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. 

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). 

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.