Some names feel like they are stuck in the past. If you grew up in the ’80s, you probably had at least one Heather or Jason in your class — maybe five. Back then, these names were everywhere.
Now? You rarely hear them on playgrounds or in baby name lists. A few still hold up, but most have quietly faded out of style. Here's a look at some names that once ruled the ’80s but are barely used today.
Tiffany

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You couldn’t walk through a school hallway in the ’80s without hearing this name at least three times. It had a polished, “cool girl” vibe. You might find it engraved on old charm bracelets, but it’s nearly vanished from birth certificates.
Brandon

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This one ruled the teen heartthrob charts, accompanied by flannel shirts, side-parted hair, and brooding looks. It’s mostly retired from the scene. There are a lot of dads named Brandon, but very few toddlers.
Heather

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Back then, it felt like every cheerleader or babysitter had this name. It was fresh, simple, and easy to say. But it’s no longer holding on in baby name rankings and is hanging out with other names that haven’t aged all that gracefully.
Jason

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Jason started fading in the early 2000s. You hear it here and there, but mostly from guys who grew up with VHS tapes and Walkmans. It hasn’t caught the interest of younger parents.
Stephanie

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For a long stretch, this name had a gentle, familiar sound that people liked. You’d find it in sitcoms and yearbooks alike. It’s become kind of a throwback — not in a bad way, but it’s no longer anyone’s first pick.
Chad

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Quick rise, quick fall. Chad used to sound like the name of a high school quarterback. Now, it’s better known from internet jokes than any actual kids running around the playground. Its moment came and went fast.
Amanda

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At one point, it felt like every third girl had this name. It was sweet, strong, and impossible to avoid. These days, it’s mostly found on resumes or coffee orders. It had its time in the spotlight — and then some.
Travis

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‘Travis’ had kind of a country edge — slightly rebellious but friendly. It worked in both small towns and suburbs. However, it’s faded quietly into the background. Not gone entirely, but definitely not in the spotlight anymore.
Crystal

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Sparkly, fun, and unmistakably ’80s, Crystal felt bold and a little bit glamorous. But the shine wore off over time. It’s rare to hear it in modern classrooms — though you might see it on novelty license plates in gas stations.
Brittany

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It had at least five different spellings, and all of them were everywhere. You couldn’t go far without meeting someone named Brittany. But it burned out fast and started to feel tied to a very specific era.
Jeremy

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Quietly confident, not too flashy — this name just worked. It hung around for years without making a fuss before falling out of use. Not because it’s bad — it just doesn’t grab attention anymore.
Melissa

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‘Melissa’ was warm, friendly, and like someone who always did their homework on time. It was a steady pick for decades that got quietly replaced by trendier names. You’ll hear it even now, just not on many new birth announcements.
Shawn

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Strong, short, and easy to remember, Shawn had a long run, and for good reason. But it’s slipped way down the list. It’s been edged out by newer names with a softer or more modern feel.
Angela

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The name usually characterized people who carried a calm, steady feel — like someone you could count on. It still sounds pleasant but doesn’t seem to catch the interest of new parents anymore.
Scott

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‘Scott’ had one syllable, was straightforward, and easy to say. It was the definition of no-nonsense. But that simplicity might be part of why it’s faded. It just doesn’t stand out in the sea of unique baby names these days.
Kara

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Soft-spoken but cool — Kara was never the loudest in the room, but always memorable. It didn’t overstay its welcome, but it’s definitely off the radar now. While it can still pass as a solid name, it’s just not popular.
Derek

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‘Derek’ had a confident, slightly sporty feel to it. For a while, it was everywhere — and then it wasn’t. It never completely disappeared, but its popularity took a serious dip. You’ll mostly hear it from guys who remember floppy disks.
Nicole

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Elegant but never fussy–Nicole worked with almost any middle name and sounded just right at the time. Since then, it’s gone quiet and is not being passed down much anymore.