Names that Peaked in 1987
- Yesenia
Origin:
Spanish, ArabicMeaning:
"palm tree; flower"Description:
Yesenia is a Latinx favorite popularized by a character on a Spanish-language soap opera. Jessenia is another variation. The name is drawn from the name of a palm tree in South America, but Yesenia is also an Arabic name meaning flower, making it an excellent cross-cultural choice.
- Noel
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"Christmas"Description:
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.
- Channing
Origin:
English or IrishMeaning:
"people of Cana or wolf cub"Description:
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 Channing. It makes an attractive surname-name for either gender.
- Rashad
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"having good judgment"Description:
In the US, Rashad is one of the most popular and best-known Arabic names, through several sports and entertainment celebrities.
- Britton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from Britain"Description:
One case where a spelling variation improves the name, Britton is used about four times as often as Britain for both genders. Currently, the count of baby Brittons is running at about 4 to 3 in favor of the boys.
- Branden
Origin:
Spelling variation of BrandonDescription:
The en ending is so fashionable these days, a lot of people prefer it even when the alternative as with Brandon has more heft.
- Jesenia
Description:
Jesenia is a feminine name with Spanish origins, particularly popular in Latin American communities. It is believed to be a modern derivative of Jessenia, a genus of palm trees native to Central and South America, giving the name a natural, botanical connection. The name gained recognition in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, particularly among Hispanic families. Jesenia has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and soft sounds. The name conveys a sense of exotic beauty and uniqueness. While not among the most common names, it has maintained steady usage and is appreciated for its distinctive sound and cultural resonance.
- Malorie
Description:
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 melodic, elegant quality that has helped it gain moderate popularity. This spelling variation with an 'ie' ending gives the name a softer, more distinctly feminine feel compared to the original Mallory. The name gained recognition in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century but has never been extremely common, maintaining a pleasant balance between familiarity and uniqueness. Malorie has a classic, literary quality while still feeling contemporary, perhaps influenced by author Malorie Blackman. The name carries a slightly vintage charm with its French roots and soft ending, appealing to parents seeking something traditional yet not overused.
- Jarrell
Origin:
German variation of GeraldDescription:
Briefly faddish a few decades ago when Darrell was cool. But does have a creative connection to poet Randall Jarrell.
- Jaimie
Description:
Jaimie is a feminine variation of James, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Jacob (Yaakov), meaning 'supplanter' or 'one who follows.' This charming spelling variant gained popularity in the late 20th century as parents sought more distinctive ways to spell familiar names. Though traditionally a female name in this form, Jaimie can occasionally be used as a unisex name. It offers a more playful and modern alternative to Jamie, while maintaining the friendly, approachable quality that makes it appealing. In the United States, Jaimie reached its peak popularity during the 1970s and 1980s but remains a recognizable choice for girls.
- Katy
Origin:
Short form of KatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Katy, or more popularly Katie, stood fashionably on their own two feet for several years there, during the Katelyn boom. But now both Katy and Katie are fading in favor of grownup Kate or buttoned-up Katherine.
- Cordero
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"lamb"Description:
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.
- Ashlee
Origin:
Variation of Ashley, EnglishMeaning:
"dweller near the ash tree meadow"Description:
The Ashlee variation of the megapopular 90s favorite Ashley is best-known as the name of Ashlee Simpson, younger sister of Jessica.
- Kassie
Description:
Kassie is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive or nickname form of Kassandra or Cassandra, which comes from Greek mythology. The original name Cassandra means 'she who entangles men' or 'prophetess.' Kassie offers a more casual, approachable alternative to the longer form while retaining its classical connections. This name gained moderate popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, corresponding with a trend toward friendly-sounding names with the '-ie' ending. Kassie has a youthful, spirited quality that transitions well from childhood to adulthood. While less common today than in previous decades, it remains a recognizable name that strikes a balance between familiar and distinctive.
- Porsche
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
The Shakespearean Portia may be a real name, but Porsche is now and forever a car, not a little girl.
- Ashely
Description:
Ashely is an alternative spelling of the more common Ashley, a name originally derived from an Old English place name meaning 'ash tree clearing' or 'meadow of ash trees.' This variant spelling gained some popularity in the late 20th century as parents sought to give traditional names unique twists. While Ashley (with the standard spelling) reached peak popularity in the 1980s and 1990s when it was consistently among the top girls' names in the United States, Ashely has always remained less common. The name carries the same natural woodland associations and crisp sound as the traditional spelling but stands out as slightly more distinctive, though it may require frequent spelling clarification.
- Ashlea
Description:
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 century as parents sought to feminize the increasingly unisex name Ashley. Ashlea peaked in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s but remains a distinctive alternative to the more common spelling. The name carries nature associations through its connection to ash trees, which were considered powerful and sacred in several ancient cultures. Ashlea blends traditional English naming heritage with a touch of modern personalization through its variant spelling.
- Alyson
Origin:
Spelling variation of AlisonDescription:
Alison by any spelling is now considered more of a mom name than a baby name. It's been trending downward for more than a decade, though it still makes the Top 1000.
- Danyelle
Description:
Danyelle is a feminine name that represents a French-influenced spelling variation of Danielle, the feminine form of Daniel, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my judge.' This particular spelling with the 'y' adds a distinctive touch while maintaining the name's recognizable sound. Danyelle emerged in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s when alternative spellings of traditional names became fashionable in the United States. The name carries an elegant, sophisticated quality while still feeling approachable. Though less common than Danielle, Danyelle offers familiarity with a unique twist. This makes it appealing to parents seeking a name with established roots but a slightly unconventional presentation. The name continues to be used, though not as frequently as in past decades.
- Cordaro
Description:
Cordaro is a masculine name with possible Italian origins, though it remains uncommon even in Italy. It may derive from Italian surnames or place names, potentially related to 'cordaro' meaning 'rope maker' in some Italian dialects, denoting an occupational heritage. The name has a strong, melodic quality with its balanced syllables and strong 'o' ending, characteristic of many Italian masculine names. Cordaro has a distinctive sound that travels well across different languages while maintaining its Mediterranean flair. In the United States, it occasionally appears within Italian-American communities or among families seeking an uncommon name with European resonance. The name's rarity gives it a distinctive quality while its structure makes it accessible.