Extinct Names

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.

Rube is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Reuben, a Hebrew name meaning 'behold, a son'. Historically, it gained recognition in American culture as a nickname and eventually as a stand-alone name. In the early 20th century, 'Rube' became associated with the cartoon artist Rube Goldberg, known for his illustrations of complicated gadgets. The name has also carried connotations of rural simplicity, as the term 'rube' came to mean a country bumpkin in American slang. Though never extremely popular as a formal given name, it maintains a vintage Americana charm. Its short, straightforward sound gives it an unpretentious quality that might appeal to parents seeking a name with historical character and simplicity.

Toy is a short, distinctive masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In English, it evolved from a nickname possibly derived from the Middle English word for "fun" or "amusement." In Thai culture, Toy can be used as a masculine nickname meaning "small" or "little one." The name's brevity gives it a modern, playful quality despite its historical usage. While uncommon as a formal given name, Toy has seen occasional use across different cultures and carries positive associations with joy, playfulness, and youthfulness. The name's simplicity makes it easy to pronounce across languages, though its association with playthings in English-speaking countries might present some challenges. Toy offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a cheerful, unconventional name with cross-cultural appeal.

Nance is a feminine name with roots as both a medieval diminutive of Ann/Anne and as an English surname. The name Anne derives from Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' As a given name, Nance was more common in medieval and early modern periods, particularly in Cornwall, England, where it also developed as a surname. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century in America but has since become quite rare as a first name. Nance carries a vintage, simple charm while maintaining connections to the more traditional Ann/Anne family of names. It's sometimes seen as a nickname for Nancy, which itself originated as a diminutive of Ann. Today, Nance might appeal to parents seeking a short, distinctive name with historical roots and a connection to English heritage.

Stu is a masculine name primarily used as a diminutive of Stuart, Stewart, or Stanley. Stuart and Stewart originated as Scottish surnames derived from the Old English 'stig-weard,' meaning 'household guardian.' As a standalone name, Stu gained some usage in the mid-20th century during a trend toward friendly, approachable shortened names. It projects a casual, unpretentious quality with a distinctly mid-century feel. While never ranking highly as a formal given name, Stu maintains recognition through cultural references like the character Stu Pickles from the animated series 'Rugrats' and various sports personalities. Today, it's more commonly used as a nickname rather than a legal given name.

Kathie is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Katherine, which comes from the Greek name Aikaterine, possibly meaning 'pure.' This spelling variation was particularly popular in the United States during the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s. Unlike the more formal Katherine or the variant Kathy, Kathie with an 'ie' ending offers a slightly more distinctive spelling while maintaining the friendly, approachable quality associated with nickname forms. While less common today than in previous generations, Kathie represents a sweet, vintage option that carries nostalgic charm. The name evokes the mid-century era while remaining recognizable and easy to pronounce and spell.