Baby Boomer names, once prevalent between 1946 and 1964, have seen significant shifts in popularity. Names that were once household staples are now seldom heard in nurseries. This article explores ten such names that have gracefully bowed out of contemporary naming trends.
1. Myrtle
Derived from the evergreen shrub, Myrtle was a favored name in the late 1940s. Its popularity waned post-1947, and it remains unranked in recent years. The character “Moaning Myrtle” from the Harry Potter series may have influenced its decline.
2. Dick
A common diminutive of Richard, Dick was popular in the mid-20th century. However, associations with President Richard Nixon, nicknamed “Tricky Dicky,” contributed to its fall from favor.
3. Donna
Donna, meaning “lady” in Italian, peaked in 1959 with over 18,000 newborns receiving the name. Despite its past popularity, it’s now considered outdated.
4. Jerry (Female)
While Jerry remains common for boys, its use for girls peaked in 1946. Notable bearer Jerry Hall, born in 1956, exemplifies its past usage. Today, it’s rarely given to girls.
5. Ernie
Often a nickname for Ernest, Ernie saw a peak in 1959. War correspondent Ernie Pyle’s legacy may have influenced its popularity. In 2021, only 18 boys were named Ernie.
6. Linda
Linda dominated the charts in the late 1940s, with nearly 100,000 babies named Linda in 1947. Its rapid rise and fall make it a quintessential Boomer name that’s now seldom used.
7. Garland
Garland reached its peak in 1949. Today, it’s more commonly associated with holiday decorations or as a surname, like that of actress Judy Garland.
8. Bettye
A variant of Betty, Bettye peaked in 1947. Despite singer Bettye LaVette’s prominence, the name has faded from use.
9. Elbert
Elbert, meaning “noble and bright,” peaked in 1947. Its decline may be linked to negative associations, such as politician Elbert Woodward’s notoriety.
10. Gayla
Gayla peaked in 1954. Child star Gayla Peevey, known for “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” was a notable bearer. The name has since fallen out of favor.
| Name | Gender | Peak Popularity Year | Peak Rank | Number of Babies (Peak Year) | Popularity in 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myrtle | Female | 1947 | 319 | 596 | Not ranked |
| Dick | Male | 1946 | 208 | 828 | Not ranked |
| Donna | Female | 1959 | 5 | 18,000+ | Not ranked |
| Jerry | Female | 1946 | 345 | 475 | Not ranked |
| Ernie | Male | 1959 | 370 | 450 | 5,153 |
| Linda | Female | 1947 | 1 | 99,000+ | Not ranked |
| Garland | Male | 1949 | 335 | 402 | 5,817 |
| Bettye | Female | 1947 | 284 | 739 | Not ranked |
| Elbert | Male | 1947 | 322 | 455 | 12,573 |
| Gayla | Female | 1954 | 345 | 618 | Not ranked |
Why have these Baby Boomer names fallen out of favor?
Naming trends evolve due to cultural shifts, associations with public figures, and generational preferences, leading to the decline of certain names.
Are any of these Baby Boomer names making a comeback?
While some vintage names regain popularity, the listed baby boomer names remain largely out of favor in recent years.
How do cultural associations affect a name’s popularity?
Names linked to notable figures or characters can experience shifts in popularity based on public perception of those associations.
