Names go in and out of fashion, and mid-century retro baby names are making a stylish return! Popular choices from the 1950s through the 1970s are beginning to sound fresh again. Today’s parents are drawn to names that have that hint of retro cool, and yet still stand out in a modern classroom. Consider these vintage gems, that are ready to start trending on the baby name charts:

Cool Retro Boys’ Names

Anthony – Unknown Meaning. Famous Anthonys include Anthony Hopkins, Anthony Mackie, and Anthony Michael Hall; basketball players Carmelo Anthony and Anthony Davis; chef and author Anthony Bourdain; and singer Tony Bennett (born Anthony Dominick Benedetto).

Arthur – Bear. Many parents have a nostalgic feel for this name due to the children’s aardvark character. King Arthur is a central figure in British folklore and is often portrayed as a king who ruled from the castle of Camelot. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is an author famous for his tales about Sherlock Holmes. Famous Arthurs also include the noted American playwright Arthur Miller, tennis player Arthur Ashe, and the scientist/sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke.

Brian – High, Noble. Famous Brians include singer/songwriter Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys, actor Brian Cox, and singer-songwriter, actor, record producer Brian McKnight.

Bruce – From the town of Bruis in France. In comic lore, Bruce Banner is the alternative name for The Hulk and Bruce Wayne is the real identity of Batman.

Chad – From the Warrior’s Town. Contemporary actors like Chad Michael Murray and Chad Allen are bringing this name back for babies. Other well-known Chads include footballer Chad Ochocinco Johnson and musician Chad Hugo.

Dale – Valley. Dale Earnhardt is a legend in NASCAR racing, Dale Carnegie was a motivational speaker and author.

Dennis – Devotee of Dionysos. “Dennis the Menace” was a popular comic strip and television show in the mid 20th century. Famous Dennises also include basketball player Dennis Rodman, pundit/comedian Dennis Miller, and singer/songwriter Dennis Wilson.

Douglas – Black blue. Famous gents name Douglas include early film actor Douglas Fairbanks, and American WWII general Douglas MacArthur.

Eric – Always Ruler. Famous Erics include musician Eric Clapton, actors Eric Roberts, Eric Bana, and Eric McCormack.

Frank – Free or from France. Famous Franks include musician Frank Zappa, architect Frank Lloyd Wright, filmmaker Frank Capra, and singer Frank Sinatra.

Gary – Spear Rule. Famous Garys include actors Gary Cooper, Gary Oldman, Gary Sinise, and Gary Busey, cartoonist Gary Larson, and basketball player Gary Payton.

Harold – Army Ruler. Famous Harolds include early film actor Harold Lloyd, playwright Harold Pinter, actor Harold Perrineau, and the lead character in the children’s book “Harold and the Purple Crayon.”

Jason – Healer. J names for boys were at their peak in the late 60s and early 70s. Famous Jasons include actors Jason Robards, Jason Momoa, Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, singer, songwriter & dancer Jason Derulo, musician Jason Aldean, and the character Jason Bourne from the book and movie series.

Jerry – Rules with a Spear. Famous Jerrys include actor/comedians Jerry Seinfeld, Jerry Stiller and Jerry Lewis. Also singer/songwriters Jerry Garcia and Jerry Lee Lewis, and California governor Jerry Brown.

Jonathan – God has Given. Famous Jonathans include actors Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and Jon Hamm, TV personalities Jonathan Van Ness and Jonathan Scott.

Joshua – God is My Salvation. Famous Joshuas include vocalist Josh Groban, actors Josh Brolin, Josh Duhamel and Josh Hartnett, as well as comedian Josh Johnson.

Kenneth – Handsome. Famous dudes named Kenneth include actor Kenneth Branagh, TV host Ken Jennings, singer/songwriter Kenny Loggins, filmmaker Ken Burns, and jazz saxophonist Kenny G.

Kevin – Handsome, Beautiful. Kevin Costner is an actor and musician, known from iconic movies like Field of Dreams and most recently from the television series, Yellowstone. Other well-known Kevins include actors Kevin Bacon and Kevin Kline, filmmaker Kevin Smith, actor/comedian Kevin Hart, and basketball player Kevin Durant.

Laurence – Laurel. Lawrence was a popular name for several decades, with many actors and celebrities bearing the name: Sir Laurence Olivier and Laurence Fishburn to name a few.

