Names that Peaked in 1966
- Dewayne
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark, black"Description:
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
Description:
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.
- Lonny
Origin:
Short form of Alonso or Alonzo, Spanish or ItalianMeaning:
"noble and ready"Description:
The Spanish Alonso and the Italian Alonzo are both widely used in the US, so you may meet more guys named Lonny than you expect.
- Deron
Description:
Deron appears to be a modern given name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Darren (from the Irish Ó Dairinín, meaning "descendant of Dairin"), or could be derived from the Greek name Demetrius or from a surname. The name gained notable popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, possibly influenced by basketball player Deron Cherry who played in the NFL during that period. Another spelling variation, Daron, also saw similar usage patterns. The name's streamlined form fits with naming trends of the era, which favored short, strong-sounding masculine names. Deron has maintained steady though modest usage in subsequent decades, demonstrating its establishment as a recognized given name with particular popularity in the late 20th century.
- Melony
Description:
Melony is a feminine name that represents a modern spelling variation of Melanie, which derives from the Greek 'melaina' meaning 'dark' or 'black.' This alternative spelling emerged in the mid-20th century as parents sought distinctive variations on classical names. The name carries a sweet, melodic quality, perhaps influenced by its phonetic similarity to 'melody' and 'harmony.' Melony reached modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but remains less common than the traditional Melanie spelling. The name evokes warmth and friendliness, with its soft sounds and familiar structure making it accessible while the unique spelling adds character. Some may also associate it with sweetness due to its similarity to 'melony,' relating to melon fruits.
- Angelia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"angel"Description:
Angelia, also called Angelos, was a daughter of Zeus and Hera. She stole her mother's anointments and gave them to Europa, then to escape her mother's wrath went into hiding.
- Dawna
Description:
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.
- Demetra
Description:
Demetra is a feminine name of Greek origin, serving as a variant of Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture, fertility, and the harvest. The name carries significant mythological weight, as Demeter was one of the most revered deities in ancient Greek culture. Demetra has maintained consistent though modest usage, particularly in Greek communities and among families with Greek heritage. The name conveys strength, nurturing qualities, and a connection to the earth. With its classical roots and melodic sound, Demetra appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth and feminine grace that isn't overly common. The name often evokes images of abundance, nurturing, and natural beauty.
- Joell
Description:
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
Description:
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.
- Denita
Description:
Denita is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a diminutive form of Dena or Diana, the latter derived from the Roman goddess of the moon and hunting. Alternatively, it could be related to Dennis, ultimately from the Greek name Dionysios, referring to the god Dionysus. In some cases, Denita might be a variation of Juanita or a creative modern invention. The name has a soft, melodic quality with its flowing vowel sounds. Denita gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s but remains relatively uncommon today. Its appeal lies in its gentle sound and feminine quality while being distinctive enough to stand out without seeming bizarre or difficult to pronounce.
- Tresa
Description:
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.
- Inger
Description:
Inger is a Scandinavian feminine name with ancient Norse origins, derived from the name Ingrid or from the Norse god Ing (also known as Freyr), the god of fertility and peace. The name means 'daughter of Ing' or 'Ing's warrior.' Popular in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, Inger has a rich cultural heritage dating back centuries. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has a clean, strong sound that appeals to those seeking Nordic names or names with historical depth. Inger is typically pronounced with a soft 'g' sound in Scandinavian languages. The name's simplicity, combined with its cultural significance, gives it an understated elegance and strength that transcends trends.
- Sonji
Description:
Sonji is a feminine name with multiple cultural associations. In some contexts, it may be a variation of Sonja, which derives from the Russian diminutive of Sophia, meaning 'wisdom.' In others, it has connections to West African naming traditions. The name gained some recognition in America through Sonji Clay (later Sonji Roi), who was briefly married to Muhammad Ali in the 1960s. Sonji remains relatively uncommon, making it an distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with multicultural resonance. The name has a melodic quality with its soft consonants and ending vowel sound, typical of feminine names across many cultures. Its rarity gives it a special quality for those who bear it.
- Renea
Description:
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.
- Edwardo
Description:
Edwardo is a masculine name that represents a Spanish variation of Edward, which has Germanic origins meaning 'wealthy guardian' or 'prosperous protector.' The name combines 'ead' (wealth, prosperity) with 'weard' (guardian). While Eduardo is the standard Spanish spelling, Edwardo emerged as an alternative form that bridges Spanish and English phonetics. The name carries the dignity and historical weight of traditional Edward, while the 'o' ending gives it a distinctive Latin flair. Edwardo has moderate recognition in Hispanic communities and beyond, though it's less common than Eduardo. The name suggests strength, reliability, and protection—qualities associated with its ancient Germanic roots. Parents might choose Edwardo to honor Hispanic heritage while maintaining connections to the widely recognized Edward family of names.
- Timmothy
Description:
Timmothy is a variant spelling of Timothy, a masculine name of Greek origin meaning "honoring God" or "honored by God." The traditional Timothy derives from the Greek name Timotheos, composed of "timē" (honor) and "theos" (god). This alternative spelling with double 'm' and an 'h' adds a distinctive touch while maintaining the name's classic appeal. Timothy has been popular throughout Christian history due to its biblical connection to Saint Timothy, a companion of Paul the Apostle. While the standard spelling ranks consistently in name popularity charts, Timmothy remains less common, offering familiarity with uniqueness. The name lends itself to friendly nicknames like Tim, Timmy, or Timo.
- Terance
Description:
Terance is a masculine name that serves as a variant spelling of Terrence or Terence. Derived from the Roman family name Terentius, which possibly meant 'tender' or referred to someone from Tarentum (modern Taranto in Italy). This alternative spelling maintains the name's classical roots while offering a slightly modernized presentation. Terance has a refined, somewhat scholarly quality consistent with its ancient Roman connections. While the traditional spelling Terrence saw modest popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly the 1960s-70s, the Terance variant has remained much less common. This relative rarity makes it an option for parents seeking a recognizable name with classical roots but a slightly distinctive presentation that sets it apart from more common variations.