Names that Peaked in 1883
- Linzy
Description:
Linzy is an uncommon masculine name that is more frequently used as a feminine name in contemporary usage. It appears to be a variant spelling of Lindsay or Lindsey, which originated as a Scottish surname derived from a place name meaning 'island of linden trees' or 'Lincoln's marsh.' This particular spelling with a 'z' gives the name a more modern, distinctive appearance. As a male name, Linzy represents a growing trend of names that cross traditional gender boundaries. The name has a friendly, approachable sound with its soft consonants and ending 'y.' While relatively rare for boys, it may appeal to parents seeking a gentle-sounding masculine name with an unconventional edge. The spelling variation helps distinguish it while maintaining the recognizable pronunciation of the more common Lindsay.
- Lute
Description:
Lute is a concise masculine name with multiple potential origins. Most directly, it references the stringed musical instrument popular during the Renaissance, deriving from Arabic 'al-ʿūd.' As a name, Lute may function as a short form of Luther (meaning 'army people' from Germanic roots) or Luthor. It might also derive from older English surname usage, possibly related to 'lute-player' as an occupational name. The name's brevity gives it a strong, distinctive quality that aligns with the current trend toward short, impactful masculine names. While extremely rare in contemporary usage, Lute carries appealing musical connotations and a vintage charm that might attract parents seeking an uncommon yet accessible name with artistic associations and a straightforward, masculine sound.
- Alvina
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"elf-friend"Description:
This variation of the more well known Alvin adds an unusual and feminine touch to the original. It sounds a bit more like what it means--"elf friend."
- Daisie
Origin:
Variation of Daisy, diminutive of Margaret or flower name, EnglishMeaning:
"day's eye"Description:
This spelling variation of Daisy ranks in the British Top 1000 but was only used for a few dozen baby girls last year in the US. At the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th, it made the Top 1000 during the craze for ie-ending names.
- Fredericka
Description:
Fredericka is the feminine form of Frederick, a classic Germanic name meaning 'peaceful ruler,' derived from the elements 'frid' (peace) and 'ric' (ruler, power). This elegant feminine variation adds the traditional Latin feminine suffix '-a' to create a distinctly female version with regal associations. The name has historical connections to nobility across Europe, including Prussia and the German states. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Fredericka has maintained a steady, if modest, presence throughout the centuries. It offers several appealing nickname options including Freddie, Freda, Ericka, or Rica. The name carries an air of classic sophistication and strength while being recognizable yet distinctive enough to stand out in contemporary settings.
- Delpha
Description:
Delpha is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from the ancient city of Delphi, which was considered the center of the world in Greek mythology and home to the famous Oracle of Delphi. The name carries connotations of wisdom, prophecy, and spiritual insight from this association. In some interpretations, it's connected to the Greek word 'delphis' meaning 'dolphin,' a creature revered in ancient Greek culture. Delpha was moderately used in the United States in the early 20th century but has since become quite rare, giving it a vintage charm with classical roots. The name's unusual quality, melodious sound, and rich mythological connections make it appealing for parents seeking a distinctive feminine name with historical depth and a touch of mysticism.
- Ewin
Description:
Ewin is a masculine name with Scottish and Gaelic origins, likely derived from Eoghan (meaning 'born of the yew tree' or 'youth') or as a variant of Ewan/Ewen (the Scottish form of Eugene, meaning 'well-born' or 'noble'). This concise name carries historical significance in Scottish culture while maintaining a simple, accessible sound. Though uncommon in most English-speaking countries today, Ewin has deep historical roots. The name's brevity gives it a contemporary appeal, fitting current trends for shorter, stronger-sounding boys' names. Some might also see it as a variant of Edwin, though its origins are distinct. Ewin offers parents a name with authentic Celtic heritage that remains straightforward to spell and pronounce, striking a balance between uniqueness and accessibility.
- Cena
Description:
Cena is a feminine name with roots in various cultures. In Latin, it means 'dinner' or 'meal,' while in Slavic languages, it can be related to meanings of 'value' or 'price.' The name has gained some recognition in modern times, possibly influenced by public figures such as John Cena, though as a feminine name it remains quite rare. Cena has a simple, melodic quality with its two syllables and soft sounds, making it an accessible yet uncommon choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet easy to pronounce. The name carries a subtle elegance and brevity that appeals to those preferring minimalist name choices.
