old-Hollywood glow but feels just modern enough for today. The meaning (“pearl”) also adds a touch of sparkle.
Rocky
Forget just thinking of Sylvester Stallone. Rocky had roots way before the boxing franchise, with real-life athletes like Rocky Marciano and Rocky Colavito putting it on the map. It’s a top pick for parents who want something rugged, short, and packed with retro cool.
Pearl
With its one-syllable charm, Pearl is just a classic. It’s often been used as a middle name, but lately, more parents are putting it front and center. It’s also tied to birthstone traditions and has stayed popular for over a century.
Heath
Once associated with actor Heath Ledger and even Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights, this name has a romantic yet grounded vibe. It reached its peak in the 1970s and now feels right at home in the current Western revival wave. Its meaning—“land of heather”—feels nature-inspired without sounding too soft.
Doris
For a name that dipped way out of fashion, Doris is surprisingly charming. It’s Greek for “gift of the sea,” which feels fresh again thanks to myth-inspired naming trends. Once a 1930s mainstay, it’s now showing up in baby name forums and surprising everyone by actually sounding cute again.
Benny
While Benjamin’s always been a top contender, Benny is now stepping into its own spotlight. It peaked in the 1930s, thanks to namesakes like bandleader Benny Goodman, and it’s back on the SSA charts with momentum. It’s a sweet, vintage nickname that doesn’t need a full-length version to shine.
Faye
Faye is of English origin and means “fairy.” That whimsical vibe hasn’t gone unnoticed—it’s now one of the fastest-rising names in the U.S. since 2023. It’s perfect for parents looking for something gentle but distinctive.
Abner
If Abner sounds like a name pulled from an old Western or a sepia-toned baseball card, you’re not wrong. It shone in the early 1900s, around the time Abner Doubleday was being credited with inventing baseball. It came back in 2020 and has been climbing ever since.
Hazel
Hazel never really disappeared, but its popularity’s been all over the place. The name’s English origin, which means “hazelnut tree,” has an earthy feel. It’s favored by parents who like nature names without sounding trendy.
Lettie
Lettie was originally short for Letitia or Lettice, but it’s often used as a full name. It soared to fame around 1900 and has been loved by parents who love nickname-as-first-name trends. Its meaning—“joy”—doesn’t hurt, and the -ie ending keeps it feeling modern and sweet.
Darwin
Charles Darwin might be the most famous Darwin of all time, but the name had its biggest moment in the late 1930s. Its recent climb up the charts suggests parents are ready to embrace its smart, understated vibe. The meaning—“dear friend”—certainly helps its case.
Wilma
Wilma is a strong name with cartoon ties (shoutout to The Flintstones). It comes from German and Swedish roots and means “resolute protection.” The name was widely used in the mid-1900s but took a long break.
Veda
Veda peaked in the early 1900s and is now riding a new wave of popularity. With Sanskrit roots meaning “knowledge,” it’s elegant, rare, and on the rise. Actress Veda Ann Borg may have helped plant it in the public imagination, but parents embrace it for its modern mystique.
Angie
Angie was almost everywhere in 1975 (thanks partly to Police Woman star Angie Dickinson), but it never fully disappeared. It’s now climbing again, thanks to the -ie name trend and its simple, angelic meaning: “angel.” Unlike longer names like Angela or Angelica, Angie has an easy, relaxed energy.
Salome
Salome isn’t exactly a name you hear on the playground—yet. It ranked on the SSA list in the early 1900s, then disappeared for over a century before re-emerging in 2024. The name means “peace,” and while it has a dramatic biblical story attached to it, many are focusing on the meaning, not the drama.