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Names that Peaked in 1989

  1. Arsenio

    • Origin:

      Spanish from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "virile, strong"

    • Description:

      Long considered Mr. Hall's exclusive property, it's now ready to be adopted by others.
  2. Meagan

    • Origin:

      Welsh diminutive of Margaret

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      The many spellings of Meagan each seem to suggest a different pronunciation. This one suggests Reagan or the pronunciation MAY-gan.
  3. Brittney

    • Origin:

      Variation of Brittany, English name of the French region Bretagne, meaning 'from Briton'

    • Description:

      While all spellings of these name are off their popularity peak, Brittney gained some recent notice as the name of the American basketball player arrested in Russian, Brittney Griner.
  4. Tiera

    • Description:

      Tiera is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant spelling of Tiara, referring to the crown-like headpiece and suggesting royalty or specialness. Alternatively, it could be related to the Spanish word 'tierra' meaning 'earth' or 'land,' connecting the name to natural elements. In some cases, it may function as a creative variant of Tara, an ancient Irish place name associated with kings. Tiera gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1990s and early 2000s. The name offers a balance of feminine elegance and strength, with its flowing sound but strong 'T' beginning. Its relative uncommonness makes it distinctive while remaining easy to pronounce and spell.
  5. Jalisa

    • Description:

      Jalisa appears to be a modern American name that gained popularity primarily in the 1970s and 1980s. The name may have multiple origins: it could be a variant of Jalissa or a feminine form of Jalix. Another possibility is that it emerged as a creative combination of the popular prefix 'Ja-' with the ending '-lisa' (either borrowed from the name Lisa or as a creative suffix). The prefix 'Ja-' appears in many contemporary American names and may have various origins, including diminutives of names beginning with 'J' like James or Jacob. Usage records show Jalisa reaching its peak popularity in the United States during the 1980s, though it has declined in frequency since then. The name exemplifies the trend of distinctive prefix-modified names and creative combinations that became established in American naming patterns during the late 20th century.
  6. Kala

    • Origin:

      Tamil; Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "Virtue; princess"
  7. Nickolas

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Nicholas

    • Description:

      Nouveau spelling remained in the US Top 300 for all of the 1990s. With the traditional spelling still a highly popular choice, a child bearing the Nickolas version could be accused of misspelling his own name.
  8. Darrius

    • Description:

      Darrius appears to be a variant spelling of Darius, a name of Persian origin meaning 'possessing goodness' or 'wealthy.' The name traces back to several Persian kings named Darius, including Darius the Great who ruled in the 6th century BCE. This particular spelling with the doubled 'r' emerged in usage in the United States during the latter part of the 20th century, gaining notable popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. The spelling variation maintains the classical roots while creating a distinctive written form. Darrius represents a pattern seen in many contemporary adaptations of historical names, where traditional names are given slightly modified spellings. The name has maintained steady usage across diverse communities in the United States since its emergence, balancing classical heritage with modern spelling preferences.
  9. Kendell

    • Description:

      Kendell is a masculine name derived from the Welsh place name Kendal, meaning 'valley of the River Kent.' This contemporary spelling variation of Kendall adds a distinctive touch to the traditional name. Kendell emerged in popularity during the late 20th century as part of the trend toward using surnames as first names. The name has a modern, strong sound while maintaining a connection to British geographical heritage. While less common than similar names like Kendrick or Kenneth, Kendell offers a unique option that balances familiarity with distinctiveness. The name has a professional, sophisticated quality that grows well with a person from childhood into adulthood, contributing to its steady though modest popularity in English-speaking countries.
  10. Elizabet

    • Origin:

      Hungarian; Bulgarian, from Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      A variant of Elizabeth that is very popular in Hungary, that would translate well as a small quirky twist on the familiar classic.
  11. Stephani

    • Description:

      Stephani is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Stephanie, which derives from the Greek 'Stephanos' meaning 'crown' or 'garland.' This particular spelling, without the final 'e,' emerged as an alternative in the mid-20th century, offering a slightly more distinctive take on the classic name. While the traditional Stephanie peaked in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, the Stephani variant remained less common, appealing to parents seeking something familiar yet individualized. The name carries associations with achievement and victory from its Greek roots. Though less frequently used for newborns today, Stephani maintains a modern feel while connecting to a long naming tradition, and can be shortened to familiar nicknames like Steph or Ani.
  12. Casandra

    • Description:

      Casandra is a feminine name variant of Cassandra, which derives from Greek mythology. The original Cassandra was a Trojan princess blessed with the gift of prophecy but cursed so that no one would believe her predictions. The name comes from Greek elements possibly meaning 'to excel' and 'man,' though some scholars suggest it may have pre-Greek origins. This spelling variation with a single 's' offers a slight modernization of the classical name while retaining its mythological connections. Casandra has remained relatively stable in popularity, never reaching the heights of Cassandra but maintaining steady usage. The name carries an air of mystery and wisdom, influenced by its prophetic namesake, while its flowing sounds and familiar structure make it accessible.

