Entertainment
When you're choosing a name for your baby, turning to the past is a great place to look for inspiration. Luckily, you don't have to look too far back to find plenty of choices that are still as great today as they were back then. The sitcoms and movies that were so popular in the '90s, have naturally transitioned into today's classics. But despite the popularity of some of the shows, some of their stars aren't as well known today as you would think. However, there are plenty of great baby names inspired by forgotten '90s stars that you probably haven't thought of yet. And yes, I'm serious.
Some of these names are completely unique, like Blossom's Mayim Bialik, while other's are more common. Either way, there's no shame in bringing back your favorite '90s actors as contenders for baby names. Whether you were a fan of shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel Air or Boy Meets World, or maybe you just had a thing for Jonathan Taylor Thomas of Home Improvement (honestly, what '90s girl didn't?) there's some great inspiration for baby names from that memorable decade.
And if you don't want your child to know you named them after your childhood crush? Don't worry, your secret is safe with me.
1
Jonathan
Jonathan Taylor Thomas — or lovingly referred to as JTT by his fans — was the "it boy" of the '90s. Starring in shows like Home Improvement and later stared alongside Jessica Biel in I'll Be Home For Christmas. His name means "gift of Jehovah" and is a popular choice for baby boys.
2
Tatyana
Tatyana Ali, famous for her role as Ashley Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, has a beautiful name that originates in Russia.
3
Rider
Rider Strong played Shawn Hunter, Cory Matthews' troublemaker best friend from Boy Meets World. His unique name would be an awesome choice to bring back from the '90s.
4
Madeline
Famous for her role in the '90s sitcom The Nanny, Madeline Zima has made many on screen appearances since. Her name, meaning "high tower," is timeless and elegant.
5
Devon
Devon Sawa played everyone's favorite friendly ghost (the human form, anyway) in the 1995 flick Casper. His name, however, is a popular choice for both boys and girls.
6
Jurnee
After getting her start as Michelle Tanner's best friend in Full House, Jurnee Smollett has moved on to land leading roles in multiple films. Her name, a unique spelling of "journey", would be a great gender neutral option.
7
Ben
Ben Savage, known for his role as Cory Matthews from Boy Meets World played one of the most iconic characters for '90s kids. His name, a shortened version of Benjamin, means "son of the right hand," and is a classic choice for baby boys.
8
Alexa
Although not forgotten, Alexa Vega's roles in the '90s are somewhat downplayed by her big break in Spy Kids. Lest you forget, she played Priscilla in Little Giants.
9
Zachery
Zachery Bryan, Brad Taylor from Home Improvement is another actor who has moved out of the spot light. His name, an alternate spelling of Zachary, means the "Lord has remembered."
10
Sam
Sam Huntington, the actor who played wild-child Mimi Siku in Tim Allen's Jungle 2 Jungle, has a name that's great for either a boy or a girl.
11
Amy
More commonly known as the Pink Power Ranger, Amy Jo Johnson's time in the spotlight was brightest in the '90s. Her name, the number one name from that decade, means "beloved. "
12
Mayim
Mayim Balik, who played Blossom from the '90s sitcom, has an incredibly unique name. Mayim is the Hebrew word for "water" and would be a beautiful, gender neutral choice that most people probably wouldn't associate with the '90s show.
