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Names that Peaked in 1981

  1. Jesse

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Ramiro

    • Origin:

      Spanish; Portuguese

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Ernesto

    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian variation of Ernest

    • Description:

      A Latin classic, widely used here and abroad, though in the U.S. it has fallen on the charts in recent years.
  4. Jessi

    • Description:

      Jessi is a diminutive form of Jessica, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Yiskah, meaning "to behold" or "God beholds." This short, sweet variation emerged in the late 20th century as an independent given name, offering a casual, friendly alternative to the more formal Jessica. Jessi's popularity peaked in the 1980s and 1990s when Jessica ranked among the top baby names in many English-speaking countries. This variant has a youthful, approachable quality that retains its charm into adulthood. The spelling with an 'i' ending gives it a perky, modern feel compared to the 'ie' or 'y' variants. Jessi strikes a balance between familiarity and individuality, recognizable without being overly common in its specific form.

  5. 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."
  6. Rodolfo

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Nereida

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  8. Evita

    • Origin:

      Spanish, diminutive of Eva

    • Description:

      There's only one Evita.
  9. Jenelle

    • Origin:

      Variation of Jean

    • Description:

      Combo name wedding two long-popular syllables.
  10. Martine

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "warlike"

    • Description:

      Sleek and sophisticated.
  11. 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.

  12. 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.
  13. Brandi

    • Origin:

      Variation of Brandy, English from Dutch

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  14. Shamika

    • Description:

      Shamika appears to be a modern constructed name that emerged in the United States during the 1970s, gaining peak popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. It follows a naming pattern that combines the prefix 'Sha-' (a popular prefix in contemporary American naming) with the ending '-mika,' which could be related to Mika (a name with various origins across cultures, including as a diminutive of Michael in some European contexts). The name might also be influenced by the sound of names like Tamika or Jamika, which follow similar phonetic patterns. Shamika represents the innovative naming trends that developed in the United States during the late 20th century, where prefixes, suffixes, and distinct sounds were combined to create new and melodious names. Usage data shows the name has been more common in southern states but appears across diverse communities.
  15. 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.
  16. Marchello

    • Description:

      Marchello is a masculine name with Italian origins, representing a variant spelling of Marcello, which itself derives from Marcus or Mark. The name ultimately traces back to Mars, the Roman god of war, suggesting qualities of strength and courage. This melodic variation, with its double 'l' and 'o' ending, adds a distinctive flair to the traditional form. Marchello carries a romantic, musical quality that evokes the charm and cultural richness of Italy. While not among the most common names, it offers a sophisticated European appeal that works well internationally. The name suggests an artistic temperament and passionate character, perhaps explaining why it's occasionally associated with musicians and creative personalities. Marchello provides a distinctive alternative to more common names like Mark or Marco.

  17. Latasha

    • Description:

      Latasha emerged as a feminine given name in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, gaining notable popularity in the 1970s-1980s. The name may be a variation of Natasha (of Russian origin, meaning "born on Christmas"), with the initial 'N' replaced by 'L'. This type of consonant substitution represents a common pattern in name creation. The name peaked in popularity in 1980, ranking #328 in the U.S. Latasha follows phonetic patterns common in many American-created names of this period, featuring the melodic 'sh' sound and ending with the feminine 'a'. The name has gradually decreased in popularity since the 1990s but maintains recognition. Its usage patterns show it has been embraced across diverse communities in the United States, particularly during its peak decades.
  18. Efrain

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Ephraim

    • Description:

      On the Latino Hit Parade, heard much more often than the English version.
  19. 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.

  20. Gilberto

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Gilbert

    • Description:

      At this point, there are more newborn American baby Gilbertos than Gilberts.