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Sitcoms in the nineties inspired our hairstyles and clothing choices. They even gave us a set of catchphrases we’re still using today. Could we be any more unoriginal? But when it comes to choosing a name for your little one, one of these old familiar faces from our favorite TV shows could be just the perfect baby name. Bonus: Many of them also fit in with the current vintage baby name trend. So, if you’re looking for baby name inspiration, names like the following from your favorite ’90s sitcoms are a great starting point!
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Why ’90s sitcom baby names are all the rage
“TV and celebrities have a huge influence on our culture, so it’s not surprising to see that these names are becoming more and more popular,” Richard Conway, founder of a UK-based childcare social network platform, told Yahoo.com. “It’s not a new trend either, people have historically named their children after their icons.”
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Ashley
Meaning: Old English for meadow where ash trees are found
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #154
Ashley Banks, Will Smith’s loyal cousin in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, may have had something to do with the popularity of the name Ashley in the nineties. It may be considered a vintage baby name now, but back then the name Ashley was consistently at the top of hospital lists across the United States. With the 2022 Peacock reboot Bel-Air, now may be a good time to bring the name back!
Rachel
Meaning: Hebrew for ewe
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #244
Rachel Greene from Friends was a ’90s sitcom sweetheart. From her iconic hairstyle to her clothes, everyone wanted to be Rach. And while she was Ross’s lobster, this Hebrew name actually means “ewe” or “female sheep.”
Jesse
Meaning: God exists
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #194
Have mercy! As far as attic-dwelling uncles go, Jesse from Full House is the best. His name, which has its basis in Hebrew, is boyish and charming, just like our favorite rock star uncle.
Phoebe
Meaning: From Greek, brilliant
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #214
Some of the Friends gang make better namesakes than others. “Miss Chandler Bing,” anyone? Phoebe was a little wacky and always lovable, making the meaning of her name quite fitting.
Anytime you start to narrow down baby names, it’s only natural to begin overthinking every aspect of the name. One Reddit user did just that in the namenerds subreddit. “I’m really liking the name Phoebe, but I’m worried that they could potentially be made fun of because their name has the word ‘hoe’ in it,” the user wrote. “Am I looking too into it?” (The user was reassured on the platform that she was in fact stressing over nothing.)
Rebecca (Becky)
Meaning: To tie, bind, or join in Hebrew
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #296
Popular for its depiction of the life of a working-class family, Roseanne was a relatable show for many Americans. The Connors faced the everyday challenges of raising three children and often relied on their eldest daughter, Becky, to help keep the household running smoothly. The name Rebecca means to “hold together,” which is quite fitting.
Whitley
Meaning: Old English for white meadow
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #886
The only baby name on the ’90s sitcom list that is gender-neutral was made popular by Whitley Gilbert from A Different World. Whitley’s tough-as-nails personality may be one trait you’d like your child to have, but remember Whitley also needed to fall asleep to a recording of crickets on a loop. You’ve been warned.
Sabrina
Meaning: Boundary
Popularity rank in the U.S.: not ranked on SSA.gov
Sabrina the Teenage Witch was sacred to teens of the late ’90s. Though the plot was outlandish, the star was plucky and relatable. Sabrina sounds chic and Parisian, but this name actually comes from the Latin for “boundary.”
Gina
Meaning: Latin name meaning “queen”
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #348 Regina
Thirty years ago, Martin premiered on Fox and has gained new viewers in recent years thanks to streaming services. Martin’s (Martin Lawrence) wife, Gina, is portrayed by Tisha Campbell on the ’90s sitcom. If you’re seeking a semi-royal baby name, Gina is a derivative of Eugenia and is typically associated with English, Celtic, and Italian, with many variations, including Regina which means “queen.” And if you know Martin’s personality and what Gina had to put up with, she definitely deserves that royal title.
George
Meaning: Farmer
Popularity rank in the U.S.: 142
Seinfeld had some of the most memorable characters of the nineties, and George Costanza was one-of-a-kind. George has remained one of the top 200 names in the U.S. for several years, and all those baby Georges are in good company. Second in line to the British throne, Prince George, the son of Will and Kate, is among a long list of monarchs named George. George Costanza on the other hand, was definitely not a royal. But he did once walk the streets of New York City in a king costume.
Amanda
Meaning: Lovable
Popularity rank in the U.S.: 463
“Amanda, please!” We have Amanda Bynes to thank for this catchphrase, made popular on her eponymous ’90s sitcom, The Amanda Show. And much like her character, the talented Bynes is a beloved part of nineties television history. We all wish her the best!
Grace
Meaning: Latin for “generosity”
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #35
Despite wanting to be the center of attention at all times, Grace from the ’90s sitcom Will & Grace is as generous as her name implies. You’d have to be to tolerate an assistant like Karen, who doesn’t actually do any work all day!
