Word Names used in USA 1990
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- Abcde
Origin:
American invented nameDescription:
Taken from the first five letters of the alphabet, Abcde is a rare and polarizing invention. It made headlines in 2018, when a Southwest Airlines employee took a photo of five-year-old Abcde Redford's name and posted it on social media, mocking the name.
- Acacia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"thorny"Description:
Acacia is an attractive, rarely used Greek flower name enhanced by its popular beginning-and-ending-with 'a'-construct, and is gradually beginning to catch on as a new member of the stylish girl names starting with A.
- Africa
Origin:
Place name, various meaningsDescription:
Most Africas today would be named for the continent, but the name actually existed in Scotland in medieval times, where there was a Celtic queen named Affrica. Africa has also been a Spanish name for girls since 1421. The church of the Virgin "Nuestra Senora de Africa" is in Ceuta, the Spanish city she is Patron of, in North Africa.
- Alaska
Origin:
Native AmericanMeaning:
"great land"Description:
State name Alaska stems from an Aleutian word for the land mass itself. The number of baby girls named Alaska has doubled in the past five years, and is sure to continue increasing as more place names are annexed as baby names. Wilder but as habitable as Dakota or Cheyenne, Alaska is a girls' name choice for the future.
- Amaryllis
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"to sparkle"Description:
If you love both unique baby names and flower names for girls, Amaryllis might be a perfect choice for you.
- Amber
Origin:
Word name, EnglishDescription:
Though perhaps not as currently stylish as Ruby, Jade, or Pearl, Amber has a colorful history (remember the notorious Forever Amber heroine?). Unfortunately, it does come with the "Amber Alert" connotation for modern parents (and their children).
- America
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Given to children of both sexes as far back as colonial times, this carries a lot of baggage. However, parents continue to take the risk. Actress America Ferrera may be have inspired some families to choose the name. Ferrera's Honduras-born mother shares her unusual name.
- Amethyst
Origin:
Gem and Color nameDescription:
As flower names become more unique, so can gem names move beyond Ruby and Pearl to names like Topaz, Sapphire, and Peridot. Amethyst, the purple birthstone for February, has never been in the Top 1000, but could have some appeal, joining similarly-hued Violet and Lilac, all of which make great names for Aquarius babies or names for February babies.
- Angelette
Description:
Angelette is a delicate feminine name that serves as a diminutive form of Angela, which stems from the Greek word 'angelos' meaning 'messenger' or 'angel.' The addition of the French suffix '-ette' gives it a dainty, more feminine quality, essentially meaning 'little angel.' While not as common as Angela or Angelina, Angelette emerged primarily in the mid-20th century and saw modest usage in the United States. The name carries connotations of sweetness, innocence, and celestial beauty. Despite its charming sound and clear meaning, Angelette has remained relatively uncommon, making it an option for parents seeking a recognizable but distinctive name with spiritual undertones and a touch of French elegance.
- Angelic
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"like an angel"Description:
As the popular 80s and 90s Angelica falls more and more out of favor, word name Angelic is feeling extra fresh. Fitting in with the trend of grandiose and ethereal word names such as Legend and Dream, Angelic feels more than useable today — especially with similar sounding Angelique being one of the fast-rising names of 2022.
- April
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"to open"Description:
Once the most popular month names, April has been overtaken by June (for girls) and August (for boys), as well as the charmingly old-fashioned May. Literary reference: the heroine of the book and movie Revolutionary Road, and there have been Aprils on Parks and Recreation, Glee, and The Vampire Diaries. Trivia note: comedian Ralphie May named his daughter April June May.
- Arabia
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
A phonetically attractive place-name that can be used for babies but rarely is.
- Araceli
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"altar of the sky"Description:
Once-obscure Spanish name inching back up into the US Top 1000 girl names after a short break. Araceli Segarra is a noted mountain climber.
- Aracelis
Description:
Aracelis is a feminine name with Spanish and Latin American roots, derived from the religious phrase 'altar of heaven' or 'altar of the sky' (altar del cielo). The name combines spiritual significance with a melodious sound, featuring soft consonants and flowing syllables. While more common in Hispanic communities, Aracelis remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries, offering cultural richness and uniqueness. The name carries an elegant, celestial quality with its connection to heavenly imagery. Pronunciation may vary slightly across regions, but typically follows 'ah-rah-SEH-lees' pattern. Parents might choose Aracelis for its beautiful sound, meaningful etymology, and distinctive character while maintaining connections to Hispanic heritage.
- Aracely
Description:
Aracely is a feminine name with Spanish origins, particularly popular in Latin American countries like Mexico. It likely derives from Araceli, which comes from the Latin phrase "ara caeli" meaning "altar of heaven" or "altar of the sky." The name has religious connections, as Ara Coeli is also the name of a basilica in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Aracely has a melodious quality with its flowing syllables and soft ending. In the United States, the name saw modest popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly in Hispanic communities. The variations Araceli and Aracely both remain in use, with the latter offering a slightly more contemporary feel while maintaining the name's beautiful meaning and cultural connections.
- Argentina
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"silver"Description:
South America provides a continent of interesting, undiscovered names -- Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, and the tango-rhythmed Argentina.
- Arizona
Origin:
Place-name from Papago IndianMeaning:
"little springs"Description:
We usually think of place-names as a modern invention, but in fact Arizona ranked on the US Top 1000 from its inception in 1880 until 1911, when it vanished below the surface. It peaked at Number 510 in 1882, before Arizona became a state. One notorious vintage bearer: criminal "Ma" Barker, born Arizona Clark.
- Ash
Origin:
Diminutive of Ashley, EnglishMeaning:
"ash tree"Description:
Ash is a gender-neutral choice that calls to mind the '80s favorite: Ashley. But view it as a nature name -- as in the tree, not the charred bit of soot in the fireplace -- and it makes a cool choice that fits with today's trends.
- Asia
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
This still attractive place name was one of the first to gain popularity, though it now probably owes some of its favor to the similar Aisha. Asia ranked as high as Number 195 on the US baby names popularity list in 1997.
- Asuncion
Description:
Asuncion is a feminine name with Spanish origins, derived from the Latin 'assumptio' meaning 'assumption' or 'taking up.' The name refers specifically to the Catholic feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. Particularly popular in Hispanic and Filipino cultures, Asuncion is often given to girls born near the feast day (August 15). While traditional in Spanish-speaking countries, the name remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. Bearers of this name might use nicknames like Asun, Suni, or Cion. Asuncion carries spiritual significance while connecting its bearer to a rich cultural heritage and religious tradition.