Names that Peaked in 1996
Across 5 pages
of 5
Marisol
Spanish, contracted form of Maria de la Soledad
"Mary of Solitude; sea and sun"
Bright and vivid, Marisol is a sunny name of Spanish origin and an excellent candidate to cross languages, a la Soledad, Paz, and Solana. Familiar in its native Spain (though no longer a top choice),…
Gerardo
Spanish variation of Gerard
Widely used in the Latino community, the name gained renown in the nineties for its association with rapper Gerardo Mejía of 'Rico Suave' fame. The name has lost ground since the mid-'90s.
Angelica
Italian, Polish, Russian diminutive of Angela
"angel or angelic"
Angelica is by far the choicest form of the angelic names -- more delicate than Angelina, more feminine than Angel, more modern than Angela. But though Angelica is so lacy and poetic, it lags behind…
Kiana
Modern invented name
Kiana (or more appropriately, Quiana) is the original polyester name, coming into favor in the 1970s but then drifting downward for years before taking a surprise turn back up the charts, perhaps…
Karina
Scandinavian, German, Polish, and Russian variation of Carina
This sweet and loving name, favored in recent years by a mix of Hispanic-American parents and Bob Dylan fans, was chosen for her daughter by TV actress Melina Kanakaredes.
Guillermo
Spanish variation of William
As with Guillaume (see above), Liam, Willem, and Wilhelm, everyday Williams in their own countries, Guillermo is a captivating possibility here. Giermo, Gigermo, Gijermo, Gillermo, Gillirmo, Giyermo,…
Austyn
Spelling variation of Austin
Nearly 350 babies were named Austyn last year, about a quarter of them boys.
Jocelyne
Jocelyne is a feminine name of French origin, representing a variant spelling of Jocelyn. The name derives from a Germanic masculine name 'Gautselin,' meaning 'little Goth' or 'member of the Goth…
Anfernee
Anfernee is a masculine name that gained recognition primarily through NBA basketball star Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway. The name originated as a unique phonetic spelling of Anthony, which comes from…
Unique
Word name
"one of a kind"
Finding a really distinctive name is probably a better way to make sure your child stands out, but then again, is choosing Unique really any different to parents choosing Saint, Messiah, Chosen,…
Halie
Greek mythology name
"dweller in the sea"
Halie is the name of several figures in Greek mythology, most of them sea nymphs. The most prominent mythological Halie was the mother of Rhodos, who gave her name to the island Rhodes, and six sons…
Tristen
Tristen is a feminine name with Germanic origins, though it's used for both genders in modern times. It's a variant spelling of Tristan, from the Celtic legend of Tristan and Isolde, a tragic romance…
Tristan
Celtic
"noise or sorrowful"
Though Tristan was the male figure in the romantic legend and his name has become trendy for boys, it's used now for girls, too: About 15 percent of the baby Tristans are female. And about three…
Shania
Ojibway
"I'm on my way"
This obscure Native-American name owes its very life to country singer Shania Twain, who dropped her original name, Eileen, for it.
Sarina
Italian diminutive of Sarah or spelling variation of Serena, Hebrew or Latin
"princess or serene"
With its melodic three syllables and flowing sound, Sarina offers a softer, more elaborate alternative to Sarah while maintaining an accessible pronunciation. The name gained modest popularity in the…
Hayley
English
"hay field"
It all started in 1946, when Hayley Mills was given her mother's maiden name. Now that spelling is in third place, after Hailey and Haley, with all three adding up to one of the most popular names in…
Carli
Carli is a feminine name with multiple origins, most commonly seen as a modern variant of Carly or a feminine form of Carlo/Carl, ultimately derived from Germanic roots meaning "free man" or…
Precious
Latin word name
"of great worth, expensive"
Though many might find it too syrupy, hundreds of parents each year choose this name for their daughters to make them feel special. Precious Ramotswe is the engaging African sleuth in the popular No.…
Estefania
Spanish variation of Stephanie
Attractive international Stephanie alternative. Estefania ranks in the Top 100 in Puerto Rico.
Christiana
Latin feminization of Christian, Greek from Latin
"follower of Christ"
Not cutting edge, but still graceful and feminine. Parents who care about style may pass on all names Chris (or Kris) related, which were so popular in the second half of the 20th century. But…