- Guss
Description:
Guss is a brief, punchy masculine name that typically functions as a nickname for names like Augustus, Gustave, or Angus. This shortened form carries a folksy, unpretentious charm with its single-syllable directness. The name has historical usage particularly in rural American communities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where abbreviated names were common. Guss has never achieved mainstream popularity as a standalone name, remaining instead in the realm of familiar nicknames or occasional given names. Its simplicity gives it a certain working-class authenticity and straightforward appeal. For contemporary parents, Guss might be chosen for its vintage feel and connection to longer, more formal names, while still maintaining an independent character of approachable masculinity.
- Byrd
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"bird"Description:
One of the rare cases where spelling a name with a y makes it less rather than more feminine. Birdie might be the freshest choice in this aviary.
- Bose
Description:
Bose is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Indian contexts, particularly Bengali, it functions as both a surname and given name derived from the Sanskrit word 'vasu' meaning 'wealth' or 'bright.' In Yoruba culture (Nigeria), Bose means 'born on Sunday' or can be short for names containing 'bose' like Bosede ('born with royalty'). The name gained some recognition through notable bearers like physicist Satyendra Nath Bose and audio equipment company founder Amar Bose. While uncommon as a first name in Western countries, Bose remains used in its cultures of origin, appreciated for its brevity and pleasant sound.
- Lem
Origin:
Diminutive of Lemuel, HebrewMeaning:
"devoted to God"Description:
Lem is a corn-cob pipe-smoking, back porch-rocking nickname name. But we predict as Sam and Gus become ho-hum, more parents will look to Lem.
- Crockett
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"large curl"Description:
Though Davy Crockett is a childhood hero, a frontiersman, soldier, politician, congressman and prolific storyteller. But be aware that "crock" is American slang for a lot of nonsense or something broken.
- Earlie
Description:
Earlie is an uncommon feminine name with American folk origins, likely derived from 'early' or possibly serving as a feminine form of Earl, which means 'nobleman' in Old English. The name has a vintage, rural quality that evokes simplicity and authenticity. Earlie appeared occasionally in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in southern United States communities, but has since become quite rare. The name carries a certain nostalgic charm and unpretentious warmth. Its straightforward pronunciation contrasts with its unusual nature as a given name. Earlie might also reference someone born early or at dawn, giving it a natural, temporal connection that feels genuine and unpretentious.
- Georgeanna
Origin:
English, combination of Georgia and AnnaDescription:
With the first two syllables pronounced Georgie, it has a stylish Masterpiece Theatre air.
- Lovey
Origin:
Diminutive of Love, English word nameDescription:
This cutesy nickname made it onto the Top 1000 in 1883.
- Tena
Origin:
Croatian, from SpanishMeaning:
"to harvest"Description:
Tena is the short form of Terezija, the classic Croatian form of Theresa. It's commonly used on its own, popularized in Croatia at the end of the 19th century when author Josip Kozarac wrote a short novel called Tena which featured a main character by that name.
- Argie
Description:
Argie is a feminine name that likely developed as a diminutive of names beginning with 'Arg-' such as Argenta (meaning 'silver' in Latin). It may also be a nickname for Argentina, either referencing the country or as a feminine form of Argentius. Some families use Argie as a shortened form of Margaret. The name has a bright, cheerful sound with its soft 'g' and ending 'ie' that gives it a friendly, approachable quality. While never widely popular, Argie saw limited use in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in some Southern communities of the United States. Its vintage charm could appeal to parents seeking a distinctive yet affectionate-sounding name.
- Clyda
Description:
Clyda is a feminine name with Scottish and Gaelic origins, possibly derived from the River Clyde in Scotland. It may also be a feminine variation of Clyde, which has been used as both a given name and surname. Clyda has a vintage charm, having seen modest popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in rural communities. It peaked in usage during the 1910s-1920s before gradually declining. Today, Clyda remains quite rare, giving it a distinctive quality for modern bearers. The name carries a sweet, somewhat nostalgic feel while maintaining a simple elegance. For parents seeking an uncommon vintage name with natural associations, Clyda offers both uniqueness and subtle historical connections.
- Vannie
Description:
Vannie is a feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive form of names such as Vanessa, Savannah, or even Evangeline. This sweet, compact name has a friendly, approachable quality with its '-ie' ending, which traditionally denotes affection in English nicknames. Vannie has never been widely popular as a formal given name, remaining mostly in use as a nickname throughout the 20th century. In the American South, it occasionally appeared as an independent name. The name has a vintage charm that connects to the tradition of using nicknames as given names, which was more common in earlier generations. Vannie's rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking something familiar-sounding yet uncommon.