Names that Peaked in 1881
- Lillie
Origin:
Spelling variation of Lily or short form of Lillian, flower nameDescription:
This charming spelling of Lillie had its heyday in the late 1800s and ranked in the Top 100 until the end of the 1920s. It dropped off the Top 1000 completely in the 1980s and 1990s but is now back in play.
- Ora
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"prayer"Description:
Short and slight, with great potential now that names like Ava, Ida and Orla are popular. Ora Beach is a tourist destination on Seram Island, Indonesia.
- Rosetta
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"splendid"Description:
Associated with the ancient Rosetta stone, this is also the pretty Italian pet form of Rosa.
- Eveline
Origin:
English or FrenchMeaning:
"desired; or water, island"Description:
Variant of Evelyn or Aveline
- Claribel
Origin:
English combination of Clara + -bel, LatinMeaning:
"bright + beautiful"Description:
Claribel improves on its mother name Clarabelle by distancing itself from the clown and the cow.
- Tilla
Description:
Tilla is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. In Germanic languages, it can be a diminutive of names containing the element 'tild' meaning 'battle' or 'strength,' such as Matilda. In Hindi, Tilla relates to gold or golden, carrying connotations of brightness and value. The name also appears in Swedish and Finnish contexts. With its soft sound and simple two-syllable structure, Tilla has a gentle, melodic quality that feels both vintage and fresh. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it enjoys some usage in Scandinavian and Germanic regions. The name's cross-cultural presence and pleasant sound make it appealing for parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name with international resonance.
- Elvina
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"elf friend"Description:
Sounds elven in every sense of the word.
- Presley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"priest's meadow"Description:
More universal than Elvis...and more conventionally attractive, too. Cindy Crawford used it for her son, though it's on the rise mainly for girls. The last time Presley ranked in the Top 1000 for boys was 1903, 120 years ago. Today, it's used for girls 14 times as often as for boys, mainly because of the -ley ending.
- Lillia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"lilies"Description:
More than Lily yet less than Lillian, Lillia is a fresh and undeniably pretty member of the stylish genus of double (or in this case triple) l names. You can also spell it Lilia.
- Nana
Origin:
English, Greek, Hawaiian, JapaneseMeaning:
"grace; God is gracious; spring, beauty; vegetable, greens"Description:
To most English speakers, Nana is the dog in Peter Pan, the daughter played by Emma Stone in Crazy Stupid Love, and another name for Grandma, however, it is also a diminutive of Nancy and Anna (meaning "grace"), of Ioanna or Joanna (meaning "God is gracious"), and of a whole variety of similar sounding choices, such as Diana, Oriana, Fernanda, and Inanna.
- Katharina
Origin:
German variation of Katherine, GreekMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Katharina is an attractive form of Katherine and a great way to update a classic. Popular in Austria and a classic in Germany, it is typically pronounced as ka-ta-REE-na, though kath-uh-REE-nuh or ka-THREE-nuh are sometimes heard among English speakers. Worn by royalty and saints, it makes a strong and elegant choice.
- Dixon
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of Dick"Description:
A relatively common surname, Dixon would be an inventive way to honor an ancestral Richard or Dick, the X form a lot livelier than the Dickson spelling, just as Dix is a more modern short form than Dick; it would be right at home alongside Dax and Jax.
- Finis
Description:
Finis is a masculine name derived from the Latin word meaning 'end,' 'boundary,' or 'conclusion.' Historically, this name was sometimes given to a final child in a family, signifying that parents did not plan to have more children. While relatively rare in contemporary usage, Finis has occasional historical appearances, particularly in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The name carries philosophical overtones, suggesting completion and fulfillment. Though uncommon, Finis offers a distinctive classical quality with its Latin derivation and meaningful etymology. Its brevity and clear pronunciation give it accessibility despite its rarity. For parents drawn to names with clear meanings and historical depth, Finis presents an uncommon option with significant symbolic resonance.
- Thos
Description:
Thos is a masculine name that originated as an abbreviated written form of Thomas, common in older documents and records where scribes would shorten names. Thomas itself comes from the Aramaic word for 'twin' and became widely used throughout the Christian world due to the apostle Thomas. This contracted form Thos (typically pronounced like 'Thomas' rather than phonetically) appears in historical documents but is extremely rare as a given name in its own right. It has an antiquated, scholarly quality that might appeal to those interested in historical naming practices or seeking an extremely unusual variant of a classic name. While Thomas remains perennially popular across many cultures, Thos offers a distinctive alternative with the same essential meaning and heritage.
- Deforest
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"living near the forest"Description:
Nature surname with an aristocratic edge. Spelling it DeForest distances it from deforestation.
- Marrion
Description:
Marrion is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Marion or Marian. These names ultimately derive from the Latin Marius, a Roman family name, or Maria, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'sea of bitterness' or 'drop of the sea.' The double 'r' spelling adds a distinctive touch to the traditional name. While Marion was once common for men (notably Marion Robert Morrison, better known as John Wayne), it later became more associated with women. Marrion, with its variant spelling, helps reclaim the masculine identity of the name. It has a dignified, classic sound while remaining uncommon. The name suggests qualities of strength, endurance, and possibly devotion, especially considering the Marian religious connections in Christianity.
- Elihu
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah is God"Description:
Rarely used in the last two centuries, but might be worth dusting off and holding up to the light.
- Hessie
Description:
Hessie is a feminine name with both English and Scottish roots. Most commonly understood as a diminutive or nickname form of Hester, Esther, or Hesther, which derive from the Persian word for 'star.' Hessie was relatively popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in rural communities in the American South. The name has a sweet, old-fashioned charm that evokes images of simpler times. While it fell from common usage in the mid-20th century, it retains appeal for parents seeking vintage names with a gentle, feminine quality. Hessie may also occasionally be used as a nickname for Jessica. The name's warm, familiar sound balances its relative uniqueness in contemporary times.
- Permelia
Description:
Permelia is a feminine name with historical roots dating back to the 19th century in America. It's a variant of Pamela or Permilia, derived from Greek elements meaning 'all honey' or 'sweetness.' The name enjoyed modest popularity during the 1800s, particularly in rural communities across the United States. Permelia fell out of common usage by the early 20th century, making it a rare vintage choice in modern times. Women named Permelia were often nicknamed 'Melia' or 'Perm.' The name carries a quaint, old-fashioned charm that connects to America's pioneer heritage and represents the ornate naming style popular in Victorian-era America.
- Elvie
Origin:
English diminutive of Elva, IrishMeaning:
"leader of the elves"Description:
If Ellie and Evie are fashionable, why not Elvie? This is a diminutive of the Anglicized version of the Irish name spelled Ailbhe.
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