Names that Peaked in 1993
- Ciera
Description:
Ciera is a feminine name that emerged as a modern variation of Sierra, which comes from the Spanish word for 'mountain range.' This contemporary spelling became popular in the United States during the 1990s, offering a fresh twist on the nature-inspired original. Ciera has a light, flowing quality with its soft consonants and three-syllable rhythm. The name strikes a balance between familiarity and distinction, as its pronunciation is intuitive while its spelling sets it apart. Often associated with qualities like strength and natural beauty, Ciera appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds modern yet has subtle connections to nature. It shares sonic elements with popular names like Ciara and Kiera, placing it within a recognizable family of names while maintaining its own identity.
- Crysta
Description:
Crysta is a feminine name that emerged as a shortened form of Crystal, derived from the Greek word 'krystallos' meaning 'ice' or 'clear ice.' This variation offers a softer ending while maintaining the sparkling, pure qualities associated with its parent name. Crysta gained some recognition in the early 1990s partly due to the character Crysta in the animated film 'FernGully: The Last Rainforest.' The name evokes images of clarity, purity, and natural beauty. While less common than Crystal, Crysta appeals to parents seeking a name with natural associations that feels slightly more unique. It has a modern, feminine sound while still connecting to the established meaning and familiarity of Crystal.
- Jessenia
Origin:
Variation of Yesenia, Spanish nature nameDescription:
Jessenia and Yesenia are drawn from the Spanish name for a South American tree, making them new nature names.
- Brandan
Description:
Brandan is a masculine name with Irish and Gaelic roots, serving as a variant spelling of the more common Brandon or Brendan. It derives from the Gaelic name Breandán, which means 'prince' or 'brave'. The original name can be traced back to St. Brendan the Navigator, a 6th-century Irish monk famous for his legendary voyage across the Atlantic. Brandan offers a slightly distinctive spelling while maintaining the strong, reliable character of the traditional forms. The name gained moderate popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, though this specific spelling has always been less common than Brandon or Brendan, giving it a touch of uniqueness.
- Kelcie
Description:
Kelcie is a feminine name that emerged as a modern variation of Kelsey, which originated as an English surname derived from place names combining 'Ceol's' with 'island' or 'ship.' This contemporary spelling adaptation gained modest popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s, offering a slightly more feminine alternative to Kelsey while maintaining its friendly, approachable sound. The name has a youthful, energetic quality that appeals to parents seeking something modern yet familiar. While never reaching the heights of popularity that Kelsey enjoyed, Kelcie represents a distinctive choice that balances uniqueness with recognizability. Its 'ie' ending gives it a soft, gentle quality compared to other variations.
- Kasandra
Description:
Kasandra is a feminine name of Greek origin, a variant of Cassandra, which means "she who entangles men" or "prophetess." In Greek mythology, Cassandra was a Trojan princess blessed with the gift of prophecy but cursed so that no one would believe her predictions. Kasandra offers a slightly modernized spelling of the classic name while maintaining its exotic and mystical appeal. While less common than the traditional spelling, Kasandra gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth but a contemporary feel. The name conveys strength and wisdom, making it a compelling choice for girls across many cultures.