These days, it is difficult to select the perfect name, not because there aren't any, but because there are too many to choose from. That's right, the 21st century has brought with it a whole host of brand new names, some that have been completely invented and some that have been creatively constructed.
However, names from past centuries still often appear and are a nice bit of light relief when compared to some of the names that are doing the rounds at the moment. In fact, the names of some of the most iconic classical movie stars have become extremely popular as of late and are somewhat making a comeback. So, here are 10 names inspired by Classical Hollywood movie stars.
10 Rock Hudson
Rock Hudson was one of the most handsome men of the classical Hollywood era and had both men and women lusting after him. Back then, Hudson was a popular actor and got top billing on a number of successful movies.
Nowadays, he is mostly remembered for his partnership with fellow actor, Doris Day, starring in films such as Pillow Talk and Love Came Back. Hudson's real name was the not so impressive, Roy Harold Scherer Jr, therefore it is easy to see why he changed it. As a result of his legacy, the names, Rock, and Hudson have become popular first names for baby boys, with Hudson reaching number 51 in 2019.
9 Bette
Bette Davis is regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time and is often credited as an inspiration towards up and coming actors. Davis is mostly renowned for playing unsympathetic, snarky and unruly powerful women, however, that wasn't all she could do.
In fact, Davis's career spanned a whopping 60 years and also included several awards and nominations. These days, Davis is often seen as a somewhat feminist icon, a reason to why so many baby girls are now being honored with the name. That's right, either pronounced Betty or Bette (Bet), the name is now considered a unique and vintage girl's name.
8 Humphrey
Humphrey Bogart is probably one of the most recognizable faces to have come out of the classic Hollywood era and is now considered to be a cultural icon as a result. Interestingly, Bogart is just one of a small number of people who kept their real name when venturing into Hollywood, preferring to keep his own name.
Back in the day, the name was a common first name, peaking in the late 1800s and staying steady until the late 1930s. However, these days, the name is extremely rare and is usually used for a cat or a dog.
7 Ginger
Ginger Rogers is best remembered for her amazing dancing skills and on-screen partnership with her dance partner, Fred Astaire. The iconic movie stars often lit up the stage while dancing in famous movies such as Swing Time and Top Hat. Ginger Rogers's real name was, Virginia, however, one of her younger cousins struggled to pronounce it, preferring to use "Badinda" instead. The nickname soon turned into "Ginga" which then turned into "Ginger" and stuck. The name is usually used as a nickname for people with red hair, yet recently more and more people with different colored hair are being named Ginger as an outright first name.
6 Fred
The name Fred has always been around in some form or another, from Fred Flintstone and Fred Astaire to the next-door neighbor's cat, yes, the name has always been popular. However, the name seems to have gone missing as of late and recently fell out of the top 100 for the first time since 1955.
Interestingly, the name is much more common in northern and western parts of Europe, with the name usually presented as Frederick. Nevertheless, despite the United States and the United Kingdom's rejection Fred, tailored versions such as Freddie or Freddy have become much more welcomed.
5 Audrey
Audrey Hepburn is mostly known for exceptional acting skills, however, she is also regarded as one of the greatest fashion icons in the world. That's right, Hepburn is often considered as the face of the Classical Hollywood era, and was recently inducted into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame.
Therefore, it is easy to see why so many parent's want to name their children after her. Yes, in 2018, the name, Audrey, surged in popularity, reaching number 46 in most popular girl's names. In fact, the name is also favored by celebrities, with actor Greg Kinnear and Steve Zahn naming their daughters after the Hollywood icon.
4 Brando
Marlon Brando is often regarded as the best actor to have ever graced this earth. That's right, Brando, who worked for a whopping 60 years, is also considered to be a cultural icon, with movies such as On the Waterfront and The Godfather a master class in the art of acting. Brando was also easy on the eye and noted for his handsome looks and brooding persona. As a result of his success, it is easy to see why so many parents have used his name to name their own kids, with both Marlon and Brando popular boy's names. However, it is Brando that has become more unique, with only a select few named Brando in the United States.
3 Greta
Greta Garbo first made her name in the silent film industry, where she was applauded for her brooding eyes and mysterious persona. When the Talkies arrived, Garbo was just one of a select few who successfully made the transition from silent movies to sound and won audiences over with her slight Swedish accent and beautiful voice.
Garbo is now considered to be one of the greatest actors of all time, with parents all over the world still continuing to name their children after her. In fact, the name is extremely popular in the United Kingdom, making its way into the top 500 in 2019.
2 Bing
Most people know Bing Crosby for White Christmas, however, his career started way before that spanning a whopping 50 years, right up until his death in 1977. Crosby was a fan favorite and was mostly loved by women who loved his all American persona. Interestingly, Crosby's real name was Harry but he acquired the nickname "Bing" when playing cops and robbers as a child, shouting "bing, bing, bing, bing" as the noise for his toy weapon. As a result of his success, the name Bing has now become an outright first name, although it is still extremely unique.
1 Monroe
What can be said about Marilyn Monroe that hasn't already been said? Marilyn Monroe is probably one of the most iconic women in the world and is actually one of the most underrated actors of all time. Yes, Monroe really knew how to act, however, it was the way that she looked and her private life that managed to take up the limelight. These days, nearly sixty years after her death, Monroe is still as popular as ever, with her name now becoming a popular first name. That's right, the name Monroe has now become a common first name for both girls and boys, following the recent trend of gender-neutral first names.