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Names that Peaked in 1978

  1. Anwar

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "brighter, clearer"

    • Description:

      Strongly identified with peace-accord-seeking Egyptian president Anwar el-Sadat.
  2. Shanna

    • Description:

      Shanna is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. Most commonly, it's considered an Americanized variation of the Irish name Shannah, meaning 'wise' or a feminine form of Shane, meaning 'God is gracious.' Alternatively, it may derive from the Hebrew name Shoshana, meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' Shanna gained considerable popularity in the United States during the 1970s, reaching its peak usage in 1977. The name has a soft, melodic quality while remaining straightforward to pronounce and spell. Often pronounced 'SHAN-uh,' this accessible name offers the nickname option 'Shan.' Though less common for babies today, Shanna retains a classic, unpretentious charm that bridges multiple cultural traditions.
  3. Jamil

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful"

    • Description:

      Familiar and handsome, Jamil is a name of Arabic origin. Its literal meaning is "beautiful" and while this can refer to physical beauty, as a Quranic name, it more specifically refers to beautiful behavior, such as patience, kindness, and courteousness.
  4. Monika

    • Description:

      Monika is a feminine name primarily of Latin origin, being a variant spelling of Monica. The name derives from the Latin 'moneo' meaning 'to advise' or 'to remind.' Monika is particularly popular in Central and Eastern European countries, including Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, and Hungary, where this spelling is preferred over the more Anglicized 'Monica.' The name gained international recognition through Saint Monica, the persistent and prayerful mother of Saint Augustine. Monika has a melodic quality with its soft consonants and balanced syllables. While the 'Monica' spelling peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1970s, the 'Monika' variant maintains steady usage particularly in European countries and among families honoring their European heritage.
  5. Aja

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Aya or Hindi

    • Meaning:

      "goat"

    • Description:

      Sounds like and is often confused with Asia, though it has an air of retro cool via the seminal Steely Dan album. Or, pronounced eye-ah, it can be an alternate spelling of the international favorite Aya.
  6. Chrissy

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Christina or Christine, Latin and Greek

    • Meaning:

      "Christian"

    • Description:

      This slightly unusual spelling of the '80s cheerleader name is now associated with two appealing young celebrities: model Chrissy Teigen and This Is Us star Chrissy Metz. Both have Christine on their birth certificate.
  7. Krissy

    • Description:

      Krissy is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Christina or Kristina, ultimately derived from the Greek word 'Christos' meaning 'anointed one.' This affectionate nickname began appearing as an independent given name in the mid-20th century, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s when informal names gained popularity. Krissy conveys a perpetually youthful, friendly quality with its diminutive -y ending. While it peaked several decades ago, it remains recognized as a cheerful, approachable name. Some parents now choose it as a formal name rather than using the longer Christina, appreciating its unpretentious charm. The name maintains connections to the Christian tradition while offering a casual, familiar feel.
  8. Shasta

    • Origin:

      Place-name, Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "teacher, guide, ruler"

    • Description:

      A Californian mountain name revered by healers and spiritualists, Shasta has a New Age, cowboy feel. The mountain takes its name from the Indigenous American tribe, the Shasta people - though this name is believed to have been given to them either by white people, or by the nearby Klamath people.
  9. Kristy

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of all variations of Kristina

    • Meaning:

      "a Christian"

    • Description:

      Kristy (and Kristi and Kristie) are the ultimate kool girl nicknames of the sixties and seventies, not kwite as kute any more.
  10. Jameel

    • Description:

      Jameel is a masculine name of Arabic origin meaning 'beautiful,' 'handsome,' or 'graceful.' Traditionally spelled جميل in Arabic, the name has been used throughout the Islamic world for centuries. Its positive meaning and melodious sound have contributed to its enduring popularity across the Middle East, North Africa, and Muslim communities worldwide. In Western countries, Jameel began gaining recognition in the late 20th century as cultural diversity in naming practices increased. The name carries an elegant simplicity with its two-syllable structure and smooth pronunciation. Parents might choose Jameel for its meaningful definition, cultural significance, or its balance of being recognizable yet distinctive in many Western contexts.

