Extinct Names
- Pinkie
Origin:
Diminutive of color name PinkMeaning:
"pink"Description:
Aside from the singer, there aren't many people around named Pink or Pinkie or Pinky -- zero, in fact.
- Beverly
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"beaver stream"Description:
An English surname name which was originally used as a masculine first name in the 19th century, before becoming more popular for girls from the early 20th century onwards.
- Littleton
Description:
Littleton is a masculine name of English origin that began as a geographical surname referring to someone from any of several places named Littleton in England. These place names typically combined 'little' with 'ton' (meaning town or settlement), describing a small township. As a first name, Littleton is extremely rare, maintaining an air of distinction and uniqueness. It carries associations with English heritage and may appeal to parents seeking a sophisticated, uncommon name with historical connections. The name has an aristocratic quality reminiscent of English landed gentry, as several notable families with the Littleton surname have held titles of nobility throughout British history. Despite its reference to something small, the name conveys a sense of dignity and traditional English character.
- Nan
Origin:
English, diminutive of NancyDescription:
Bobbsey Twins-era nickname name that could find new life via Nan, heroine of The Nanny Diaries. Nan was also the nickname of Annabel St George, the protagonist of Edith Wharton's novel "The Buccaneers".
- Hermina
Description:
Hermina is a feminine name with Germanic origins, functioning as a feminine form of Herman or Armin. It derives from the elements 'heri' or 'hari' meaning 'army' and 'man' meaning 'man,' together conveying the sense of 'army woman' or 'warrior.' The name has variations across European cultures, including Hermina, Hermione, and Ermina. While never achieving widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, Hermina has maintained consistent usage in Central and Eastern European countries, particularly Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. The name carries an old-world elegance and strength, balancing feminine softness with its warrior etymology. With its classical sound and uncommon status, Hermina offers an alternative to more popular names while maintaining recognizable linguistic roots. It projects dignity and resilience through its connection to martial tradition.
- Simpson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Simon"Description:
Try Simon. Or Homer.
- Dickie
Description:
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.
- Velva
Description:
Velva is a feminine name that may have originated as a variant of Velma, which has German origins meaning 'determined protector.' Alternatively, it might relate to Latin 'velum' meaning 'veil' or 'covering.' Velva has a soft, vintage quality reminiscent of names popular in the early 20th century. The name reached its peak of modest popularity in the United States during the 1910s-1920s. Today, Velva is quite rare, offering a distinctive choice with a gentle, nostalgic charm. Its soft consonants create a delicate impression, while the name still carries a sense of substance and history.
- Chuckie
Description:
Chuckie is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive nickname for Charles or Chuck. While primarily used as a familiar form rather than a formal given name, some parents have chosen it as a standalone name on birth certificates. The name gained recognition through pop culture, most notably with the character Chuckie Finster from the animated series 'Rugrats' and the horror franchise character Chuckie from 'Child's Play.' The nickname has a distinctly youthful, friendly quality with its -ie ending creating an endearing tone. Though not ranking on most popular name charts as a formal name, Chuckie maintains cultural relevance through these media associations. The name carries a casual, approachable charm that contrasts with the more formal Charles.
- Gay
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"joyful"Description:
The meaning of this word flipped from "cheerful" to "homosexual" during the twentieth century, and it's now almost certainly too loaded to sit comfortably as a baby name. Which is a shame as sound-wise it's very appealing, just a short step away from Faye, May, and Rae.
- Oprah
Origin:
Variation of Orpah, HebrewMeaning:
"fawn or gazelle"Description:
The misspelling that created an indelibly one-person name. And we mean that literally: Despite Oprah Winfrey's fame and appeal, there were no baby girls named Oprah last year, OR Orpah.
- Irl
Description:
Irl is a compact, masculine name with both Irish and Germanic roots. In Irish contexts, it's believed to be a shortened form of 'Ireland,' potentially conveying patriotic sentiment. Its Germanic origin suggests a connection to the word 'earl,' denoting nobility and leadership. This concise, one-syllable name projects strength and directness with its sturdy consonant combination. Throughout the early 20th century, Irl enjoyed modest usage in the United States, particularly in rural communities, but has since become exceedingly rare. The name's brevity makes it distinctive in an era of longer names, though it sometimes faces pronunciation challenges (typically pronounced like 'earl'). Irl might appeal to parents seeking a succinct name with historical depth that remains unfettered by modern trends or popular associations.
- Vernice
Origin:
Variation of Verna, LatinMeaning:
"springtime"Description:
Part Verna, part Bernice, Vernice saw use as a girls' name during the heyday of both those names. Both entered the Top 200 in the 1880s, where Verna lasted until 1940 and Bernice a decade longer.
- Doll
Origin:
German or English surnameMeaning:
"foolish, mad, strong, ditch"Description:
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.
- Algie
Description:
Algie is a vintage masculine name that originated as a diminutive of names beginning with 'Alg-' such as Algernon or Albert. With Old French and Germanic roots, it gained modest popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Britain and America. The name has a gentle, somewhat whimsical quality that reflects naming styles of bygone eras. Algie fell from common usage by the mid-20th century, now carrying a distinctive old-fashioned charm that might appeal to parents drawn to the revival of antique names. Its brevity and friendly sound give it accessibility, while its vintage nature makes it stand out among contemporary choices. Despite its rarity today, Algie represents the cyclical nature of naming trends as vintage options find new appreciation.
- Curry
Origin:
Word name; surname from Ó ComhraidheDescription:
Perhaps too spicy for some, but this is a popular Gaelic surname that might appeal for those looking to honor a family branch or to fans of legendary British comedian Tim Curry.
- Nicodem
Description:
Nicodem is a masculine name with Greek origins, derived from 'Nikodemos,' which combines 'nike' meaning 'victory' and 'demos' meaning 'people' – thus translating to 'victory of the people.' The Biblical figure Nicodemus, a Pharisee who visited Jesus by night and later helped with his burial, has influenced the name's usage across Christian communities. While relatively uncommon in mainstream Western culture, Nicodem maintains popularity in Eastern European countries, particularly Poland and parts of the Orthodox Christian world. The name carries connotations of wisdom, curiosity and thoughtful contemplation, reflecting the Biblical Nicodemus's search for truth. Variations include Nicodemus, Nikodim, and Nicodème.
- Miner
Description:
Miner is a masculine occupational name derived from the English language, referring to someone who works in mines extracting coal, ore, or other minerals. As a first name, Miner is uncommon and carries strong working-class connotations, evoking images of hard work, determination, and industrial heritage. The name gained limited use in America during the 19th century when occupational names were occasionally adopted as given names. While rare in contemporary usage, Miner might appeal to families with mining heritage or those seeking a unique, rugged name with clear meaning and historical significance.
- Biff
Origin:
American nicknameDescription:
The quintessential midcentury nickname, famously found in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman."
- Rice
Origin:
English nature nameDescription:
Rice is really stretching the nature name boundary to its outer edges. But you may want to take it that far.
The Nameberry App Is Live
- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
