Names that Peaked in 1968
Across 3 pages
of 3
The names
Michael
Hebrew
"who is like God?"
Michael was the Number 1 American boys' name for almost half a century. While Michael has moved out of the Top 10 baby boy names , it's still widely used. How has Michael racked up this phenomenal…
Dean
English
"church official"
Dean may sound to some like a retro surfer boy name, but it is once again climbing up the popularity chart in the USA. For decades it was associated with Dean (born Dino) Martin; more recent…
Patrick
Latin
"noble, patrician"
Patrick, long tied to a hyper-Irish image, is enjoying something of a renaissance as a stylish classic, as it has long been considered in England. Along with such choices as Charles and George,…
Carmen
Spanish variation of Carmel or Latin
"garden or song"
Carmen has long been associated with the sensuous, tragic heroine of Bizet's opera, based on a novel by Prosper Merimee; more recently it has called to mind two other bombshells: Carmen Miranda (born…
Michelle
French variation of Michael
"who is like God"
Michelle is the feminine form of Michel, the French variation of Michael. Michael was derived from the Hebrew name Mihka’el, meaning "who is like God." The alternate spelling Michele, with one "L,"…
Troy
Greek, French
"of Troyes"
Troy shot to popularity as a first name in tandem with that of 1960s heartthrob Troy (born Merle) Donahue; its image has now, thanks in part to the Brad Pitt-starring epic, Troy , receded back to…
Dexter
Latin
"dyer, right-handed"
The jazzy, ultra-cool Dexter, like most names with an "x," has a lot of energy and dynamism. Over the years, it's been attached to a number of diverse real and fictional personalities—C. K. Dexter…
Darcy
Irish, French
"dark one; from Arcy; from the fortress"
A favorite in England and Wales, Darcy is a unisex option with delicacy, grace, and strength. Associated with classic literary and courtesy thanks to Jane Austen's hero, Mr. Darcy, and Bridget…
Jon
Variation of John or Jonathan
"God is gracious; or gift of Jehovah"
Streamlined version of the classic boys' names, sometimes a short form of Jonathan, which is in fact an entirely different name from John attached to a different Biblical personage. Jon feels more…
Lisa
English, German, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Italian
"pledged to God"
Elvis naming his daughter Lisa Marie and Nat King Cole's hit song "Mona Lisa" conspired to catapult one of Elizabeth's many offshoots to a high of #4 in 1970. It has largely fallen from favor in the…
Deanne
Variation of Deanna, English
"divine; church official"
Deanne was one of many variations popular in the middle of the 20th century, during the heyday of Diane and sisters and even cousins. Now, at least one generation away from a comeback.
Leann
Leann is a melodic feminine name that emerged as a modern combination of the popular names Lee and Ann, or as a variant of Leanne. Its elements have distinct origins—'Lee' deriving from Old English…
Marlo
English
"driftwood"
Marlo first came to prominence as a perky, pretty nickname name that seemed to have been invented by or for Marlo Thomas, who was born Margaret. But Marlow and Marlowe are English surnames meaning…
Milissa
Milissa is a feminine name that serves as a variation of Melissa, which derives from the Greek word "melissa" meaning "honeybee." This sweet connection gives the name associations with…
Ladonna
Modern elaboration of Donna
Typical of the practice of placing La in front of an existing name, this one also relates to Madonna.
Tina
Diminutive of Christina et al
Tina, despite its petite and tinkly image, is apt these days to be replaced by the more elegant originals, Christina and Martina.It does have some strong namesakes, though, in Tina Turner (born Anna…
Kimberli
Kimberli is a feminine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Kimberly in the mid-20th century. The traditional name Kimberly originated as an English place name meaning "from the royal clearing…
Nichelle
American, contemporary variation of Michelle
A modern twist on Michelle spotlighted by Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols.
Kelley
Kelley is primarily a feminine name in modern usage, though it originated as an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic 'Ó Ceallaigh' meaning 'descendant of Ceallach' (bright-headed or troublesome). As…
Charla
English feminization of Charles, German and French
"free man"
Charlotte is a Top 10 name now and Charlie is hugely popular for both girls and boys, along with Charlee, Charli, Charleigh, and Charley for girls. So why does Charla have none of this fashion power?…