Retro Names that Still Work

Retro names feel a bit dated, but are still usable. This being said, they have peaked within the top 200 lists in the English-speaking world 25-74 years ago and have been used for at least 50 years. Here are some examples:

GIRLS' NAMES:

Candice (unranked)-Though it peaked at #78 in 1982, Candice still sounds like a teenage girl-think Candice from Disney's Phineas and Ferb. Yet, Candice also still wears well on a child. 

Desiree (unranked)-Desiree emerged after a movie of the same name in the 1950s, reaching its peak of #95 in 1983. Even though it has since fallen in use, Desiree still feels perfectly wearable. 

Meredith (#577)-Meredith peaked at #140 in 1980 and 1981. Yet, Meredith has also ranked since 1910 and has never peaked sharply. Meredith sounds like an alternative to Natalie via its three-syllable structure with the mid-"d" sound. 

Nicola (unranked)-When it ranked between 1968 and 1978, Nicola was very far from the top 200. However, Nicola was a popular name elsewhere in the English-speaking world. It last peaked at #63 in Australia in 1992. If you find Nicole too dated, Nicola works as an alternative. 

Renee (#979)-Renee has been moving in and out of the top 1000 within the past few years. It has the same ending sound and structure as Desiree, but it peaked earlier. Its peak at #62 in 1967 indicates that Renee is in its third generation of use. However, that peak was not sharp. 

Shona (unranked)-Another name that was used rarely in the 1970s, Shona peaked in Scotland at #55 during that decade. As Nicola can honor a Nicole, Shona can be used to honor a Shannon. 

BOYS' NAMES:

Damon (#459)-Damon is a surname-name with the same ending sound as popular Roman, yet with the "o" and "a" switched around. Hence, it has a long "a" sound instead of a long "o" sound at the beginning. Its English-speaking peak at at #87 in New Zealand in 1976. In America, it peaked at #104 in 1976. 

Glenn (unranked)-Glenn is perfect for parents seeking a unique surname-name. In the United States, it peaked at #65 in 1962. It peaked at #33 in Canada the same year. In the overall English-speaking world, its last peak was at #28 in 1974. 

Heath (#948)-Keith is dated while the rhyming Heath is less so. It actually peaked in the top 200 in the 1970s. Plus, its highest English-speaking ranking was at #86 in Australia in 1973. Yet, Heath sounds perfectly wearable today, even if it won't be popular again for a while. 

Rodney (#853)-Rodney is a surname-name that can easily fit in with popular names like Wesley. It has dropped a lot since its peak at #33 in 1965, but it still ranks and has never experienced any sharp peaks or drops. 

Stuart (unranked)-A surname-name that brings to mind a historic British Royal family, Stuart is actually a late twentieth-century name. In the United States, it was a midcentury name peaking at #161 in 1960. However, Stuart last peaked at #12 in Scotland in 1977. 

What are your favorite retro names?