Although Rachel and Corey have some qualities that continue to be stylish today, their popularity in the 70s makes parents associate the sounds with people in their mid 40s, not necessarily babies. So today, I’ve taken some of the most loved names of the 70s and translated their redeeming qualities into modern gems fit perfectly for a baby today. Each one of these 1970s favorites will have some of their pleasing attributes mentioned and some new, fresh choices stemming from each of those attributes. If you’d like me to convert another decade’s most favored choices into trendy treasures, just contact me by filling out my form! And now, let's get started with Leslie!
Leslie
One of the many appealing traits of this 70s favorite is the attention-grabbing z sound that is the equivalent of the x in modern boys names. Think Maxwell, Paxton, and Jaxxon. However, as Leslie becomes less of a chart topper, alternative girl names with that zappy z are drawing the eyes of many parents. Eliza, a girl name that is sure to thank the Broadway production of Hamilton for her inevitable rise in future data, checks the modern classic box, but spices it up with that z. If you’re going for something a bit more ‘out-there’, think about Azalea, a botanical choice that contains elements of trendy Alea/Aaliyah and the strong z sound of Leslie. If the equally modern -ley ending is what’s catching your attention, think about Ainsley, a frilly surname option with the same z-followed-by-ley sequence of Leslie. One final appellation that follows Leslie just as closely as Ainsley but is more of a tomboyish choice is Presley, the surname of the renowned king of rock and roll.
Joel
A biblical boys name (check out more of those in my biblical boys name list!) that remains a pretty classic choice, there really is no reason to have to replace this one. However, if you’re looking to spice this one up a little, the contemporary yet classic Cole may be perfect. Keeping the same sounds of Joel, but without the potential for the nickname Joe/Joey, Cole is an excellent modernized brother to Joel. However, Cole did hit his peak around 2003, so he may not be the freshest either if you’re searching for a truly up to date alternative. Another aspect of Joel is his biblical origins, which lead us to our next Joel substitute: Jonas. With Tobias, Judas, and Silas rising high, why hasn’t Jonas jumped onto the trend train? With his literary attachment to The Giver, biblical origins, and immense popularity in Europe, Jonas could definitely eclipse Joel at some point. One final alternative to Joel stems from his 1 syllable status: Jett. An ultra-modern, one syllable J name, Jett checks many of the same boxes as Joel, but with a completely different style.
Brett
Once a handsome and cool name for a baby boy, Brett has found himself slipping down the charts. But that doesn’t mean parents aren’t still looking for cool and masculine names for boys. One of those more modernized boy names that matches Brett in sound is Barrett. With outside the box animal names like bear and fox, Barrett nicknamed bear fits right in. Similar choice Bennett with the more classic nickname Ben also provides a great update to this name in terms of sound. But neither of these names match the effortlessly cool ambience of Brett. Everett bridges the halfway point between matching the sound and matching the style, but still doesn’t quite hit the mark. Maddox, Ace, and Axel all apply modern style to the vibe of Brett, but with sounds that appeal more to the trends of today.
Stephanie
As normalized as Stephanie has become, she’s actually rooted in Greek mythology, derived from the male name Stephanos. That explains why fellow Greek girl names like Daphne and Persephone share so many of the same sounds, Persephone in particular. Because of their similar roots and sounds but with a bit more of the mystical magic, I would definitely suggest them as substitutes for Stephanie until she comes back in vogue, and I can see Persephone edging forward in coming years due to the popularity of Penelope, another fluid, vowel-heavy P name. As for Stephanie’s qualities outside of sound, her status as a feminization of Stephen also gives me something to work with. Willa and Theodora, two feminine versions of the classics that are trending today, are both viable options for Stephanie’s modern equivalent as well.
April
A Rachel sound-a-like with the imagery of dewy raindrops and spring, April fared quite well in the 70s, and for good reason. If you’re looking for the next modern month name for girls, June will suffice, either as a nickname for the growing Juniper or on her own, June shows no signs of stopping. Echoing the vintage feel of the latest trendy monikers while having her own distinct sound, June is a month name to watch. If the connection to the month isn’t the driving force behind your love for April, maybe Adriel would be an update that matches April in sound. Although April has a very unique letter sequence that isn’t imitated by many names at all, Adriel looks visually similar, despite lacking the sleek and tailored qualities of April. Another name that follows the sound of April is Maple, a fellow nature name that shares the same unique ending, at least sound-wise.
So, did I do the favorite names of the 70s justice with their modern revamps? Comment down below to let me know! I hope you like at least one of my suggestions more than the original, and that you’d fill out my contact form with any new decades you would like me to cover.
Sincerely,
~Delphina Moon
Do you like 70s names or the alternatives better? What decade was your name most popular in? Let me know in the comments below!