Names that Peaked in 2001
- Alejandro
Origin:
Spanish variation of AlexanderMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Softer and smoother than Alexander, this classic Spanish name for boys has made a seamless transition to this culture. Adding to its current impact: the Lady Gaga song Alejandro .
- Abby
Origin:
Diminutive of Abigail, HebrewMeaning:
"my father is joyful"Description:
Gently old-fashioned stand-alone nickname that owes its popularity to mega popular Abigail.
- Trent
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"the flooder"Description:
This strong single-syllable boys’ name has been finding favor with parents since the fifties, though it's been slipping in recent years; it fell out of the Top 500 for the first time since 1959 in 2015. Its main associations have been with the River Trent, whose name dates back to prehistoric times, and with former Mississippi Senator Trent (born Chester) Lott, and Trent Reznor (born Michael) of Nine Inch Nails.
- Nayeli
Origin:
ZapotecMeaning:
"I love you"Description:
A name rarely heard outside the Latino community, but it was popular enough in the early 2000s to crack the Top 200. Since then, it's lost ground.
- Javier
Origin:
Spanish variation of XavierDescription:
One of the most popular Spanish names for boys in the US, Javier is embodied for many Americans in the magnetic persona of Spanish-born Oscar-nominated actor Javier Bardem.
- Hamza
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"lion or strong"Description:
Hamza was the legendary uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, hero of The Hamzanama, the Story of Hamza.
- Muhammad
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"praiseworthy"Description:
There are over five hundred names for the Arab prophet who founded the Muslim religion (some of which are listed below), making it the most common boys' name in the world and explaining the Muslim adage, "If you have a hundred sons, name them all Muhammad."
- Regan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little king"Description:
Like somewhat more popular twin sister Reagan, this vibrant last-name-first Irish choice makes a strong, straightforward option.
- Khalid
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"immortal, everlasting"Description:
Khalid has flirted with the Top 1000 for several decades now, climbing back on in 2015 after more than a decade's absence. Its return could be in part because of the popularity of snapchat personality and rap collaborator DJ Khaled. R&B singer Khalid may also be contributing to its newfound popularity. The name is important in Islamic history thanks to a 7th century military leader. Khalida is the feminine version.
- Elisabeth
Origin:
Spelling variation of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
This spelling of the classic name is found in France, Germany, Greece, and other cultures, and is worn by such notables as Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Elisabeth Shue, Elisabeth Moss, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. The name's pronunciation is usually just like the Z version, but some parents choose this because they want to discourage the Liz or Lizzie short forms and so pronounce it as if it has Lisa in the middle.
- Ayana
Origin:
Arabic or AfricanMeaning:
"large eyes, or time, or beautiful flower"Description:
With diverse roots and meanings, Ayana is a cross-cultural possibility. Both Ayana and Ayanna enjoyed a spike of popularity in the 1990s, but have faded since then.
- Giovanna
Origin:
Italian, feminine variation of GiovanniDescription:
Like Galilea and Livia, one of the Italian names that fashionable American parents—with or without Italian roots—have started to choose for their daughters. It has endured ups and downs since entering the popularity charts in 1991.
- Fatima
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"a woman who abstains"Description:
Captivating and gorgeous, powerful but with gentle sounds, Fatima is a popular name of Arabic origin. In the Quran, she is one of the Prophet Muhammad's daughters, and the wife of Ali, the forth ruler of the Muslim world. Fatima is regarded as the ideal example of a Muslim women, which makes it a favorite among Muslim parents.
- Destiny
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
If Destiny is your daughter's destiny, she probably won't be the only one in her school: until 2009, Destiny was in the Top 50, with three of its alternate spellings in hot pursuit. It has since dipped a bit in popularity but is still widely used. Destiny Hope was the birth name of Miley Cyrus and Destiny Jones is the daughter or rapper Nas.
- Kobe
Origin:
SwahiliMeaning:
"tortoise"Description:
Basketball legend Kobe Bryant, whose name was inspired by a Japanese steak house, brought this energetic and appealing name into -- and out of -- the mix. Bryant's tragic death in a helicopter crash in 2020 increased the popularity of his name, as fans and admirers named their children Kobe in honor of the star.
- Angel
Origin:
Spanish and EnglishMeaning:
"angel, messenger"Description:
Angel is one of those names that has a very different trajectory for girls and boys. As a female name, it was most popular in the US from the 1970s until the turn of this century, almost breaking into the Top 100 at its peak in 2001 but then beginning a long slide down the list.
- Julianna
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"youthful or sky father"Description:
Together with Julian, the name Juliana/Julianna derives from Julius, a Roman family name. Its origin is shrouded in history, but possible roots include Latin iuvenis, meaning "youthfu"; Greek ioulos, meaning "downy-bearded"; or Jovis, a form of Jupiter, which means "sky father".
- Coby
Origin:
English, diminutive of Coburn or Jacob or JacobyDescription:
Actor Coby Bell gives this short but sweet name a hefty amount of street cred. Can also be spelled Koby or Kobe, as in Kobe Bryant.
- Katelyn
Origin:
Spelling variation of CaitlinMeaning:
"pure"Description:
One of the most popular of the trendy Caitlin variations, Katelyn points directly to components Kate and Lyn --making it a bit more traditionally feminine.
- Jesus
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"the Lord is salvation"Description:
Jesus -- pronounced hay-SOOS -- is used exclusively and extensively among Spanish speakers, though JEE-zus as in the first name of Christ is never used in the Anglophone world. Jesus Quintana was a character in The Big Lebowski and Jesus Velasquez appeared on True Blood.