Patrick – Nobleman. Famous Patricks include actors Patrick Swayze and Patrick Stewart, early American politician Patrick Henry, Basketball coach and player Patrick Ewing, and singer/songwriter Patrick Stump.

Raymond – Counsel Protection. Famous Raymonds include actor/comedian Ray Romano, singer/songwriter Ray Charles, author Ray Bradbury, and novelist and screenwriter Raymond Chandler,

Rodney – From the island in the swift river. Rodney King became infamous for being assaulted by Los Angeles police officers. Other famous Rodneys include comedian Rodney Dangerfield, country singer Rodney Atkins, and baseball player Rod Carew.

Roger – Famous Spear. Famous Rogers include musician Roger Daltrey, tennis star Roger Federer, and actor Roger Moore.

Ryan – Descendant of the King. Famous Ryans include actors Ryan Reynolds, Ryan Gosling, Ryan Phillipe, and Ryan O’Neil, along with television personality Ryan Seacrest, and 12-time Olympic medalist swimmer Ryan Lochte.

Scott – Person from Scotland. Famous Scotts include actors Scott Eastwood and Scott Bakula.

Sean/Shawn – God is Gracious. Famous Seans include actors Sean Connery and Sean Bean, and musician Shawn Mendes.

Stephen – Crown. Famous Stephens include acclaimed author Stephen King, basketball player Stephen Curry, and television personality Stephen Colbert.

Terence/Terry – Like the name Anthony, the name Terence has no known meaning. Famous Terrys include actors Terence Stamp, Terrence Howard, and Terry Crews, singer/songwriter Terence Trent D’Arby, and boxer Terence Crawford.

Todd – Fox. Famous Todds include musician Todd Rundgren, actor Todd Bridges, and television personality Todd Chrisley.

Troy – Water or foot soldier. Famous Troys include athlete Troy Aikman, football coach Troy Brown, actor Troy Donahue, and voice actor Troy Baker. Troy Bolto is the lead character in the television film High School Musical, played by Zac Efron.

Wayne – Wagon driver. Famous people named Wayne include hockey player Wayne Gretzky, actor/comedian Wayne Brady, singer Wayne Newton, actor Wayne Knight, and Wayne McCullough – the lead character in the “Wayne’s World” skit and movie series played by Mike Meyers.

Cool Retro Girls’ Names

Amy – Beloved. Famous Amys include actors Amy Adams, Amy Irving, Amy Brenneman, comedian Amy Schumer, singers Amy Grant and Amy Winehouse.

Andrea – Manly, as the feminine form of the name Andrew. Famous Andreas include actor Andrea McCardle, journalist Andrea Mitchell, opera singer Andrea Bocelli (male), and actor/comedian Andrea Martin.

Angela/Angelica – Messenger of God. Loved for its protective and angelic meaning, these names never go out of style. Famous Angelas include actrors Angela Bassett and Angela Lansbury, and author Angela Davis.

Beverly – From the beaver stream. Originally a male name, it then crossed the charts and is now coming back due to its association with the wealthier neighborhood of Beverly Hills in Los Angeles. Famous Beverlys include author Beverly Cleary and actor Beverly D’Angelo.

Carol – Free Person or Song. Famous Carols include actor/comedian Carol Burnett, model Carol Alt, actor/singer Carol Channing, and actor Carol Kane.

Cher/Cheryl – Beloved. The iconic singer/actor Cher is known by her mononym, but her birth certificate name was Cheryl. Other famous Cheryls include actor Cheryl Ladd and singer Cheryl Cole.

Cynthia/Cindy – From Kinthos, Greece. Famous Cynthias include actor Cynthia Nixon, model Cynthia Bailey, singer Cindy Lauper, and supermodel Cindy Crawford.

Dawn – Sunrise. Famous Dawns include Olympic gymnast Dawn Fraser, actor/comedian Dawn French, and television actress Dawn Wells.

Deborah – Bee. Famous Deborahs include singer Deborah Harry of the band Blondie, popstar Debbie Gibson, actor Deborah Kerr, and model Deborah Leng.

Denise – Devotee of Dionysos. Originally a feminine form of the name Dennis. Famous Denises include actor Denise Richards and model Denise Bidot.

Diane/Diana – Divine. Famous Dianes include actor Diane Keaton and journalist Diane Sawyer. Famous Dianas include Diana, Princess of Wales and singer Diana Ross.

