The 1970s were a time for free spirited fun, bright colors, animal prints, bell bottoms, and big hair. Most of these things are outdated and considered “old-fashioned” as well as these old baby names which you rarely hear children named today.
1. Nancy is an old baby name
Nancy Sinatra was a popular singer, songwriter, and actress in the late 60s. As such, many people wanted their daughters to have her namesake and it was the 78th most popular name for a girl in the following decade.
2. Chad is an old baby name
Chad is a term coined by today’s generation to describe a stereotypical male. However, the name Chad was the 30th most popular name for a boy in the 1970s. Likely, the name’s popularity was inspired by Chad Everett, an actor from the 60s and 70s, best known for his role of Dr. Joe Gannon on Medical Center.
3. Dennis isn’t as Common Anymore
Dennis Hopper is another celebrity who inspired the old baby name Dennis. His career spanned over 50 plus years and he appeared in over 100 films. The name originated in Greece and was also popular in France. Meanwhile, in the U.S. it was the 58th most popular name for a baby boy in the 1970s.
4. Brenda is Less Common
Another old baby name that’s less popular today is Brenda. However, Brenda Lee was an iconic singer in the 60s and 70s. Known for hits like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” inspiring thousands to name their daughters after her.
5. Terry is an Old Baby Name
Terry Gilliam, famed comedian from the 70s, made the name Terry incredibly popular. However, the hype has died down and it’s rare to hear the name these days.
6. Teresa is an Old Baby Name
Teresa, a name with numerous spellings, has been popular throughout the ages. However, the name was the 52nd most popular name for a baby girl in the U.S. in the 1970s, largely thanks to Teresa Graves. Graves starred in Get Christie Love! And captured hearts, resurrecting an old baby name. While it’s not popular today, other names like Tess or Tessa are shortened versions and are considered widely popular today.
7. Rodney is an Old Baby Name
There have been several notable Rodneys throughout history including Rodney King and Rodney Dangerfield and the name was so popular that over 37,000 baby boys were named Rodney in the 1970s.
8. Jill
Jill was popular in the 1970s among many parents. The name is an old English name adapted from Juliana, Jillian, or Gillian and was likely a hit thanks to Jill St. John, “the original Bond girl.”
9. Billy is an Old Baby Name
Billy Joel, Billy Crystal, Billy Idol, and Billy the Kid, the list of famous, or infamous, people named Billy is endless, proof of the name’s popularity throughout history. Specifically, in the 1970s the name was 84th most popular among parents of the time. Moreover, in recent years the name became gender neutral, so more and more females have been given the namesake.
10. Most Beautiful Old Baby Name
Gina Lollobrigida was known as the most beautiful woman in the world. She had a standing career as an actress before going into photography. Over 30,000 women were named Gina in the 70s. However, today it’s an uncommon and old baby name.
11. Ron/ald
A name much less common today is Ronald, or Ron for short. The old English name dates back centuries but was popular in the 70s, thanks to Ronald David Wood, an original Rolling Stones member.
12. Tammy
Once reigned supreme among old baby names. Thousands of women were given the name but today Tammy is hundreds of places behind the most popular names of today. However, Tamara is a similar adaptation and more popular among baby names today.
13. Larry, Lars, Lawrence
This outdated and old baby name has several spellings and versions, but all were representative of the meaning “crowned with Laurel.”
14. Wendy
Wendy used to be a much loved choice for parents when they named their daughter and who could forget the burger chain lovingly named after the original owner’s daughter. The name is now in the thousands for popularity but once reigned supreme among other namesakes.
15. Curtis is an Old Baby Name
Often thought of as a soulful namesake, Curtis is an old baby name that isn’t as common today but the name represents power and politeness, a winning combination.
16. Pam
Although characters like Pam from The Office share the namesake with Pamela Sue Martin, actress for the character the beloved Nancy Drew. The character inspired many young girls to explore, adventure, problem-solve and step out of their comfort zones.
17. Todd is an Old Baby Name
Todd was one of the most popular names for a baby boy in the 1970s. Nearly 100,000 people born during the 70s were given the name Todd and many attribute the popularity to Todd Rundgren, a well known singer of the time.
18. Tanya
Country singer Tanya Tucker took the music world by storm. As such, it’s unsurprising that thousands of people gladly named their daughters after her. However, the hype has since died down and it’s rare to hear the beautiful but outdated and old baby name today.
19. Randy was a top 100 Name
Randy was in the top hundred as the most popular boy names in the 1970s but few give the name to their children, or a similar name such as Randall or Randolf. Either way, it’s much less common than it used to be, according to Women’s Day.
20. Last but far from Least
Donna Summer, the Queen of disco, was so well loved and popular that nearly 50,000 babies in the U.S. were named after the singer and entertainer in the 1970s.
Read More: 20 Classic Baby Names That Were Popular in the 1950s