All things in life seem to go in and out of vogue, from fashion and food to parenting styles and baby names. At some point all things that are old become new again. Currently, we’re seeing a lot of '60s, '80s, and '90s trends making a comeback and with those come the ideas and mindset of those times in history.
Right now, my girls are wearing a lot of the same fashions and even doing a lot of the same things that I did as a teen. Not going to lie, there’s been a lot of instances of me pulling some of my favorite pieces out of the attic and my girls giving new life to these “vintage” pieces. I’ve also noticed a trend of a lot of parents giving their babies names that I heard a lot growing up. Below are 19 totally 1980s baby names that are making a comeback.
AMANDA
In the '80s there were more Amandas than you could shake a stick at. Honestly, if your kindergarten class didn’t have at least three Amandas or Mandys in it, did you even live in the '80s? Amanda is a girls' name of Latin origin that means loveable or worthy of love — the perfect female empowerment name for any little girl.
DEBORAH
Deborah, also known as Debbie or Debi, is another one of those names that was super popular to hear in the '80s. Deborah is a girls' name of Hebrew origin that means "bee." Debbies could be found sporting all '80s fashion all the time and singing Madonna at the top of their lungs. Deborahs are fun and open-minded with big personalities.
ELIZABETH
Elizabeth, also known as Beth, Bethie or Lizzie, is a girls' name of Hebrew origins meaning "My God is an oath" or "My God is abundance." Maybe that’s why all the Elizabeths I know all seem to be so blessed. Elizabeth is a timeless name that easily transitions to all ages.
EMILY
Emily or Emilie is a girls’ name from the Latin name Aemilia. Emily means "striving," or "eager." Emilys are go-getters who always want to do their best and have big goals in life. You’ll find that whether it’s doing a science project, doing TikToks, or just playing with friends, Emilys give it their all.
HEATHER
Anybody who lived through the actual '80s knows that Heathers are not to be trifled with. Heather is a girls' name of Middle English origins. The name Heather comes directly from the evergreen flowering plant that thrives on peaty barren lands. They might look sweet, but Heathers are tough cookies who run in girl packs.
JENNIFER
Every '80s kid knows that there were always at least seven Jennifers in any class at all times, that’s if you yourself were not named Jennifer, Jenny, or Jenni. Jennifer is a girls’ name originating from Cornwall, England. The meaning of Jennifer is “the fair one” which is funny because 99% of the Jennys I knew were fair-skinned, blond beauties who were popular with girls and boys alike.
KATHERINE
Katherine is another one of those classic names that stays popular no matter the decade. Katherines are often called Kate and Katie and it is a girls’ name of Greek origins meaning “pure.” Katies are energetic, fun, and always living their best lives. These girls don’t give up and don’t know the meaning of the word no.
MELISSA
Melissa is a girls’ name of Greek origin meaning “bee.” Funny story, my sister’s name is Melissa and I’m Deborah. Think my mom likes bees? Melissas are also known as Mel, Meli, and Missy as headstrong, kind and determined girls. They might look delicate but I wouldn’t recommend messing with Melissas unless you like catching hands because they have strict boundaries and know how to handle their business.
REBECCA
Rebecca also known as Becca, Becky (OMG her butt), or Becks is a girls’ name of Hebrew origin. It means “to tie, bind.” Beccas are loyal, free-spirited, and kindhearted. They will certainly bind you to their heart with their amazing personalities.
CHRISTOPHER
Christopher, which is often shortened to Chris, is a boys' name of Greek origins. Chris means "bearer of Christ." Christopher is a classic name and has always been popular in the US. Christophers are dependable, devoted, and athletic.
DECLAN
Declan is a boys' name of Irish origins. Declan means "man of prayer" or "full of goodness." Decalns are mischievous, lovable, and kind. They tend to be charismatic and smart. Declans are well-liked by boys and girls for their big hearts and open personalities.
JAMES
Nicknames for James include Jimmy, Jim, and Jamie. James is a classic boys' name of Hebrew origins and stems from the name Jacob. The meaning of James is "supplanter," which is one who follows. Jimmys are laid-back, funny, charming, and cute. They are also fiercely loyal and down-to-earth.
JOHN
John is a timeless boys' name. Nicknames for John include Johnny, Jax, and Jack. John is originated from the Hebrew name Yohanan. John means “graced by God.” Johns are natural-born underdogs who make great leaders. Johns are smart and extroverted, and often intellectual athletes.
JOSEPH
Joseph is a traditional boys' name with a long nickname list including Joey, Giuseppe, Joe, and JoJo. Joseph is a boys' name of Hebrew origin. It means "God will increase" and it happens to be the name of our 46th president of the United States. Obviously, Joes are good people with big hearts and brains to match. They are charming, caring and bring about change in the world by actively seeking out to do the right thing.
LUCAS
Lucas is is a Latin derivation of the Greek boys' name Loukas. The meaning is "light giving" or "illumination." Bottom line, these little boys are bright and light up the world. Some of the nicknames for Lucas are Louie, Lou, Luca, and Lukey. Boys named Lucas are athletic, creative, and compassionate and often love animals.
MATTHEW
The name Matthew has been around since biblical times, but it still works. Matthew is a boys' name of Hebrew origin that means "gift of God." Nicknames for Matthew are Matt, Matty, Matteo, and Mato. Matts tend to be quiet, kind, and introverted but fun to be around when you get to know them.
MICHAEL
Michael is a boys' name of Hebrew origins. Michael means "who is like God" or "God's gift." Common nicknames for Michael are Mike, Mikey, Mickey, and Miko. Michaels are frequently salt-of-the-earth boys who like sports and living their best lives. They don't let things stir them up too much. They are book smart and street smart. They are good friends.
ROBERT
Robert is a boys' name of Germanic origins. Robert means "flame," "glory," and "shining bright." Common nicknames for Robert include Bob, Robbie, Rob, Bobby, and Beto. Roberts are studious, friendly, and known to go out of their way to help friends in need.
WILLIAM
William is a boys' name of Germanic origins. It means "resolute protector" or "strong-willed warrior." Common nicknames for William are Bill, Billy, Liam, Willy, and Will. Wills are loyal and devoted friends. These little boys are all-sport athletes who respect their mamas, put their girlfriends on a pedestal, and are kind to animals. They are always down to have fun.
