Here are some memorable names from the 1970s that have mostly faded away. Each of these names brings back memories of a unique era when they were all the rage.
1. Todd
Short and sweet, Todd was a staple in the 1970s, with roots in English, meaning “fox.” This name was especially popular for its straightforward style but has declined in recent decades. Todd may be one of those names that perfectly captures the cool, no-frills vibe of the ’70s.
2. Tracy
Tracy was equally popular for boys and girls in the ’70s, often associated with a certain easygoing charm. It has Irish origins, meaning “warlike.” After peaking in the 1970s, Tracy has largely faded, but you can still find a few die-hard fans of the name’s classic yet edgy sound.
3. Tina
Tina had its heyday in the ’70s, especially influenced by famous Tinas like Tina Turner. Derived from Latin, it means “follower of Christ.” While Tina is rare for modern babies, it’s a name that instantly brings back the glamour and pop culture icons of the era.
4. Lori
Lori’s gentle sound made it a popular choice in the ’70s, often as a nickname for Lori-Ann or Loretta. Meaning “bay laurel,” Lori was a refreshing alternative to the more traditional Laura or Lauren. These days, it’s a nostalgic choice for parents who might want a name with a vintage, feminine flair.
5. Craig
A Scottish name meaning “rock,” Craig was a go-to choice for boys in the ’70s. It gave off rugged yet approachable vibes, perfect for the era’s relaxed masculinity. Today, Craig is rarely chosen for newborns, but it was once as solid as the name’s meaning itself.
6. Jill
Sweet and simple, Jill comes from English roots meaning “child of the gods.” It was a popular name, partly thanks to pop culture (like Jack and Jill) and its easy, approachable vibe. Though not as common now, Jill still holds a certain charm that’s both vintage and familiar.
7. Gary
Gary was a strong choice for boys, with its origins in Germanic names meaning “spear.” It was especially popular thanks to actors like Gary Cooper. But today, Gary is seen more often as a name of previous generations rather than one for babies, which only adds to its ’70s nostalgia.
8. Karen
While Karen is still widely used, the meaning of this name has changed culturally. In the ’70s, Karen was simply a popular Scandinavian name meaning “pure.” The name still brings back memories of many friendly Karens who were synonymous with that era before its more recent associations.
9. Randy
Randy’s playful tone gave it widespread appeal in the ’70s, and it’s short for Randall or Randolph, meaning “shield wolf.” It fit right in with the era’s free-spirited vibes, though today, Randy feels like a name from another time, rarely used but still unforgettable.
10. Brenda
Brenda was wildly popular among baby girls in the ’70s, bringing to mind an image of warmth and approachability. With Norse origins meaning “sword,” Brenda was common in classrooms back then but has slowly disappeared from nurseries today.
11. Jeffrey
Jeffrey, often shortened to Jeff, was everywhere in the ’70s, combining timeless appeal with just the right touch of sophistication. With Germanic roots meaning “pledge of peace,” Jeffrey has gradually become less common in recent generations, making it a classic throwback.
12. Beverly
Beverly, meaning “beaver stream,” is a name with British roots that made a splash in the ’70s. Often shortened to Bev, it evokes a certain vintage charm, though it’s rarely chosen for girls nowadays, making it feel like a pleasant memory of another era.
13. Cheryl
Cheryl was one of the era’s beloved names, popularized by actresses and singers of the time. It combines elements of both Cherie and Beryl, giving it a unique elegance. Today, it’s a rare choice for newborns, giving it a distinctly ’70s vibe.
14. Bruce
Bruce was a strong choice, partly thanks to figures like Bruce Lee and Bruce Springsteen. With roots in French meaning “from the brushwood,” Bruce was iconic during the ’70s but feels like a blast from the past now, rarely chosen for new babies.
15. Cynthia
Cynthia, inspired by the Greek moon goddess Artemis, was a sophisticated name in the ’70s. Often shortened to Cindy, it had both elegance and popularity. Though less common now, it’s a name that radiates vintage glamour.
16. Kevin
Kevin was all the rage in the ’70s and is of Irish origin, meaning “kind” or “gentle.” The name has maintained some popularity over the years, though its peak was definitely in past generations, making it a lasting throwback name.
17. Denise
Denise, from French roots meaning “follower of Dionysius,” was a common pick for girls in the ’70s, often thought of as a sophisticated and friendly choice. Today, Denise has a retro feel but brings back great memories of the era.
18. Glenn
Glenn was a ’70s favorite, especially popular in Scottish and Irish families. Meaning “valley,” it had an earthy feel that resonated with the time. These days, Glenn is a rarity, giving it a classic, vintage appeal that takes us back.
19. Sherry
Often used as an alternative to Cherie or derived from Sharon, Sherry had a casual charm that made it popular in the ’70s. It evokes memories of laid-back days and is rarely used today, cementing it as a name associated with that era.
These names bring back memories of another era—each one capturing a little bit of the spirit and charm of the ’70s. Some of these names have drifted out of the spotlight, while others are making quiet comebacks, each with a story that ties back to an unforgettable time.
