clarissaks's list "Thats So Raven" of 20 great name ideas: Donna - Chantel!

Thats So Raven

Names from the cast and characters from the show Thats So Raven on Disney Channel

Literally meaning "lady" in Italian, Donna was the perfect ladylike housewife mom name on The Donna Reed Show in the fifties and sixties. And there were plenty of namesakes: Donna was in the Top 10 in 1964. These days we'd be more likely to associate it with the emanciatpated clothes of Donna Karen than as a baby name.
 Though it seems to have a midcentury date stamp, Donna goes back to at least the late nineteenth century, reaching the Top 100 in 1926 and the Top 20 in the 1940s. In 1960, Donna was the fifth most popular name in the United States. Off the charts now, Donna is still remebered as the subject/object of many pop songs, and via the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer,and current bestselling author Donna Tartt.

Donna

Is it clunky cute, strong and vintage, or dreadful and mildewy? Like Gertrude and Bertha, Mildred is one that divides the crowds, but with popular nickname Mildred and renewed interest in Winifred, Deborah, Millicent, and Gwendolen, it's not entirely out of the question that Mildred might make a return in coming years 
 Mildred is an ancient Anglo-Saxon name that became popularized in England via the daughter of the 7th century saint and princess Ermenburga. Mildred herself became a saint and abbess in the 8th century and was noted for her kindness, especially to those made outcasts by society. Her name, meaning "gentle strength" was then fitting. 
 
In the US, she was a Top 10 choice from 1903 to 1926, with notable beaters including jazz singer Mildred Bailey and the character of Mildred Pierce, played by Joan Crawford in the hit movie of the same name.
 
Around 100 girls are currently called Mildred in the US each year.

Mildred

This spelling variation of the popular girls' nickname ranks behind the more traditional form—Allie (Number 255). This spelling could be hurt by the word name ally, which bears a different pronunciation.

Ally

This name's popularity peaked in the 1930s in the mid 600s - but we think it is time for a reconsideration. Arvin feels more modern than similar names like Marvin and Alvin. It also boasts a beautiful meaning and defies easy shortening (which is an asset to many parents who choose a name because they want it to be used!). 

Arvin

Jackie Kennedy gave this name a lot of style, but it doesn't seem destined for a comeback the way brother name Jack has. Jackie and Jacqueline both peaked in 1961.

Jackie

Among the Top 20 names of the 1990s, today's Courtney is more apt to be the babysitter than the baby. Courtney has dropped since its peak at Number 17 in 1995. Familiar from Courtney Love and Courtney Cox.

Courtney

Fun fact: Marion was the birth name of movie star John Wayne. Although commonly thought of as a female name today, it was actually more popular for boys until the late 19th century, and was given to roughly equal numbers of boys and girls throughout the 1970s-2000s.

 
Marion as a male name derives from a French surname related to Marie, which ultimately comes from the Hebrew name Maryam/Mariam. The original meaning of Maryam is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).

Marion

Lynn arrived in the 1940s, spinning off from the wildly popular Linda to become a top mid-century middle (and first) name, ranking at #58 during its 1956 peak. Now, however, Lynn is out of the charts, more likely found stuck on to the end of another name (see Emberlynn and Gracelynn)
 
Derived from either the Welsh llyn meaning "lake", the Spanish linda meaning "pretty, beautiful", or the Germanic lind meaning "soft, tender, flexible", Lynn was used predominantly as a masculine name, right up until 1942 when it swung more feminine for the first time, chosen for 1749 girls compared to 1394 boys.
 
Still given to nearly 70 girls in a recent year, Lynn remains, quietly, on the radar at least.

Lynn

A succinct and stripped back form of Laura, that also doubles up as a Portuguese diminutive of Lorena ("from the kingdom of Lothar") and as a German and Scandinavian short from of Eleanora. 
 
In the US, Lora ranked in the Top 1000 from the 1880s to the 1990s, peaking in the 60s when Laura was in its heyday. Since then, it has declined as a recent year saw it given to 44 girls (while Laure was chosen for nearly 870 and Elora was given to 860).
 
It remains a top ranking choice in Slovenia, Croatia, and Hungary, where it featured in the Top 100 in recent counts.

Lora

Bold and distinctive, Yolanda is a floral name that doesn't sound frilly or delicate. Ultimately deriving from the Greek words ioles meaning "violet" and anthos meaning "flower", it appears in a variety of forms internationally, including Jolanda, Jolanta, Iolanthe, Iolanta, Iolanda, and Jolana.
 
While some may associate Yolanda with Quentin Tarantino's crime movie, Pulp Fiction or with reality TV personality, Yolanda Hadid, Yolanda has also been borne by several members of European royalty, and by activist Yolanda King, gospel singer Yolanda Adams, and presenter Yolanda Vega.

Yolanda

Nikki was the it-girl name of the 1970s and '80s as both a short form of Top 10 favorite Nicole and as a given name itself.
 
As a Punjabi name, Nikki is usually a pet name for youngest daughters. Nikku is the male equivalent.

Nikki

Long integrated into the U. S. name pool but still retaining some Slavic flavor, Tanya feels a bit tired; it's ready for replacement by cooler Russian choices like Sasha, Mischa, or parent name Tatiana. 

Tanya

Down to earth and versatile, Becky is a popular diminutive of the classic Biblical name, Rebecca. In the US, it was most popular as a stand alone name back in the 60s, while in the UK, it remained in the Top 300 right up until the early 2000s. 

Becky

This once vivacious midcentury nickname is rarely used for modern babies. 

Vicky

Symone is a feminine name that originated as a variation of Simone, the French feminine form of Simon, which comes from the Hebrew name Shimon meaning "he has heard." With its distinctive spelling using 'y' instead of 'i,' Symone gained popularity in the United States particularly in the 1970s and 1990s. The name carries a sophisticated, slightly exotic quality while remaining familiar and pronounceable. Symone strikes a balance between uniqueness and accessibility, making it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with recognizable roots. The name has connections to both French and Hebrew heritage and conveys a sense of elegance and individuality. In recent years, the name has been associated with several notable personalities in entertainment and sports.

Symone

Brad

The ancient name Horace sounds fustily fuddy-duddy, and yet, with the resurrection of Homer, and the new interest in old Roman names...who knows. 
Its early popularity--it was in the Top 100 at the turn of the last century-- was spurred by admiration for the Roman poet Horace (born Quintas). Influential in American culture were newspaper editor Horace ("Go west, young man") Greeley and educator Horace Mann; Horace Silver is a jazz legend. There's also a Harry Potter character named Horace Slughorn.

Horace

"Help Me, Rhonda. sang the Beach Boys -- help me convince my parents not to give me this sixties name. 

Rhonda

Rondell is a name with several possible origins. It may be a variant of Randall or Randell, which derive from the Old Norse 'Randulfr' (shield + wolf). Alternatively, it could be related to the English word 'rondel,' referring to a small circular fort or tower, ultimately from Latin 'rotundus' meaning 'round.' The name might also be influenced by the French 'rondelle' (small circle). Rondell has been in use since at least the mid-20th century in the United States, with some notable usage in the 1960s-1970s. The name has maintained consistent if modest popularity since then. The spelling variation with the double 'l' ending gives it a distinctive appearance while maintaining connection to more traditional names.

Rondell

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.