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Names that Peaked in 1974

  1. Jodie

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Jody

    • Description:

      The Jodie spelling might be even more obscure, at this point, than the fading original, except actresses Jodie Foster and Jodie Sweetin have kept it in the public eye.
  2. Telly

    • Description:

      Telly emerged as a nickname for names like Aristotle or Telemakhos, but gained recognition primarily through Greek-American television personality Telly Savalas, famous for his role as Kojak in the 1970s. The name has a distinctive, friendly quality with its approachable sound and modern feel. Despite its association with television (which sometimes serves as a playful reference), Telly has Greek roots and maintains connections to classical naming traditions. It remains relatively uncommon as a formal given name, though it enjoys occasional use in Greek-American communities and among families seeking short, memorable names with cultural significance. Telly's brevity and recognizability make it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.
  3. Cicely

    • Origin:

      English variation of Cecilia

    • Meaning:

      "blind"

    • Description:

      This frilly Victorian name is a variant of Cecilia and Cecily, with which it might well be confused. Cicely was a surprise choice for comedienne Sandra Bernhard.
  4. Joey

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Joanna or Josephine, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"

    • Description:

      Fun, friendly and fresher than Jo or Josie as a nickname for Joanna or Josephine. Joey can be thought of as one of the Stevie/Billie/Frankie boyish nicknames for girls so fashionable today.
  5. Demetria

    • Origin:

      Greek, alternate form of Demeter

    • Description:

      Demetria is a dramatic ancient Greek earth goddess possibility with the star-studded nickname Demi. Young actor/singer/songwriter Demi Lovato was born Demetria, but contrary to common hearsay, Demi Moore was born Demi.

      An even more unusual cousin name is the Cornish Demelza, made somewhat familiar via the TV series Poldark.

  6. Kesha

    • Description:

      Kesha is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Keisha, which emerged in the United States in the mid-20th century and gained popularity in the 1970s. Alternatively, it could be derived from the Hungarian diminutive of Kesztenye (meaning 'chestnut'), or have roots in Sanskrit where 'Kesha' means 'hair' or is related to words for radiance or light. The name received increased attention with the rise of the American singer Kesha (born Kesha Rose Sebert) in the early 2000s. In usage patterns, the name peaked in the United States during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Kesha demonstrates how names can have multiple potential etymological backgrounds while developing their own cultural associations through contemporary usage.

  7. Nakia

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      Technically a boy's name, but certainly one that would work in the Western culture for a girl, especially after the release of Black Panther, in which it was the name of Lupita Nyong'o's fiery character. Nakia lies outside the Top 1000 but is among the fastest-rising names for both girls and boys.
  8. Nakia

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      Attractive name, but it does sound feminine. Some have changed it to Nakari. Although it does not make the U.S. Top 1000, Nakia is among the ten fastest-rising names for both boys and girls.
  9. Latrina

    • Description:

      Latrina is a feminine name that emerged in American naming patterns in the mid-20th century. The name may have developed as a variation of names like Katrina (a form of Katherine, meaning 'pure') with the 'La-' prefix that became popular in many modern names. Alternatively, it could represent a feminine form of Latrell or be inspired by the Latin word 'latrina.' Despite having phonetic similarity to the English word for a type of toilet (derived from Latin), the name's usage suggests it developed independently as a melodic feminine name. Usage patterns show Latrina appearing in records from the 1950s onward, with peak popularity in the 1970s. The name has a rhythmic quality with its three syllables and flowing sound, characteristic of many feminine names ending in '-a' that have been popular throughout various periods.
  10. Mauro

    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian

    • Meaning:

      "moorish"

    • Description:

      Mauro, a Top 100 name in Spain and Puerto Rico, is etymologically unrelated to the girls' name Maura, but that won't stop many English speakers from drawing the comparison.
  11. Tera

    • Description:

      Tera is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Terra, from the Latin word for 'earth,' connecting the name to nature and groundedness. Alternatively, it could be related to the Greek prefix 'tera-' meaning 'marvel' or 'wonder.' In some Slavic languages, Tera can be a diminutive of names like Teresa. The name is concise and accessible, with just two syllables making it easy to pronounce across cultures. While never reaching high popularity rankings, Tera has maintained steady usage since the mid-20th century. Its simplicity gives it a contemporary feel while its earth connection provides deeper meaning, appealing to parents who appreciate nature-inspired names with straightforward pronunciation.
  12. Toma

    • Origin:

      Romanian, Croatian

    • Meaning:

      "twin"

    • Description:

      Toma is one of the handful of names that has different versions for boys and girls. For boys, it's the Romanian and Croatian short form of Thomas.
  13. Corrina

