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I actually really like the name Linus, I think it is usable even now. Rudolph is also usable especially if you have the nn Rudy and/or family history to support it. Grover and Herb are both very dated (as is Linus) but name trends are pretty circular. I wouldn't be surprised if they did come back into fashion. Though personally I hope Herb doesn't. I think only the literary brave will be naming children Ebenezer, Ichabod, Lazarus, or Ahab even ten years from now. I agree Elmo and Kermit are too popular as their respective character; even in ten years those will be names that rise eyebrows.

I think Linus is totally ok to use. Ebenezer in full is a bit much because of Scrooge, however I love Eben and think that is usable. I also have a real soft spot for the name Ichabod and would love for it be usable but I don't think it's there yet.

Grover- Dislike, but I'm unaware of the association, so I guess maybe. We'll see!
Elmo- Maybe, I don't know.
Kermit- I seriously doubt it!
Herb- Eh, maybe. I don't like it anyway. The only plant names I like are flowers, Sorrel, and my guilty pleasure, Coriander.
Linus- I think so.
Ebenezer- No.
Rudolph- I know a Rudolph, actually. About seventeen. Nn Rudy.
Ichabod- I don't think it really goes with current naming trends at all.
Lazarus- Maybe.
Ahab- Maybe.

I think of most of them can be used. I've got no idea why Ebenezer, Ichabod or Ahab are nerdy.
The only one that's a real problem for me is Kermit. For some reason I just can't imagine it on a person.

Grover - eh, maybe
Elmo - no. Way too popular a character and most people's only experience with the name. Maybe in like, 50 or 100 years, but not in 10. (and it's a really silly name to begin with imo)
Kermit - this was never an attractive name and it's image hasn't improved through the frog
Herb - it sounds like an old man name but I have no other major associations with it, I imagine it could work
Linus - probably usable even now, it's a serious sounding name given to a non-central character
Ebenezer - given that everyone will first think of Scrooge and that association's lasted centuries, another decade probably won't fix the fact that it's a terrible namesake
Rudolph - the reindeer will probably stick around but it's a reasonable name and nn Rudy gives it some distance. Might work.
Ichabod - hmm. Pretty strong association there, not sure about this.
Lazarus - as in the bible? I don't have any cartoony associations here, I think it's fair game.
Ahab - same here, not sure where the nerdiness is coming from.

I'm not sure I'm aware of the associations with Herb, Ebenezer, Ichabod, Lazarus and Ahab you might be referring to. Unless Ebenezer is A Christmas Carol? Additionally, I'm only vaguely aware of the association with Grover, as in I had an idea, but had to google it to be sure, and the only reason I know of Linus from Peanuts is because, I believe, I was told of it when I posted about the name on here or somewhere similar. (Are my sentences even comprehensible right now? Boy.)

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In any case, I especially don't think Linus is nerdy. I think Herb - or, better, Herbie - is kind of adorable, that Ebenezer is clunky, literary chic, and that Lazarus is actually perhaps the least nerdy name I can think of. Herb, Linus, Ebenezer, Rudolph, Lazarus, and Ahab are all usable to varying degrees and depending on the parents' bravery. Grover, Elmo, Kermit, and Ichabod would all really, really be pushing boundaries.