Baby names, much like fashion and music, go through waves of popularity. What once felt modern and fresh can quickly become dated as newer trends emerge and cultural influences shift.
Some names have a timeless charm, staying strong across generations, while others slowly fade from birth certificates. If you’ve ever wondered which once-beloved names are disappearing from playgrounds the quickest, here’s a look at seven that were once shining stars—but are now rarely heard.
1. Jason
Peak Popularity: 1980s and ’90s
Why It Faded: Jason reigned supreme in the 1980s and ’90s, frequently landing in the top 10 for boys in the United States thanks to its robust sound and mythical roots. It holds its spot as #27 on the list of top names in the last 100 years.
But in the past two decades, its standing has tumbled as parents opt for trendier picks like Jaxon, Liam, or Kai. Now lingering well outside the top 100, Jason’s slide shows how quickly a household name can become overshadowed by fresh, more modern contenders.
2. Pamela
Peak Popularity: Mid-20th century
Why It Faded: Pamela was a big hit from the 1950s through the 1970s. It offered an elegant, feminine vibe that felt both classic and cozy. Over time, though, shifting naming tastes and fewer cultural references meant fewer babies named Pamela.
Today, it’s often seen as belonging to older generations rather than the new wave of parents seeking rejuvenated vintage or cutting-edge names.
3. Sharon
Peak Popularity: 1940s to 1970s
Why It Faded: Hitting as high as #8 in the U.S. for a time, Sharon soared throughout the 1940s and remained a staple in the top 100 for decades.
Post-1980s, its popularity started dipping sharply. By 2016, it had dropped fully out of the top 1,000. While some vintage names have made notable comebacks, Sharon has stayed off the revival track, seen now as too dated to ride today’s retro trend wave.
4. Melissa
Peak Popularity: 1960s to 1990s
Why It Faded: Between the 1960s and 1990s, Melissa was widely beloved for its melodic sound and sweet Greek meaning (“honeybee”).
In 1977, it even ranked as the second most popular girl’s name in the United States. Yet its decline has been dramatic—fewer than 2,500 babies received the name in 2010 (down from more than 30,000 at its peak). Names like Mila and Eloise have since seized the spotlight, leaving Melissa in the shadows.
5. Jennifer
Peak Popularity: 1970-1984
Why It Faded: You can’t talk about once-popular names without mentioning Jennifer. It led the U.S. charts for nearly 15 years, buoyed by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Jennifer Lopez. But colossal popularity often invites burnout.
In search of something less overused, parents migrated to rarer picks. Though still recognized, Jennifer’s more distinctive alternatives have gradually taken precedence in modern nurseries.
6. Bertha
Peak Popularity: Early 1900s
Why It Faded: Bertha once ranked in the top 10 during the early 1900s, carrying strong Germanic roots meaning “bright one.” But for contemporary ears, it often sounds heavy and lacks associations that feel current. While certain vintage names—such as Hazel or Violet—have successfully reemerged, Bertha remains in style limbo, waiting on the sidelines for a possible resurgence.
7. Gary
Peak Popularity: 1950s and ’60s
Why It Faded: Equated with dependability and grit, Gary was a go-to name through the mid-20th century, linked to icons like actor Gary Cooper. Yet it has plunged dramatically in recent decades, to the point that some have joked it’s “nearly extinct” for boys.
The stark drop has even generated think-pieces about its disappearance—an indication that once-sturdy names can vanish surprisingly fast in the modern era of baby-naming.
What Will You Name Your Next Child?
Naming trends ebb and flow with changing times, and what’s favored this decade might feel outdated in the next. While these seven names once held a strong place in birth records, they’ve now cleared the stage for a new generation of naming preferences.
Still, it’s worth remembering that no name is down for good—names that vanish now can find fresh life in a future revival. Maybe Jason, Pamela, or even Bertha will stand poised for an old-fashioned comeback in another 20 years.
Have you considered giving your child a name that’s fallen out of style? Share your thoughts in the comments. After all, today’s “dated” might be tomorrow’s darling.
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Samantha Warren is a holistic marketing strategist with 8+ years of experience partnering with startups, Fortune 500 companies, and everything in between. With an entrepreneurial mindset, she excels at shaping brand narratives through data-driven, creative content. When she’s not working, Samantha loves to travel and draws inspiration from her trips to Thailand, Spain, Costa Rica, and beyond.
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