​
​
Advanced Search

Names that Peaked in 1895

  1. Nita

    • Origin:

      Hindi, Hebrew, and Choctaw

    • Meaning:

      "friendly, to plant, and bear"

    • Description:

      One of those slender names, like Lena or Etta, that's used in several cultures and carries a range of meanings. But by being so many things, it doesn't feel decidedly like anything.
  2. Bertram

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "bright raven"

    • Description:

      Last in fashion in the 1930s, Bertram might once have been firmly in the best left in the past category, but with sweet nickname Bertie and the cool option of Bram, Bertram might just be one to reconsider. Fitting in with other clunky vintage options like Chester, Sidney, Abram, Ebenenzer, and Wilfred, Bertram is a literary option, appearing as the full first name of P.G. Wodehouse's inimitable Bertie Wooster and on a character in Shakespeare's All's Well That Ends Well.
  3. Zola

    • Origin:

      African, Congolese; also literary name

    • Meaning:

      "piece of earth"

    • Description:

      When the Eddie Murphys named their fourth daughter Zola, it affirmed the up-and-coming status of the name, which has African roots, but also literary links to Emile Zola. Zola may also be recognizable to some as the adopted daughter of Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd on the hit, long-running show Grey's Anatomy.
  4. Fenton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "marsh town"

    • Description:

      Fenton is the kind of surname name that's starting to sound almost like a normal first name these days. While it made a brief appearance on the Top 1000 in the late 1800s, today it's distinctive but in step with the times. And Fen as a nickname is undeniably cute -- a Ben of the future.
  5. Dagmar

    • Origin:

      Norse

    • Meaning:

      "Day maiden"

    • Description:

      This royal Danish name has long been used across Scandinavia, Germany and Slavic countries and somewhat in the US around the turn of the last century --it was #622 in 1888. There were two notable silent screen stars named Dagmar, one with Polish, the other with Danish roots.
  6. Hartley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "stag meadow"

    • Description:

      Smart and sharp but with a touch of heart and charm, Hartley is a surname style name that could work as an alternative to Harley, Harvey, Artie, or Harry. Quietly used as a masculine name throughout the 20th century, the arrival of two celebrity-baby girl Hartleys in 2010 has meant the name has been used as a predominantly feminine one in recent years. However, since 2020, Hartley has doubled in use for boys too, and was give to a modest 30 in 2023. .
  7. Guthrie

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "windy place"

    • Description:

      Guthrie, one of the most attractive Scottish names that's also a surname, has a particularly romantic, windswept aura, with a touch of the buckaroo thrown in.
  8. Vern

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Vernon, English

    • Meaning:

      "place of alders"

    • Description:

      Until recently, Vernon and its short form Vern seemed like grandpa names not ready for revival, but now we can see it happening. Never the popular, Vern works particularly well as a middle name.
  9. Ellsworth

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "nobleman's estate"

    • Description:

      One of the many El- names for boys that boomed in the 1910s and 1920s, but has long been out of fashion. This surname/place name has an aristocratic flavor, and a creative namesake in the artist Ellsworth Kelly. Polar explorer Lincoln Ellsworth also gives it an adventurous connection.
  10. Trilby

    • Origin:

      Place name, surname, and literary name

    • Description:

      Trilby was used first for a character by French novelist Charles Nodier (1822) and made more famous by writer George du Maurier in an 1894 work. A Trilby hat, which Du Maurier's character wore, is a short-brimmed fedora of the kind recently revived by hipsters. Du Maurier's character Trilby fell under the hypnotic power of Svengali: not the best choice for an independent and self-determining daughter. Still, if you want a unisex name that moves far beyond the usual Taylor and Morgan and has energy and feminine verve, Trilby might well be your girl.
  11. Alwin

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "noble friend, friend of the elves"

    • Description:

      Softer, milder, and sans chipmunk references, Alwin is a likable alternative to Alvin. Win makes a nice nickname.
  12. Ivah

    • Description:

      Ivah is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Hebrew, potentially related to 'avah' meaning 'desire' or representing a place name mentioned in biblical texts. Alternatively, it could be a variant of Iva, which has Slavic roots meaning 'willow tree.' The name experienced modest popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare. Ivah has a simple, elegant structure with its two syllables and soft ending, fitting well with contemporary interest in short, vowel-rich names. The name carries a vintage charm while remaining distinctive and uncommon. Its biblical connections might appeal to some families, while others might appreciate its nature-associated meanings and subtle historical presence.

  13. Encarnacion

    • Description:

      Encarnacion is a profound masculine name with Spanish and Latin roots, literally meaning 'incarnation' or 'embodiment.' Historically, it has strong religious connotations in Catholic cultures, referring to the incarnation of Christ and often given to boys born around Christmas. The name carries spiritual depth and cultural significance, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries and communities. While less common in English-speaking regions, Encarnacion maintains popularity in Hispanic families honoring traditional naming customs. Pronunciation may vary slightly by region, but the name's rich heritage and meaningful etymology give it a timeless quality that transcends trends.
  14. Grafton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "town in a grove"

    • Description:

      Grafton is the name of dozens of towns, mostly in England, Canada and Australia, and has occasionally been used as a boys' name, with the surprisingly fun and quirky nickname Graf.
  15. Christy

    • Origin:

      Scottish and Irish diminutive of Christopher

    • Meaning:

      "bearer of Christ"

    • Description:

      Common nicknames for Christopher in Ireland, we think Christy or Christie have a certain cheery charm, especially now that Chris is feeling less ubiquitous.
  16. Gretta

    • Description:

      Gretta is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Greta, which itself originated as a short form of Margaret or Margareta. With Germanic and Greek roots, the name ultimately derives from 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' Gretta has a classic, slightly vintage feel with its double consonants giving it a more substantial presence than Greta. While never reaching tremendous popularity, the name enjoyed modest usage throughout the 20th century. It carries associations with iconic figures like Greta Garbo, lending it a touch of timeless glamour. Gretta balances familiarity with distinctiveness, offering a recognizable yet not overly common option that works well across various ages.
  17. Elda

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Hilda

    • Description:

      While we still can't see Hilda coming back any time soon, it's conceivable that this Italian version could ride the coattails of Ella, Elena and Ellery to broader popularity.
  18. Newman

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "newcomer"

    • Description:

      Family name best used in the middle, especially since it was seen as the portly postman in Seinfeld.
  19. Glenn

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "a narrow valley"

    • Description:

      While actress Glenn Close didn't inspire many parents to give their daughters her name in particular, she did help launch a general trend toward boy names for girls.
  20. Gaither

    • Description:

      Gaither is a masculine name derived from a German surname meaning "goat herder" or "goatherd." In the United States, it gained recognition primarily through association with the Gaither family, particularly gospel musician Bill Gaither. The name has a distinguished, somewhat old-fashioned quality that connects to American Southern traditions. Gaither has never been common as a first name, remaining a rare choice that stands out for its distinctive sound and heritage connections. The name carries connotations of steadiness and tradition, with a certain dignified quality. For families interested in surname-as-first-name options with historical depth, Gaither offers an uncommon alternative to more popular choices. Its connection to gospel music may make it especially meaningful to families with strong ties to Christian traditions or Southern American heritage.