Names that Peaked in 1987
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…
Casey
Irish
"brave in battle"
Casey is a name with a big wide grin, Irish, friendly, and open, and associated with several American folk heroes--Casey Jones, the engine driver of the Cannonball Express who gave his life to save…
Kendrick
English, Welsh, Scottish
"royal ruler, champion; home ruler"
This punchy surname has some favor in the last couple of decades—potentially due to rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was one of the quickest rising boy names in 2013 when it reached its high point at #318.…
Danielle
French feminine variation of Daniel, Hebrew
"God is my judge"
Along with Daniela, Michelle, Nicole, and Denise, Danielle was a big hit from the 1960s to the nineties, sitting comfortably in the Top 20 for several years. Parents then responded to its chic,…
Stephanie
Feminine variation of Stephen, Greek
"garland, crown"
Stephanie is the feminine form of Stephen, derived from the Greek name Stephanos, associated with crowns and garlands It's been the name of several royal women throughout history, including the…
Channing
English or Irish
"people of Cana or wolf cub"
While the most famous Channing is the very male Channing Tatum, the name is now given about a third of the time for girls. Television executive Channing Dungey is a well-know example of a female…
Katie
English, diminutive of Katherine
"pure"
Friendly mega-popular short form of Katherine that has definitively replaced Kathy, Katie is often given on its own. Going forward, though, Katie is more stylishly clipped itself to the grownup Kate.
Jessica
Hebrew
"behold or wealthy"
When Jennifer finally gave up her Number 1 place on the girls' popularity list, her crown was passed to Jessica, who reigned for not one but two decades. Jessica was the Number 1 name in both the…
Bethany
Biblical place name and Hebrew
"house of figs"
Bethany is a lyrical name that still strikes many parents as a fresher, more substantial substitute for the overused Brittany/Brittney or the more antiquated Beth. In the New Testament, Bethany is…
Shaina
Hebrew
"beautiful"
Despite its Irish sound, this commonly used word name has usually been confined to Jewish families.
Malorie
Malorie is a feminine name derived from the French name Mallory, which originated as an Old French surname meaning 'unfortunate' or 'ill-fated.' Despite this somewhat somber etymology, the name has a…
Mallorie
Mallorie is a feminine name that serves as a variation of Mallory, which derives from the Norman French 'maloret,' meaning 'unfortunate' or 'unlucky.' Despite this somewhat somber etymology, the name…
Dannielle
Dannielle is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Danielle, which itself is the female form of Daniel. The name has Hebrew origins meaning "God is my judge." This particular spelling…
Cordero
Spanish
"lamb"
Sounds more like a car than a baby name. Some sources related it to the English surname Carter, which would be more stylish these days.
Kendra
Feminization of Kenneth or English
"handsome or knowing"
Kendra was once seen as a feminization of Kenneth -- but it's now firmly established as a standalone. American parents can't seem to make up their mind about it though: it was one of 2013's…
Ashlea
Ashlea is a feminine name representing a variation of Ashley, derived from Old English words meaning 'ash tree clearing' or 'meadow of ash trees.' This spelling variant emerged in the late 20th…
Ashlee
Variation of Ashley, English
"dweller near the ash tree meadow"
The Ashlee variation of the megapopular 90s favorite Ashley is best-known as the name of Ashlee Simpson, younger sister of Jessica.
Noel
French
"Christmas"
Noel, the French word for Christmas has been given to both boys and girls born on that holiday since the Middle Ages. For girls it's often spelled Noelle.
Rachael
Variation of Rachel, Hebrew
"ewe"
This form of the Biblical Rachel is well-used despite its somewhat counter-intuitive spelling which can make English speakers think the name should be pronounced with a k sound, as in Raquel. The…
