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Names that Peaked in 1896

  1. Essie

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Esther, Persian, or Estelle, French

    • Meaning:

      "star"

    • Description:

      Cute short form of Esther, now associated with the iconic nail polish brand.
  2. Ocie

    • Origin:

      Short form of Ocean, nature name

    • Description:

      Ocie is antiquated ie-ending nickname that was popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s and has seen a slight uptake in interest in recent years.
  3. Tressa

    • Origin:

      Cornish

    • Meaning:

      "third"

    • Description:

      More unusual than Tessa, this would make an interesting, meaningful and attractive choice for a third child.
  4. Little

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      A name that shows up on the Social Security roles of a hundred years ago. Let's hope it was a never-to-be-repeated mistake.
  5. Frieda

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "peace"

    • Description:

      This traditional Germanic name hasn't been on the U.S. list since 1958, but perhaps due to the mythic power of painter Frida Kahlo, parents are beginning to show some interest in it.
  6. Cam

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Cameron, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "crooked nose"

    • Description:

      Cameron is still more popular as a boy's name than a girls and this simple, snappy short form works well for either sex.
  7. Bertrand

    • Origin:

      French from German

    • Meaning:

      "magnificent crow"

    • Description:

      This name of famed philosopher, mathematician and Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell becomes slightly more plausible with the French pronunciation, bare-TRAHN. Another noted bearer is French director and screenwriter Bertrand Tavernier.
  8. Lela

    • Origin:

      Variation of Leila, Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "night"

    • Description:

      There are a dizzying number of varieties of the Arabic name Leila or Layla, two of the most popular versions, with Lela one of the rarer, given to fewer than 100 baby girls in the US each year. Pronunciation and spelling can be a challenge, so if you choose this simple, lovely name, you will be explaining it much more often than you want to.
  9. Crawford

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "ford where crows gather"

    • Description:

      A common surname in Scotland, but a starchy first name choice.
  10. Lonnie

    • Origin:

      Short form of Alonso or Alonzo, variations of Alphonso

    • Meaning:

      "noble, ready"

    • Description:

      Lonnie is one of those antiquated nicknames that is used much more often in the US than you might think, especially as a short form of Alonso or Alonzo, names always on the US Top 1000.
  11. Evans

    • Origin:

      Welsh surname

    • Meaning:

      "the Lord is gracious"

    • Description:

      Evans is an historic Welsh patronymic surname, derived from Evan, which is a form of John. With Evan's popularity in the U.S. and the U.K. -- it's a Top 50 names -- the stylish s-ending version may also be on the rise.
  12. Lisle

    • Description:

      Lisle is a refined masculine name with French origins, derived from the Old French 'l'isle' meaning 'the island.' It began as a surname or place name for someone who lived near or on an island before transitioning to occasional use as a given name. Lisle has an elegant, aristocratic quality that evokes images of the French countryside and nobility. Despite its appealing sound and sophisticated air, it remains quite rare as a first name in modern times. The single-syllable pronunciation (similar to 'lyle') gives it a crisp, distinguished character. For parents seeking a name that's understated yet distinctive, Lisle offers historical depth with a touch of European refinement and an uncommon status that ensures uniqueness.

  13. Price

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "son of Rhys"

    • Description:

      Some names referring to expensive things -- Tiffany, Armani, Porsche -- are in fact declasse, but Price transcends that label with its simplicity and strength.
  14. Aurore

    • Description:

      Aurore is a feminine name of Latin origin meaning 'dawn.' It's the French form of Aurora, the Roman goddess of the morning. The name evokes images of daybreak, new beginnings, and golden light. In French-speaking countries, particularly France and Canada, Aurore has maintained steady popularity over the centuries. The name carries an air of classic elegance and natural beauty. Its literary connections include the protagonist of George Sand's novel 'Histoire de ma vie.' While less common in English-speaking regions, Aurore offers an alternative to the more widely used Aurora. The name's soft sounds and romantic associations give it a timeless quality. Parents might choose Aurore for its subtle French sophistication or meaningful connection to light and renewal.
  15. Mahlon

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "sickly"

    • Description:

      Obscure Old Testament name -- he was the son of Naomi and the husband of Ruth -- that's become even more obscure over the past century, perhaps due to its unappealing meaning.
  16. Virgel

    • Description:

      Virgel is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Virgil, which has Latin origins in the name 'Vergilius.' The classical association with the renowned Roman poet Virgil (70-19 BCE), author of the 'Aeneid,' gives the name a literary and intellectual quality. This spelling variation emerged primarily in the American South and rural communities during the 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting regional pronunciation patterns. While never extremely common, the name saw modest use in the United States through the mid-20th century before declining in popularity. Virgel conveys a sense of classical education and rural simplicity simultaneously, making it an interesting name that bridges different cultural worlds.
  17. Vergil

    • Description:

      Vergil is a masculine name of Latin origin, representing an alternative spelling of Virgil, derived from the Roman clan name 'Vergilius.' The name is most famously associated with the ancient Roman poet Virgil (70-19 BCE), author of the epic 'Aeneid.' This spelling variation reflects the original Latin pronunciation and appears in various historical contexts, including as the name of Dante's guide through Hell and Purgatory in the 'Divine Comedy.' Vergil conveys classical erudition and literary sophistication. While never extremely common, the name appeals to parents drawn to classical culture and literature. It offers the friendly nicknames Ver or Gil. The name carries connotations of poetic wisdom and scholarly achievement while providing a distinctive alternative to more common classical names, appealing to those seeking names with substantial historical and cultural significance.

  18. Ivie

    • Origin:

      Variation of Ivy, botanical name

    • Description:

      Lengthens the popular Ivy, but why? About 100 baby namers in the US last year found a reason.
  19. Ottie

    • Description:

      Ottie is a charming masculine name with English and Germanic origins, typically functioning as a diminutive form of names like Otto, Otis, or Ottmar. Otto, the most likely root, derives from Germanic elements meaning 'wealth' or 'prosperity.' Ottie emerged as an affectionate nickname before occasionally being used as a given name in its own right, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It carries a vintage, nostalgic quality that aligns with the revival of old-fashioned nicknames as standalone names. While never widely popular, Ottie has a friendly, approachable sound that combines traditional roots with a playful quality. The name's rarity makes it an uncommon choice that maintains connections to more established Germanic naming traditions.
  20. Vassie

    • Description:

      Vassie is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a diminutive of names like Vassiliki (Greek), meaning 'royal,' or could be derived from the Scottish surname Vas or Vass. In some contexts, it might function as a nickname for Vanessa. Vassie has never achieved widespread popularity and remains quite uncommon. The name peaked briefly in the early 20th century in the United States but has since become increasingly rare. Vassie has a vintage charm with its soft sounds and friendly 'ie' ending. The name carries a sweet, approachable quality while maintaining distinctiveness. Its rarity makes it an unusual choice that still sounds familiar to the ear.