Names that Peaked in 1976
- Tavares
Description:
Tavares has Portuguese origins and was originally a place name and surname before being adopted as a given name. It derives from a medieval parish in Portugal called Tavares, in the Viseu district. As a surname, it spread throughout Portuguese-speaking regions including Brazil and parts of Africa. The transition to using Tavares as a first name appears to have occurred primarily in the 20th century. The name gained some recognition in the 1970s through the R&B group Tavares, comprising American brothers with Cape Verdean ancestry. As a given name, Tavares has maintained steady but modest usage, particularly in Portuguese-speaking communities and in the United States. The name carries a distinctive sound while maintaining connections to Portuguese linguistic heritage.
- Tennille
Description:
Toni Tennille was one half of the musical group Captain & Tennille, which produced a number of huge hits in the 1970s, including "Love Will Keep Us Together."
- Jeramy
Description:
Jeramy is a variant spelling of Jeremy, which derives from the Hebrew name Yirmeyahu, meaning 'appointed by God' or 'God will uplift.' This masculine name has biblical roots, as Jeremy was a prominent Old Testament prophet. Jeramy emerged as an alternative spelling in the United States during the 20th century, offering a slightly distinctive twist while maintaining the same pronunciation. While less common than the traditional Jeremy, Jeramy has maintained a steady presence, particularly in North America. The name experienced a modest peak in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s but has since declined in usage. Jeramy conveys a friendly, approachable quality while still maintaining its dignified biblical heritage.
- Jayme
Description:
Jayme is a versatile name used for both boys and girls, though traditionally more common for males. It originated as a medieval variant spelling of James, which derives from the Hebrew name Ya'akov (Jacob), meaning 'supplanter' or 'one who follows.' The distinctive spelling with 'y' and 'e' emerged as a unique variation while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. For boys, Jayme offers a softer alternative to the classic James while preserving its strong heritage. The name has fluctuated in popularity over decades, never reaching top rankings but maintaining steady usage. Its appeal lies in combining traditional roots with a contemporary spelling twist. Jayme bridges formal and casual settings comfortably, offering versatility throughout life. The name's balanced sound and recognizable yet distinctive spelling make it appealing to parents seeking something familiar but not commonplace for their sons.
- Jeramie
Description:
Jeramie represents a modern spelling variation of Jeremy, which derives from the Hebrew name Jeremiah, meaning 'appointed by God' or 'God will uplift.' This alternative spelling keeps the traditional pronunciation while giving the name a distinctive touch. Jeramie carries the biblical heritage and spiritual significance of its origin while feeling slightly more contemporary. Though less common than Jeremy, this spelling has maintained a steady presence since the late 20th century. The name conveys reliability and depth, while the spelling creates individuality. Bearers of this name can appreciate having a recognized name with traditional roots, yet with a personalized touch that sets them slightly apart.
- Jeromy
Description:
Jeromy is a masculine name that represents a variant spelling of Jeremy. Derived from the Hebrew name Yirmeyahu, meaning 'appointed by God' or 'God will uplift,' Jeromy shares the same biblical roots as its more common counterparts Jeremy and Jeremiah. This distinctive spelling emerged primarily in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century as parents sought unique variations of traditional names. While less common than Jeremy, Jeromy enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. The name conveys strength and religious significance while offering a slightly unconventional spelling that sets it apart from more frequent variants.
- Torie
Origin:
Diminutive of Victoria, LatinMeaning:
"victory"Description:
The Tori spelling — sans E — is much more common as both a given name and nickname.
- Shandra
Description:
Shandra is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be an Americanized variant of Chandra (Sanskrit for 'moon'), a diminutive of Alexandra (Greek for 'defender of mankind'), or a blend of Shannon and Sandra. Gaining modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, Shandra has since become less common, making it distinctive today. The name carries a melodic quality with its soft 'sh' beginning and flowing rhythm. Shandra projects strength and femininity simultaneously, appealing to parents seeking a name that sounds modern yet has roots in tradition. Its cross-cultural resonance makes it accessible across different communities while remaining relatively uncommon.
- Jammie
Description:
Jammie is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of James, which comes from Hebrew and means 'supplanter.' It can also be considered a spelling variation of Jamie. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its soft sounds and playful spelling. While more commonly used during the 1970s and 1980s in the United States, Jammie has declined in popularity in recent decades. The name has casual, sweet associations that many find endearing. Some parents may choose Jammie for its familiar sound but distinctive spelling, setting it apart from the more common Jamie while maintaining the same warm, affectionate quality.
