Awesome American Names
- Jaslene
Origin:
Invented nameDescription:
Jaslene, a reality show-related name via former America's Next Top Model winner Jaslene Gonzalez, a smoosh of Jasmine and the 'ene' ending, has dropped from Number 599 in 2007 to 976 in 2010.
- Jazmyn
Description:
See JASMINE.
- Jerica
Description:
Jerica is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Jericha or a feminine form of Jeric, ultimately connected to the biblical city of Jericho. The name has Hebrew origins, loosely associated with meanings like 'city of the moon' or 'fragrant place.' Emerging in popularity during the latter part of the 20th century, Jerica offers a modern update to the more traditional Jessica or Erica. The name possesses a melodic quality with its three syllables and soft ending. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Jerica appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet remains relatively uncommon. In the United States, its peak usage occurred in the 1980s and 1990s, though it maintains a modest presence today.
- Jolene
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Stuck in the shadow of the old Dolly Parton song. In spite of its dated feel, Jolene reentered the charts in 2010 and has been rising in recent years.
- Jeslyn
- Jianna
- Kaiya
Origin:
Spelling variation of Kaya and KaiaMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Kaiya might have peaked in 2002 and has since fallen behind its sisters Kaya and Kaia, however, in recent years, it has been slowing climbing back up the charts.
- Kami
Origin:
English, JapaneseMeaning:
"young ceremonial attendant or crooked nose; divine"Description:
An English short form of Kamilla, Kameron or similar, or a Japanese unisex name meaning "divine",
- 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.
- Kianna
Origin:
Spelling variation of Kiana, American invented nameDescription:
While Kianna and Kiana are credited with a range of origins and meanings online, it is an American invented name taken from Quiana, a polyester fabric that gained some following as a baby name in the 1970s when it was first invented.
- Kryssa
Description:
Kryssa is a distinctive feminine name with a modern, edgy quality. It may have evolved as a variation of Krista/Christa (meaning 'follower of Christ') or possibly as a unique spelling of the Greek name Chryssa (relating to 'gold' or 'golden'). The unusual 'K' spelling combined with the double 's' gives the name a contemporary, striking appearance. Though rare in mainstream usage, Kryssa fits with modern naming trends that favor short, punchy names with distinctive spellings. The name has a crisp, dynamic sound that feels both strong and feminine. Potential nicknames include Krys or Ryssa. The uniqueness of Kryssa ensures individuality while still having a relatively intuitive pronunciation. Its rarity makes it suitable for parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible.
- Kyler
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"victory of the people"Description:
Kyler was once a creative solution for 90s parents who enjoyed the sounds of Kyle and Tyler but didn't want to use anything so popular. Now a well-established name on the US charts, it is given to more than 1000 babies every year.
- Kloey
- Laisha
Origin:
Invented name, combining La prefix with Aisha, Arabic and SwahiliMeaning:
"living, prosperous"Description:
Laisha made the US Top 1000 list for a few years in the early 21st century, thanks to its role on a Spanish soap opera. The name is a variation of the popular Arabic and Muslim name Aisha, which has many spellings and forms.
- Lanna
Description:
Lanna is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Thai culture, it refers to the ancient kingdom of Lan Na in northern Thailand, meaning 'land of a million rice fields.' In Western contexts, it often functions as a variation of Lana, which has Slavic roots meaning 'light' or can be a short form of names like Alana or Elena. The double 'n' gives the name a distinctive spelling while maintaining the melodic pronunciation. Lanna has gained modest popularity since the late 20th century, appreciated for its brevity, international appeal, and gentle sound. The name conveys qualities of brightness and natural beauty, making it attractive to parents seeking a name that is both simple and meaningful with cross-cultural resonance.
- Latrice
Description:
Latrice is a feminine given name that appears to be a modern variant of names like Letitia or Beatrice, possibly combining elements of 'La' (a popular prefix in naming patterns since the mid-20th century) with '-trice' from names like Beatrice. The name emerged in usage in the United States during the 1960s and saw its peak popularity in the 1970s and early 1980s. While sometimes categorized as a creative modern coinage, Latrice demonstrates phonetic patterns common in contemporary American naming trends. Usage data shows the name has appeared across diverse communities in the United States, though it has never ranked among the top 1000 most popular names nationally. The name has a melodic quality with its soft 'La' beginning and strong 'trice' ending, which may contribute to its enduring appeal among parents seeking distinctive yet accessible names.
- Liddie
Description:
Liddie is a diminutive feminine form of Lydia, which has ancient Greek origins meaning "from Lydia," referring to a region in Asia Minor (now part of modern Turkey). The name carries a vintage charm and has historically been used as an affectionate nickname for women named Lydia or sometimes Elizabeth. While not commonly used as a standalone name in contemporary times, Liddie has a sweet, old-fashioned appeal that evokes a sense of nostalgia. It shares phonetic similarities with other nickname forms like Libby and Lilly, making it familiar yet distinctive. In popularity, Liddie remains quite rare as a given name, though it continues to be used occasionally in families with traditional naming preferences.
- Lisanne
Origin:
Dutch compound name, merging Elisabeth and AnneMeaning:
"God is my oath and grace"Description:
A bit like Annelise in reverse, Lisanne is a sleek but gentle Dutch compound name that was popular in the 2010s.
- Loralie
Description:
Loralie is a melodic feminine name with multiple potential origins. Most commonly, it's considered a variant spelling of Lorelei, which derives from Germanic folklore about a siren who lured sailors to their doom on the Rhine River with her enchanting singing. Alternatively, it may combine elements of 'Laura' with the French suffix '-lie.' The name carries a dreamy, lyrical quality with its flowing syllables and soft sounds. While less common than spellings like Lorelei or Lorelai, Loralie offers a unique twist on the classic name while maintaining its musical essence. The name gained some attention through various cultural references, but remains relatively uncommon, making it distinctive without being unfamiliar. Its romantic and somewhat mythical associations give it an ethereal charm.
- Loriann
Description:
Loriann is a feminine name combining elements of the popular names Lori (a diminutive of Laura or Lorraine) and Ann. This compound construction became particularly popular in mid-20th century America, reflecting a trend toward creating unique names from familiar elements. Lori derives ultimately from Latin 'laurus' meaning 'laurel tree,' a symbol of victory, while Ann comes from Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace.' The name saw its peak usage in the 1960s and 1970s, though it never reached high rankings on popularity charts. Loriann offers a familiar feel while maintaining some distinctiveness through its combined structure. The name has a pleasant rhythm and accessible pronunciation, balancing traditional elements with a somewhat more personalized feel than either of its component names alone.