Names that Peaked in 1980

  1. Rolando
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese variation of Roland, German
    • Meaning:

      "famous throughout the land"
    • Description:

      Rolando, along with brother name Orlando, are among the most attractive and appealing of Latinate names. It has been in the US Top 1000 every year since 1946.
  2. Tasha
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Natasha
    • Description:

      See NATASHA.
  3. Derrick
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Derek, English from German form of Theodoric,"the people's ruler"
    • Meaning:

      "the people's ruler"
    • Description:

      Derek is one of those names that, in its heyday, spawned lots of variations, all trendy. Last year, about 300 baby boys were named Derrick and about 1350 were named Derek.
  4. Corina
    • Description:

      Corina is a feminine name with diverse cultural roots, appearing in Romanian, Spanish, Italian, and Greek naming traditions. Derived from the Greek name 'Korinna' meaning 'maiden' or possibly from 'kore' meaning 'girl,' it has ancient literary connections to a Greek lyric poetess. The name enjoyed notable popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly after singer Corina Chiriac in Romania and through various musical references in other cultures. Corina balances classical elegance with a contemporary sound, offering the appealing nickname 'Cora.' Its melodic quality, with the gentle flow of the 'r' sound, gives it a romantic, feminine character. While not among the most common names today, Corina maintains consistent usage across several European countries and in Latin American communities.
  5. Terra
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "earth"
    • Description:

      A video-game import (Final Fantasy VI) for a character with green hair and a name that brings the outmoded Terry and Tara into the postmodern age.

  6. Lamar
    • Origin:

      English from French
    • Meaning:

      "dweller by a pool"
    • Description:

      While it may sound a little dated, Lamar is a name that has never been outside the US Top 1000, but it is in danger of falling off the list.
  7. Juston
    • Description:

      Juston is a modern variant of the classic name Justin, derived from the Latin name 'Justinus,' meaning 'just' or 'fair.' This masculine name maintains the strong, straightforward appeal of its original form while offering a slightly unique spelling. Juston gained some modest popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s but remains relatively uncommon compared to the more traditional Justin. The name conveys qualities of integrity and fairness, inherited from its Latin roots, while the distinctive spelling gives it a contemporary edge that some parents appreciate for helping their son stand out.
  8. Elisha
    • Origin:

      Variant of Alicia or Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is my salvation"
    • Description:

      Elisha (ee-LYE-sha) is an Old Testament male name, sometimes borrowed for girls. Pronouced eh-LEE-sha, it is also used as a spelling variant of Alicia or Elysia.
  9. Charissa
    • Description:

      Charissa is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from 'charis,' meaning 'grace,' 'kindness,' or 'beauty.' It's related to the more common Charisse, Carissa, and Karissa, all variations of the same root. The name carries connotations of elegance and divine benevolence, as 'charis' was associated with divine favor in ancient Greek culture. Charissa experienced modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but has remained relatively uncommon. The name has a melodic quality with its three syllables and soft 'ch' sound, giving it a gentle yet distinguished character. For parents seeking a name with classical roots, feminine qualities, and a touch of uniqueness, Charissa offers historical depth without being overly common.

  10. Renada
    • Description:

      Renada is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Renata, which has Latin roots meaning 'reborn' or 'born again,' carrying spiritual connotations of renewal and transformation. Alternatively, it could be related to the French name Renée, the feminine form of René, meaning 'reborn.' The addition of the '-ada' suffix gives the name a more melodic, flowing quality. Renada remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it an distinctive choice for parents seeking something unique yet accessible. The name has a romantic, somewhat exotic sound while still being relatively easy to pronounce and spell, balancing uniqueness with practicality.
  11. Andria
    • Description:

      Andria is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It can be considered the feminine form of Andrew, derived from the Greek 'Andreas' meaning 'manly' or 'brave.' In Italian, Andria is also a place name, referring to a city in southern Italy. The name has a soft, flowing quality that has helped maintain its appeal across generations. While not among the most popular girls' names in English-speaking countries, Andria offers an alternative to the more common Andrea, with a slightly different pronunciation emphasis. Its cross-cultural nature makes it appealing to diverse families, and its classical roots give it a timeless quality while maintaining a contemporary feel.

  12. Tai
    • Origin:

      Chinese
    • Meaning:

      "great extreme"
    • Description:

      Skater Tai Babilonia brought this sleek modern name to the world's attention. Pronounced "tie."
  13. Lesley
    • Origin:

      Variation of Leslie, Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "garden of holly"
    • Description:

      Lesley runs a distant second to more popular sister Leslie, used for about 30 baby girls in one recent year vs. Leslie's 400+. And interestingly, no baby boys were named Lesley though about 40 were named Leslie. Once one of the most widely-used girl names starting with L, Lesley and Leslie now trail behind trendy L-starting girl names like Layla and Lily.
  14. Horacio
    • Description:

      Horacio is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Horatius, a masculine name of Latin origin derived from the Roman clan name Horatius, whose meaning remains uncertain. Made famous by the Roman poet Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus), the name carries literary and intellectual associations. Horacio has been consistently popular in Spanish-speaking countries and Brazil, appreciated for its classical roots and distinguished sound. The name conveys a sense of cultural sophistication and historical depth. Notable bearers include Argentine writer Horacio Quiroga and numerous politicians and artists throughout Latin America, helping maintain the name's prestigious reputation.
  15. Roberto
    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of Robert, English from German
    • Meaning:

      "bright fame"
    • Description:

      Standard Latin classic that brings some flair to the basic boy name Robert. Nearly 4000 baby boys are still named Robert in the US each year, many of them undoubtedly named for a father or grandfather, while about 550 are named Roberto.
  16. Alfredo
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Alfred, English
    • Meaning:

      "wise counsellor; elf counsel"
    • Description:

      Alfredo, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese variation of Alfred, is most familiar as the romantic lead in Verdi's evergreen opera La Traviata. On a less romantic note, Alfredo is also the name of a pasta sauce.
  17. Brannon
    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Brennan
    • Description:

      Occasionally used as an alternative to Brandon or Brennan.
  18. Candi
    • Description:

      Candi is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Candace or Candice, which comes from an ancient Ethiopian royal title meaning 'queen mother' or 'clear, pure, sincere.' The spelling variation with an 'i' instead of 'y' became popular in the mid-20th century, particularly during the 1950s through 1970s. Candi has a distinctly sweet, playful quality, intentionally evoking associations with candy and sweetness. The name has a vintage charm today, strongly associated with mid-century American pop culture. While less commonly given to newborns in recent decades, it represents a time when short, cheerful names with obvious pleasant associations were fashionable. Some parents still choose it for its upbeat, friendly character and nostalgic appeal.

  19. Rogelio
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "famous spearman"
    • Description:

      A Spanish variation of the name Roger meaning "famous spearman." Rogelio is popular among the Filipino and Argentine communities and could be a great alternative for international families looking for a name that can still be shortened to the very Anglo nickname "Rodge."
  20. Yoel
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah is his God"
    • Description:

      The Hebrew version of Joel has a pleasant, almost jolly sound.

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