What’s fashionable today may be considered passé tomorrow in the ever-evolving world of baby name trends. Certain names that once graced thousands of birth certificates are now becoming increasingly rare, replaced by a new wave of creative and unconventional choices. However, the charm of these once-beloved names is far from lost.
Stacker looked at data from the Social Security Administration to uncover a collection of names that have significantly declined in use over recent years despite their long-standing popularity. Whether you’re an expectant parent seeking a less commonly used name or a name enthusiast intrigued by shifting trends, this list promises to be a fascinating delve into the world of baby names. Let’s turn back the pages of time and rediscover the beauty of these fading monikers.
Once Popular Baby Names for Girls That Have Become Unpopular
Patricia
– 2000-21 rank: #503 (13,465 newborns named Patricia)
– 1980-99 rank: #58 (25,160 newborns)
– Positions lost: 445
Patricia is a name of Latin origin that means “noble.” We have the likes of Pat Benatar to thank for the popularity of this appellation in the 1980s and ’90s.
Katrina
– 2000-21 rank: #562 (11,988 newborns named Katrina)
– 1980-99 rank: #94 (15,211 newborns)
– Positions lost: 468
Katrina is a baby name of Scandinavian origin, a form of Katherine, meaning “pure.” Hurricane Katrina battered New Orleans in 2005, and the name suffered following its devastation.
Dana
– 2000-21 rank: #550 (12,231 newborns named Dana)
– 1980-99 rank: #68 (20,786 newborns)
– Positions lost: 482
Dana is a baby name of Hebrew origin that means “judge.” Once in the top 100, this appellation has fallen by the wayside.
Christine
– 2000-21 rank: #524 (12,884 newborns named Christine)
– 1980-99 rank: #42 (34,293 newborns)
– Positions lost: 482
Christine is a French name of Latin origin that means “follower of Christ.” As parents continue leaving more religious names behind in favor of more secular options, appellations like Christine do not appeal.
Tara
– 2000-21 rank: #564 (11,885 newborns named Tara)
– 1980-99 rank: #48 (31,732 newborns)
– Positions lost: 516
Tara is a baby name of Irish origin that means “rocky hill.” Figure skater Tara Lipinski and actor Tara Reid helped this appellation gain traction but have not given it staying power.
Krystal
– 2000-21 rank: #661 (9,675 newborns named Krystal)
– 1980-99 rank: #99 (14,450 newborns)
– Positions lost: 562
Krystal comes from Crystal and means “precious stone.” The TV series Dynasty featured a character named Krystle Carrington, which likely helped catapult the appellation to success. Sadly, that’s no longer the case.
Lisa
– 2000-21 rank: #605 (11,039 newborns named Lisa)
– 1980-99 rank: #23 (64,304 newborns)
– Positions lost: 582
Lisa is a diminutive short form of Elizabeth, a baby name from Hebrew and means “pledged to God.” After rock star Elvis chose the name Lisa Marie for his daughter, the name became a hit.
Susan
– 2000-21 rank: #705 (8,790 newborns named Susan)
– 1980-99 rank: #73 (19,392 newborns)
– Positions lost: 632
From pioneering suffragist Susan B. Anthony to actor Susan Sarandon, there isn’t a shortage of Susans to inspire this baby name. It comes from Hebrew and means “lily.”
Pamela
– 2000-21 rank: #839 (7,400 newborns named Pamela)
– 1980-99 rank: #90 (16,633 newborns)
– Positions lost: 749
Pamela is an English name first used by poet Sir Philip Sidney in his sixteenth-century pastoral epic Arcadia. The name is taken to mean “honey.” Breakout nineties star Pamela Anderson made this name popular and later made it less fashionable.
Kristin
– 2000-21 rank: #840 (7,374 newborns named Kristin)
– 1980-99 rank: #38 (40,447 newborns)
– Positions lost: 802
Kristin is the Scandinavian form of Christina, meaning “follower of Christ.” It is still prevalent in its native homeland today but hasn’t remained so in the US.
Stacy
– 2000-21 rank: #927 (6,582 newborns named Stacy)
– 1980-99 rank: #62 (22,761 newborns)
– Positions lost: 865
Stacy is a diminutive form of Anastasia that means “resurrection.” This was a spunky name sported by cheerleaders in the 1970s, but that’s no longer true.
