Names that Peaked in 1994

Though it may have a slightly different pronunciation than Devin, this name is struggling to gain momentum.

Kenia debuted on the US Top 1000 list in 1992. Even though it currently ranks higher than original spelling Kenya, this is a hard sell as it alters the spelling of the African nation.

The pronunciation is different enough -- it's clar-EE-sa -- to make this feel like a distinct name. But an improvement on Claire or Clarissa? Not really.

An invented name that has its roots in DeAndre or D'Andre, which springs from "the son of Andrew." Feels like half Don or Dion, half Andre or Andrew, but not enough of something unto itself.

An invented name with several spelling variations. Ranking in the Top 1000 from 1989 to 2005, Daquan is now becoming a Dad Name.

Leave the Z behind, please. You're better off with the classic Jasmine spelling -- though all of this name's variations have been falling in popularity in recent years.

While this spelling is running a close second on the popularity charts to the original Briana, it feels more invented -- probably because it is. Some parents may want to move further away from Brian, root name for all the feminine variations, and so prefer the e versions. But we like the older, more authentic Briana best. Another spelling way: Breanna.

Created from two classics, Jamarcus - also written as JaMarcus - is a smoosh name with strong, tough meaning. The name peaked in the 2000s and has since fallen down the US charts, though it is still given to around 50 babies each year. Footballers JaMarcus Russell and JaMarcus Shepherd are notable bearers.