Retro Baby Names: Popular Girls' And Boys' Names From The 1950s, UK Archives Reveal | HuffPost Life

From Kenneth to Valerie 💖

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Life editor at HuffPost UK

We’ve looked at baby names in the 1980s that made us feel nostalgic and delved into the 1900s names that are enjoying a comeback. Now, we’ve looked at official data from the 1950s to find traditional names you can use for inspiration today.

Some of the most commonly used names for girls in the 1950s - Susan, Linda, Christine, Jacqueline - are ranked in the 1,000s in the current list. However some of the most-used boys’ names - David, James, William and Thomas - are still up there in the top 20.

We have listed the 25 most popular girls’ and boys’ names from 1954 below, and compared them to the latest official list of the most popular names in 2016, according to the Office For National Statistics.

Lambert via Getty Images

Top boys’ names in 1954:

1. David (Currently #43)

2. John (Currently #120)

3. Stephen (Currently #401)

4. Michael (Currently #59)

5. Peter (Currently #188)

6. Robert (Currently #109)

7. Paul (Currently #303)

8. Alan (Currently #181)

9. Christopher (Currently #138)

10. Richard (Currently #278)

11. Anthony (Currently #140)

12. Andrew (Currently #209)

13. Ian (Currently #565)

14. James (Currently #12)

15. William (Currently #11)

16. Phillip (Currently #322)

17. Brian (Currently #406)

18. Keith (Currently #2804)

19. Graham (Currently #2175)

20. Kevin (Currently #166)

21. Martin (Currently #252)

22. Colin (Currently #748)

23. Steven (Currently #486)

24. Thomas (Currently #9)

25. Kenneth (Currently #818).

George Marks via Getty Images

Top girls’ names in 1954:

1. Susan (Currently #1525)

2. Linda (Currently #1278)

3. Christine (Currently #916)

4. Margaret (Currently #423)

5. Janet (Currently #2547)

6. Patricia (Currently #790)

7. Carol (Currently #4096)

8. Elizabeth (Currently #38)

9. Mary (Currently #250)

10. Anne (Currently #1086)

11. Ann (Currently #1416)

12. Jane (Currently #1370)

13. Jacqueline (Currently #1834)

14. Barbara (Currently #1031)

15. Sandra (Currently #861)

16. Gillian (Currently #4096)

17. Pauline (Currently #3214)

18. Elaine (Currently #1689)

19. Lesley (Currently #5785)

20. Angela (Currently #605)

21. Pamela (Currently #4096)

22. Helen (Currently #622)

23. Jennifer (Currently #246)

24. Valerie (Currently #861)

25. Jean (Currently #2120).

Whether you’re looking for a name that is ‘cool’, ‘cute’, ‘pretty’, or ‘unique’, our Baby Name Generator is here to inspire you. Discover the meaning of your favourite name, browse the 100 most popular baby girl names and baby boy names in England and Wales, or let our Random Name Generator throw up an unusual suggestion.

Before You Go

14 Perfect Baby Names For Children Born In The Winter Months

Robin(01 of14)

Robin is English in origin, and originally became popular because of Robin Hood. Today the name is more closely associated with the British wintery bird - the robin red breast.

Snow(02 of14)

Nothing says winter months like longing for a touch of snow on the ground. Whether you love it or hate it, a white Christmas is symbolic of the season.

Alaska(03 of14)

This might seem like an odd choice for non-Americans, but famous for being a place of temperature extremes, Alaska has beautiful origins, meaning 'great land'.

Noelle(04 of14)

Noelle (or Noel) translates from French to Christmas.

January(05 of14)

Made famous by actress January Jones, this would be a great choice for a baby born in the first month of the year, or for parents who love the new beginnings it represents.

Elsa(06 of14)

The idea of calling your child Elsa might give lots of parents Frozen-related nightmares, but you have to admit, it's pretty wintery.

Holly(07 of14)

What could be more traditional than paying homage to the winter shrub? Holly is a name with English roots.

Paloma(08 of14)

The Spanish name for dove, Paloma is a great choice for a girl.

Neva(09 of14)

In Latin, the word 'nivis' means snow and this has evolved into Neva in the English language. A great choice if you fancy weather-inspired monikers, but want to be less obvious.

Demi(10 of14)

Demeter was the Greek goddess responsible for the arrival of winter. Shortened to Demi this is a great name for a child of the colder months.

Lumi(11 of14)

Meaning snow in Finnish, Lumi is a great choice (even if the most snow we get is some wet slush).

Bianca(12 of14)

Famous for staring in both Shakespeare's 'Othello' and 'The Taming Of The Shrew', Bianca actually translates to white.

Ember(13 of14)

A less conventional choice (sounding a little like Amber), Ember evokes images of cold nights getting cosy by the fire.

Eirwen(14 of14)

Eirwen is a Welsh name (pronouced 'Ay-ren') and roughly translates to white as snow.

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