Brandy
– 2000-21 rank: #1,059 (5,336 newborns named Brandy)
– 1980-99 rank: #50 (29,157 newborns)
– Positions lost: 1,009
Brandy is a name of Dutch origin that means “burnt wine.” It is a reference to the beverage that became favored after the hit “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by the band Looking Glass was released in 1972.
Brandi
– 2000-21 rank: #1,072 (5,275 newborns named Brandi)
– 1980-99 rank: #57 (25,750 newborns)
– Positions lost: 1,015
Brandi is simply an alternative spelling of the previous appellation that was also once popular as a baby name.
Tina
– 2000-21 rank: #1,123 (4,890 newborns named Tina)
– 1980-99 rank: #91 (16,546 newborns)
– Positions lost: 1,032
Are you noticing a trend? Many of the Christ-adjacent names were once hugely popular, but almost all are unfavorable today. Tina is a short form of Christina, meaning “follower of Christ.”
Carrie
– 2000-21 rank: #1,120 (4,895 newborns named Carrie)
– 1980-99 rank: #60 (24,030 newborns)
– Positions lost: 1,060
Carrie may live on as a nickname for Caroline or Carol, but as a given name, it’s tanked. Carrie means “Frenchman” or “free man.”
Nichole
– 2000-21 rank: #1,161 (4,691 newborns named Nichole)
– 1980-99 rank: #100 (14,365 newborns)
– Positions lost: 1,061
Nichole was a niche spelling of Nicole, a baby name still favored today. Nichole and Nicole come from the same Greek root that gives us Nicholas, meaning “people of victory.”
Stacey
– 2000-21 rank: #1,260 (4,196 newborns named Stacey)
– 1980-99 rank: #77 (18,883 newborns)
– Positions lost: 1,183
Stacy became the dominant spelling of this baby name decades ago, but both have dramatically declined. Stacey is also a short form of Anastasia, meaning “resurrection.”
Candice
– 2000-21 rank: #1,389 (3,712 newborns named Candice)
– 1980-99 rank: #86 (17,314 newborns)
– Positions lost: 1,303
Candice is still popular in France today. Candice and her sister, Candace, have both fallen out of favor in the US. Candice was the first to bow out; both mean “pure.”
Tracy
– 2000-21 rank: #1,414 (3,611 newborns named Tracy)
– 1980-99 rank: #79 (18,329 newborns)
– Positions lost: 1,335
Tracy was once a popular unisex baby name in the 1970s. It comes from French and means “of Thracia.”
Lori
– 2000-21 rank: #1,487 (3,373 newborns named Lori)
– 1980-99 rank: #95 (15,141 newborns)
– Positions lost: 1,392
Lori peaked in 1963 as the eighth most-given baby name for girls. It has slid significantly since then. Lori is a diminutive form of Laurie or Laurel and means “bay laurel.”
Dawn
– 2000-21 rank: #1,757 (2,672 newborns named Dawn)
– 1980-99 rank: #93 (16,151 newborns)
– Positions lost: 1,664
Dawn is an English word name that refers to the rising sun. Dawn peaked in the 1970s and has fallen each year since then.
Kristy
– 2000-21 rank: #1,830 (2,515 newborns named Kristy)
– 1980-99 rank: #98 (14,566 newborns)
– Positions lost: 1,732
The rise of K-names for girls began in the late 1970s when parents started choosing traditional baby names that start with K and replacing the letter C on more established appellations. Kristy is yet another form of Christina, meaning “follower of Christ.”
Misty
– 2000-21 rank: #2,130 (2,013 newborns named Misty)
– 1980-99 rank: #71 (20,392 newborns)
– Positions lost: 2,059
With the rise of ballet dancer Misty Copeland, you would think Misty would be enjoying a renaissance. Sadly, it’s been completely dried up since 2000.
Jill
– 2000-21 rank: #2,316 (1,796 newborns named Jill)
– 1980-99 rank: #88 (16,799 newborns)
– Positions lost: 2,228
Jill entered the top 100 in 1957 and held that position until 1983, dropping off the list entirely in 2000. Jill is an English short form of Julia, meaning “youthful.”
