Names that Peaked in 1996
- Collin
Origin:
Variation of Colin and CollinsDescription:
Thanks to its dashing British image and c-initialed two-syllable sound, Colin/Collin has enjoyed a long run of popularity.
- Justice
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"the quality of being just, impartial, or fair"Description:
Justice, one of the rare virtue names for boys, entered the popularity ranks in 1992, and has remained on the list ever since. Parents' search for names implying virtue has led to a mini-revival of this long-neglected name in both its German homonymic form, Justus, and as the word itself. Steven Seagal was ahead of the curve when he used it back in 1976.
- Imani
Origin:
Arabic, SwahiliMeaning:
"faith"Description:
Another strong Arabic name, related to Iman. Imani one is popular throughout the Muslim world but especially East Africa. It was chosen for her daughter by actress Jasmine Guy.
- Hayley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"hay field"Description:
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 the country. Hayley is the most used spelling in Australia.
- Xena
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"guest"Description:
Still projects the potent allure of television's warrior princess.
- Chase
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"to hunt"Description:
Chase is starting to be seen on a handful of girls each year, and has been heard as a nickname to Chelsea.
- Guillermo
Origin:
Spanish variation of WilliamDescription:
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, Guermillo, Guiermo Guilermón, Guille, Guillelmo, Guillermino, Guillo, Guirmo, Gullermo, Llermo, Memo, Quillermo.
- Kiana
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Kiana (or more appropriately, Quiana) is the original polyester name, now falling fast out of favor.
- Alanna
Origin:
Variation of AlanaMeaning:
"handsome, cheerful"Description:
The extra n makes it feel less like an feminization of Alan and more like a name unto itself. Alanna is more common in Puerto Rico than the original Alana.
- Katia
Origin:
Russian diminutive of EkaterinaMeaning:
"pure"Description:
One of the warm and earthy Russian nickname names now coming into style. Denzel Washington is the father of a Katia.
- Tristan
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"noise or sorrowful"Description:
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 times as many girls are named Tristan as are named Isolde, Tristan's mythical female counterpart. There are also feminizations of Tristan, such as Tristana and Tristine, but these are much more rare than the original.
- Dania
Origin:
Italian, diminutive of DanielaMeaning:
"God is my judge"Description:
Dania is a fun, offbeat name with international flair.
- Christiana
Origin:
Feminine variation of ChristianMeaning:
"follower of Christ"Description:
Not cutting edge, but still graceful and feminine.
- Odalys
Origin:
French word OdalisqueMeaning:
"chambermaid; concubine"Description:
We're not sure that the 43 little girls named Odalys in the USA last year are going to thanks their parents when they realize the meaning of their name. This is a name that should be avoided despite its sweet sound. Better alternatives are Lyssa, Odette, or Odelie.
- Kiersten
Origin:
Variation of KirstenDescription:
Kiersten is the version of Kirsten you use if you really really really don't want anyone to mispronounce it as ker-sten or kris-ten. But they probably still will.
- Estefania
Origin:
Spanish variation of StephanieDescription:
Attractive international Stephanie alternative. Estefania ranks in the Top 100 in Puerto Rico.
- Marcos
Origin:
Portuguese and Spanish variation of MarkDescription:
Another culture's slant on Mark, sometimes associated with former president of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos and his shoe-collecting wife, Imelda.
- Sarina
- Trystan
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"noise or sorrowful"Description:
An alternative spelling of Tristan, and also the modern Welsh form of the legendary hero's name.
- Precious
Origin:
Latin word nameMeaning:
"of great worth, expensive"Description:
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. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.