BABY NAMES INSPIRED BY THE 1980S
Choosing a baby name is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your new arrival. The trouble is, there are just so many names to choose from! If you are struggling to find the perfect name for your little one, then why not try mixing it up a bit and choosing a baby name from the eighties?
The eighties were a decade that saw us enjoying Saturday nights watching the A Team on the TV, and playing with Care Bears and Cabbage Patch Kids. Meanwhile, the cool kids donned leg warmers, shoulder pads, and mullet haircuts, which were (surprisingly!) all acceptable style choices in the eighties.
Our top baby names from the 1980s
Check out these eighties inspired baby name choices, and see if your perfect baby name is somewhere on this list...
Christopher
The name Christopher peaked to become the number one choice of boy’s name during the eighties. The name is Greek and means ‘bearer of Christ.’ Superhero actors Chris Hemsworth and Chris Pratt were both eighties babies.
Sarah
Sarah is a Hebrew name which means ‘princess.’ Sarah topped the list of popular baby names from 80s. In 2018, Sarah dropped out of the top 100 names for the first time since 1904, so it sounds like Sarah is due a comeback pretty soon.
Marty
Marty is a baby name that will send you Back to the Future! Marty McFly was the lead character in this eighties blockbuster. Marty or Martin, is a name derived from the Latin name for Mars, Roman God of War.
Cindy
Cindy is synonymous with iconic stars of the eighties. Original supermodel, Cindy Crawford rose to stardom in this decade, and singer Cyndi Lauper became famous for her hit single, ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ and distinctive dress sense. This super cute name means ‘little cinder girl.’
George
The name George is Greek and means farmer. Unfortunately, George didn’t make it into the top of the baby name lists of the eighties, but it’s still a chart topping name! Singing legend, George Michael took the world by storm in the eighties as one half of Wham bringing us pop classics such as ‘Club Tropicana’ and ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.’
George is an increasingly popular name, and in 2019 ranked as the second most popular baby boy’s name in the UK. The name’s recent popularity could be a result of a future king bearing the name George, which brings us onto our next eighties baby name…
William
The early eighties were a golden time for the Royal Family. The fairy tale wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana was celebrated across the world with street parties and commemorative tea towels aplenty! Prince William was born in 1982, and became second in line to the throne. The name William means ‘strong protector’ and is a perfect choice if you love the idea of royal baby names.
Amy
Amy is a super sweet name meaning ‘beloved’ and peaked in popularity during the 1980s staying in the top ten throughout the whole decade. Famous Amy’s born in the eighties include Amy Schumer and Amy Winehouse.
Daniel
Fans of the smash hit film, Karate Kid will love the name Daniel. Daniel was in the top ten popular baby names from the 80s and its popularity continued throughout the nineties. Daniel is a Hebrew name meaning ‘God is my judge.’
Thomas
Thomas was one of the 80s top baby names, and has Hebrew origins, this popular name means ‘twin.’ Two of the world’s most famous actors achieved fame in classic films of this decade. Tom Hanks made his film breakthrough in Splash and went on to star in Big. Meanwhile Tom Cruise achieved fame playing the role of Maverick in Top Gun.
Emma
Emma is an ever-popular name, and has a German origin meaning ‘entire.’ Emma was a constant in the top baby names from the 80s, and still features in the top 100 baby girl names, ranking at number 61 in 2019. If you’re looking for a timeless name that spans the decades, this is it!
Claire
Claire was the sixth most popular baby name for girls in 1984, and is a French name meaning ‘famous’ and ‘bright.’ Famous Claire’s from the eighties include Clare Grogan, star of the classic 1980 film, Gregory’s Girl.
Robert
Robert is a German name meaning ‘famous.’ Rob Lowe and Robert Downey Junior took the meaning of their name literally and rose to fame in this decade as part of the so-called ‘Brat Pack.’ The Brat Pack starred in some of the most famous films of the decade including, St Elmo’s Fire and The Breakfast Club.
Jason
The name Jason is synonymous with the eighties thanks to soap actor turned pop star Jason Donovan. The name Jason has a Greek origin and means ‘one who heals.’
Gemma
Gemma was the third most popular baby girl name in 1984. This popular name comes from the Latin word for jewel. Actresses Gemma Arterton, Gemma Atkinson and Gemma Chan were all born in the eighties. Reality star Gemma Collins was also a child of the eighties.
David
David was one of the 80s top baby names for boys, remaining a firm favourite throughout the decade. The origins of this popular 80s name are Hebrew and it means ‘beloved.’ Who knows, the popularity of the name could have something to do with the eighties TV legend David Hasselhoff. The Hoff graced our screens in both Knight Rider and Baywatch during this unforgettable decade.
Jennifer
Jennifer is a Cornish name meaning ‘fair and beautiful.’ The eighties was a decade for movie success for actresses named Jennifer. In 1983, Jennifer Beals starred in iconic eighties film, Flashdance, and Jennifer Grey starred as Baby in 1987 smash hit, Dirty Dancing.
James
James is the second most popular baby name from the 80s. The name is derived from Latin and means ‘supplanter.’ This classic name is still proving popular today, and is at number 19 on the 2019 baby name list! The band James, famous for their hit single, ‘Sit Down,’ formed in the eighties.
Chesney
If you love unusual baby names, how about naming your little one after the original ‘One and Only’ Chesney Hawkes? The name Chesney originates from the old French word for oak.