Names that Peaked in 1976
- Farah
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"happiness"Description:
Farah is a soft and lovely Arabic name, best known here in this original spelling via the last Empress of Iran, Farah Palavi. It's currently a Top 250 name in both France and the Netherlands, which both have a large Arabic-speaking population, and appears in at least two video games.
- Dusty
Origin:
English word nameDescription:
Dusty first became popular as a girl's name thanks to singer Dusty Springfield - born Mary. She used her childhood nickname professionally, and many parents embraced Dusty as a name for their daughters, especially in the 1970s.
- Rico
Origin:
Spanish, diminutive of RicardoMeaning:
"dominant ruler"Description:
Consider this short form for your little Richard.
- Federico
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of FrederickDescription:
If Frederick feels too heavy, the Spanish and Italian has more energy. It's a long-term Top 20 name in Italy, and has neat nicknames like Fredo in Italian and Fede in Spanish. Famous bearers include the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca and the Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini. Further back in history, it was the name of a fifth-century Visigoth leader, the brother of Theodoric II.
- Jaime
Origin:
Spanish variation of JamesDescription:
Though every Spanish student knows that the male classic is pronounced HY-me, for girls this is a straight homonym for Jamie, a favorite ambisexual 1970s nickname name. Another way to think of it is as a variation of the French "J'aime" (meaning I love).
- Leticia
Description:
Leticia is a feminine name of Latin origin meaning "joy" or "happiness." The name derives from the Latin word "laetitia" which embodies gladness and delight. With variations including Letitia, Letizia, and Laetitia, this name has been used across many Romance-language cultures, particularly in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking regions. Leticia gained moderate popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but remains more common in Latin American countries. The name carries an elegant, classical quality while evoking positive emotions through its meaning. Notable bearers include Brazilian model Letícia Birkheuer and Mexican actress Leticia Calderón, adding to the name's association with grace and beauty.
- Taurus
Origin:
Sign of the Zodiac, LatinMeaning:
"bull"Description:
The Zodiac name hasn't caught on like Leo or Aries, though it did appear in the US Top 1000 for five consecutive years back in the '70s.
- Tania
Origin:
Russian, diminutive of TatianaMeaning:
"belonging to the house of Tatius"Description:
Tania is a Russian name that has been fully integrated into the American name pool, retaining just a touch of its Slavic flavor. It started as a pet form of Tatiana, which is beginning to be used in this country as well. Also spelled Tanya, as in country singer Tanya Tucker.
- Keisha
Origin:
Spelling variation of KeziahMeaning:
"cinnamon, cassia tree"Description:
A long-popular name, particularly among the African-American community, Keisha was first publicized by the child actress, Keshia Knight Pulliam, who starred on the old Cosby Show. It entered the US Top 1000 in 1967 and remained there for 30 years, but it hasn't featured again since 1997.
- Susana
Description:
Susana is a feminine name with Hebrew and Spanish origins, being a Latin variant of Susannah, derived from the Hebrew name Shoshana meaning "lily" or "rose." This elegant name appears in biblical tradition as the virtuous and beautiful Susanna in the Book of Daniel. Widely used throughout Spanish-speaking countries and Portugal, Susana has a timeless quality that has maintained steady popularity across generations. The name blends melodious sounds with a rich historical legacy, making it both accessible and meaningful. While less common in English-speaking countries than Susan or Suzanne, Susana offers a more romantic, international flair. The name's association with flowers gives it connotations of natural beauty, purity, and grace. Its cross-cultural appeal makes it recognizable worldwide while maintaining distinctive character.
- Kari
Origin:
Short form of Karen, Carol, or KatherineDescription:
Kari and all her many sisters, from Carrie to Carey to Kerry and onward, originated for the most part as short forms of either CatherineKatherine or one of the Charles feminizations such as Carol or Caroline.
- Spring
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Spring doesn't sound half as contemporary as Winter, which has become the cool season name.
- Amie
Origin:
Variation of Amy or Aimee, FrenchMeaning:
"beloved"Description:
Amy and all her sisters and cousins was such a popular name that this version was among the Top 1000 girl names in the US until the mid-90s. Last year only 32 baby girls were names Amie.
- Donny
Description:
Donny is a masculine name most commonly used as a diminutive of Donald, which derives from the Scottish Gaelic name Dòmhnall, meaning "world ruler" or "world mighty." The name gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, partly due to the fame of performers like Donny Osmond. Donny has a friendly, approachable quality that maintains the strength of Donald while adding a more casual, boyish charm. Though its usage as a formal given name has declined since its peak, it remains recognized as both a nickname and standalone name. Donny carries a nostalgic appeal for many, evoking the easy-going American culture of the 1960s and 1970s, while still functioning as a personable, unpretentious option for boys today.
- Tennille
Description:
Toni Tennille was one half of the musical group Captain & Tennille, which produced a number of huge hits in the 1970s, including "Love Will Keep Us Together."
- Chastity
Origin:
Virtue nameDescription:
One of the original so-weird-it's-cruel celebrity baby names doesn't sound quite so impossible with the resurgence of virtue names. But be charitable and choose Charity instead. Variations: Chasa Dee, Chasadie, Chasady, Chasaty, Chasidee, Chasidey, Chasidie, Chasidy, Chasiti, Chasitie, Chasitti, Chasity, Chassedi, Chassidi, Chassidy, Chassiti, Chassity, Chassy, Chasta, Chastady, Chastidy, Chastin, Chastitee, Chastitie, Chastitey, Chastney, Chasty, Chasydi.
- Karri
Origin:
botanical nameDescription:
Karri is a beautiful Australian native tree famous for its richly-colored strong wood. It's a name that travels well - and one of the few tree names that lends itself more to girls than boys.
- Chaka
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"life"Description:
We all know that Chaka really means disco.
- Laron
Description:
Laron is a modern masculine name with uncertain origins. It may be a variant of the Hebrew name Aaron, which means 'high mountain' or 'exalted one,' or it could be a creative contemporary invention. Laron gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but remains relatively uncommon. The name has a strong, distinctive sound with its combination of the smooth 'L' beginning and the emphasis on the second syllable. Laron conveys a sense of uniqueness and individuality, making it appealing for parents seeking a rare yet accessible name for their son.
- Chasity
Origin:
Variation of ChastityMeaning:
"chasteness"Description:
This alternative spelling of Chastity peaked all the way up at #253 in 1976, and hung on in the US Top 1000 until 2008. Both have now fallen out of favor.