Names that Peaked in 1981
- Ramiro
Origin:
Spanish; PortugueseMeaning:
"great judge"Description:
A charming -o name with cool nickname possibilities, Ramiro is also a historical choice: there were 2 Aragonese Spanish kings named Ramiro.
- Griselda
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"grey battle"Description:
Griselda is a famous folklore figure, noted for her patience and obedience. Her story has been told by Petrarch, Chaucer, Boccaccio and set to music by Scarlatti, Vivaldi and Massenet.
- Ernesto
Origin:
Spanish and Italian variation of ErnestDescription:
A Latin classic, widely used here and abroad, though in the U.S. it has fallen on the charts in recent years.
- Evita
Origin:
Spanish, diminutive of EvaDescription:
There's only one Evita.
- Susana
Description:
Susana is a feminine name with Hebrew and Spanish origins, being a Latin variant of Susannah, derived from the Hebrew name Shoshana meaning "lily" or "rose." This elegant name appears in biblical tradition as the virtuous and beautiful Susanna in the Book of Daniel. Widely used throughout Spanish-speaking countries and Portugal, Susana has a timeless quality that has maintained steady popularity across generations. The name blends melodious sounds with a rich historical legacy, making it both accessible and meaningful. While less common in English-speaking countries than Susan or Suzanne, Susana offers a more romantic, international flair. The name's association with flowers gives it connotations of natural beauty, purity, and grace. Its cross-cultural appeal makes it recognizable worldwide while maintaining distinctive character.
- Jesse
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God exists"Description:
The boyish spelling, which is still pronounced with two syllables and a long e at the end, is sometimes used for girls, though the Jessie form -- whether short for Jessica or standing on its own -- is usually considered the feminine one.
- Brandi
Origin:
Variation of Brandy, English from DutchMeaning:
"burnt wine"Description:
Only slightly fewer girls are named Brandi each year than Brandy, 45 versus 57 in the US. Both spellings have their advantages and disadvantages.
- Latoyia
Description:
Latoyia is a variant spelling of Latoya, which emerged as a distinctive given name in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. The name appears to combine the popular prefix 'La-' (meaning 'the' in Romance languages) with a variant of 'Toya,' possibly a shortened form of Victoria (meaning 'victory'). The spelling variation with the added 'i' creates a slightly different pronunciation and visual distinction. Usage records show Latoyia gaining recognition in the 1970s and 1980s, following the popularity of similar names like Latoya. The name represents a pattern of creative naming using recognizable prefixes combined with distinctive suffixes. Though less common than Latoya, this spelling variation offers a subtle personalization of a more widely-known name.
- Tashina
Description:
Tashina is a feminine name with Native American origins, particularly attributed to the Sioux and Dakota tribes. It is commonly understood to mean 'baby girl' or sometimes 'little girl' in Lakota. Some sources also suggest it could mean 'shadow' or 'chaser of shadows.' The name has a gentle, melodic quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowel pattern. While not widely used in mainstream American culture, Tashina has maintained steady but limited usage, particularly among families honoring Native American heritage. The name offers a beautiful alternative to more common feminine names while carrying cultural significance. Its relative rarity gives it a distinctive quality while still being approachable in pronunciation and spelling for most English speakers.
- Tiffani
Description:
Tiffani is a feminine name representing a variation of Tiffany, which originated as a medieval form of Theophania, meaning 'manifestation of God.' The name became associated with the fine jewelry retailer Tiffany & Co., lending it an aura of elegance and luxury. Tiffani, with its 'i' ending, gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s as an alternative spelling to the more traditional Tiffany. The name reached its peak usage in the late 1980s, partly influenced by actress Tiffani Thiessen. Though less common today than in previous decades, Tiffani retains a bright, youthful quality and carries associations with both refinement and the vibrant pop culture of the late 20th century.
- Rogelio
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"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."
- Efrain
Origin:
Spanish variation of EphraimDescription:
On the Latino Hit Parade, heard much more often than the English version.
- Sherita
Description:
Sherita is a feminine name that gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. It likely developed as a variation of Sheila or Rita, or possibly as a combination of the two. The name has a melodic quality with its soft 'sh' beginning and rhythmic three-syllable structure. Sherita peaked at #468 on the U.S. baby name charts in 1970 but has since declined in usage, making it now relatively uncommon for newborns but recognizable on women of Generation X. The name carries a certain retro charm and distinctiveness today, potentially appealing to parents seeking names that are familiar yet not currently popular.
- Nereida
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"sea nymph"Description:
More intriguing than the more familiar form Nerida, this name is perfect for a beach baby, or a baby born under a water sign.
- Joi
Description:
Joi is a feminine name that represents a creative spelling of Joy. The name directly connects to the emotion of joy, expressing happiness, delight, and elation. By replacing the 'y' with an 'i', the name maintains its pronunciation while gaining a distinctive, modern appearance. This simplified spelling gives the name a contemporary feel while preserving its positive emotional associations. Though less common than the traditional spelling, Joi has appeared consistently in usage records throughout recent decades. The name's brevity makes it striking and memorable, appealing to parents seeking short, vibrant names with clear meanings. As a virtue name, Joi carries uplifting connotations and can serve as a hopeful wish for a child's disposition or life experience.
- Norberto
Description:
Norberto is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'north' and 'bright,' essentially meaning 'bright northerner' or 'from the north.' It represents the Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese form of Norbert, a name introduced to medieval Europe through Saint Norbert of Xanten, founder of the Premonstratensian order of monks. Norberto carries a distinguished quality with historical depth, maintaining steady popularity in Spanish-speaking countries, Italy, and Portugal. In the United States, the name has modest usage, primarily within Hispanic communities, though it has never reached mainstream popularity. Norberto balances traditional strength with a melodic quality, offering a distinctive yet recognizable option. The name lends itself to nicknames like Norb or Berto, providing versatility while maintaining its classical roots.
- Rodolfo
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"bold wolf"Description:
Romanticizes Rudolph and distances the name from the red-nosed reindeer. After remaining steadily in the US Top 500 for much of the twentieth century, Rodolfo has been slipping of late.
- Tyrel
Description:
Tyrel is a masculine name with varied origins. It developed as a variant of Tyrell, which originated as an Anglo-Norman surname derived from the French place name Tirel. The surname has aristocratic associations in medieval England. As a given name, Tyrel gained modest popularity in the United States during the late 20th century, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s. The name carries a strong, distinctive sound with a somewhat rugged appeal. Tyrel's alternative spelling variations include Tyrell, Tyrrell, and Tyree. The name may evoke associations with strength and individuality. In popular culture, the name received some exposure through characters in Western novels and television shows.
- Gilberto
Origin:
Spanish variation of GilbertDescription:
At this point, there are more newborn American baby Gilbertos than Gilberts.
- Cristin
Description:
Cristin is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Kristen or Kristin, which themselves derive from Christian, ultimately coming from the Latin "Christianus" meaning "a follower of Christ." This particular spelling offers a softer, more streamlined appearance while maintaining the same pronunciation as Kristin. The name enjoyed moderate popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but has become less common in recent decades. Cristin carries religious connotations for those who emphasize its Christian roots, though many parents choose it simply for its pleasant sound and familiar yet slightly distinctive quality. The name has an elegant simplicity that works well across cultures, aging gracefully as trends change.
The Nameberry App Is Live
Find your perfect baby name together in our app, now available on the App Store and Google Play.
- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
