Names that Peaked in 1974
- Tanya
Origin:
Russian diminutive of TatianaDescription:
Long integrated into the U. S. name pool but still retaining some Slavic flavor, Tanya feels a bit tired; it's ready for replacement by cooler Russian choices like Sasha, Mischa, or parent name Tatiana.
- Jodie
Origin:
Spelling variation of JodyDescription:
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.
- Jodi
Description:
Jodi is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive of Judith or Joan. With Hebrew roots, it carries the beautiful meaning of "praised" or "Jehovah increases." Gaining significant popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, Jodi reached its peak ranking in the early 1970s. Often also spelled as Jodie or Jody, this short, sweet name has a friendly, approachable quality that resonates with its casual American origins. Though its usage has declined since its heyday, Jodi maintains a classic appeal while avoiding feeling dated. The name brings to mind a person who is good-natured, straightforward, and vibrant.
- Joey
Origin:
Diminutive of Joanna or Josephine, HebrewMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Damond
Description:
Damond is a masculine name that originated as a variation of Desmond or Diamond. The name Desmond comes from Irish elements meaning 'man of the world' or from a place name in Munster, Ireland. As Diamond-inspired, it relates to the precious gemstone, symbolizing strength and unbreakable qualities. Damond emerged primarily in the United States during the latter half of the 20th century as parents sought distinctive variations of traditional names. While less common than Desmond, Damond has maintained a steady if modest presence in American naming patterns. The name balances a contemporary feel with traditional roots and carries connotations of resilience, value, and distinctiveness.
- Stephenie
Description:
Stephenie is a feminine variant spelling of Stephanie, which derives from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning 'crown' or 'garland.' This particular spelling variation gained significant attention in the early 2000s due to author Stephenie Meyer, creator of the wildly popular Twilight series. Before Meyer's fame, this spelling was considerably less common than the standard Stephanie, which had been a top choice for girls particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. The name maintains the same melodic quality and meaning as its more traditional counterpart, but with a slightly distinctive appearance. Like other feminine forms of Stephen, the name carries connotations of honor and achievement, referencing the laurel wreaths that were bestowed upon victors in ancient Greece.
- Mauro
Origin:
Spanish and ItalianMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Demian
Origin:
Variant of DamianDescription:
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.
- 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.
- Nakia
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"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.
- Shanda
Description:
Shanda is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. In Yiddish culture, it derives from 'schande' meaning 'shame' or 'disgrace,' though this negative connotation isn't typically associated with the name in modern usage. Alternatively, it may be a variation of Chanda (meaning 'moon' in Sanskrit) or a feminine form of Shane. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, reaching its peak usage in 1970. Shanda's appealing rhythm and distinctive sound helped establish it as a modern choice that wasn't tied to traditional naming patterns. While never extremely common, Shanda has maintained a steady presence, appreciated for its contemporary feel and melodic quality.
- Tawana
Description:
Tawana is a feminine name that gained particular popularity in the United States during the 1970s. Its etymology is not definitively established, but several possible origins exist. One theory suggests it may be derived from a Native American language, possibly meaning 'singing water' or 'morning sun' in Shawnee or another tribal language, though definitive linguistic evidence for this is limited. Alternatively, it could be a modern creation following the pattern of names beginning with 'Ta-' (like Tamara or Tanya) combined with the ending '-wana.' The name has a melodious quality with its three syllables and vowel ending, characteristic of feminine naming trends during the period of its peak popularity. While Tawana's usage has declined since the 1980s, it remains a distinctive name with an established history of use spanning several decades in American naming practices.
- 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.
- Toma
Origin:
Romanian, CroatianMeaning:
"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.
- Danyell
Description:
Danyell is a feminine name that emerged as a creative spelling variant of Danielle, the French feminine form of Daniel, which means 'God is my judge' in Hebrew. This particular spelling gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s when alternative spellings of traditional names became fashionable. The 'y' substitution gives the name a distinctive look while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. Danyell offers parents a way to provide their daughter with a recognizable name that still stands out on paper. Though less common than Danielle or Daniele, Danyell has maintained a steady presence in naming records, appreciated for balancing familiarity with individuality.
- 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.