Names that Peaked in 1986

Shatara

Shatara is a feminine given name that emerged in the United States primarily in the 1970s and 1980s. The name may be a creative coinage that follows phonetic patterns popular during that era,…

Ali

Short form of Alison or Alice or Arabic

"supreme, exalted"

One of the sweet simple unisex names balanced enough to stand on its own. Ali can either be used as a shortening of Al- beginning names. For example, comedian Ali Wong is an Alexandra. Ali is also an…

Amberly

Modern variation of Amber

A rarely used play on Amber, making it more feminine and both more modern and old-fashioned at the same time.

Christa

Short form of Christina

Fading since the 1970s -- but still a lovely name.

Corey

Irish

"from the hollow"

Cool a few decades ago, along with Lori and Tori. Currently out of fashion but may make a retro tomboy choice as an offbeat spin on Charlie.

Cristina

Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, and Romanian variation of Christina, Greek

"a Christian"

Cristina is one case where the streamlined version feels more alluring. Cristina is found more often than Christina in many European countries and cultures, including Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking…

Felicia

Latin

"lucky"

A lacy, lucky name very popular in the Hispanic community a decade ago, less so now.

Krista

Czech variation of Christina

Krista may be past its peak -- along with all similar C-starting sisters and their K variations -- yet it's still a pretty name.

Mayra

Mayra is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic contexts, it means "exceptional" or "beneficial," while in Slavic languages it's connected to "peace" or "greatness." The name also…

Meaghan

Meaghan represents an alternative spelling of Megan, a Welsh feminine name derived from Margaret, meaning 'pearl.' This particular spelling variation emerged as parents sought distinctive ways to…

Natasha

Russian diminutive of Natalya

"birthday of the Lord"

Natasha, an appealing, still unusual name, entered the American mainstream post-Cold War but seems to have peaked in the eighties, replaced by the more straightforward Natalie. As is common for…