Most Popular 19 Baby Names That Defined the ’60s

Written By Lisa Marley

The 1960s was a special decade with its own style and culture. Many baby names became very popular during this time, and these names were loved by parents everywhere and still bring back memories. This article looks back at 19 of the most popular baby names that defined the ’60s.

Michael

Photo Credit: Kaspars Grinvalds/Shutterstock

Michael was a hugely popular name in the ’60s. BabyCenter lists it among the top 10 boys’ names of 1960. Families across America chose it for their sons, and it is still common today, showing how well it has stood the test of time.

Lisa

Photo Credit: Nataliisaff/Shutterstock

Lisa was a favorite name for baby girls in the 1960s. It’s short, sweet, and easy to spell, and many parents picked Lisa for their daughters because it felt fresh and modern. The name Lisa appeared in popular songs and TV shows, making it a trendy choice.

Mary

Photo Credit: javi_indy/Shutterstock

Mary was a very common name for girls in the ’60s because it had a traditional feel that many parents loved. The name Mary is simple yet elegant; it was popular not only in the ’60s but also in many decades before and after. This name represents a sense of purity and grace, making it a beloved choice for many families.

James

Photo Credit: Ground Picture/Shutterstock

James was another top name for boys in the ’60s. It’s a strong and classic name that has been popular for centuries, and many parents chose it because it conveyed a sense of reliability and strength. The name James has a long history and remains a popular choice today.

Susan

Photo Credit: Tanya Yatsenko/Shutterstock

Susan has a soft, pleasant sound that many parents find appealing. The name Susan was a very popular name for girls during the ’60s; it was common in schools and playgrounds across the country. It was often shortened to Sue, giving it a friendly, approachable feel.

David

Photo Credit: Dragana Gordic/Shutterstock

David is a classic name from the ’60s, and parents chose it because it has a strong historical feel. UKBaby Names states that this name means ‘beloved’ or ‘darling’. It has been used by kings and famous figures throughout history, and it remains a popular choice even today.

John

Photo Credit: Onjira Leibe/Shutterstock

John is a name that never goes out of style. It was especially popular in the ’60s, chosen by many parents for its simplicity and strength. John has been used by many famous people throughout history.

Karen

Photo Credit: fufu10/Shutterstock

Karen was a trendy name for baby girls in the ’60s, and parents really loved its modern and friendly sound. The name Karen was very popular, making it a defining name of the decade. Though its popularity has waned recently, Karen remains a name that is remembered fondly by many from that era.

Robert

Photo Credit: FamVeld/Shutterstock

Robert is a strong, classic name that many parents loved. It was a very common name for boys in the ’60s and often shortened to Rob or Bob, giving it a versatile feel. This name was everywhere in that era, and it continues to be a top choice for parents who want a timeless name.

Patricia

Photo Credit: antoniodiaz/Shutterstock

Patricia was a popular name for girls in the ’60s, with its regal, elegant sound appealing to many parents. Patricia was often shortened to Pat or Patty, making it both formal and friendly. It was a common name in many households, reflecting the grace and charm of the ’60s.

William

Photo Credit: Vasilyev Alexandr/Shutterstock

Many parents chose the name William in the ‘60s for its strong, historical feel. William has been the name of many famous leaders and figures throughout history. In the ’60s, it was a common name for boys, symbolizing tradition and strength. It remains a popular name even today.

Linda

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Linda was a favorite name for girls in the ’60s. Its sweet, melodic sound was loved by many parents. The name Linda means “beautiful” in Spanish, which added to its appeal. It was popular in schools and families, reflecting the cheerful spirit of the decade.

Richard

Photo Credit: fizkes/Shutterstock

Richard is a strong name that many parents choose for their sons. Richard was often shortened to Rick or Ricky for a more casual feel. This name was common in many households during the ’60s, symbolizing strength and reliability.

Barbara

Photo Credit: Dasha Petrenko/Shutterstock

Barbara was a top name for girls in the 1960s, and according to Nameberry, thanks to Barbie, it’s back! It has a sophisticated, elegant sound that many parents found appealing. The name Barbara was well-loved and popular, making it a defining name of the decade, often shortened to Barb.

Deborah

Photo Credit: Yuganov Konstantin/Shutterstock

Deborah has a pleasant, melodic sound that was loved by many in the ‘60s. The name was usually shortened to Debbie or Deb, making it more fun and playful. It was a very common and popular name that parents often chose for their baby girls.

Charles

Photo Credit: DinaPhoto/Shutterstock

Charles is another one of those strong, classic names that many parents chose for their sons in the 60s and remains a popular name today. Charles was often shortened to Charlie or Chuck, giving it a friendly, happy vibe.

Sandra

Photo Credit: morrowlight/Shutterstock

Sandra was a popular name for girls that many parents loved in the ‘60s. The name Sandra was heard in schools and playgrounds all across the country. It was often shortened to Sandy. Sandra remains a well-loved name, full of kindness and warmth.

Thomas

Photo Credit: Africa Studio/Shutterstock

Many parents chose the name Thomas during the ‘60s; It was popular and well-loved by many.  Country Living explains that it held on to a spot in the top 20 baby names from 1900 all the way into the ‘70s! The shortened version, Tom, is still a popular name today.

Steven

Photo Credit: Oksana Kuzmina/Shutterstock

Steven is a very strong and popular classic name that was also very popular in the ’60s, and many parents opted for this name. Steven was often shortened to Steve, and nowadays, it can be shortened to Ste, making it more modern while being both formal and friendly.

Up Next: 18 Reasons Why Men Get Grumpier As They Age

Photo Credit: Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock

You might read this and be able to relate, or you may feel you’ve become grumpier the older you’ve gotten. Or maybe you know of a male friend or relative who has. Here are 18 reasons why men get grumpier as they age.

18 Reasons Why Men Get Grumpier As They Age

17 Products Millennials Refuse to Buy and It’s Affecting the Economy

Photo Credit: Stockbakery/Shutterstock

Millennials have been the center of so much media attention due to their spending habits. Their unique ways of spending have built up and crushed many traditional industries. In this article, we look at 17 things millennials stopped buying and how that has impacted society.

17 Products Millennials Refuse to Buy and It’s Affecting the Economy

Where Even Truck Drivers Won’t Stop

Photo Credit: Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock

Truck drivers tend to be hardy souls—well-seasoned travelers who aren’t often afraid to rest up or refuel in risky locations. However, there are certain U.S. locations that even the most road-weary trucker refuses to stop at for fear of criminal activity or natural dangers. Here are 17 such locations that even experienced truck drivers approach with trepidation (or not at all).

17 PLACES IN THE U.S. WHERE EVEN TRUCK DRIVERS WON’T STOP