Names that Peaked in 1972
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…
Christopher
Greek and Latin
"bearer of Christ"
Christopher derived from the Greek Christophoros, which is composed of the elements Christos , referring to Christ, and phero , meaning "to bear." The name was originally used figuratively, to…
Melanie
Greek
"black, dark"
Gone with the Wind inspired a generation of girls named Melanie, though it looks as though Scarlett will triumph in the end. Melanie was the name of two Roman saints of the fifth century, a…
Brian
Irish
"strong, virtuous, and honorable"
The origins of the name Brian are not entirely clear, but it is suspected that it evolved from an Old Celtic word related to nobility. In Ireland the name is associated with Brian Boru, the most…
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,"…
Sean
Irish variation of John
"God is gracious"
Sean, after a long reign as one of the top Irish boys' names in the US, has now slipped as parents look to fresher Irish choices such as Liam and Aidan. In Ireland, Sean is still highly popular, but…
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…
Luz
Spanish
"light"
Pronounced LOOSE, this name that refers to the Virgin Mary—"Our Lady of Light"—is one of the most widely used Spanish name for girls . Its sleekness and stylish final z gives it a modern appeal, like…
Tawnya
Tawnya is a feminine name with American origins, emerging as a variant of the name Tanya in the mid-20th century. Derived from the Russian diminutive of Tatiana, which ultimately comes from the Latin…
Niki
Greek, diminutive of Nicole
Streamlined version of outdated Nicki.
Kami
English, Japanese
"young ceremonial attendant or crooked nose; divine"
An English short form of Kamilla, Kameron or similar, or a Japanese unisex name meaning "divine",
Shelley
English
"clearing on a bank"
The Shirley of the 1950s. Shelley Winters was born a Shirley.
Sharla
Sharla is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a feminine variant of Charles, ultimately derived from Germanic roots meaning 'free man,' or it could be an Americanized form of…
Yolonda
Yolonda is a feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Yolanda, which has Spanish origins from the medieval name Violante, derived from the Latin 'viola' meaning 'violet flower.' The…
Nikki
Diminutive of Nicole or Indian, Punjabi, Sikh
"people of victory; little one"
Nikki was the it-girl name of the 1970s and '80s as both a short form of Top 10 favorite Nicole and as a given name itself. As a Punjabi name, Nikki is usually a pet name for youngest daughters.…
Nicola
German; English, from Greek
"people of victory"
Nicola, an elegant Latinate feminization of Nicholas, has long been standard issue for English girls but for some reason has never voyaged across the Atlantic, which we consider a pity, especially as…
Yolanda
Spanish from Greek
"violet flower"
Bold and distinctive, Yolanda is a floral name that doesn't sound frilly or delicate. Ultimately deriving from the Greek words ioles meaning "violet" and anthos meaning "flower", it appears in a…
Lamont
Scandinavian
"man of law"
Outmoded comic book choice.
Marlon
French
"little hawk"
Associated for half a century with Marlon Brando, who inherited the French-inflected name from his father, Marlon has been especially well used by African-Americans, including the Jackson and Wayans…
Jammie
Jammie is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of James, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Ya'akov (Jacob), meaning 'supplanter.' It emerged as a nickname spelling in…