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Latoya
– 2000-21 rank: #4,128 (784 newborns named Latoya)
– 1980-99 rank: #83 (18,174 newborns)
– Positions lost: 4,045
The baby name that’s declined the most in recent years? Latoya! Latoya is a form of Victoria, meaning “victory.” The name peaked in the 1960s but fizzled out by 1990.
Baby Names for Boys That Were Once Beloved That Are Falling in Popularity
Frank
– 2000-21 rank: #302 (25,327 newborns named Frank)
– 1980-99 rank: #83 (17,675 newborns)
– Positions lost: 219
Crooner Frank Sinatra helped make this name a fashionable one. It means “Frenchman” or “free man.” Frank was a top 10 baby name from the first year we have data in 1880 through 1922. It’s been on a slow decline since then.
Corey
– 2000-21 rank: #292 (26,485 newborns named Corey)
– 1980-99 rank: #71 (20,845 newborns)
– Positions lost: 221
Corey is technically a unisex option (we suppose all are) but has gained traction for baby boys in the US. The name comes from an Irish root that means “dweller at the hollow.” It’s been falling since the 1990s.
Derrick
– 2000-21 rank: #324 (23,041 newborns named Derrick)
– 1980-99 rank: #77 (18,959 newborns)
– Positions lost: 247
Derrick is a name of Irish origin, meaning “ruler of the people.” It peaked in 1980.
Phillip
– 2000-21 rank: #332 (22,188 newborns named Phillip)
– 1980-99 rank: #69 (22,401 newborns)
– Positions lost: 263
A time-tested classic, Phillip comes from Greek and means “lover of horses.” In 2019, it fell from the top 500 for the first time since baby name data started in 1880.
Ronald
– 2000-21 rank: #334 (21,986 newborns named Ronald)
– 1980-99 rank: #60 (25,719 newborns)
– Positions lost: 274
Ronald comes from Norse and means “ruler’s counselor.” The baby name started to decline after Ronald Reagan was elected president. This is not a result of Reagan specifically. Every president (and often many candidates) polarizes appellations.
Dustin
– 2000-21 rank: #318 (23,898 newborns named Dustin)
– 1980-99 rank: #42 (47,406 newborns)
– Positions lost: 276
Dustin is a name of Norse origin that means “Thor’s stone” and “brave warrior.” The popularity of actor Dustin Hoffman helped propel this name to popularity decades ago. It’s been cooling in recent years.
Casey
– 2000-21 rank: #369 (19,062 newborns named Casey)
– 1980-99 rank: #86 (16,908 newborns)
– Positions lost: 283
At the height of its popularity in the 1980s, Casey was seen as an accessible unisex option. The name is of Irish origin and means “brave warrior.”
Scott
– 2000-21 rank: #317 (24,052 newborns named Scott)
– 1980-99 rank: #34 (59,683 newborns)
– Positions lost: 283
A name that means “a Scotsman” has long been associated with Scottish immigrants to the US. The name enjoyed immense favor in the 1960s and ’70s.
Philip
– 2000-21 rank: #373 (18,730 newborns named Philip)
– 1980-99 rank: #82 (17,798 newborns)
– Positions lost: 291
A name with one less L than Phillip has the same story to tell.
Brett
– 2000-21 rank: #370 (19,043 newborns named Brett)
– 1980-99 rank: #76 (19,009 newborns)
– Positions lost: 294
We have athlete Brett Favre to thank for the popularity of this baby name in the late 20th century. The appellation is of Celtic origin and means “from Brittany.”
Keith
– 2000-21 rank: #353 (20,502 newborns named Keith)
– 1980-99 rank: #59 (27,770 newborns)
– Positions lost: 294
Keith is a durable Scottish name that means “wood” and “forest.” The appellation was widely used in the 1950s and ’60s. It’s an “old man” name today.
Donald
– 2000-21 rank: #361 (19,617 newborns named Donald)
– 1980-99 rank: #58 (28,289 newborns)
– Positions lost: 303
Donald’s story is similar to Ronald’s in every way. They not only sound the same but became popular around the same time, and both tanked. Donald is a name of Scottish origin that means “proud leader.”
