Baby names go in and out of fashion, and while some classics stand the test of time, others quietly fade away (at least for a few decades).
Once popular and widely used, these names are now becoming rare, replaced by modern trends and fresh favourites. Whether it’s because they sound too old-fashioned, are tied to past generations, or just don’t fit today’s naming styles, these once-common names are slowly disappearing. You probably won’t hear of any new babies being born and given these names anytime soon.
1. Barbara
There was a time when Barbara was everywhere, especially in the mid-20th century, when it was one of the most popular names for baby girls. It had a strong, classic feel, and many well-known figures carried the name. But today, it’s become rare, associated more with grandmothers than newborns. The softer, trendier names of today have pushed it to the sidelines. One of the reasons for its decline is its sharp, old-fashioned sound. Names like Bella, Brielle, or Beatrice feel fresher, while Barbara remains stuck in the past. It’s a name that holds a lot of history, but unless there’s a sudden revival, it’s likely to remain one of those “classic but forgotten” names.
2. Gary
Source: Unsplash Gary had its moment, peaking in the 1950s and 60s, when it was a solid, dependable name. It was the kind of name you’d expect to hear in offices, sports teams, and TV shows of the time. But now? It’s practically vanished from baby name lists, and it’s rare to meet a child named Gary today. Part of its decline comes from how strongly it’s tied to an older generation. While some retro names make a comeback, Gary doesn’t seem to be one of them. Parents today tend to favour softer, more international-sounding names for boys, leaving Gary firmly in the past.
3. Mildred
Source: Unsplash Mildred was once a popular choice, giving off an air of elegance and sophistication. It was strong but feminine, and for a while, it fit in perfectly with other names of its time. But in today’s world, it feels too old-fashioned, lacking the sleekness of modern names. While vintage names like Evelyn and Hazel have made a comeback, Mildred hasn’t followed. Its harsh sound and old-world feel make it unlikely to return anytime soon. Some parents might still use Millie as a cute alternative, but the full name Mildred is slowly fading into history.
4. Norman
Norman was once a respected name, often associated with intelligence, authority, and old-school charm. It had a strong presence in the mid-20th century, with famous Normans making it a well-known choice. But today, it’s virtually unheard of for babies, feeling too outdated for modern tastes. Names with softer sounds, like Noah or Nathan, have taken its place. While some might still appreciate its classic appeal, Norman doesn’t have the same timelessness as other traditional names. Unless there’s a sudden revival, it’s likely to stay in the past.
5. Ethel
Ethel was once a go-to name, especially in the early 1900s when it was associated with elegance and grace. But today, it’s barely used, often seen as too “granny-like” to make a comeback. The short, clipped sound doesn’t quite fit the modern preference for flowing, melodic names. Some old-fashioned names like Ada and Ivy have regained popularity, but Ethel hasn’t had the same luck. It remains firmly in the category of names that feel stuck in another era, making it unlikely to see a resurgence anytime soon.
6. Harold
Harold was a staple name for decades, associated with strength, leadership, and reliability. It was once a top choice for parents looking for a solid, traditional name. But in the modern world, it feels more like a granddad’s name than something you’d give to a newborn. Even though Harry has had a strong comeback, the full version, Harold, remains in decline. Parents today are drawn to simpler, more contemporary choices, leaving Harold as a name that might not see the same revival as its shorter, more modern-sounding counterpart.
7. Gladys
There was a time when Gladys was seen as glamorous and sophisticated, a name with style and confidence. It was a favourite in the early 20th century, appearing in literature, film, and high society. But today, it’s almost disappeared from baby name lists, sounding too tied to the past. Names like Grace and Giselle have replaced it, offering a softer and more modern feel. While some people still love its vintage charm, the general trend suggests that Gladys is slowly fading into history.
8. Clarence
Clarence was once a well-respected name, often associated with intelligence and refinement. It had an old-money feel, making it a popular choice for generations. But now, it’s become a rarity, replaced by modern classics like Caleb, Carter, or Cameron. The long, formal nature of Clarence feels out of place in today’s world of short, snappy names. While some traditional names still hold their charm, Clarence has yet to make a strong comeback and seems unlikely to do so.
9. Bertha
Bertha was once a strong and respected name, often associated with women of influence. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was widely used, but today, it’s one of the most noticeably “forgotten” names. The harshness of its sound has made it a tough sell for modern parents. Unlike other vintage names that have made a comeback, Bertha remains firmly in the past. While history has plenty of strong women with this name, it doesn’t seem to have the charm needed for a modern revival.
10. Derek
Derek was once a strong, dependable name that peaked in popularity during the mid-to-late 20th century. It had a cool, confident vibe and was commonly associated with athletes, actors, and well-known figures of the time. But in recent years, it’s slipped far down the baby name rankings, with fewer and fewer parents choosing it for their children. Unlike timeless classics that cycle back into fashion, Derek seems to be stuck in a generational gap. It’s not quite old enough to feel vintage and charming, yet it’s not modern enough to feel fresh. With parents now opting for names like Dominic, Dylan, or Damien, Derek is one of those names that’s quietly fading into history.
