Names that Peaked in 1990
- Beatriz
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese variation of BeatriceMeaning:
"she who brings happiness; blessed"Description:
Attractive translation of Beatrice, popular with Hispanic parents. Beatriz is currently a Top 10 girl name in Portugal.
- Hilary
Origin:
Latin from GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Chantal
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Salvador
Origin:
Spanish from Latin SalvatorMeaning:
"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?)
- Marquis
Origin:
English rank of nobleman between duke and countDescription:
There are ordinary folk named Prince, Earl, and Duke, so why not this rank of nobility as well? Many spellings compete, the most common being Marquis, Marquise, and Marquez. Rapper 50 Cent chose the Marquise version for his son; David Caruso chose Marquez.
- Loren
Origin:
English spelling variation of Lauren, LatinMeaning:
"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.
- Kirstin
Description:
Kirstin is a feminine name of Scandinavian origin, representing a Norse variant of Christina, ultimately derived from the Greek word 'christianos' meaning 'follower of Christ.' Popular throughout Scandinavia and Scotland, Kirstin offers a distinctly northern European alternative to Christine or Kristin. The name reached modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but has since declined in usage. In Scotland and Nordic countries, various spellings including Kirsten, Kiersten, and Kjersten maintain cultural significance. Kirstin combines traditional religious roots with a crisp, modern sound. The name conveys strength and clarity with its sharp consonants while maintaining feminine qualities. For parents, Kirstin offers familiar sounds with a touch of Scandinavian heritage and slightly unconventional spelling compared to the more common Kirsten variant.
- Markus
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, and Finnish form of MarkDescription:
The K may be trendy, but this spelling variation is much less popular than Marcus.
- Julio
Origin:
Spanish variation of JuliusMeaning:
"youthful: downy-bearded; sky father"Description:
What with Paul Simon's classic lyric about Julio down by the schoolyard and several distinguished bearers, this livelier Spanish version of Julius is completely familiar to the non-Hispanic community and would make a great choice for a bicultural family. Popular in Brazil, it also ranks in the US Top 600 and given to more than 500 boys each year. NFL Atlanta Falcons star Julio Jones bears this name.
- 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.
- Cortez
Origin:
Spanish surnameMeaning:
"courteous"Description:
The craze for surname names is now moving beyond the English and Irish to include worldly Spanish names for boys like this historic one currently in the Top 1000.
- Shayne
Origin:
Spelling variation of ShaneDescription:
Why add the y.
- Blanca
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"white"Description:
More colorful than Blanche, but blanker than Bianca.
- Humberto
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese variation of Humbert, GermanMeaning:
"renowned warrior"Description:
Humberto lifts this ancient name out of the gross association to fictional pedophile Humbert Humbert, investing it with a good measure of Latin charm. It helps that the pronunciation is significantly different, much closer to the Italian Umberto than to the flat-footed original.
- 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.
- Infant
Description:
Infant is an extremely unusual masculine name derived from the Latin 'infans,' meaning 'unable to speak' or 'young child.' Historically, the term has been used as a title for younger sons of noble families in some European cultures, particularly in Spain and Portugal where 'Infante' designated princes who were not heirs to the throne. As a given name, Infant is exceedingly rare and would likely be considered unconventional in most naming traditions. The name might reflect family traditions, cultural heritage, or simply parental preference for its literal meaning. Given its rarity and its common use as a noun in everyday language, those named Infant would likely face questions about their name throughout life.
- 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.
- Quintin
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"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.
- Alycia
Description:
Alycia is a feminine name representing a modern variation of Alicia, which itself derives from the Germanic name Adelaide, meaning 'noble kind' or 'noble type.' This contemporary spelling gained traction in the late 20th century as parents sought distinctive variants of classic names. The 'y' spelling gives the traditional name a fresh, stylish update while maintaining its recognizable pronunciation. Alycia experienced modest popularity peaks in the 1980s and 1990s in the United States but has never been among the most common names. It offers the appeal of being familiar yet not overused. The name carries connotations of nobility and grace while its modern spelling suggests creativity and individuality.
- Martika
Description:
Martika is a feminine name that gained recognition primarily through the American pop singer Martika (Marta Marrero) who achieved fame in the late 1980s with hits like 'Toy Soldiers.' The name appears to be a diminutive or creative variation of Marta, which derives from the Aramaic name Martha meaning 'lady' or 'mistress of the house.' Martika has a melodic, rhythmic quality with its three syllables and carries a distinctive multicultural flair with influences from Latin naming traditions. While never extremely common, the name saw increased usage following the singer's popularity. Martika strikes a balance between uniqueness and familiarity, making it appealing to parents seeking a name that sounds contemporary yet has recognizable roots.
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