Dennis
– 2000-21 rank: #394 (17,181 newborns named Dennis)
– 1980-99 rank: #89 (16,836 newborns)
– Positions lost: 305
Yes, Dennis the Menace ruined this baby name for many parents. Dennis is a French appellation that refers to the Greek god Dionysus. Thus, the name means “god of Nysa” or refers to St. Denis.
Randy
– 2000-21 rank: #411 (16,491 newborns named Randy)
– 1980-99 rank: #95 (15,799 newborns)
– Positions lost: 316
Randy is a baby name from Randall or Randolph, meaning “shield wolf.” This name has been trending down since the 1960s.
Curtis
– 2000-21 rank: #422 (15,636 newborns named Curtis)
– 1980-99 rank: #96 (15,272 newborns)
– Positions lost: 326
Curtis was in the Top 200 in the US for most of the 20th century. That hasn’t been the case since 1996. This baby name comes from French and means “courteous.”
Larry
– 2000-21 rank: #432 (15,014 newborns named Larry)
– 1980-99 rank: #78 (18,428 newborns)
– Positions lost: 354
Larry is a short form of Lawrence, meaning “from Laurentium.” Beginning in the 1950s, this appellation began to slowly fall from favor.
Gary
– 2000-21 rank: #458 (13,921 newborns named Gary)
– 1980-99 rank: #66 (22,852 newborns)
– Positions lost: 392
Gary launched into the top 100 in 1933 and hung on for decades before cooling in the 1980s. Gary is a name of English origin that means “spearman.”
Douglas
– 2000-21 rank: #461 (13,814 newborns named Douglas)
– 1980-99 rank: #67 (22,810 newborns)
– Positions lost: 394
Douglas has been on the popularity list for as long as US records have been kept, for a considerable period in the top 100. Douglas is a Scottish baby name that means “dark water.”
Cory
– 2000-21 rank: #485 (12,711 newborns named Cory)
– 1980-99 rank: #84 (17,062 newborns)
– Positions lost: 401
A variation of Corey, this spelling has been steadily declining since the early 1990s. It fell from the top 1000 altogether in 2022. Cory comes from Irish and means “from the hollow.”
Chad
– 2000-21 rank: #503 (12,095 newborns named Chad)
– 1980-99 rank: #48 (40,931 newborns)
– Positions lost: 455
Chad is a baby name of English origin that means “warrior.” Tons of boys were named Chad in the 1970s and ’80s, but that’s no longer the case.
Shaun
– 2000-21 rank: #565 (10,534 newborns named Shaun)
– 1980-99 rank: #97 (15,179 newborns)
– Positions lost: 468
Shaun is an alternative spelling of Sean that peaked in 1978. It is the Irish form of John with a Hebrew root that means “God’s gift.”
Jeffery
– 2000-21 rank: #572 (10,321 newborns named Jeffery)
– 1980-99 rank: #94 (16,153 newborns)
– Positions lost: 478
Jeffery took off in the late 1930s and remained popular through the ’90s. The baby name is an Americanized form of Geoffrey that comes from English and German and means “pledge of peace.”
Brent
– 2000-21 rank: #613 (9,130 newborns named Brent)
– 1980-99 rank: #92 (16,457 newborns)
– Positions lost: 521
Brent has been declining steadily since the 1980s. The appellation is of English origin and means “dweller from the burnt land.”
Craig
– 2000-21 rank: #660 (8,274 newborns named Craig)
– 1980-99 rank: #73 (20,406 newborns)
– Positions lost: 587
Craig is still popular as a nickname and given name in its native Scotland. It means “from the rocky place.” The name hit its height in the US in the 1970s and has been falling in the decades since.
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Todd
– 2000-21 rank: #780 (6,360 newborns named Todd)
– 1980-99 rank: #81 (18,133 newborns)
– Positions lost: 699
As you have seen, baby names for boys remain more static than those for girls. Todd remained in the top 1000 until a few years ago. It is of English origin and means “fox.”
It’s clear that names, like fashion, music, and art, follow trends and cycles. While these baby names may have fallen out of favor in recent years, they hold a timeless charm and evoke a sense of nostalgia that new names can’t replicate. Whether they make a comeback or fade into obscurity, they’ll always have a place in our cultural history. So, whether you’re on the hunt for a distinctive baby name or fascinated by the ebb and flow of naming trends, remember that each name carries with it a story, a history, and a unique charm.
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