If you're hoping to find a list of wonderful extinct baby names ready for revival, keep looking. What we have here are extinct names that were commonly used for babies a century ago, but today have faded from use for reasons that may be obvious.

Perhaps it was not difficult to be named Nimrod or Elmo in 1920, but those names would be difficult for any child to carry today. Some of these baby names have gone extinct because of changes in slang, some because of changes in values or unpleasant associations.

Whatever the reason, many of these extinct baby names should probably stay extinct. Read the list for a laugh -- did people really do that?!? -- but if you're looking for a lovely antique baby name, keep looking.

For even more choices, see our blog on <a href="https://nameberry.com/blog/extinct-baby-names">Extinct Names</a>.

Extinct Baby Names

Nature surname with an aristocratic edge. Spelling it DeForest distances it from deforestation.

Deforest

Dick was a once-common short form of Richard; replaced by Rick or Richie, and finally by the full name itself.   Rude meaning -- make that two rude meanings -- pretty much knocks this one out of consideration.

Dick

Dickie is traditionally a masculine name functioning primarily as an affectionate diminutive of Richard, which has Germanic origins meaning 'strong ruler' or 'brave power.' While sometimes used as a standalone name, particularly in the early to mid-20th century, Dickie is more commonly encountered as a nickname. The name carries a vintage quality, evoking mid-century Americana and British culture where such familiar forms were more commonly formalized. Notable bearers include various athletes and entertainers who preferred this friendly variation. Though its popularity as a formal name has declined in recent decades due to potential teasing concerns and changing naming trends, Dickie remains part of naming heritage particularly in English-speaking countries, representing an era when casual, approachable name forms were embraced.

Dickie

Dickson's nickname problem keeps it from having the upside possibility of similar names like Jackson and Harrison. If you're looking for fresh <a href="https://nameberry.com">baby names</a> to honor an ancestral Richard or Dick, consider Dixon. Or better, Richardson.

Dickson

Dicy is a feminine name with historical American roots, particularly in the Southern United States. It likely originated as a diminutive form of names like Eurydice or Candice, or possibly as a nickname for Edith. In some cases, it may have been used as a spelling variation of Dicey, which was sometimes given as a proper name in the 18th and 19th centuries. The name has a quaint, vintage charm that connects to rural American heritage. Dicy has never been commonly used, remaining especially rare in modern times, with its peak usage occurring in the 19th century. This uncommon name might appeal to parents seeking a short, distinctive name with historical American connections and a sweet, simple sound.

Dicy

Not as lively or independent as Gigi, Kiki, or Coco. 

Didi

This buoyant name has the same bouncy rhythm as Rafferty and Barnaby, but is virtually unused. It has plenty of literary cred, too: characters in The Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter and Thomas Hardy’s The Return of the Native have all borne the name.

The name is used in Cornwall, but originates from a Breton medieval poem about Sir Degare. Degare most likely comes from the French word egare, which means "astray".
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Diggory

An adorable nickname for a smiley baby, but not suggested as a legal name.

Dimple

Briefly used as a male name in the early 20th century. Doll is a surname with a variety of origins and meanings, some more desirable than others.

Doll

Adolf may have been a Swedish royal name but the terrible dictatorship of Adolf Hitler has ruled out this name Adolf for any sensible parent. In the US last year, there were more than 100 boys' given the Spanish variation Adolfo and a handful given the old school Adolphus, but none named Adolf or Adolph....thank goodness.

Adolf

Extinct Names -- child with toy dinosaurs

Extinct Names

Extinct names not used for children today in the US, including names given to zero babies in recent years unlikely to return to popularity, with meanings, origins, and history. (Page 6)