12 Popular Baby Names From The 1970s That Deserve A Resurgence

Naming a baby can be a tricky business. You might want something traditional, but not boring; unique, but not bizarre. It has to be something that you love, but that's also usable in the real world, and hopefully won't draw the wrong kind of attention. After all, we've all seen stars get roasted for their kids' monikers — though we think that some celebrity baby names got way too much hate.

One surefire way to walk the line between too-trendy and too-obscure is to glance back through the top baby names of decades gone by. For instance, the 1970s offer a surprisingly rich vein of naming inspiration. Of course, some '70s baby names never went out of style, and could be perfectly charming for a newborn — think evergreen winners like Elizabeth, Katherine, Christopher, or Thomas, which were popular both then and now. But the disco era also had some currently overlooked gems that could be fresh and unique for a modern infant, bringing a classic sensibility without feeling trite or overused.

If you're hoping for a baby name with a botanical feel, consider a retro favorite like Heather, taken from a flowering shrub that's hardy but beautiful. According to the Social Security Administration, Heather was the 8th most popular girls' name in the 1970s, but it's rare to see for a baby today. Or, for something a bit seasonal, April is another old-school name we'd love to see back in action. Who wouldn't want to bestow bright, springy vibes on a little girl?

And let's not forget sweet '70s options like Holly, Bonnie, Heidi, or Wendy. Something about that vowel at the end gives these throwback names a light, airy feel. Plus, these names often have equally delightful meanings or lore. Holly, like Heather, is taken from a vibrant plant that's both strong and lovely. As a bonus, it delivers subtle Audrey Hepburn vibes, thanks to her iconic role as Holly Golightly. Meanwhile, Bonnie literally comes from the Scottish word for "pretty" — hard to go wrong, there.

As a derivative of Adelaide, Heidi carries a meaning of nobility, and has a wholesome vibe from the classic children's novel of the same name. (For more noble inspo, check out some of the most unique royal family baby names and their deep meanings). And if you like the idea of Heidi's literary twist, Wendy is another perfect choice, evoking the young heroine Wendy Darling from "Peter Pan."

If you're looking for boy names that feel timeless but not dusty, the 1970s offer up a goldmine of options. For instance, Troy feels undeniably classic with its epic connotations, but still has a cool, un-grandfatherly energy. And if James feels too ubiquitous, why not cut out the nickname middleman and opt for the popular '70s demonym of Jamie? Jamie was in the Top 100 for both boys and girls in the 1970s, making it a great gender-neutral option (per the Social Security Administration).

If you're keen on a retro name with deeper meaning, Russell is a fun one to consider. It's derived from the Old French word for red, but you don't have to birth a redhead for this name to fit — it's also been used as a nickname for foxes, and would be an ideal name to welcome a clever boy. Or how about Wesley? Meaning "west meadow," it has a fantastic sense of nature and freedom. And for a legendary twist, we love the story behind the name Arthur. Not only does it have connections to powerful words like "bear," but it also calls up the legendary figure of King Arthur, delivering wonderfully regal vibes. Similarly, you could refresh the 1970s name Lance to hint at Sir Lancelot, one of the greatest knights in Arthur's court.

Long story short, the 1970s have a lot more interesting names than one might expected. But if none of these feel quite right, don't despair; the '70s are only one of many decades hiding rich naming potential. For more ideas, check out other vintage baby names that feel fresh in 2026.