Donna – Lady, Woman. Famous Donnas include singer Donna Summer and actor Donna Reed.

Dorothy – Gift of God. Famous Dorothys include actor Dorothy Dandridge and figure skater Dorothy Hamill. One of the most famous fictional Dorothys is Dorothy Gale, the lead character from the novel and movie The Wizard of Oz.

Gloria – Glory (to God). Famous Glorias include singers Gloria Gaynor and Gloria Estefan, and feminist icon Gloria Steinem. Also actor Gloria Swanson and Gloria Ruben.

Helen/Helena – Light. Famous Helens include actor Helen Mirren and activist Helen Keller. Famous Helenas include actor Helena Bonham Carter and cosmetics mogul Helena Rubenstein.

Janet – God Is Gracious. Famous Janets include singer Janet Jackson and actor Janet Leigh.

Jennifer – Fair, Soft. Famous Jennifers include actors Jennifer Lawrence, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Coolidge, Jennifer Beals, Jennifer Garner, and actor/singer Jennifer Lopez.

Jill – Youthful. Originally a short form of Jillian, this name is short and sweet and pairs well with longer surnames. Famous Jills include First Lady Jill Biden, actors Jill Clayburgh, Jill St. John, and Jill Hennessy.

Joyce – Little Lord. Famous Joyces include author Joyce Carol Oates, actor Joyce DeWitt, and television psychologist Dr. Joyce Brothers.

Judy – From Judaea. Famous Judys include actor/singer Judy Garland, television personality Judy Sheindlin aka “Judge Judy,” singer Judy Collins, author Judy Blume, and artist Judy Chicago.

Kathleen – Pure. Famous Kathleens include actors Kathleen Turner and Kathleen Quinlan, politician Kathleen Sebelius, comedian Kathy Griffin, and singer Kathleen Hanna.

Margaret – Pearl. Famous Margarets include authors Margaret Atwood and Margaret Mitchell, anthropologist Margaret Mead, photographer Margaret Bourke-White, and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Melissa – Honey Bee. Famous Melissas include actors Melissa McCarthy, Melissa Joan Hart, Melissa Gilbert, and Melissa Sue Anderson, also singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge.

Michelle – Who is like God? Famous Michelles include First Lady Michelle Obama, actors Michelle Pfeiffer, Michelle Yeoh, and Michelle Dockery. Also figure skater Michelle Kwan.

Nancy – Grace. Famous Nancys include politician Nancy Pelosi, singer Nancy Sinatra, attorney and legal commentator Nancy Grace, and figure skater Nancy Kerrigan.

Pamela – All Honey, Sweetness. Famous Pamelas include actors Pamela Anderson and Pamela Sue Martin, and author Pamela Druckerman.

Rebecca – To Bind. Famous Rebeccas include actors Rebecca De Mornay and Rebecca Romijn, as well as singer Rebecca Ferguson.

Rhonda/Ronda – Noisy. Famous Rhondas include mixed martial artist Ronda Rousey, actress Rhonda Fleming, and singer Rhonda Vincent. Help Me, Rhonda was a famous song by The Beach Boys.

Robin – Bright fame. Famous (female) Robins include actors Robin Wright, Robin Givens, and Robin Tunney, radio host Robin Quivers, and singer Rihanna – born Robyn Rihanna Fenty.

Sandra – Defender of the People. Famous Sandras include actor Sandra Bullock and Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

Sheila – Heaven. Famous Sheilas include singer/drummer Sheila E. and actor Sheila Hancock.

Sherry – Darling. Famous Sherrys include actor Sherry Stringfield and singer Sherry Jackson.

Susan – Lily Flower. Famous Susans include actor Susan Sarandon and author Susan Sontag.

Teresa – Harvester. Famous Teresas include humanitarian Mother Teresa and reality star Teresa Giudice aka “The Long Island Medium.”

Tina – Short form of names ending in -tina. Famous Tinas include singer Tina Turner and actor/writer Tina Fey.

Virginia – Virginal, Pure. Famous Virginias include author Virginia Woolf and actor Virginia Madsen.

Wendy – Friend or Blessed Ring. Famous Wendys include television host Wendy Williams and actor Wendy Hiller.

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Which are your favorite retro baby names from the mid-1900s? Would you consider any of these for your 21st Century baby?