  11. Kristofer

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Christopher, Greek and Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bearer of Christ"

    • Description:

      Kristofer and all his cousins (and kousins) is an ancient name that was hugely popular from the 1970s through the 1990s, spawning a wide number of variations. Americans will be familiar with this phonetic spelling with an exotic spin.
  12. Hasan

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful, handsome"

    • Description:

      Hasan is a significant Muslim historical figure — he was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and the son of Ali and Fatimah. Shia Muslims consider Hasan a martyr — he died after being poisoned by his wife. It is a popular choice in Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the UK.
  13. Christel

    • Description:

      Christel is a feminine name with Germanic origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Christina or Christine. Popular throughout Germany, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands, it represents a variation of the name derived from 'Christ.' The name conveys the meaning 'follower of Christ' or 'little Christian one' with its diminutive suffix. Christel experienced modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. It offers a distinctive European alternative to the more familiar Christine or Christina while maintaining the same religious connection. The name has a delicate, melodious quality that combines traditional religious significance with a touch of continental European sophistication.
  14. Cory

    • Origin:

      English variation of Corey, Irish, or diminutive of any Cor-beginning name

    • Meaning:

      "from the hollow"

    • Description:

      This Corey variation is getting a fresh shot of style juice thanks to young It Girl Cory Kennedy (not to be confused with RFK daughter, filmmaker Rory Kennedy).
  15. Natosha

    • Description:

      Natosha is a feminine name that emerged as a variant of Natasha, which is itself a Russian diminutive of Natalia, meaning 'birthday' or 'born on Christmas Day' from the Latin 'natalis.' The spelling with 'o' instead of 'a' gives it a distinctive quality while maintaining the melodic sound of the original. Natosha gained some popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s when Russian-inspired names were trending. The name has a warm, friendly quality with its soft consonants and open vowel sounds. While less common today, it remains an option for parents seeking a recognizable yet distinctive name with Slavic roots.
  16. Lakeisha

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

      Perhaps the best known of the La names that peaked in the 1980s, it stems from the biblical Keziah, plus the gallic La prefix that rose to prominence centuries ago among the Creole people and Free Blacks of New Orleans.
  17. Delvin

    • Description:

      Delvin is a masculine name with Irish and Gaelic origins. It likely derives from the Irish place name Delvin (Dealbhna in Irish), a region in County Westmeath, Ireland. The name may ultimately stem from the Gaelic word 'dealbh', meaning 'form' or 'shape'. Delvin has a strong, dignified sound while maintaining a somewhat soft quality through its 'v' consonant. The name gained modest usage in the United States during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon. It shares some phonetic similarities with more popular names like Kelvin and Melvin, making it familiar-sounding yet distinctive. Delvin offers parents a name with authentic Celtic origins without being overly common.

  18. Kristoffer

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Christopher, Greek and Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bearer of Christ"

    • Description:

      This Scandinavian spin on Christopher gives that enduring classic a lighter, more individual twist, though many may see it as simply a kree8iv spelling.
  19. Donta

    • Description:

      Donta is a masculine given name that emerged in the United States in the latter half of the 20th century. It may be a shortened form of names like Ladontae or a variation of Dante (derived from the medieval Italian name, ultimately from the Latin name Durant, meaning "enduring"). Another possibility is that it developed as a variant spelling of Donte. The name began appearing with more frequency in naming records during the 1970s and 1980s. While not among the most common names, it has maintained steady usage since its emergence. Donta exemplifies naming patterns that favor shorter forms, distinctive spellings, and strong consonant sounds. Several athletes have brought visibility to the name in contemporary American culture.
  20. Somer

    • Description:

      Somer is a modern unisex name though more commonly used for girls, with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Summer, evoking the warmth and vibrancy of the season, or it could derive from an occupational surname referring to someone who carried out summing or calculations. The name has a contemporary, streamlined feel that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. While not among the most popular names, Somer has maintained a steady if modest presence in naming records since the late 20th century. Its simplicity gives it versatility across cultures, and its connection to Summer provides pleasant associations with warmth, growth, and brightness, without being as directly seasonal as the more common spelling.