  13. Montrell

    • Description:

      Montrell appears to be a modern masculine name that emerged in the United States in the latter part of the 20th century. It may combine elements of the French surname/place name 'Mont' (meaning 'mountain') with the common masculine name suffix '-rell' or '-rel'. The name gained moderate popularity during the 1980s and 1990s. Linguistically, it follows a pattern of names with French-inspired prefixes combined with customized suffixes. While not among the most common names, Montrell has maintained consistent usage in various communities across the United States. The name has a distinctive rhythm and strong sound that likely contributes to its appeal, with the emphasis typically placed on the second syllable.
  14. Samatha

    • Description:

      Samatha is a feminine name that appears to be a spelling variant of the more common Samantha. Without the 'n' before the final 'tha,' this version creates a slightly different rhythm when pronounced. The traditional Samantha derives from Aramaic origins meaning 'listener' or Hebrew roots signifying 'heard by God.' Samatha maintains these meaningful connections while offering a streamlined alternative. The name carries an inherent friendliness and approachability, qualities that contributed to Samantha's widespread popularity in the late 20th century. While significantly less common than Samantha, Samatha offers parents a way to honor family members named Samantha while giving their child a subtly distinctive variation. The name works well cross-culturally and ages gracefully from childhood through adulthood.
  15. Kaci

    • Description:

      Kaci is a feminine name with multiple origins. It can be an Irish variant of Casey, derived from 'Cathasaigh' meaning 'vigilant' or 'watchful.' It's also seen as a diminutive of Katherine or a modern spelling variation of Kasey. The name gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, reaching its peak in the early 1990s. Kaci is appreciated for its friendly, approachable sound while maintaining a distinctive quality. The name carries a youthful, energetic connotation and has remained a modest choice for parents seeking something familiar yet not overly common.

  16. Brittni

    • Description:

      Brittni is a modern feminine variant spelling of Brittany, a name derived from the Celtic-French region of Brittany (Bretagne). This alternative spelling emerged in the 1970s and 1980s as parents sought ways to personalize the extremely popular Brittany while maintaining its recognizable sound. The name peaked in popularity during the 1980s and early 1990s, reflecting the era's trend toward creative spellings. Brittni carries the same cultural associations as Brittany—connections to Celtic heritage and the beautiful French coastal region—while offering a more distinctive presentation. The streamlined spelling with an 'i' ending gives the name a more contemporary, concise feel while distinguishing it from the more common spelling. Today, Brittni has a distinctly millennial character.

  17. Arron

    • Description:

      Arron is a masculine name that represents an alternative spelling of Aaron, which has ancient Hebrew origins. The biblical Aaron was the elder brother of Moses and the first High Priest of the Israelites. The name may derive from an Egyptian origin meaning 'exalted' or 'high mountain,' or from Hebrew roots meaning 'bearer of martyrs.' This variant spelling with the double 'r' gives the traditional name a slightly different visual appearance while maintaining the same pronunciation. Arron gained some popularity in the late 20th century as parents sought variations on classic names. It shares the strong, masculine qualities of the original Aaron while offering a subtly distinctive spelling. The name conveys strength and leadership, carrying its biblical heritage into modern usage.
  18. Brittnay

    • Description:

      Brittnay is a feminine name that emerged as a spelling variant of Brittany, which derives from the name of the northwestern French region with Celtic heritage. This alternative spelling gained some popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, when Brittany itself was widely used. Brittnay offers a slightly modified version of the original, maintaining the same pronunciation while providing a more distinctive spelling. Like other variant spellings that emerged during this period, it reflects the trend toward personalized name versions. The name has a youthful, contemporary feel despite its ancient geographic origins. Less common than the standard spelling, Brittnay appeals to parents seeking a familiar name with a slightly unique presentation.
  19. Britni

    • Description:

      Britni is a modern feminine name, typically considered a variant spelling of Brittany or Britney. The name derives from the Latin 'Britannia', referring to Great Britain, and became widely recognized in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s. This alternative spelling emerged as parents sought more distinctive ways to personalize the popular name. Britni reached its peak popularity in the mid-1990s, influenced by celebrities like Britney Spears, before gradually declining. The simplified spelling gives the name a contemporary feel while maintaining the recognizable sound. Today, Britni represents a distinctive variation that balances familiarity with uniqueness for those connected to the millennial naming trends.
  20. Christop

    • Description:

      Christop, along with other truncated names such as Elizabet, Alexadr, and Katherin, appeared in the Top 1000 of 1989. It was the result of a glitch in some of New York state's data entry, which only allowed names to be entered up to eight characters.