Names that Peaked in 1993
- Kaley
Description:
Kaley is a feminine name with Irish roots, related to the surname Cayley or Kaley, which derived from a place name meaning 'woodland clearing.' It gained significant popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, partly due to actress Kaley Cuoco. The name offers a modern take on traditional Irish and Celtic naming elements, with a fresh, contemporary sound. Kaley is often seen as a variant of Kaylee or Cailey, all sharing similar melodic qualities. It strikes a balance between being recognizable and not overly common. The name has a light, breezy quality that suggests a bright, cheerful personality. Parents often choose Kaley for its appealing blend of familiarity and distinctiveness.
- Tylor
Description:
Tylor is a masculine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Tyler, which originally derived from an Old French occupational surname meaning "tile maker" or "tile layer." This alternative spelling gives the classic name a more distinctive appearance while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. Tylor began gaining modest usage in the late 20th century when parents sought fresh variations on popular names. While never reaching the height of popularity that Tyler enjoyed (particularly during the 1980s and 1990s), Tylor offers a subtly unique option with the same strong, approachable quality. The name projects a contemporary feel with historical roots, appealing to parents who appreciate the sound and strength of Tyler but desire something slightly less common.
- Rashawn
Description:
Rashawn is a masculine name that emerged in the United States around the 1970s and gained modest popularity through the 1990s. The name appears to combine the prefix 'Ra-' (possibly from the Egyptian sun god Ra, or from Arabic names beginning with this element) with 'shawn,' a variant of Sean/Shaun (the Irish form of John, meaning 'God is gracious'). This type of prefix-based variation became a notable naming pattern in the latter half of the 20th century. Rashawn exemplifies creative naming practices that blend elements from different traditions to create distinctive yet accessible names. Usage data shows the name has had consistent presence across diverse communities in the United States since the 1970s, though its popularity peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The name's strong consonants and clear pronunciation contribute to its enduring appeal.
- Katlin
Description:
Katlin is a feminine name that represents a modern spelling variation of Caitlin, which itself is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Caitlín, derived from the Greek 'Aikaterine' (Katherine). This variant spelling maintains the same pronunciation while offering a slightly more streamlined appearance. Katlin gained some popularity in the 1980s and 1990s when similar names like Kaitlyn and Caitlyn were trending. The name carries connotations of purity and clarity from its ultimate Katherine origins, which mean 'pure.' Katlin balances familiarity with distinctiveness, making it recognizable yet not overly common. It offers a contemporary feel while still connecting to its traditional Irish and Greek heritage.
- Jasmyne
Description:
Jasmyne is a feminine name, a modern variant spelling of Jasmine, which derives from the Persian 'yasamin,' referring to the fragrant flowering plant. This alternative spelling emerged in the late 20th century as parents sought distinctive variations of popular names. The name evokes the delicate beauty and sweet fragrance of jasmine flowers, which have been prized across many cultures for centuries. Jasmyne gained momentum in the 1990s and early 2000s, particularly in the United States, reflecting the trend toward creative spellings. The 'y' gives the name a contemporary feel while maintaining the recognizable pronunciation. Culturally versatile, Jasmyne crosses boundaries easily, appearing in Persian, Arabic, and Western naming traditions, making it appealing to diverse families seeking a name that combines exotic beauty with familiar sounds.
- Deyanira
Description:
Deyanira is a feminine name with ancient Greek mythological origins. In Greek mythology, Deianeira (alternative spelling) was the wife of Hercules whose actions unintentionally led to his death. The name derives from Greek elements meaning "destroyer of men" or "man-destroyer." Despite its somewhat ominous original meaning, Deyanira has gained popularity in Spanish-speaking countries and Latin American communities, appreciated for its melodic sound and exotic feel. The name has a rhythmic quality with its four syllables and conveys strength and distinction. While not among the most common names, Deyanira offers cultural depth and mythological connections that appeal to parents seeking a name with historical resonance and feminine strength.