Updated: July 26, 2019
Originally Published: April 5, 2019
What do names like Hazel, Josephine, and Clara evoke? Are they reminiscent of your grandmother’s generation or perhaps the graduates of 2036? According to the “Hundred Year Rule,” they could very well be both!
Naming trends are intriguing and have been traced back to medieval times, influenced by culture and, interestingly, the flow of time. The Hundred Year Rule suggests that names often fade from popularity, sometimes disappearing for decades, before making a comeback roughly a century after their peak.
Looking at the past is a great way to see this in action; many names that were fashionable a century ago are now enjoying a resurgence. While boys’ names tend to remain more consistent, with classics like Robert and William staying in the top ranks, girls’ names show more fluctuation. Here are some vintage names that parents from both eras have deemed suitable for their daughters.
- Frances
Once ranked #9 in 1919, Frances is now at #438, climbing back up from a low of #828 in 2007. The name, famously borne by actress Judy Garland, lends itself to cute nicknames like Frannie and Frankie. - Evelyn
In 1919, Evelyn held the #11 spot and is currently at #9, rising from a low of #288 in 1980. Surprisingly, this name was originally used for boys. French and Irish variants like Aveline and Eibhlín add a beautiful twist. - Annie
Ranked #35 in 1919, Annie is now at #297, recovering from a low of #441 in 1970. It’s often seen as a diminutive of Anne but stands strong on its own, thanks to iconic figures like sharpshooter Annie Oakley and singer Annie Lennox. - Josephine
This name was #26 in 1919 and is now at #107, bouncing back from #498 in 1970. It has a glamorous association with the 1920s thanks to Josephine Baker, while nicknames like Jo and Josie give it a modern twist. - Clara
Once at #43, Clara is now at #96, climbing from a low of #593 in 1978. Its resurgence may be linked to the silent film star Clara Bow, known as “The ‘It’ Girl.” - Elsie
Ranked #47 in 1919, Elsie now sits at #301, having risen from #944 in 1972. The name, derived from Elspeth, serves as an adorable nickname for Elizabeth. - Vivian
This name held the #72 spot in 1919, and is now at #97, bouncing back from a low of #536 in 1981. Despite its former use for boys, it’s most famously associated with actress Vivien Leigh. - Hazel
At #32 in 1919, Hazel is now at #43, recovering from a low of #943 in 1998. Named after the hazel tree, it symbolizes knowledge and creativity. - Ruby
Once ranked #24, Ruby is now at #79, rebounding from #401 in 1986. This name represents both a gemstone and a color, fitting in with the trend of naming daughters after gems like Opal or Pearl. - Dorothy
Ranked #3 in 1919, Dorothy is now at #601, rising from #982 in 2006. The name is tied to beloved pop culture figures like Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz and can be shortened to charming nicknames like Dot or Dottie.
With this trend in mind, what names might rise to popularity next? According to the Hundred Year Rule, we can anticipate the following names—ranked within the top 100 girls’ names in 1925—will soon be back in vogue.
- Betty
Once #3 in 1925, Betty has fallen off the charts since 1996. With a cultural icon like BETTY WHITE, it’s hard to imagine it not making a comeback. - Helen
Ranked #4 in 1925, Helen is still within the top 1,000 but has dropped to #418. Given its historical significance, it’s poised for a resurgence. - Mildred
At #9 in 1925, Mildred disappeared from the charts after 1984. Its nickname Millie gives it a modern feel, and it means “gentle strength.” - Florence
Once #24, Florence is currently lingering around #980. However, its popularity is surging in the U.K., and we expect a revival in the U.S. soon. - Gladys
Ranked #33 in 1925, Gladys vanished from the charts after 1999. It has Welsh roots and could soon gain favor again. - Pauline
This name was #38 in 1925 and is no longer on the chart. It got a boost from the film The Perils of Pauline, suggesting it could return. - Thelma
Once #35, Thelma has been absent since 1982. Its literary origins might see it revived soon, especially alongside its counterpart Louise. - Bernice
Ranked #46 in 1925, Bernice dropped off the charts after 1984. Its historical roots could draw new interest. - Geraldine
At #54 in 1925, Geraldine slipped from the charts after 2012. It saw a minor revival in the 1980s, largely due to Geraldine Ferraro. - Alma
Once #94, Alma remains on the charts at #643. The name means “soul” in Spanish and has nurturing connotations.
Though once dismissed as “grandma names,” many of these classic names are making a strong comeback, much like trends in fashion. If you’re interested in exploring names that might be perfect for your future family, check out this resource on artificial insemination. For more insights on fertility supplements, visit Make a Mom, and for in-depth information on pregnancy and home insemination, refer to this excellent resource on IVF.
Summary
This article explores the resurgence of vintage girls’ names, highlighting ten that are gaining popularity and another ten that might be next in line. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of naming trends through the Hundred Year Rule while providing a look at cultural influences that shape these trends.