Donna
Italian for "lady," Donna brought a certain Mediterranean warmth. Television star Donna Reed embodied the name’s sophistication and girl-next-door appeal on The Donna Reed Show (1958–1966), and the name offered a rare combination of two simple syllables that made it classy.
Michael
Topping the charts as the most popular boy's name of the decade, Michael was given to over 830,000 babies. With icons like Michael Caine dominating the silver screen in Alfie (1966) and The Italian Job (1969), parents couldn't resist this timeless moniker, and it’s still a perennial classic that never truly fades.
David
The second most popular boy's name of the 1960s, David saw its heyday thanks to stars like David Niven, the suave British actor who won an Oscar for Separate Tables (1958). Of course, the name had been iconic long before the ’60s, thanks to a fearless shepherd boy who took on Goliath.
John
When people heard John in the ‘60s, they immediately thought of presidential power and cowboy charisma. President John F. Kennedy embodied utopian elegance, while John Lennon revolutionized music with The Beatles. It is a simple name with one syllable, making it the ultimate no-fuss name for any era.
Beatles and presidents aside, the girls' names of the '60s had serious star quality of their own.
Beatles and presidents aside, the girls' names of the '60s had serious star quality of their own.
Lisa
Sitting pretty at number one for girls, Lisa had a spark of European sophistication and timeless appeal despite its simple four letters. The decade had actress Lisa Gaye dazzling audiences on television, while a young Lisa Marie Presley was carrying rock royalty in her name.
James
Bond. James Bond. Need we say more? The suave secret agent exploded onto screens in 1962, giving this timeless name a dash of intrigue. Famous Jameses include 007 himself, James Bond, and James Stewart, whose wholesome appeal reminded parents that this name could work for every personality type imaginable.
Robert
Robert Kennedy inspired a generation with his vision for change, while Robert Redford brought his effortless charisma to the screen. The name also came with multiple variations, such as Robert, Bob, Bobby, or the casual Robb-o. The most versatile name of all time? Perhaps…
Who knows? Your name might be up next!
Who knows? Your name might be up next!
Mary
Mary was slipping from its #1 spot in the '60s but still held strong, bringing centuries of religious tradition and cultural heritage into the modern era. While rooted in Biblical history, the name felt surprisingly contemporary thanks to Mary Tyler Moore's spunky television presence at the time.
Susan
This floral beauty, meaning "lily," bloomed throughout the 1960s with effortless grace. Actress Susan Hayward's Oscar-winning performances gave the name serious dramatic credentials, and the cheerful nicknames Susie and Sue weren’t bad either.
Mark
As if the Gospel writer hadn’t given it enough credibility already, Mark Lindsay further cemented it by belting out rock hits with Paul Revere & the Raiders, while a young Mark Spitz was making waves in the pool. It was short, strong, and utterly masculine; a compact name with a big impact.
If your name is next, we're really sorry about what the internet has done to it.
If your name is next, we're really sorry about what the internet has done to it.
Karen
Oh, Karen. Before the internet changed everything, Karen meant "pure" in Danish and ranked fourth for baby girls. Karen Carpenter possessed heaven-sent vocals that made parents dream of their daughters inheriting such talent. Considering the current moment, though? They’d rather keep the kid nameless than name her Karen.
William
Parents got the ultimate two-for-one combo with William: Royal heritage paired with an all-American charm. Actor William Shatner boldly went where no man had gone before as Star Trek's Captain Kirk (1966), while playwright William Inge won an Oscar for Splendor in the Grass (1961), giving the name both adventure and artistic credibility.
Richard
Richard carried a sense of gravitas with approachable nicknames like Rich, Rick, and Ricky for every stage of life. Dick Nixon was dominating political headlines while Richard Burton was smoldering on screen opposite Elizabeth Taylor, making Richard the name of powerful men everywhere.
The next name defined upper-class sophistication across America…
The next name defined upper-class sophistication across America…
Patricia
Patricia radiated feminine sophistication with Irish roots meaning "noble." Actress Patricia Neal brought the name to Hollywood’s spotlight with her Oscar-winning turn in Hud (1963), giving it an air of timeless class. Perhaps a future generation will embrace the elegance of "Tricia" again.
Linda
Spanish for "beautiful," Linda absolutely lived up to its meaning throughout the early '60s. Singer Linda Ronstadt would later rock the name into the '70s. Parents simply loved the way Linda rolled off the tongue with an almost musical, confident femininity.
Kimberly
Kimberly/Kim was THE choice for girls in that decade. The name felt simultaneously Southern belle and Hollywood starlet. Hollywood's most famous Kim, actress Kim Novak from Vertigo (1958), was actually born Marilyn Novak, but changed it to stand out from Marilyn Monroe.
The train made it cool again, but the apostle had it first...
The train made it cool again, but the apostle had it first...
Thomas
Tom Cruise wasn't born yet, but the decade's Toms proved the name's versatility. Welsh singer Tom Jones won a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1966, while British comedian Terry Thomas charmed audiences in It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) - yes, four Mads!
