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!
More from Mom.com: 15 Celebrity Kids Who Have the Same Name
Why ’90s sitcom baby names are all the rage
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.”