- Daniele
Description:
Daniele is a feminine variant of Daniel, with Italian and French origins. The name derives from Hebrew elements meaning 'God is my judge.' While Daniel has been consistently popular for boys throughout history, Daniele offers a distinctly feminine alternative with the same meaningful heritage. In Italy, Daniele is actually more commonly used as a masculine name, but internationally it's often embraced as a feminine option. The name carries an elegant, sophisticated quality while maintaining its biblical roots. Daniele offers parents a name with historical depth and cross-cultural appeal, popular in various European countries but less common in English-speaking regions, making it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.
- Shalonda
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la... Shalonde, Shalondie, Shalondra, Shalondria.
- Jamey
Description:
Jamey is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of James, though it's also used as a unisex name. When used for girls, it represents a trend of traditionally masculine names being adapted for feminine use. The name James itself comes from the Hebrew name Jacob (Ya'akov), meaning 'supplanter.' Jamey has a friendly, approachable quality with its '-ey' ending, which softens the more formal James. The name gained some popularity in the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon for girls today. Jamey offers a balance between familiarity and uniqueness, appealing to parents seeking a name with boyish charm yet suitable for a daughter.
- Lashanda
Description:
Lashanda appears to be a modern given name that emerged in the United States during the 1960s and gained notable popularity in the 1970s. The name may combine the popular prefix "La-" (seen in many names of this era) with "Shanda," which could relate to the Yiddish word meaning "shame" or might be a variation of "Chanda" (meaning "moon" in Sanskrit). Alternatively, it could be a creative combination created for its pleasing sound. Lashanda follows a naming pattern common in the mid-to-late 20th century where prefix elements like La-, De-, and Sha- were combined with existing name elements to create new, distinctive names. The name saw its peak usage in the United States during the 1970s, and while less common among newborns today, it remains a recognized name associated with that era of naming innovation.
- Torry
Description:
Torry is a versatile masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Tory, which originated as a nickname for those with names like Salvatore or Victor. Alternatively, it could be derived from the Scottish place name Torry, meaning 'hill' or 'mound.' The name might also be a variation of Torrey, which comes from an Irish surname meaning 'from the craggy hills.' Torry has a friendly, approachable quality with its bright sound and easy pronunciation. While never extremely common, the name has maintained steady if modest usage throughout recent decades. Torry strikes a balance between being recognizable and distinctive, making it appealing to parents seeking something slightly unconventional but not outlandish.
- Khalilah
Description:
Khalilah is a feminine name of Arabic origin meaning 'beloved' or 'friend.' It is the feminine form of Khalil, a name mentioned in the Quran where God refers to Abraham as 'Khalilullah' (Friend of God). The name carries rich cultural significance in Islamic traditions, symbolizing friendship, loyalty, and divine connection. With its melodic three-syllable structure and exotic appeal, Khalilah offers a beautiful option for parents seeking a name with spiritual depth. Though not among the most common names in Western countries, it enjoys steady usage within Muslim communities worldwide. The name conveys strength, grace, and a sense of cultural heritage.
- Tamica
Description:
Tamica appears to be a feminine name that gained popularity primarily in the United States from the 1960s through the 1980s. Its etymology is somewhat debated, but it likely represents a modern variation of names like Tamika or Tameka. The 'Tam-' prefix may connect to names like Tamara (of Hebrew origin meaning 'palm tree') or could be related to Tamil origins. The suffix '-ica' is a common feminine ending in many naming traditions. Tamica reached its peak popularity in the 1970s, following naming patterns of the era that favored melodic feminine names with three syllables. The name has been documented across diverse communities in the United States. Though less common today than during its peak, Tamica remains recognizable and continues to be used, representing naming trends that emerged in the mid-to-late 20th century.
- Latarsha
Description:
Latarsha appears to be a modern name construction that emerged in the United States during the second half of the 20th century. The name possibly combines the prefix "La-" (a popular naming element that may derive from French or Spanish influence) with "Tarsha," which could be a variant of names like Natasha, Tasha, or Trisha. Latarsha saw its peak popularity in the 1970s and early 1980s. The name demonstrates the creative naming practices that became increasingly common in American naming culture during this period, where prefixes and suffixes were combined to create distinctive names. Usage statistics show Latarsha has been more common in southern states, though its popularity has declined since the 1990s. The name's melodic quality with alternating consonants and vowels gives it a rhythmic flow when pronounced.