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Names that Peaked in 1981

  1. Efrain

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Ephraim

    • Description:

      On the Latino Hit Parade, heard much more often than the English version.
  2. 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.
  3. Evita

    • Origin:

      Spanish, diminutive of Eva

    • Description:

      There's only one Evita.
  4. Felipe

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Philip, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "lover of horses"

    • Description:

      A royal name in Spain, Felipe could make a lively alternative to the English sounding Philip. It has ranked on the US Top 1000 almost every year since the beginning of the twentieth century, but has never risen above the Top 300, making it a familiar without being overused.
  5. Griselda

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  6. Martine

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "warlike"

    • Description:

      Sleek and sophisticated.
  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. 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.
  9. 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."
  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.
  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. 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.

  15. Jenelle

    • Origin:

      Variation of Jean

    • Description:

      Combo name wedding two long-popular syllables.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. Nicholaus

    • Description:

      Nicholaus is a masculine name representing a classical Latin variation of Nicholas, which derives from the Greek 'Nikolaos' combining 'nike' (victory) and 'laos' (people), meaning 'victory of the people.' This spelling maintains the name's historical roots while offering a distinctive alternative to the more common Nicholas. The name carries rich historical significance through connections to Saint Nicholas and numerous notable figures throughout European history. While less common than Nicholas, Nicholaus appeals to parents seeking traditional names with classical flair. The name projects strength and intellectual depth, with cultural relevance across many European traditions. This spelling variation preserves the name's dignified character while standing out in contemporary usage.
  20. Gilberto

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Gilbert

    • Description:

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