Names that Peaked in 1997
Across 4 pages
of 4
Stone
Word name
Though some may find such names rather harsh and severe, increasing numbers of parents are gravitating toward this kind of flinty, steely, stony single-syllable name. Many know the name via the…
Cheyenne
Sioux
"people of a different language"
The name of a courageous tribe, Cheyenne became quite popular in the 1990s, inspiring a wide range of spelling variations—Shyanne is one example that's still on the rise.
Bailey
English occupational name
"law enforcer, bailiff"
Extremely amiable, open-sounding surname that's gradually being taken over by the girls.
Keenan
Irish
"ancient"
This name of three ancient saints, one Wayans brother, and an NFL wide receiver makes an energetic choice.
Cullen
Irish
"holly tree"
Cullen is an appealing Irish surname name that upped its cool factor considerably when it became the Twilight family name of Edward et al. It's considerably less popular than it was at its peak in…
Donte
Italian
"lasting"
Phonetic Dante.
Juwan
Juwan is a name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Juan, the Spanish form of John, ultimately derived from Hebrew meaning 'God is gracious.' Alternatively, it could be related to…
Reilly
Irish
"courageous"
This more elaborate but not unfamiliar spelling of Riley feels oddly more feminine. Designer and Beatle daughter Stella McCartney has a daughter named Reilley. Still, Reilly or more common Riley is…
Stephon
Stephon is a masculine given name that appears to be a phonetic variant of Stephen/Steven, which derives from the Greek name Stephanos (Στέφανος), meaning "crown" or "garland." This variation emerged…
Trevon
Modern invented name
Americanization of Trevor that is catching on, as are other versions Trevion and Trevin.
Duncan
Scottish
"dark warrior"
Duncan is jaunty, confident, and open, a Scottish royal name that's brimming with friendly charm and makes it into our golden circle of names that are neither too popular nor too strange. Popularity…
Nicklaus
Variant of Nicholas
An unusual version of Nicholas, now associated with PGA champion Jack Nicklaus.
Tyquan
Tyquan appears to be a modern compound name combining the prefix 'Ty-' with elements resembling names like Quan or Quentin. The 'Ty-' prefix may derive from names like Tyler or Tyrone, or function as…
Baylie
Baylie is a feminine name that represents a modern variation of Bailey, which originated as an English surname derived from 'bailiff' or 'steward.' This charming name gained popularity in the late…
Breanna
Variation of Brianna, English
"strong, virtuous and honorable"
The further you move away from the original Briana, the feminine form of Brian first used by Edmund Spenser in The Faerie Queen, the more invented and less authentic you get. But many parents want…
Ciarra
Ciarra is a variant spelling of Sierra or Ciara, with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Spanish word "sierra" meaning "mountain range," or from the Irish name Ciara, meaning "dark" or…
Erykah
Erykah is a modern feminine variant of the name Eric or Erica, with a unique spelling that gained visibility primarily through American singer Erykah Badu who rose to fame in the late 1990s. This…
Julisa
Spanish variation of Julia
"youthful or sky father"
Julisa is an unusual variation of the Latin American Julissa or the international ancient Julia, taken from Julius.
Keeley
Irish
"slender"
Keeley is well-used in modern Ireland, also found as Keely and Keela. The boys' form is Keelan. Largely unknown in the US, this could make an interesting update for Kelly or Kaylie or Kylie. A famous…
Reilly
Irish
"courageous"
Riley is the spelling of this lively Irish name most often picked for girls, but this version is occasionally used.