Jeffrey
Germanic roots meaning "divine peace" made Jeffrey appealing during turbulent times. Actor Jeffrey Hunter made waves playing Jesus in King of Kings (1961) and later became the original Captain Pike in Star Trek's 1965 pilot episode before William Shatner took over.
Michelle
“Ma belle” indeed! The Beatles’ 1965 love song transformed Michelle from a merely pretty name to something absolutely swoon-worthy, while model and actress Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas gave it a real-life dose of California cool. It was perfectly chic; the ideal blend of French elegance and American practicality.
The next one's a wonder, and the music icon proved it...
The next one's a wonder, and the music icon proved it...
Steven
Greek for "crown," Steven wore its royal meaning proudly throughout the decade. Musician Stephen Stills was already making waves with Buffalo Springfield, giving the name exactly the kind of rock ’n’ roll edge it deserved.
Timothy
As if its biblical roots didn’t lend enough gravitas, 1960s pop culture, like actor Timothy Carey, helped keep the name feeling fresh and modern. Little Timmy sounded adorable for a toddler, while grown-up Tim commanded boardroom respect; the best of both worlds.
Kevin
Irish charm swept across American shores as Kevin became the decade's most successful cultural import since The Beatles. Actor Kevin McCarthy’s popularity (best known for Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)) served as the perfect fuel to stoke the baby-naming fire.
If you haven’t seen your name on this list yet, hold on to hope…
If you haven’t seen your name on this list yet, hold on to hope…
Charles
Prince Charles came of age during the '60s, keeping this regal name firmly in the spotlight, while Charlie Chaplin's silent film legacy was still echoing through cinema history. Plus, the name gave you the option to seamlessly switch between Charles, Charlie, Chuck, or Chas (whatever that was).
Joseph
Biblical, bold, and reliable, Joseph never went out of style. From Joseph Kennedy's political dynasty to everyday Joes working hard, the name suggested both ambition and humility. If you called someone Joey, that was a boy. If you called them Joe, that was a man.
The next name went to the moon and back in the 1960s…
The next name went to the moon and back in the 1960s…
Scott
Sleek and modern, Scott felt like the future arriving early and perfectly captured the decade's love affair with streamlined efficiency. Astronaut Scott Carpenter was busy orbiting the Earth in those days, while parents were orbiting his crisp, confident name.
Cynthia
A Greek name derived from the goddess Artemis, Cynthia brought celestial sophistication with it. Actress Cynthia Pepper, known for her role in the 1961–1962 television series Margie, further solidified the name's elegance and charm. It was soft, elegant, and suggested creativity and intelligence.
Brian
Meaning "strong" and "noble," Brian delivered Celtic heritage without foreign feelings. Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys had just harmonized their way into America’s consciousness, giving the two-syllable name a cool, contemporary edge that packed a punch.
The next name means ‘defender of man’...
The next name means ‘defender of man’...
Sandra
Descended from Alexandra, the name Sandra carved its own identity throughout the '60s. Actress Sandra Dee embodied wholesome American beauty, making the name irresistible to parents. It’s even more interesting that the name means “defender of man”.
Deborah
The Biblical prophetess Deborah led armies; '60s Deborahs led cheerleading squads and debate teams. This Hebrew name, meaning "bee," buzzed with industrious energy, and actress Debbie Reynolds lent the name some much-appreciated Hollywood credibility.
Paul
Beatles mania made Paul McCartney a household heartthrob, and Paul Newman's blue eyes didn't hurt this name's appeal either. Simple, strong, and decisively masculine, Paul needed no embellishment. This four-letter classic worked just as well for future artists as it did for executives.
Pamela
Greek for “all honey,” Pamela dripped sweetness throughout the 1960s.. Actress Pamela Tiffin shone brightly in films like One, Two, Three (1961) and Harper (1966), adding a touch of Hollywood charm to the name’s rise.
This name practically owned the big screen in the swinging sixties...
This name practically owned the big screen in the swinging sixties...
Julie
Oscar-winning Julie Andrews practically owned the 1960s with the undeniable magic of Mary Poppins (1964) and The Sound of Music (1965). Her wholesome, effortless charm made Julie the ideal choice for parents hoping their daughters would embody grace, talent, and kindness.
Brenda
Celtic warrior energy hid beneath Brenda's soft exterior. Meaning "sword" or "flame," the name felt strong yet utterly feminine. Singer Brenda Lee embodied that balance perfectly; a tiny powerhouse whose mighty voice dominated early 1960s airwaves with hits like I’m Sorry and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Strong, melodic, and unmistakably feminine.
Angela
Angels seemed to descend with Angela, a name meaning “messenger.” The 1960s fascination with spirituality made it especially appealing to parents wanting a touch of divine protection. For those who wanted something else, Actress Angela Lansbury brought the Hollywood stamp of approval with famous films like The Manchurian Candidate (1962).
Barbara
A dignified Greek name meaning "foreign woman," Barbra Streisand dominated Broadway and film in the 1960s, making the name feel exotic yet established. The name's strong consonants suggested women who wouldn't be pushed around… exactly what the changing times demanded.
