While there are always trends in baby names, such as the surge of Liams and Emmas in the world today, there are also traditional names that people always gravitate toward, such as John, Mary, Robert, and Anna. In the early 1900s, people definitely had some trendy names that haven’t endured. In the past, these names ranked among the top 100 baby names, but they have fallen out of the top 1,000 and are seldom used now.
There are some trends that come back in style, like Mabel, which was dropped from the list in 1964 but returned in 2013. Less likely names like Ernest, Eugene and Melvin are still around, probably because somebody wants to honor a family member. Here are some throwback names that don’t get much attention these days, great if you’re looking for something different.
Mildred
The name was once in the top 10, but last ranked in the top 1,000 in 1984.
Ethel
Despite its heyday, this name fell out of favor in 1975.
Gladys
The name was once popular and was still in style in 1999.
Clarence
Until 2010, this stately boy name cracked the top 1,000 list.
Bessie
1975 was the last year this name made the cut. Nowadays, it is often associated with images of cows.
Bertha
Somehow, this name remained in circulation until 1985.
Earl
There was a decline in popularity in 2006 for this former favorite.
Gertrude
Since 1965, this name hasn’t ranked. It’s often shortened to the cuter nickname Trudy.
Herbert
Herbert remained on the list until 2002, which is surprising.
Elmer
You can expect a lot of glue jokes if you give your child this antiquated name. Although this name didn’t reach the top 1,000 until 2009, it remained there until then.
Read Also: Baby Names from the Early 1900s No One Uses Anymore
Agnes
Despite some people sporting this moniker being born in 1972, this name gives off major old lady vibes.
Minnie
Because of a favorite adorable mouse, this cute name stopped being popular in 1971.
Lester
There was a place on the list for this old-man name until 1999.
Blanche
While this name evokes Golden Girls feelings, it doesn’t exactly scream baby and hasn’t been on the list since 1964.
Thelma
Thelma and Louise’s infamous road trip took place long before this name fell out of fashion in 1982.
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