Awesome American Names

  1. Darien
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Darian
    • Meaning:

      "rich, kingly"
    • Description:

      The Darien spelling, which relates to the posh Connecticut town, peaked at Number 393 in 1994 but more recently has been just hanging on at the bottom of the Top 1000. Still, a name with an appealing sound and feel that may ascend again.
  2. Darla
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "darling"
    • Description:

      Dimpled Our Gang comedy name.
  3. Davion
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Davion has only ranked in the US Top 1000 since the early 1990s, and its alternate spelling Davian is a more recent entry, first entering the charts in 2004. Their apparent connection to more common names Dave and Damian presumably provided the avenue for their success; however, both names are trending downward with no expected resurgence in the coming years.
  4. Deanne
    • Origin:

      Variation of Diana
    • Meaning:

      "divine"
    • Description:

      Deanne was one of many variations popular in the middle of the 20th century, during the heyday of Diane and sisters and even cousins. Now, at least one generation away from a comeback.
  5. Dedrick
    • Origin:

      German, variation of Derek
    • Description:

      This name is related to Derek and Dietrich, either of which would be preferable.
  6. Deedee
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Dee-starting names
    • Description:

      In its mid-20th century heyday, Deedee -- or Didi or Dede -- was not infrequently used as a name in its own right. It's a cute, or maybe cutesy, short form of names like Deanne.
  7. Deja
    • Demi
      • Origin:

        Diminutive of Demetria or Greek
      • Meaning:

        "half"
      • Description:

        Demi appeared in the US as a baby name thanks to a single celebrity, actress Demi Moore, who put it on the Top 1000 throughout the 1990s. As her star faded, so did the visibility of the name, though now it is rising again on its own steam. It's popular in Europe, too, especially in The Netherlands. Demi may be that unusual name that's launched by a celebrity and then maintains its visibility all by itself.
    • Deondre
      • Devan
        • Diandra
          • Origin:

            Greek
          • Meaning:

            "twice a man"
          • Description:

            Diandra is one of many variations on Diana, but lacks its classic class. Associated with Michael Douglas's first wife, who is of Austrian heritage.
        • Dre
          • Eisha
            • Gavyn
              • Origin:

                Spelling variation of Gavin
              • Description:

                Forever to be known as "Gavin-with-a-Y."
            • Jacey
              • Origin:

                English (modern)
              • Description:

                A modern coinage from the initials JC, or from a combination of Jay plus the popular -acey/-asey ending sound.
            • Jaden
              • Origin:

                Hebrew
              • Meaning:

                "God has heard"
              • Description:

                While Jadon is the authentic biblical name, Jaden is by far the more popular spelling, first noticed when Will and Jada Pinkett Smith used it for their now grown (and famous) son. It has since swept the country for both sexes, with a wide variety of spellings and rhyming cousins.
            • Jaelyn
              • Origin:

                Modern invented name
              • Description:

                Jaelyn is a name popular in many spellings and variations, including Jaelynn, Jaylin, and Jalen, and used for girls as well as boys.
            • Jalissa
              • Janessa
                • Origin:

                  American invented name
                • Meaning:

                  "god is gracious + butterfly"
                • Description:

                  This newly invented name is most likely a combination of Jane and Vanessa. Though it may not have as long of a history as more traditional names, Janessa has been a staple on the bottom half of the US Top 1000 since the mid-1980s. Perhaps surprisingly, it peaked at Number 524 in 2004.
              • Jase
                • Origin:

                  Diminutive of Jason
                • Meaning:

                  "the Lord is salvation"
                • Description:

                  Nickname name Jase joined twin brother Jace in the Top 100 in 2013, after first entering the list in 2002 -- but has since dropped in the charts. Inspiration may be Jase (born Jason) Robinson of the reality show Duck Dynasty.