Old Northern Maine Names
- Fenton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"marsh town"Description:
Fenton is the kind of surname name that's starting to sound almost like a normal first name these days. While it made a brief appearance on the Top 1000 in the late 1800s, today it's distinctive but in step with the times. And Fen as a nickname is undeniably cute -- a Ben of the future.
- Tressa
Origin:
CornishMeaning:
"third"Description:
More unusual than Tessa, this would make an interesting, meaningful and attractive choice for a third child.
- Clifton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"place on a cliff"Description:
A less-used cross between Clifford and Clinton.
- Warner
Origin:
English from GermanMeaning:
"army"Description:
Long connected to the world of movie biz thanks to Warner Bros, Warner is tough sounding surname of Germanic origin. While some English speakers may find it leans a little too close in sound to "worn out" or "warmer", it nevertheless shares the cool -er ending of contemporary favorites like Sawyer, Parker, Cooper, and Carter, while also matching the sturdy sounds or feel of Warren or Walter.
- Thirza
Origin:
Hebrew; diminutive of Theresa, EnglishMeaning:
"delightful; harvest"Description:
This rarely used Old Testament name will inevitably set off a connection to thirst. Thirza was historically used as both an independent name and as a nickname for Theresa.
- Mora
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"blackberry"Description:
Intriguing derivation, though people will assume it's a simplified form of Maura.
- Eveline
Origin:
English or FrenchMeaning:
"desired; or water, island"Description:
Variant of Evelyn or Aveline
- Elihu
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah is God"Description:
Rarely used in the last two centuries, but might be worth dusting off and holding up to the light.
- Noreen
Origin:
English, diminutive of NoraDescription:
Noreen's in limbo, especially now that Nora has made a comeback.
- Burl
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"knotty wood; butler"Description:
This name has a nicely fragrant woodsy feel, bringing it into the nature-tree name category. Its only well-known bearer, folk singer and Oscar-winning actor Burl Ives, had the full birth certificate name of Burl Icle Ivanhoe Ives — nothing compared to his two siblings named Argola and Lillburn.
- Rilla
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"small brook"Description:
Rilla dropped out of the US Top 1000 in 1915, but it's starting to feel like an intriguing possibility again in this age of short, sweet, a-ending names for girls. It is traditionally a short form for names ending in -rilla, like Marilla from the Anne of Green Gables books (Anne's youngest daughter is Bertha Marilla, called Rilla for short). Rilla may also derive from the German word Rille, meaning "brook; stream".
- Millard
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"caretaker of the mill"Description:
If you're looking for a presidential first name, keep looking.
- Havelock
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"sea competition"Description:
A name from medieval romance with an endearingly clunky sound, à la Sherlock. The most famous modern wearer was twentieth-century psychologist/sexologist Havelock (born Henry) Ellis.
- Wilda
Origin:
Variation of the word wild or GermanMeaning:
"to strive"Description:
Wilda (or Wylda) has two widely divergent images. Pronounced vill-da, it feels like a cousin of Hilda: a sturdy and none-too-attractive prairie settler. But you can also think of her as wild-ah, as in the feminine of wild and wilder.
- Laverna
Origin:
LatinDescription:
Laverna was the Roman goddess of thievery, cheating, and the underworld. The original meaning of her name in unknown, however, there are several theories. One such theory states that Laverna is related to the Latin word for theif, laterniō, while another connects the name to levare, meaning "to lift," as in shoplifting. In the case of the latter, Laverna would mean "goddess of gain".
- Ervin
Origin:
Variation of Erwin, GermanMeaning:
"respected friend"Description:
Ervin is an old-school great-grandpa name, like Irving and Ernest, that may just be ready for revival. It's also a well-known name in Hungary and elsewhere in central and eastern Europe. As a surname, it's associated with jazz sax player Booker Ervin.
- Jerrold
Description:
Jerrold is a masculine name of Germanic origin, essentially a variant of Gerald, which combines elements meaning 'spear' and 'rule' or 'power.' This spelling variation emerged in English-speaking countries, gaining modest popularity in the early to mid-20th century. The name carries traditional connotations of strength, leadership, and martial prowess from its Germanic roots. Notable bearers include American playwright and screenwriter Jerrold Freedman and comedian Jerrold Lewis 'Jerry' Seinfeld (though he uses the shortened form). While less common today than in previous generations, Jerrold maintains appeal as a distinguished, slightly formal name with historical depth and a strong masculine quality.
- Thyra
Origin:
Swedish and DanishMeaning:
"Thor's temple; Thor's strength"
- Mahlon
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"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.
- Hughie
Description:
Hughie is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Hugh, which comes from the Germanic name 'Hugo,' meaning 'mind' or 'intellect.' This affectionate nickname-turned-given-name carries a friendly, approachable quality that has made it endearing across generations. While never reaching the heights of popularity that Hugh achieved, Hughie has maintained a consistent presence, especially in Scotland, Ireland, and parts of England. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century but has since become less common, giving it a vintage charm. In recent years, the character Hughie Campbell from the television series 'The Boys' has brought some renewed attention to this warm, unpretentious name.