Names that Peaked in 1966

Dewayne is a masculine name that gained popularity primarily in the United States during the mid-20th century. It's a variant spelling of Duane, which derives from the Irish surname Ó Dubháin, meaning "descendant of Dubhán" (where Dubhán comes from "dubh" meaning "dark" or "black").

Tatia is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Georgian culture, it's a diminutive of Tatiana, while it also has roots in Native American, Greek, and Latin traditions. The name possibly derives from the Latin 'Tatius,' a Sabine king in Roman history, or from the Greek 'tatto' meaning 'to establish.' In some interpretations, Tatia means 'princess' or 'father's girl.' The name has a gentle rhythm and graceful quality with its soft consonants. While not widely common in the United States or Western Europe, Tatia enjoys modest popularity in Eastern European countries and Georgia. The name's brevity and melodic quality make it easy to pronounce across different languages. Those named Tatia are often perceived as having a classic elegance balanced with an approachable warmth.

Dawna is a feminine name of English origin, representing a feminine variant of the name Dawn. Derived from the Old English word for the first appearance of light in the morning, Dawna carries the same associations with new beginnings, hope, and freshness. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. While Dawn peaked higher on popularity charts, Dawna offered a slightly more elaborate alternative with the same beautiful natural imagery. The name has a gentle, pastoral quality that evokes sunrise and new possibilities. Though less common in recent decades, Dawna retains a timeless appeal with its connection to natural beauty and its soft, flowing sound.

Joell is a feminine variation of Joel, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'Yahweh is God.' The doubled 'l' adds a distinctive feminine touch to the traditional spelling. While less common than similar names like Joelle or Joella, Joell maintains the biblical connection while offering a modern, streamlined alternative. The name saw modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and early 1980s but remains relatively uncommon. Joell combines spiritual heritage with contemporary style, appealing to parents seeking a name with religious significance that still feels fresh and distinctive.

Danette is a feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Dana or Danielle, which themselves derive from the masculine Daniel, meaning "God is my judge" in Hebrew. Popular primarily during the 1950s and 1960s in the United States, Danette exemplifies the trend of creating feminine names by adding the French-inspired suffix "-ette" to create a delicate, feminine variation. The name has a vintage charm that evokes mid-century aesthetics. While its popularity has declined since its peak, Danette maintains appeal for those drawn to retro names or seeking to honor relatives from that era. The name carries a gentle sophistication with its French styling while maintaining familiar roots.

Tresa is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Teresa or Theresa, which derives from Greek origins possibly meaning "harvester" or "summer." This streamlined spelling offers a more phonetic approach to the name while maintaining its classic essence. Tresa first gained modest usage in the mid-20th century, offering a slightly modernized take on the traditional saint's name. While less common than Teresa, this variation appeals to parents seeking a familiar name with a simplified spelling. The name carries the same rich historical connections to Saint Teresa of Ávila and other notable bearers, while having a slightly more contemporary feel. Tresa projects warmth, spirituality, and compassion—qualities associated with its more traditional counterparts.

Renea is a feminine name primarily used in English-speaking countries, derived from the Latin name Renata meaning 'reborn' or 'born again.' It's closely related to René (masculine) and Renée (feminine), which share the same etymological roots connecting to concepts of renewal and spiritual rebirth. The spelling variant Renea emerged in America during the mid-20th century as a phonetic adjustment to the more traditional Renée, removing the accent mark while maintaining the same pronunciation. The name saw modest popularity during the 1960s and 1970s but remains relatively uncommon. Renea combines the spiritual depth of its meaning with an accessible, flowing sound. The name's association with renewal and rebirth gives it an optimistic quality, while its French origins lend it a touch of elegance.