1. Bertha
Once a popular name in the early 1900s, Bertha feels heavy and outdated now. Its association with the phrase “Big Bertha” doesn’t help either, making it seem more suited to a bulldozer than a baby. Thankfully, this name has mostly faded into history.
2. Myrtle
Myrtle might remind you of a distant great-aunt or a ghost from Harry Potter, but it’s hardly a name that rolls off the tongue gracefully. Once trendy during the Victorian era, it’s a name that’s long since wilted—just like the plant it’s named after.
3. Elmer
While Elmer might have conjured up images of strength in the past, today, it’s hard not to think of glue or Elmer Fudd. This name stuck around into the mid-1900s but thankfully has all but disappeared from modern birth certificates.
4. Ethel
Ethel was a top name in the early 20th century, but its harsh sound doesn’t quite scream “baby” today. While we admire icons like Ethel Merman, this name’s glory days are behind it, and that’s probably for the best.
5. Horace
Once a distinguished name tied to poets and philosophers, Horace now sounds more like a punchline than a moniker. It dropped out of favor decades ago, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a parent brave enough to revive it.
6. Gertrude
Despite its regal Germanic roots, Gertrude feels clunky and awkward to modern ears. Nicknames like “Trudy” might soften the blow, but the full name still comes across as stiff and outdated.
7. Clarence
Clarence peaked in the 1920s and has struggled ever since. While it has a certain old-school charm, it’s often associated with stodgy characters or over-the-top formality, making it feel out of place today.
8. Maude
A name that was once chic in the 19th century, Maude now feels like it belongs in a musty parlor rather than a modern nursery. Its brief resurgence in the 1970s didn’t stick, leaving it firmly in the “quaint but cringy” category.
9. Milton
Once a name of prestige, Milton now feels overly nerdy and dated. While it might evoke images of poets or intellectuals, it’s more likely to bring to mind staplers and office supplies thanks to pop culture references.
10. Agnes
Although it means “pure,” Agnes has a sharp, unfriendly sound that hasn’t aged well. It’s seen a slight uptick in hipster circles, but for most, it still feels better suited to a nun or a spinster aunt.
11. Eugene
A name that screams “accountant,” Eugene was once a staple among baby boys. While it’s not entirely gone, it’s now considered more “quirky uncle” than “adorable newborn.”
12. Beulah
Beulah was popular in the late 1800s but feels more like a tongue-twister today. It’s biblical in origin, but its harsh sound and lack of modern appeal make it a relic of a bygone era.
13. Norma
Norma’s moment of fame was tied to actresses like Norma Shearer, but it’s since lost its star power. Today, it feels more like the name of someone’s no-nonsense grandma than a trendsetting choice for a baby.
14. Wilbur
Poor Wilbur—this name can’t seem to escape its association with pigs, thanks to Charlotte’s Web. While it has a certain quaint charm, it’s not a name most parents would choose for their little one today.
15. Lloyd
Lloyd once conveyed sophistication, but today it feels painfully outdated. Its double-L spelling might have been unique at one time, but now it’s just another name left behind in the mid-century shuffle.
These names may have been beloved in their heyday, but changing trends and cultural shifts have left them in the dust. While some have quirky charm or historical significance, most feel like they belong to a different era entirely—making them feel like a burden rather than a blessing for modern kids.
