Names that Peaked in 1979
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- Michael
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
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.
- Christopher
Origin:
Greek and LatinMeaning:
"bearer of Christ"Description:
Christopher derived from the Greek Christophoros, which is composed of the elements Christos, referring to Christ, and phero, meaning "to bear."
- Bambi
Origin:
Diminutive of Bambina, ItalianMeaning:
"child; baby girl"Description:
Although Disney's cute deer was a male, Bambi has always been used for girls. It first appeared on the charts in 1943, the year after the Disney movie was released. Bambi featured in the Top 1000 from 1954-1964 — a decade where girl names ending in I, like Lori and Teri, were big — and again from 1977-1982.
- Leif
Origin:
Swedish; Danish; NorwegianMeaning:
"heir, descendant"Description:
Leif is one of the most recognizable Scandinavian names, thanks to Icelandic explorer Leif Erikson, and is still one of the best, with a pleasant aural association with the word leaf.
- Jennifer
Origin:
Cornish variation of Guinevere, WelshMeaning:
"white shadow, white wave"Description:
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 "white shadow", "white wave", or "white phantom".
- Siobhan
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"god is gracious"Description:
Siobhan is the Irish variation of Joan, which is derived from the ancient Anglo-Norman name Jehanne. In this way Siobhan is indirectly related to the name Sinead—the Irish form of Jeannette, which also derived from Jehanne—although Sinead is not a nickname for Siobhan. Siobhan was the name of several early Irish queens and was introduced to the American public by the actress Siobhan McKenna.
- Holly
Origin:
English nature nameDescription:
Holly ranks just in British Top 50, but it's been out of favor here since the 1970s Era of Nickname Names. Still, the name may be on her way back as a rejuvenated nature pick.
- Travis
Origin:
French occupational nameMeaning:
"tollgate-keeper"Description:
Has a laid-back rural feel some would associate with country singer Travis Tritt; Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon chose it for their son. Travis Scott, born Jacques Webster Jr., a popular rap artist, is another famous Travis.
- Reggie
Origin:
Diminutive of ReginaldMeaning:
"counsel power"Description:
Old time nickname that's starting to sound fresh again, à la Alfie and Freddie.
- Melissa
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"honeybee"Description:
Melissa derives from the Greek word mélissa, meaning "bee," which was taken from the word for honey, meli. In Greek mythology, Melissa was a nymph who nursed the infant god Zeus with honey. Melissa was used as a given name by the early Greeks, as well as for fairies by Italian Renaissance poets.
- April
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"to open"Description:
Once the most popular month names, April has been overtaken by June (for girls) and August (for boys), as well as the charmingly old-fashioned May. Literary reference: the heroine of the book and movie Revolutionary Road, and there have been Aprils on Parks and Recreation, Glee, and The Vampire Diaries. Trivia note: comedian Ralphie May named his daughter April June May.
- Jedidiah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"beloved of the Lord"Description:
Jedidiah, an Old Testament name with a touch of Gunsmoke-era western panache, is right in line to be revived along with the other biblical -iah names.
- Zebulon
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"exaltation or little dwelling"Description:
An Old Testament name with a Puritan feel and post-Zachary possibilities--one of several routes to the cool nickname Zeb.
- Bradley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"wide meadow"Description:
An English surname name, Bradley has a long history, dating way back to at least 1086, but as a first name it actually succeeded in the US before it reached England--though Dickens used it in his novel Our Mutual Friend. Bradley Cooper is one namesake.
- Alissa
Origin:
Variation of Alyssa or AliceMeaning:
"noble"Description:
The entire congregation of Alissa-related names—from the classic Alice and Elise to newer forms like Alicia, Alyssa, and Elissa—have faded somewhat from their heyday in the late 20th century but maintain some appeal as a member of the popular class of girl names starting with A. Their major disadvantage is their similarity to each other and the resulting confusion.
- Jana
Origin:
International feminine variation of JanDescription:
A sweet name with many cross-cultural ties: it's an equivalent of Jane in languages including Czech, Slovak, Dutch, German, Slovene, Catalan, Estonian, and Latvian.
- Mindy
Origin:
Diminutive of MelindaMeaning:
"beautiful honey"Description:
This sweet nickname style name combines contemporary Indy with vintage Minnie. Popular in the 80s, it fell out of style by the mid-90s, but, with the likes of Annie, Edie, Ellie, Bonnie and Heidi getting more attention, could Mindy make a comeback?
- Lindy
Description:
Lindy is a feminine name with multiple origins. It can be a diminutive of names like Linda, Melinda, Belinda, or Rosalind. In German, Lindy derives from "lind" meaning "soft, tender, or flexible." The name gained unique cultural associations in the 1930s and 1940s with the popularity of the Lindy Hop dance, named after aviator Charles Lindbergh. Lindy has a playful, energetic quality that evokes a friendly and approachable personality. While it peaked in popularity in mid-20th century America, it maintains an enduring charm with its vintage appeal. The name balances casualness with a classic feel, making it work equally well for a child or an adult.
- Shauna
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
More modern options: Shaw, Shay, or even Sean.
- Johnpaul
Description:
Johnpaul is a masculine given name formed by combining the traditional names John and Paul. This compound name has Christian roots, as both John and Paul were important apostles in the New Testament. John derives from Hebrew meaning "God is gracious," while Paul comes from Latin meaning "small" or "humble." Johnpaul began gaining modest popularity in the United States during the late 20th century, possibly influenced by Pope John Paul II, who served from 1978 to 2005. The name offers parents a way to honor two religious figures or family members simultaneously. While not among the most common names, Johnpaul has maintained steady usage, particularly in Catholic communities, where it represents strength, faith, and leadership.
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