Names that Peaked in 2008

  1. EmmaHeart
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "universal"
    • Description:

      Emma has now been among the top girl names in the United States for several years, claiming the Number 1 crown in 2008 and again from 2015 to 2018 before dropping back to second place.
  2. DanielHeart
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is my judge"
    • Description:

      Daniel is one of only a handful of male names that sounds both classic and modern, strong yet approachable, and popular but not cliched. It also has a solid Old Testament pedigree. The only real downside: There are about 10,000 Daniels named each year, making it a less than distinctive choice.
  3. JacobHeart
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"
    • Description:

      Biblical Jacob ceded his Number 1 spot to biblical Noah, in 2013, after holding first place on the list of baby boy names from 1999 to 2012, given a huge boost by the Twilight phenomenon.
  4. AdrianHeart
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "man of Adria"
    • Description:

      Adrian is derived from Hadrianus, a Roman family name meaning "from Hadria." There were two Roman towns called Hadria, the first in Northern Italy, modern day Adria, and the second in Central Italy, known today as Atri. The name of the Adriatic Sea comes from the same origins as Adrian.
  5. AnthonyHeart
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "from Antium"
    • Description:

      Anthony is derived from the Roman family name Antonii, and was initially used as Antony, without the "h." The name evolved into Anthony in the 17th century, when it was speculated that it derived from the Greek word anthos, meaning "flower." In England, whether it's spelled Anthony or Antony, the name is often pronounced as the latter, while Americans typically utter the "h" if present.
  6. NatalieHeart
    • Origin:

      French variation of Russian Natalia
    • Meaning:

      "birthday of the Lord"
    • Description:

      Natalie is the French variation of Natalia, a name originally derived from the Latin phrase natale domini, meaning "birthday of the Lord." It was historically given to girls born around Christmas for this reason. Nathalie is an additional, though less common, spelling of the name.
  7. GavinHeart
    • Origin:

      Celtic
    • Meaning:

      "white hawk"
    • Description:

      Gavin, a name with Scottish roots, has stepped into the spotlight, replacing the dated Kevin, thanks in part to pop-rock sensation Gavin DeGraw and Bush lead singer Gavin Rossdale.
  8. JonasHeart
    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Jonah
    • Meaning:

      "dove"
    • Description:

      Jonas has a slightly more grandfatherly image than the English version of his name, but that only adds to its retro appeal. And though it may lag behind Jonah in this country, Jonas is riding a huge wave of popularity in Europe, where it ranks highly in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Norway.
  9. MaximilianHeart
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "greatest"
    • Description:

      This name once seemed a bit grand and pompous for an American baby boy, but a significant number of parents are now preferring it as a substantial platform for the nickname Max, among them Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, who chose it for their twin son.
  10. MarleyHeart
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "pleasant seaside meadow"
    • Description:

      Reggae master Bob's surname was one of the biggest risers on the popularity charts for girls in 2008, with spellings Marlee and Marely also leaping in favor. Also used for boys, Marley is one of the top unisex names in the US.
  11. EmmanuelHeart
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is with us"
    • Description:

      Emmanuel--spelled with one or two 'm's'-- was popular with early Jewish immigrants, until overused nickname Manny caused it to fade. Now, this important biblical name is being revived in its full glory.
  12. BrodyHeart
    • Origin:

      Irish, English, and Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "broad eye or broad island"
    • Description:

      The energetic Brody is a name that claims different meanings and origins depending on whether you're looking at its Irish, Scottish, or English history -- and Eastern Europeans claim a version too. An alternate spelling is Brodie.
  13. JoaquinHeart
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Joachim
    • Meaning:

      "God will judge"
    • Description:

      Actor Joaquin Phoenix (brother of River, Rain, Liberty and Summer) highlighted this one, then Kelly Ripa began talking about younger son Joaquin on her daily TV show, and presto—it's now one of the hottest and most appealing multicultural baby boy names.
  14. UrielHeart
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is my light"
    • Description:

      It's the name of an Old Testament archangel that's symbolically given to boys born during Chanukah, but the possibility of unsavory nicknames (urinal?) make the short form Uri a better bet.
  15. JolieHeart
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "pretty"
    • Description:

      Jolie is as pretty as its literal meaning; nowadays it is also seen as a girls’ name, via Angelina for whom Jolie was originally her middle name.
  16. RishiHeart
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "sage"
    • Description:

      In Hindu mythology, the Rishis are sages and seers; in modern times, Rishi Rich is a popular British-born musician and record producer.
  17. KeeganHeart
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "son of Egan"
    • Description:

      Keegan is one of a clan of spirited Irish surnames starting with K and ending with 'n'--this one with the cheery double 'e' in the middle-- that are appealing to an increasing number of parents. It derives from Mac Aodhagáin, meaning "son (or descendant) of Aodhagán," a diminutive of the Irish name Aodh--pronounced Aye.
  18. BrodieHeart
    • Origin:

      Scottish surname
    • Meaning:

      "little ridge"
    • Description:

      This geographic Scottish surname is more often spelled Brody in the US. Both forms have seen decreasing popularity, which may be linked to its association with club-hopping Hills star Brody Jenner.
  19. MarleyHeart
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "pleasant seaside meadow"
    • Description:

      Harley is a tough guy, while the rhyming Marley has a softer, gentler image. The name brings to mind reggae great Bob Marley, as well as the lovable dog from bestseller Marley and Me.
  20. MileyHeart
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      One-time overnight success name, thanks to Hannah Montana actress and singer Miley Cyrus, Miley has fallen quickly from her peak of Number 127 in 2008. For Miley Cyrus, Miley was a childhood nickname (because she was so smiley); Destiny is her real name. Miley is a good lesson in avoiding trendy names. Popular opinion of the source can sour leaving a fresh name looking dated.