Names that Peaked in 1881
- Garfield
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"triangular field"Description:
Despite the presidential pedigree, it's still hard to shake the image of the cartoon cat (named after his creator Jim Davis's grandfather). However, there are other Garfields, such as Barbadian cricket player Sir Garfield Sobers, who carries it with gravitas.
- 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.
- 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.
- Waldo
Origin:
German, pet form of names such as WaldemarMeaning:
"to rule"Description:
Its jaunty o-ending makes this name more appealing than most of its Germanic brothers, and we hope we're beyond the constant response to his name being "Where's Waldo?" The weighty reputation of writer and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson adds a measure of backbone to the name.
- York
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from the yew estate"Description:
Brisk, preppy York is an underused classic with the potential to really shine in the 21st century. It's most familiar as a place name — York is a city in England — and surname. New York City and State were named after the Duke of York.
- 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.
- Primus
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"first"Description:
The revival of long-dormant Roman names would put this back in the lexicon if it wasn't so connected to a telecommunications network.
- Lovina
Description:
Lovina is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be derived from Latin 'lovina' relating to love, or could be a variant of Lavinia, an ancient Roman name associated with Latin settlers. Some suggest it may be a combination of 'love' with the feminine suffix '-ina.' The name has historical usage among the Amish communities in the United States, particularly notable in the Lovina settlement in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. There is also a beach called Lovina in Bali, Indonesia. The name has a gentle, melodious quality with its soft consonants and flowing rhythm. Though never extremely common, Lovina offers vintage charm while remaining recognizable. It provides an uncommon alternative to more familiar names like Lavinia or Loveday.
- Albion
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"white, bright"Description:
Albion is an ancient, poetic, and literary name for Great Britain. As a name, Albion is a variation of Albus -- and Dumbledore fans might find it a congenial update. Attractive short forms include Al and Albie.
- Alta
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"elevated"Description:
Alta, one of the newer names bookended by the letter A, has a meaning that might raise a child's self-esteem. It was the middle name of First Lady Lady Bird Johnson.
- Chin
Origin:
Chinese and Korean surnameMeaning:
"to describe; ancient; gold; money; to pound grain"Description:
Chin is a common surname among those with Chinese or Korean heritage. It is related to the Chinese family names Chen, Jin, Qian, and Qin, and the Korean surname Jin.
- Pryor
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"head of the monastery, prior"Description:
Pryor is for those in search of an unusual occupational name...or in memory of comedian Richard.
- Alpha
Origin:
Greek, first letter of the alphabetDescription:
The first letter of the Greek alphabet ande the brightest star in every constellation, this would make an interesting choice for a first daughter, though it does give off some spectral sci-fi reverberations--and references to the term "alpha male.".
- Prosper
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"favorable, prosperous"Description:
In France, pronounced PRO-spare, Prosper is a fairly common name; here it presents a worthy aspirational message for a child.
- Byrd
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"bird"Description:
The name of the teenaged son on the dear departed television show "Huff."
- Otho
Description:
Otho is a masculine name of Germanic origin that carries ancient historical significance. The name traces back to Old Germanic roots meaning 'wealth' or 'prosperity.' Notably, it was borne by several important historical figures, including a Roman Emperor and German kings. While never extensively popular in modern times, Otho maintains an aristocratic and distinguished air. The name has various forms across European languages, including Otto in German and Othon in French. Today, Otho remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive classical name with historical depth and a strong masculine character.
- 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.
- Ambers
Description:
Ambers is an unusual masculine name derived from the natural substance amber, fossilized tree resin valued for its golden-honey color and use in jewelry. While Amber has been widely used as a feminine name since the 1970s, Ambers as a masculine variant is exceptionally rare. The addition of the final 's' may have emerged as a patronymic form or through surname adaptation. The name evokes warmth, natural beauty, and a golden quality, while potentially carrying associations with preservation and timelessness, qualities inherent to amber itself. Despite its appealing imagery and connection to nature, Ambers has not gained significant recognition as a given name and remains one of the less common gem or substance-inspired names in English-speaking countries. Its rarity might appeal to parents seeking a truly distinctive name.
- Zillah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"shade"Description:
A light, bohemian-sounding biblical name, mentioned in the bible as a wife of Lamech, one of the first men.
- Casimiro
Origin:
Spanish form of Casimir, Polish and SlavicMeaning:
"destroyer of peace"Description:
All names Cas are cool right night, from Cassius to Cassian to Caspian to, yes, Casimir and its Latin form Casimiro. An attractive possibility in this appealing group.