Sam
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #533
Meaning: Asked of God
Before Ross and Rachel or Booth and Bones, there were Sam and Diane. This "Cheers" duo was the ultimate "will they or won't they" couple of '80s TV. But while Diane eventually left, Sam Malone was the flirtatious, brooding heart of this classic sitcom for its entire run. His Hebrew name is boyish and simple, just the way we like it.
Clair
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #44 (Claire)
Meaning: Brilliant, illustrious
Every child of the '80s craved and feared a mother like Clair Huxtable. The "Cosby Show" matriarch was devoted, successful and not afraid of tough love. Her name is a variation of the name Clara, which has Latin roots, and is just as dignified as Mama Huxtable herself.
Theo
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #509
Meaning: Gift of God
Devoted "Cosby Show" fans expecting boys might consider the name of the lovable son who never met a shortcut he wouldn't attempt. Theo, which is short for the Greek name Theodore, is a fittingly impish name for your own sweet schemer.
Dorothy
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #731
Meaning: Gift of God
Every one of "The Golden Girls" would make a deliciously charming namesake, but it's sharp and drily witty Dorothy that makes our list. Her name comes from the Greek moniker Dorothea and is full of just as much sass.
Duke
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #666
Meaning: Leader
Yeeeee-haw! Bo and Luke Duke were thick as thieves, so don't choose between the two when considering baby names—opt instead for the shared surname of the fast-driving, plot-hatching stars of "The Dukes of Hazzard." This name comes from the royal title, which is Latin for "leader."
Tracey
Popularity rank in the U.S.: Not ranked
Fans of comedy know the importance of "The Tracey Ullman Show," the late-'80s sketch/variety show that launched "The Simpsons." Like the starring comedienne, the name Tracey is English; it was originally used as a last name, but today it's a feminine name with a little bit of '70s throwback edge.
Angus
Popularity rank in the U.S.: Not ranked
Meaning: Unique strength
If you name your baby after "MacGyver," you'll have to watch him carefully to ensure he doesn't create a crib-escaping device using a paper clip and pacifier. The star of the action-adventure series was known by his last name more than his proper Scottish name, Angus.
Blair
Popularity rank in the U.S.: Not ranked
Meaning: From the fields
"You take the good, you take the bad …" The "Facts of Life" theme song is a pretty accurate descriptor of parenthood, so why not name your baby after Blair, the confident but vain boarding school student who was one of its characters. The name Blair has Gaelic and Scottish origins and is part of the oh-so-popular unisex names trend.
Ricardo
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #256
Meaning: Powerful ruler
With its rolled-up suit sleeves, neon logo and contemporary music, "Miami Vice" epitomized '80s TV. And while Don Johnson's Crockett got top billing, his police partner Ricardo Tubbs was the cool ladies' man and a skilled cop. His suave name is a variation of the Old German name Richard.
Maddie
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #9 (Madison), #89 (Madeline)
"Moonlighting" burned brightly and quickly, as did the chemistry between leads Maddie and David. Former-model-turned-investigator Maddie was cutting and quick, not to mention beautiful (hello, Cybill Shepherd). Maddie is often used as a nickname for more refined names like Madeline and Madison.
Keaton
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #439
Meaning: Place of the hawks
If you loved "Family Ties" and can't play favorites with young Republican Alex and his former hippie parents Elyse and Steven, pick the name that "ties" them together. The members of the Keaton family had their differences, but every one of them was likable and loving (yes, even youngest daughter Jennifer). Keaton is an Old English name.
Jessica
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #179
Meaning: Wealthy
As a late-'80s resident of Cabot Cove, Maine, your life would have been in danger pretty much constantly. Luckily, "Murder, She Wrote" lead Jessica Fletcher had your back. Fans of crime dramas, kindly older women and Angela Lansbury should consider the name Hebrew name Jessica.
