10 Names That Never Go Out Of Style & 10 That May Have Run Their Course

Some names have a way of standing the test of time, carrying with them an undeniable charm that seems to never fade. The names are woven into the fabric of generations and continuously passed down to become classics. But other names, once favored, now seem out of place, their popularity lost to trends that no longer resonate.

The beauty of a name lies in its story, and some stories are meant to be passed along for years to come. In this list, you’ll find the names that continue to reign and those that have quietly fallen into obscurity. 

Before we discuss the names that have run their course, let’s look at some timeless names that are still around today.

Sophia has remained a top contender on baby name charts for over a decade as it’s adored across various cultures worldwide. Even now, parents consistently choose this beautiful name,  partly due to its Greek roots, meaning "wisdom". This lends a sense of depth to families looking for a name with lasting significance.

Centuries of American parents have trusted James as their top choice for boys. This traditional name carries impressive royal heritage through multiple Kings of England throughout history. Additionally, the Hebrew meaning "supplanter" adds depth, while its enduring popularity proves that classic names never truly go out of style.

Oliver, derived from the word oliva, carries the meaningful symbolism of the olive tree. After decades of relative quiet, the name has experienced a resurgence in recent years, frequently appearing on popular baby name lists in English-speaking countries. Its appeal was further solidified by Charles Dickens, who immortalized the name through his iconic character in “Oliver Twist”.

People gravitate toward this simple yet sophisticated sound that never feels outdated. In old German heritage, Emma translates to "whole" or "universal". Its popularity soared in 2022, largely thanks to the character Emma Geller-Green from ”Friends”, and over the past decade, Emma has consistently reigned as one of the top choices for girls' names.

Isabella maintains its prestigious position in the top 10 names across numerous countries globally. This regal name has a rich royal history, particularly throughout Spain and Italy's monarchies. Additionally, the “Twilight” series sparked tremendous modern popularity among contemporary parents. With Hebrew origins meaning "devoted to God", Isabella combines contemporary appeal with deep spiritual meaning.

Known for its royal associations and graceful sound, Charlotte has a timeless charm. It has graced the names of numerous queens and princesses to maintain its elegance across generations. The character Charlotte Lucas in “Pride and Prejudice” played a key role in solidifying the name’s refined image. With its French origins, Charlotte translates to "free man".

Ava strikes a perfect balance between vintage elegance and modern simplicity, which makes it a name that remains forever popular. Its appeal surged with actress Ava Gardner. Often found in the top ranks in the US, Ava is a name that feels both classic and contemporary, with Latin roots that connect it to life and vitality.

Derived from the name William, Liam blends modern appeal with deep historical roots. It has been a top contender in North America for years, with Liam Neeson’s cinematic presence further fueling its popularity. With its Irish heritage, Liam means "strong-willed warrior", a fitting description for a name that carries contemporary charm.

For centuries, Alexander has been a name linked with greatness, thanks to historical figures like Alexander the Great. It continues to be a popular choice in royal circles, reflecting both strength and authority. Also, the name’s Greek origin, which means "defender of men", perfectly captures its powerful appeal.

Mia’s rise to the top is thanks to its simplicity and beauty, making it a favorite for baby girls across the US. Known for its effortless style, Mia consistently ranks at the top with its roots in Italian and Spanish, meaning "mine". In the public eye, Mia Farrow played a role in cementing the name’s cultural significance. 

While the earlier names continue to shine in modern trends, the next couple of them focus on once‑popular choices that have largely faded from use.

Chad dominated the US baby name charts in the 1970s and 1980s, but its charm didn’t last. Overuse made it feel dated, and pop culture turned it into a stereotype for an arrogant young man. With newer, softer-sounding names on trend, parents left Chad in the past.

With its Greek origins meaning "moon goddess", this name now feels stuck in the past, far removed from modern naming conventions. Though it was well-known thanks to figures like actress Cynthia Nixon, the name is rarely used today. Cynthia enjoyed widespread popularity in the '60s but has since seen a dramatic decline.

Once a popular name in the mid-20th century, Gary now ranks low on modern baby name surveys. Although it briefly resurfaced through the “SpongeBob SquarePants” character, Gary the snail, its appeal has weakened. With its Old English meaning of "spear ruler", it no longer resonates with today’s name choices.

Hebrew for “bee”, Deborah reached peak popularity in the 1950s and 1960s as many parents at the time drew inspiration from well-known figures such as Deborah Kerr. However, as the decades passed, the name gradually faded from modern baby lists and left it most visible in historical records and among older generations.

Britney was a favorite in the late '80s and '90s but has since become out of fashion. It was once a cultural icon, especially due to pop star Britney Spears. Today, it rarely appears on modern baby name lists. The name is derived from the region of Brittany in France, historically known as "Britannia" in Latin.

Todd was a name closely tied to the style of the 1960s and 1970s. With its Middle English meaning of “fox”, it carried a sharp and distinctive sound. Current naming choices have moved away from it, and Todd is now seldom heard in conversations about popular baby names.

The success of the “Nancy Drew” mystery series helped strengthen the appeal of the name Nancy. It reached the height of its popularity between the 1930s and the 1950s. Meaning “gracious” in Hebrew, the name remains appealing but is far from common in current naming charts, feeling linked to the past.

Rooted in Irish and meaning “handsome” or “kind”, the name still carries positive qualities. However, shifting trends have pushed it aside, and it rarely appears among today’s newborn choices. Kevin once dominated name charts in the 1970s and 1980s, supported by famous characters such as “Home Alone’s” Kevin McCallister.

Ashley dominated the naming charts throughout the 1980s and 1990s before losing its widespread appeal. Today's parents increasingly view this name as a dated choice, particularly when selecting names for baby girls. Ashley from the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” significantly contributed to the name's peak popularity during its television run.

Tammy became a household name in the 1960s and 1970s after Debbie Reynolds’ song “Tammy” charmed audiences. As a shortened form of Tamara, it appealed to many parents despite its uncertain origins. Today, it rarely appears on birth certificates, marking a steep shift from the widespread use it once enjoyed.