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Names that Peaked in 1990

  1. Quintin

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "fifth"

    • Description:

      Both this form and Quentin are authentic modern forms of the Roman family name Quintus. Your choice. In the US, this spelling lags behind Quentin and Quinton.
  2. Hilary

    • Origin:

      Latin from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "cheerful, happy"

    • Description:

      Hilary (also spelled with two 'l's) is a hot potato of a name, so closely identified with Sen. Clinton that it's hard for most parents to see it as a baby name. A pity, really, as it's got so much going for it: the popular, rhythmic three-syllable structure, the fact that it's strong but light, proper but jaunty, with an irresistible meaning -- having the same root as hilarious.
  3. Jonathon

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Jonathan, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "gift of Jehovah"

    • Description:

      Like many spelling variations of popular names, Jonathon's star rose and is now falling along with that of the original Jonathan. Jonathon occupied the very last spot on the boys' US Top 1000 in 2016, at Number 1000. Parents in search of an Old Testament boys’ name today tend to look for more original choices, from Ezra to Abraham to Moses.
  4. Mykel

    • Description:

      Mykel is a contemporary variation of Michael, offering a phonetic and streamlined spelling of this classic masculine name. While Michael derives from Hebrew meaning 'who is like God,' Mykel preserves this meaningful heritage while presenting a more modern appearance. This spelling variation emerged primarily in the late 20th century as parents sought distinctive alternatives to traditional spellings. Though less common than the original, Mykel has gained modest usage, particularly in North America. The name maintains the strong, approachable quality of Michael while adding a touch of uniqueness. Its simplified spelling reflects modern naming trends that favor phonetic spellings, making it appealing to parents who appreciate the classic name's history but desire a more distinctive presentation.
  5. Markus

    • Origin:

      German, Scandinavian, and Finnish form of Mark

    • Description:

      The K may be trendy, but this spelling variation is much less popular than Marcus.
  6. Mikhail

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Michael

    • Meaning:

      "who is like God"

    • Description:

      One of the most familiar Russian names in the West, thanks to ballet great Mikhail Baryshnikov and state head Mikhail Gorbachev.
  7. Chantal

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "stone, boulder"

    • Description:

      Though associated with a French saint noted for her holiness and strength of character, this name is somewhat dated and it might be better to look to one of the more modern names popular for little girls in France today: Oceane, Lea, Manon.
  8. Salvador

    • Origin:

      Spanish from Latin Salvator

    • Meaning:

      "savior"

    • Description:

      A common epithet of Christ, frequently heard in the Hispanic community, Salvador could also be a great choice for artistic parents, given the continuing popularity of Dada and Surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. (If Monet and Raphael get a look in, why not Salvador?)
  9. Johnathan

    • Origin:

      Variation of Jonathan

    • Meaning:

      "gift of Jehovah"

    • Description:

      Some people may prefer this spelling to clarify the name's connection to John, but it could be one h too many, exemplified by its steady decline over the past two decades.
  10. Blanca

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "white"

    • Description:

      More colorful than Blanche, but blanker than Bianca.
  11. Chantel

    • Description:

      Chantel is a feminine name of French origin, derived from 'chant' meaning 'song' or possibly from the place name Chantelle in France. During the 1970s and 1980s, Chantel rose in popularity in the United States as part of a trend toward French-inspired names with musical connections. The variant spelling Chantel (compared to Chantal) gained particular favor for its simplified, intuitive spelling while maintaining the elegant French sound. The name evokes musicality and artistic expression. Notable bearers include American R&B singer Chanté Moore and various athletes. While its peak popularity has passed, Chantel continues to be appreciated for its melodious quality and sophisticated French heritage.
  12. Efren

    • Description:

      Efren is a masculine name of Spanish origin, derived from the Hebrew name Ephraim, which means 'fruitful' or 'productive.' In the Bible, Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Efren is particularly popular in Hispanic and Latino communities, especially in Mexico and the southwestern United States. The name carries a pleasant musicality with its balanced syllables while maintaining a strong, masculine quality. Though not among the most common Spanish names internationally, it has remained in consistent use throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Efren offers parents a name with biblical roots and cultural richness that works well across generations while being distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

  13. Akeem

    • Origin:

      Variation of Hakeem, Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "judicious"

    • Description:

      This variation of one of the 99 attributes of Allah was used for the hero of Coming to America.
  14. Johnathon

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Jonathan

    • Description:

      Sounds the same, but looks much more confusing.
  15. Isamar

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Conflation of Isabella and Maria

    • Description:

      This is one elaboration of the ubiquitous Isobel that we think should be chosen more often and would work well in many languages.
  16. Kwame

    • Origin:

      Ghanaian, Akan

    • Meaning:

      "born on Saturday"

    • Description:

      The Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born. Most Ghanaians have a name using this system (think Kofi Annan, whose name means born on a Friday).
  17. Stefani

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Stephanie

    • Description:

      Germans spell Stephanie with an f though the i ending is not traditional. Lady Gaga dropped the Stefani and No Doubt's Gwen sports is as a surname. Despite the celebrity connections, we say if you want to name your daughter Stephanie, name her Stephanie.
  18. Kristyn

    • Description:

      Kristyn is a feminine name that represents a modern spelling variation of Christine or Kristin. It has Greek origins through the root name 'Christos,' meaning 'anointed one' or 'follower of Christ.' This variant spelling gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s when unique spellings of traditional names became fashionable. Kristyn offers a contemporary twist while maintaining the recognizable sound of the classic name. The 'y' spelling gives it a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from more common versions. While not as widely used as Christine or Kristen, Kristyn continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its familiar sound but desire something slightly less common with a more modern feel.

  19. Ivana

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Ivan

    • Description:

      A rarely used Slavic name until the Czech-born ex-Mrs. Trump took it over the top. Daughter's name Ivanka adds a dollop of charm.
  20. Loren

    • Origin:

      English spelling variation of Lauren, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "from Laurentum or bay laurel"

    • Description:

      The spelling Loren turns Lauren or its male form Laurence into a gender-neutral name. Last year 75 baby girls were named Loren in the US vs. 60 baby boys, making this name a good nonbinary choice.