Names that Peaked in 1974

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

  4. Carri
    • Description:

      Carri is a feminine name with origins as a variant of Caroline or Carol, which derive from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "free man" or "full-grown." This shorter, modern spelling emerged in the mid-20th century as parents sought distinctive yet familiar names. While less common than Caroline or Carrie, Carri peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1970s and early 1980s. The name carries a bright, friendly quality with its soft ending, making it both approachable and memorable. Today, Carri remains relatively uncommon, giving bearers a sense of individuality while maintaining a recognizable sound.

  5. Mendy
    • Description:

      Mendy originated as a diminutive of names such as Amanda, Melinda, and Amenaide. It has also evolved as a feminine variant of Menachem in Jewish communities, deriving from Hebrew meaning 'comforter.' In Irish contexts, it may relate to the surname Mindy or Míndy. Mendy gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, reflecting the trend toward informal, friendly-sounding names. The name has a cheerful, approachable quality with its ending 'y' sound, characteristic of affectionate nicknames. While never reaching mainstream status, Mendy appeals to parents seeking something familiar yet uncommon. Its pronunciation is straightforward, and it transitions well from childhood to adulthood despite its diminutive origins.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Danelle
    • Description:

      Danelle is a feminine name that emerged as a modern variation of Danielle, the feminine form of Daniel, which comes from Hebrew meaning 'God is my judge.' Gaining some recognition in the United States during the mid-20th century, Danelle reached its peak popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. It offers a slight twist on the more common Danielle, providing uniqueness while maintaining familiar pronunciation and origins. The name has a gentle, melodic quality with its soft ending. While never extremely common, Danelle appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds contemporary yet established, with a subtle distinction from more widely used names.
  9. 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.
  10. Joleen
    • Description:

      Joleen is a feminine name that emerged as a variation of Jolene, which itself is likely a combination of Jo (from Josephine) and the suffix -leen or -lene. The name gained recognition through Dolly Parton's 1973 hit song 'Jolene,' though this alternate spelling provides a slight distinction. With French and English influences, Joleen carries a soft, melodic quality with its two syllables and smooth sound. The name peaked in popularity during the 1970s but remains relatively uncommon today, making it both recognizable and distinctive. Joleen suggests a balance of sweetness and strength, often associated with a Southern charm partly due to its country music connections.

  11. Tamisha
    • Description:

      Tamisha appears to be a modern American name that emerged in the second half of the 20th century. It likely developed as a variation of names like Tammy or Tamara, with the addition of the '-isha' suffix that became popular in American naming practices during this period. Tammy originated as a diminutive of Tamara, which derives from a Hebrew name meaning 'palm tree.' The '-isha' suffix may have been influenced by traditional Hebrew feminine name endings or could represent a creative sound pattern. Usage data shows Tamisha gaining notable popularity in the 1970s and reaching its peak usage in the 1980s, before gradually declining in frequency. The name exemplifies the trend of adapting established names with distinctive suffixes to create new variations, a pattern that became particularly prominent in American naming customs during this era.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.