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Names that Peaked in 1980

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Terrance

    • Description:

      Variation of Terence.
  6. 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.

  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Jarrod

    • Description:

      Jarrod is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, being a variant spelling of Jared, which means 'descent' or 'he who descended.' The name appears in the Old Testament as a pre-flood patriarch. This modern spelling variation gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 1970s and 1980s, giving it a contemporary feel while maintaining biblical connections. The alternative spelling with two 'r's and a double 'd' ending distinguishes it from the traditional Jared. Jarrod conveys strength and masculinity while avoiding excessive formality. Though it never reached the top tier of popular names, it maintains steady usage, particularly in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, appealing to parents who want a recognizable yet not overly common name for their sons.

  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Deidra

    • Description:

      Deidra is a feminine name with Celtic origins, considered a variant of Deirdre, a tragic heroine from Irish mythology known for her beauty and sorrowful fate. The name may derive from the Old Irish word 'der-drethar' meaning 'woman of rage' or 'sorrowful one.' Unlike the more traditional Deirdre, Deidra represents a modernized spelling that gained modest popularity in America during the 1960s and 1970s. This variant offers a slightly softer pronunciation while maintaining the mythological connection. Deidra carries an air of distinctiveness while remaining approachable and feminine. Though no longer among the most popular names, it appeals to parents drawn to Celtic heritage but seeking a less common alternative to more familiar Irish names.

  13. 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."
  14. Tasha

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Natasha

    • Description:

      See NATASHA.
  15. Derik

    • Description:

      Derik is a masculine name functioning as a variation of Derek, which ultimately derives from the Germanic name Theodoric, meaning 'ruler of the people.' This spelling variant maintains the strong, succinct quality of Derek while offering a slightly different visual presentation. The name gained moderate popularity in the United States during the 1960s-1980s but has since become less common, giving today's Derik a somewhat distinctive quality. Its single-syllable pronunciation despite the two-syllable spelling creates a punchy, memorable effect. Derik projects qualities of leadership and strength while remaining approachable. The name travels well internationally and offers straightforward pronunciation across many languages, making it practical yet characterful for families seeking a name with Germanic roots and modern appeal.
  16. Chimere

    • Description:

      Chimere is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Igbo (Nigerian) tradition, it relates to 'God's creation' or 'something made by God.' The name also has French connections, where 'chimère' refers to a mythical creature or fantastic dream. In American usage, it emerged as a distinctive modern creation, sometimes spelled Chimere, Chymere, or Kimere. The name conveys imagination, creativity, and spiritual connection. Its melodic quality with the soft 'ch' sound and flowing syllables gives it an elegant, dreamy quality. While not among the most common names, Chimere appeals to parents seeking something unique with multicultural dimensions and beautiful sound patterns.
  17. Tai

    • Origin:

      Chinese

    • Meaning:

      "great extreme"

    • Description:

      Skater Tai Babilonia brought this sleek modern name to the world's attention. Pronounced "tie."
  18. Yoel

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah is his God"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      English nature name

    • Meaning:

      "small stream"

    • Description:

      Brooke variation – or is the other way around? – that makes it more a nature name, less an eighties-style androgynous name.
  20. 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.