Names that Peaked in 1971
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…
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,"…
Scott
English
"from Scotland"
A cool, windswept, surfer babe-magnet in 1965, a nice dad -- or even granddad -- today.
Jennifer
Cornish variation of Guinevere, Welsh
"white shadow, white wave"
Jennifer is the Cornish variation of Guinevere, which ultimately derived from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar. As such, it is connected to the queen of Arthurian legend, and sharees the same meaning of…
Julie
French from Latin
"youthful, sky father"
Wildly popular in the 1960s and '70s, Julie is no longer anywhere near as stylish as the name's longer forms. Try Juliet, Juliana, or even the more grownup Julia. Julia and Julie derive from Julius,…
Scottie
Scottish
"Scot"
A sweet, slightly old-school nickname name with a cheerful image, Scottie was originally used as a petname for someone from Scotland, or who spoke Scottish Gaelic. Stylish for boys in the 70s and 80s…
Raina
Slavic and German variation of Regina
"queen"
Strong and solid, with a touch of foreign intrigue, it's the most popular of the rain-related names, with a variety of pronunciations—RAY-na, rah-EE-na, or RY-na. Alternate spellings Reyna and Rayna…
Bobbi
Diminutive of Roberta or Barbara, English
"bright fame; foreigner"
A vintage short form of Roberta or Barbara, Bobbi fits into the boyish nicknames for girls renaissance. Barbara "Bobbi" Morse is part of the Marvel universe as Mockingbird, an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.…
Tonia
Diminutive of Antonia
A more interesting and unusual shortening of Antonia than Toni.
Stacia
Short form of Anastacia or Eustacia
This short form can stand on its own, perhaps because of the familiarity of Stacy, of which it may also be a variation. But Stacia feels somehow more modern and stylish than 60s-style Stacy. Stasia…
Ginger
English diminutive
Originally a unisex nickname for a redhead -- red hair is called "ginger" in Britain -- or for the name Virginia, Ginger perennially wears pink gingham and spike heels.
Dawn
English word name
"dawn, sunrise"
Associated with the first light of the day, and more figuratively with new beginnings and fresh starts, Dawn's heyday came in the 1960s and 70s in the US, Canada and the UK. It had been in the charts…
Wendi
Wendi is a feminine name that emerged as a variation of Wendy in the mid-20th century. While Wendy was popularized by J.M. Barrie's 'Peter Pan' (1904), where he essentially created the name, Wendi…
Janel
Janel is a feminine name generally considered a variation of Jane or Janet, with French influences. Derived ultimately from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious,' Janel emerged as a…
Dana
English, Slavic, Persian, Arabic
"from Denmark, gift, or wise"
This name found in both Celtic and Scandinavian mythology has gone from all-boy to almost all-girl, retaining a strong, unisex quality. However, it has dropped following its three-decade heyday from…
Angella
Angella is a feminine variation of the name Angela, which derives from the Greek word "angelos," meaning "messenger" or "angel." This elegant name has religious connotations, associated with heavenly…
Tisha
Tisha is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It can function as a diminutive of Patricia or Letitia, but also has independent roots as a Sanskrit name meaning 'auspicious' or 'fortunate.'…
Charisse
Charisse is a feminine name of French origin, considered a variation of Charissa or Charis, derived from the Greek word 'charis' meaning 'grace' or 'kindness.' The name gained recognition in America…
Marcie
Diminutive of Marcella, Marceline, or Marcelle, Latin
"warlike"
Sweet and cosy, but with a bit of kick, Marcie is a diminutive of Marcella, Marceline, and similar. Ultimately derived from Latin and related to Mars, the Roman god of war, Marcie has been a fast…
Kerry
Irish
"dark, dark-haired"
Kerry is the name of one of the most beautiful and lush counties of Ireland was a seventies favorite. Related, updated versions might include Cerys and Keira.