Names that Peaked in 1972
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About this list
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…
Camisha
Camisha is a feminine name with modern American origins, likely created as a distinctive variation combining elements of names like Camille, Kamisha, or Tamisha. The name emerged in the latter part…
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…
Vidal
Spanish and Catalan from Latin
"life, vital"
A zippy, lively name that has never been popular, but has never completely disappeared. It is best known for writer and wit Gore Vidal, and hairdresser Vidal Sassoon and his many products.
Latonia
Latonia is a feminine name with possible Greek origins, potentially deriving from Latona, the Roman name for Leto, mother of Apollo and Artemis in Greek mythology. The name has a melodious quality…
Keena
Keena is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Irish Gaelic, it derives from 'Caoineach' meaning 'mossy' or from 'Caoin' meaning 'gentle' or 'beautiful.' In Arabic contexts, it can…
Catina
Catina is a feminine name with possible Italian or Greek origins. It may be a variation of Katina or Catrina, or a diminutive form of Caterina (Italian for Catherine). The name has a melodic, flowing…
Shelley
English
"clearing on a bank"
The Shirley of the 1950s. Shelley Winters was born a Shirley.
Consuela
Consuela is a feminine Spanish name derived from the Latin word 'consolari,' meaning 'to console' or 'to comfort.' This beautiful name carries the connotation of someone who brings solace and support…
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…
Nikole
Nikole is a feminine name that represents an alternative spelling of Nicole, which is the French feminine form of Nicholas, derived from Greek elements meaning "victory of the people." This variation…
Toriano
Toriano is a melodic masculine name with Italian roots, likely derived from the Italian city of Turin (Torino). It can be considered an elaborated form of Tori or an extension of names like Toro or…
Chad
English
"battle warrior"
Despite all the "hanging," "dangling," and "pregnant" chad jokes of the 2000 election, this saint's name and remnant of the Brad-Tad era didn't get a boost in popularity. But Chad still holds some…
Buffy
English diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
Buffy was a one-time sorority girl with a roommate named Muffy, then a fearless vampire slayer, though still basically fluffy. You might think of Buffy as the feminine version of Chip or Bud -- an…
