Names that Peaked in 1982
Across 3 pages
of 3
Schuyler
Dutch
"scholar"
This worthy name, imported by the early Dutch colonists, has been all but overpowered by the phonetic spellings -- Skyler for boys and Skylar for girls. With the surnames-as-first-names trend,…
Rigoberto
Rigoberto is a masculine name of Germanic origin, combining the elements 'rik' meaning 'power', 'ruler', or 'wealthy' and 'beraht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous'. It literally translates to 'bright…
Toccara
Invented name, French
"to touch"
America's Next Top Model contestant Toccara Jones introduced this rhythmic choice into the lexicon. Her own name likely came from that of an Avon perfume, released in 1981, the year Jones was born.
Randi
Feminine diminutive of Randolph
"shield-wolf"
A relic of the midcentury Mandi-Sandi-Andi era.
Jarrad
Jarrad is a masculine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Jared, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'descent' or 'he who descended.' This alternative spelling became particularly popular in…
Jenilee
Variation of Jenny Lee
Jennifer was so popular in the eighties that it spawned many "creative" offshoots, of which this is one of the less enduring.
Tuan
Tuan is a masculine name with rich multicultural origins, most prominently Vietnamese, where it means 'gentleman' or 'dignified person.' In Vietnamese usage, it's often paired with another name like…
Tenika
Tenika is a feminine name with modern origins, likely emerging as a creative variation of names like Tina, Tamika, or Tanika. This melodic name gained modest popularity in the United States during…
Hung
Hung is a masculine name with significant usage in Vietnamese culture, where it's pronounced with a rising tone unlike its English pronunciation. In Vietnamese, Hùng means 'brave' or 'heroic' and…
Cristen
Variation of Kristen
Kind of a Kristen/Christine compromise name that makes less of either choice.
Cassie
Diminutive of Cassandra, Greek
"prophetess"
Though not much in use, still retains a cozy Little House on the Prairie-type pioneer feel.
Huy
Vietnamese, Ancient Egyptian nickname, "shining, successful, brightness; Amon is satisfied"
"shining, successful, brightness; Amon is satisfied"
A common Vietnamese name with a bright meaning, predominantly used for boys, though occasionally given to girls. The predominantly feminine form however is Huệ. Outside of Vietnamese circles, it may…
Candice
English variation of Candace, Latin
"white, pure, sincere"
Candice is the spelling of this ancient name used by actress Candice Bergen. Candice is a form of Candace, an ancient title of a dynasty of Ethiopian queens mentioned in the New Testament. A few…
Kristen
Danish and Norwegian variation of Christine
"a Christian"
Kristen may be somewhat past its fashion high point, but it remains forever crystalline clear. Possible problem: confusion with the similar Scandinavian names Kristin, Kirsten, Kirstie, et al.…
Christen
English variation of Kristin, German and Norwegian
"a Christian"
Christina who decided, at the last minute, she'd rather be Kristen.
Crystal
English word name
"crystal, clear, ice"
Peaking at #9 in 1982, Crystal's popularity in the 70s and 80s stems from its sparkling natural namesake and several notable bearers, like country music singer Crystal Gayle and Dynasty character…
Dayna
Dayna is a feminine name with Slavic origins, derived from the name Dana, ultimately connected to the Hebrew name 'Daniel' meaning 'God is my judge.' It gained modest popularity in the United States…
Ebony
English
An attractive and now underused nature name belonging to a tree whose wood is prized for its dark color and dense texture, which shines when polished. Ebony joined the most popular girl names list in…
Eboni
Eboni is a feminine name reflecting the rich, deep beauty of ebony wood. It's an alternative spelling of Ebony, which gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s as part of a…
Jillian
Phonetic spelling of Gillian
"youthful"
This spelling of Jillian is now much more popular than the original, maybe because the G version invites pronunciation problems.