Names that Peaked in 2009
- Caylee
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Caylee was the third fastest-rising name in 2009 and peaked then at Number 263, but has since dropped in the charts, perhaps due to the Caylee Anthony association.
- Kaylynn
Origin:
Spelling variation of KaylinDescription:
Kaylynn follows a current trend in naming: add a -lynn or -lin suffix to a simple, single-syllable moniker. Alternate spellings include Kailyn, Cailin, and Kaylen. This variation has one too many Ys, and one too many Ns.
- Konner
Origin:
Spelling variation of ConnorDescription:
This try-too-hard variation is just begging to be spelled at every turn.
- Urijah
Origin:
Spelling variation of UriahDescription:
A creative spelling of Uriah, possibly without the negative connotation. Biblically, Urijah was a prophet mentioned in the book of Jeremiah.
- Isaias
Origin:
Latin variation of IsaiahMeaning:
"Salvation of the Lord"Description:
Widely used in the Hispanic community, as is the shorter Isai. While the original Isaiah and cousin Isaac are much more popular, Isaias commanded attention as the name of a storm in the summer of 2020.
- Jaydan
Description:
Jaydan is a modern masculine name that emerged in popularity during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It's considered a variant spelling of Jayden, which itself developed as a creative extension of the name Jay. The name has no specific historical roots but follows the contemporary trend of names ending with the '-dan' or '-den' sound. Jaydan blends the casual appeal of Jay with a more substantial two-syllable structure. The name saw increased usage in the United States after celebrities began choosing similar names for their children in the 2000s. Jaydan evokes a youthful, energetic quality while maintaining a degree of flexibility that allows it to mature well with its bearer.
- Madelynn
Origin:
Spelling variation of Madelyn, EnglishMeaning:
"woman from Magdala or high tower"Description:
Madelynn is the fourth most popular variation of this durably popular name, with Madelyn ranking first in the Top 100, Madeline dropping to the Number 2 spot, the French Madeleine taking third place, and Madelynn coming in fourth but still ranking in the Top 500.
- Payten
Description:
Payten is primarily a feminine name though it can be used for any gender. It originated as a variant spelling of Peyton, which was traditionally an English surname derived from a place name meaning 'Paega's town' or 'Paega's settlement.' The name gained popularity as a first name in the United States during the 1990s and continued rising in the early 2000s. The unique spelling with 'ay' instead of 'ey' gives it a more contemporary feel. Payten carries connotations of strength and distinction. Its rise coincided with the trend toward using surnames as first names and the popularity of unisex names. The name maintains a modern, sporty image while still retaining traditional roots.
- Janiyah
Origin:
Modern invented name, variation of JaneDescription:
Janiyah’s star is definitely fading, but it will likely remain in the Top 1000 for years to come.
- Kaydence
Origin:
Variation of Cadence, word nameDescription:
We'd prefer to stick with the more-familiar Cadence and avoid the overly trendy Kay- prefix.
- Gauge
Origin:
Word name; Spelling variation of GageDescription:
Gauge is the dictionary spelling, but Gage is the far more popular choice, ranking at Number 281 in 2016.
- Kylah
Origin:
Spelling variation of KylaDescription:
Kylah makes Kyla feel like an old biblical name, but it's only a reproduction, not a real antique.
- Aaden
Origin:
Spelling variation of AidenDescription:
The more popular Aiden becomes, the more spelling variations we see in the Top 1000. This version was as high as Number 271 in 2009, though we recommend choosing a different spelling if you're set on this uber-popular moniker.
- Caydence
Description:
Caydence is a feminine name representing a modern spelling variation of Cadence, which derives from the Latin word 'cadentia' meaning 'rhythm, flow, or falling.' The alternative spelling with 'y' emerged as part of the trend toward unique name spellings in the early 2000s. The name evokes musical harmony and natural flow, making it appealing to music-loving parents or those drawn to names with artistic associations. Caydence gained popularity alongside similar melodic names like Melody and Harmony. The name has a contemporary feel while maintaining connections to classical concepts of rhythm and grace. While the traditional spelling Cadence is more common, Caydence offers a distinctive variation with the same beautiful meaning.
- Calleigh
Description:
Calleigh is a feminine name that emerged as a modern variant spelling of Callie, which itself originated as a nickname for Caroline, Carolyn or other Cal- names. This contemporary spelling gained recognition through the character Calleigh Duquesne in the television series "CSI: Miami," which aired from 2002 to 2012. The name has a Southern charm quality with its soft sounds and unique spelling pattern. Following the show's popularity, Calleigh saw increased usage in the United States, though it has never reached mainstream popularity rankings. The name blends traditional roots with a modern feel, offering parents a name that feels both familiar and distinctive. Its Irish-inspired spelling gives it a touch of Celtic flair.
- Madalynn
Origin:
Variation of Madeleine, FrenchMeaning:
"of Magdala"Description:
Too trendy and too prone to needing to be spelled every time. Just go with the classic (and classy) accepted spellings: Madeleine, Madelyn, or Madeline.
- Jakayla
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Several hundred parents last year chose Jakayla, an elaboration of Kayla, or hybrid of Jacqueline and Makayla.
- Haylee
Origin:
Spelling variation of HaileyDescription:
Haylee dropped out of the Top 500 for the first time since 1992 recently, in step with a decline by Hailey (though the alternative Hadley is still near the Top 100). For some, Haylee is one E too many, but it reflects the broader popularity in -lee suffixes.
- Jaylynn
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
This spelling of the name entered the US Top 1000 in 2001, rising until it found its apex at Number 487 in 2009. It has since been trending in the opposite direction. As with all her sister spellings—Jaelyn, Jaelynn, Jaylin, Jalyn—we urge you to consider a name that has more substance and doesn't sound like the word "jail."
- Cailyn
Description:
Cailyn is a feminine name of Irish and Gaelic origin, representing a modern anglicized spelling of the traditional Irish name Caoilfhionn, which means 'slender' or 'fair.' It can also be seen as a creative variation of Kaylin or a feminine form of Calen. The name began gaining popularity in the United States during the 1990s and early 2000s, part of the trend toward Irish-inspired names with contemporary spellings. While maintaining its Celtic roots, Cailyn offers a more intuitive spelling for English speakers than the traditional Irish form. The name has a gentle, melodic quality that contributes to its appeal. Cailyn strikes a balance between uniqueness and familiarity, making it recognizable without being overly common.
