Classic Baby Names Vanishing as Trends Reshape Naming Choices

As of November 13, 2025, a new report reveals that several beloved baby names from the mid-20th century have now dropped out of the top 1,000 lists or seen declines of over 90% in popularity. Names like Neville and Galvin, once considered classic and dignified, have almost disappeared from modern birth registries, with some experts calling them "functionally extinct" for newborns.

This shift reflects the significant impact of cultural changes, memes, and modern naming aesthetics on what parents choose for their children. A prime example is the name Karen, which was one of the most common names for girls in the 1960s and 1970s. However, its popularity nosedived after the name became a viral stereotype for entitled behavior. Once topping baby name charts, Karen ranked a mere 4,844th last year, with only four babies in the U.S. given the name.

Another fading favorite, Lauren, peaked in popularity in 1996 with over 6,000 births but fell dramatically to 934th place in 2024, with just 34 babies named Lauren. However, data from BabyCenter shows a minor rebound in 2025, ranking it 477th, suggesting a possible nostalgic revival for the name. Other names at risk of disappearing include Sheila, Brenda, Gladys, Roderick, Gary, Dale, and the nearly extinct Neville and Galvin.