Colonial Names from the 1700s

Jothan or Jotham was both a son of Gideon and a king of Judah in the Bible. One of the biblical boys' names that's still obscure -- though like so many others in this class, it could be rediscovered.

Could Philo be the next Milo?

Charity is one of the Big Three abstract virtue names, along with Hope and Faith, though far less widely used than the others. But as Faith, Grace and Hope grow more common, some parents are beginning to look at the more unusual three-syllable choices like Verity, Amity, Clarity and Charity, which sound much fresher and also have that pleasingly rhythmic 'y'-ending sound.

Melvina ranked in the Top 1000 for over 65 years in the US, coinciding to a large extent with the years its much more popular masculine counterpart Melvin ranked in the Top 100. Today, Melvin is still hanging on in the Top 1000 for boys, but Melvina hasn't been given to more than 20 babies in a year since 1991.

Kizzy remains the most popular spelling of the Keziah short form, at least in some part thanks to its appearance in the 1977 television show Roots.

Gives a good boy name a bad boy feel.

A rare Old Testament name that, although short, is resoundingly biblical. It belonged to name the tenth king of Israel, who seized power violently and reigned from about 841 to 814 BCE.

A poetic name first used in Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" in 1596, it had a literary vogue in the 18th century, especially favored by Robert Burns. "inda" names--Melinda, Belinda, Linda" are not particularly in right now.

Benajah, the name of several minor Old Testament figures, is also written as Benaiah. Benajah might make a great Benjamin update or name for the son of a builder or architect.

In the Old Testament, Asenath was the wife of Joseph and mother of Manesseh and Ephraim.

This playful variation of Elizabeth became popular in its own right during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in England and America. Betsey offers a sweet, vintage quality with a touch of whimsy that distinguishes it from more formal versions like Elizabeth or even Betsy. While its popularity has declined since its peak, it maintains appeal for parents seeking a name with historical charm and nostalgic value. The name received renewed attention through American fashion designer Betsey Johnson, known for her playful and eccentric designs.

Permanent property of that devilish little Simpson kid.

A once very common Irish diminutive of Bridget that has unfortunately been associated since the 18th century with a pejorative slang term for an old or fussy woman.

Greek name found in the New Testament makes for one of the unique baby names still undiscovered from the Bible.

Dosia is rare but not foreign, especially since the antiquated name Theodosia was highlighted in the play Hamilton.

A name mentioned in the Old Testament as the wife of a king of Edom. A curious blend of clunky biblical style, and a "bel" ending that mirrors the feminine sound of names like Isabel and Annabel. Hettie and Belle / Bella are nickname possibilities.

A classic short form of Henrietta, also seen as a nickname for Mehetabel.

The Puritans used it as a virtue name -- but today it would just be considered weird: silence is no longer golden.

Eighteenth-century nickname that still appears occasionally as an alternative to Suzy. Suki Waterhouse is a lovely English actress.