Names that Peaked in 1983
Across 3 pages
of 3
The names
Michael
Hebrew
"who is like God?"
Michael was the Number 1 American boys' name for almost half a century. While Michael has moved out of the Top 10 baby boy names , it's still widely used. How has Michael racked up this phenomenal…
Christopher
Greek and Latin
"bearer of Christ"
Christopher derived from the Greek Christophoros, which is composed of the elements Christos , referring to Christ, and phero , meaning "to bear." The name was originally used figuratively, to…
Adam
Hebrew
"son of the red earth"
Adam -- a primal Old Testament name -- was revived as a 1960s cowboy name. Adam is not as popular as it once was and feels ready for a respite, replaced by newer A names like Aidan/Aiden, Avery and…
Colt
Word name
"young horse"
Colt is the kind of unconventionally macho name that is so trendy right now, because of or in spite of its association with horses and guns. A rent study of voter names by political party found that…
Holly
English nature name
Holly ranks just in British Top 50, but it's been out of favor here since the 1970s Era of Nickname Names. Still, the name may be on her way back as a rejuvenated nature pick. Jolly Holly has always…
Veronica
Latin
"she who brings victory; true image"
The name Veronica projects a triple-threat image: at once saintly, sensuous, and strong. The name derives from Berenice, the Latin form of the Greek name Berenike "she who brings victory", with the…
Kaleena
Modern invented name
This name shot to popularity in the early 1980s thanks to child actor Kaleena Kiff, who starred in the sitcom Love, Sidney /.
Jennifer
Cornish variation of Guinevere, Welsh
"white shadow, white wave"
Jennifer is the Cornish variation of Guinevere, which ultimately derived from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar. As such, it is connected to the queen of Arthurian legend, and sharees the same meaning of…
Dereck
English from German, variation of Derek
"the people's ruler"
80s sensation Derek brought several spelling variations along for the ride, including Derick, Derrick, and Dereck. While this spelling fell off the charts in in '93, it has resurfaced in 2023 after…
Taurean
African American, English, Latin
"born under the sign of Taurus"
Taurean likely derives from the Latin 'taurus' meaning 'bull,' and relates to the astrological sign Taurus (April 20-May 20). The name emerged in usage primarily in the 1970s and gained modest…
Erin
Irish
"from the island to the west"
First-wave Irish name and place name—the poetic name for Ireland—now supplanted by newer alternatives such as Maeve and Delaney.
Brandie
Brandie is a feminine name that emerged as a diminutive form of Branda or a feminine version of Brandon. It gained notable popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, reflecting the…
Echo
Greek mythology name
"echo or sound"
Echo, the pretty, resonant name of a legendary nymph, was the heroine of Joss Whedon's sci-fi series Dollhouse . Nick Hexum, of the band 311, named his daughter Echo Love. In the Greek myth, Echo was…
Kiel
Short form of Ezekiel
Sharp attractive short form which has a nautical translation in German: "keel" (although it isn't used as a name there). Fun fact: the similarly spelt Kieł is the name of Hagrid's dog Fang in the…
Chrystal
Chrystal is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Crystal, which derives from the Greek word "krystallos" meaning "ice" or "clear, transparent stone." This alternative spelling with "Ch"…
Laquita
Laquita appears to be a modern feminine given name that gained popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. Linguistically, it may be a creative variation or elaboration of names like…
Dwan
Dwan is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the English word 'dawn,' referring to the first appearance of light in the morning, symbolizing new beginnings and hope.…
Marquita
Marquita is a feminine name with Spanish origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Marca or a feminine variation of Marco/Mark. The name ultimately derives from Mars, the Roman god of war. Gaining…
Johathan
Johathan appears to be a variant spelling of Jonathan, which comes from the Hebrew name 'Yehonatan' meaning 'gift of Jehovah' or 'God has given.' This unusual spelling variation maintains the…
Stefanie
Stefanie is a feminine name that represents a German and Dutch variation of Stephanie, ultimately derived from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning "crown" or "garland." This elegant name carries…