    • Description:

      Corrina is a feminine name with Latin and Greek origins, derived from the name Corinna, meaning 'maiden' or possibly 'beautiful maiden.' The name appears in classical literature and mythology, most notably as a Greek lyric poet from the 5th century BCE. Corrina, with its double 'r' spelling, offers a slight variation that maintains the name's melodic quality while giving it a distinctive touch. The name enjoyed modest popularity in the mid-20th century, partly influenced by the 1950s country song 'Corrina, Corrina.' With its flowing sound, classical roots, and romantic associations, Corrina appeals to parents seeking a name that balances traditional femininity with a touch of literary sophistication.
  14. Che

    • Description:

      Che is a masculine name with significant historical and cultural connections. Most famously associated with Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, the Argentine revolutionary, the name carries strong political connotations in many contexts. Of Argentinian origin, 'Che' is actually derived from an Argentine verbal tic similar to 'hey' or 'pal' that Guevara frequently used, which became his nickname. In Mapuche indigenous language, it means 'people.' The name is concise, powerful, and distinctive, with a revolutionary spirit and cultural gravitas. While not among the most common names in Western countries, Che has maintained steady usage among parents drawn to its simplicity, cultural significance, and revolutionary associations.

  15. Demian

    • Origin:

      Variant of Damian

    • Description:

      Two Latino men have put this Damian variant on the map in the last decade: Brazilian MMA champ Demian Maia and Oscar-nominated actor Demian Bichir.
  16. Tarsha

    • Description:

      Tarsha is a modern feminine name that likely emerged as a variant of more traditional names like Natasha or Latasha. It combines the popular feminine suffix '-sha' with a distinctive prefix, creating a name that's both familiar and unique. Popular primarily in the United States since the 1970s, Tarsha reached its peak usage in the 1980s. The name has African-American cultural connections and conveys a sense of strength and individuality. Though less common today, Tarsha remains an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with a melodic quality and contemporary feel without being overly trendy.
  17. Demetrios

    • Description:

      Demetrios is a masculine name of Greek origin, representing the original Greek form of Demetrius. Derived from Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and fertility, the name literally means 'follower of Demeter' or 'belonging to Demeter.' This classical name has been used continuously since ancient times throughout Greek history and Orthodox Christian communities. Demetrios has remained particularly popular in Greece, Cyprus, and among Greek diaspora communities worldwide. The name carries associations with cultural pride, intellectual heritage, and religious significance, as Saint Demetrios is venerated in Orthodox Christianity. While less common in Western countries than the Latinized Demetrius, this authentic Greek spelling preserves the name's classical roots and offers a strong connection to Hellenic heritage and tradition.
  18. Latonya

    • Description:

      Latonya is a feminine given name that emerged in the United States during the mid-20th century. The name appears to be a modern creation combining the popular prefix 'La-' (meaning 'the' in Romance languages) with a variant of Tonya, which itself is a diminutive of Antonia (feminine form of Anthony, from Latin 'Antonius'). Latonya gained notable popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, reaching its peak usage in the early 1970s. The name follows a naming pattern common in the United States during this period that featured prefixes like La-, De-, and Sha-. Usage data shows Latonya appeared on the Social Security Administration's name charts between the 1960s-1990s but has declined in popularity since. The name has a melodic quality with emphasis typically on the second syllable.
  19. Antione

    • Description:

      Antione is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Antoine, the French form of Anthony. Derived from the Roman family name Antonius, it ultimately comes from unknown Etruscan origins. The spelling variant Antione emerged primarily in American naming patterns, possibly reflecting phonetic spelling or creative adaptation. The name gained some usage in the United States during the latter 20th century, particularly in the 1970s-90s, though it remained less common than the standard Antoine or Anthony. Antione combines a classical heritage with a distinctive spelling, giving it a unique quality while maintaining connections to a well-established name tradition. The pronunciation typically follows the French Antoine (ahn-TWAHN).

  20. Latricia

    • Description:

      Latricia likely developed as a variant of the name Leticia (or Laetitia), which has Latin origins meaning 'joy' or 'happiness.' The alteration of the first vowel from 'e' to 'a' represents a common phonetic variation in naming practices. The name gained modest popularity in the United States particularly during the 1970s and 1980s. Latricia follows the pattern of many classical names that developed variant spellings and pronunciations as they traveled across different languages and regions. The suffix '-icia' or '-itia' is found in several names of Latin origin. While the name has declined somewhat in usage since its peak, it continues to be used across diverse communities. The variant Latrice is also found in usage records, suggesting a family of related name forms.