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Names that Peaked in 1880

  1. Lulie
    • Origin:

      Short form of Lula or Louise, German and French
    • Meaning:

      "renowned warrior"
    • Description:

      One of the few Lu- names that you've probably never heard of, Lulie could prove a good alternative for Luna, Lucy, and Lula.
  2. Emanuel
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Emmanuel, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is with us"
    • Description:

      Fewer letters does not always mean easier—the traditional spelling is the one most people will recognize.
  3. Jabez
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "borne in pain"
    • Description:

      Jabez has a rare combo of three appealing elements: a Biblical heritage, a captivating Southern accent, and a jazzy feel. It was popular with the Pilgrims and on into the nineteenth century (there have been four U.S. Congressmen named Jabez), but it hasn't been in the Top 1000 since 1880.
  4. Clarke
    • Origin:

      Variation of Clark
    • Meaning:

      "scribe, clerk"
    • Description:

      While Clark ranks in the Top 500 for boys, the Clarke spelling leans towards the girls' side. Regardless, the name works well for either sex.
  5. Blas
    • Description:

      Blas is a masculine name of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin name 'Blasius,' which comes from 'blaesus' meaning 'lisping' or 'stuttering.' In Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Spain and parts of Latin America, Blas has maintained consistent use throughout history. The name gained significance through Saint Blaise (San Blas in Spanish), a physician and bishop who became a Christian martyr in the 4th century. Blas is celebrated annually on February 3rd in many Catholic communities. The name is appreciated for its brevity, strong sound, and cultural heritage. While not among the most popular Spanish names internationally, Blas continues to be chosen by families valuing its historical depth and straightforward pronunciation.
  6. Math
    • Description:

      Math is a concise, powerful masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Welsh mythology, Math fab Mathonwy was a king and powerful magician, giving the name deep Celtic roots. It can also be seen as a shortened form of Matthew, derived from Hebrew meaning 'gift of God.' In modern contexts, the name evokes associations with mathematics and logical thinking. This short, punchy name offers simplicity and strength with just four letters, making it easy to pronounce across languages. While uncommon as a standalone given name, Math's brevity aligns with contemporary naming trends favoring short, impactful names. For parents interested in Welsh heritage or looking for a unique alternative to Matthew with intellectual connotations, Math provides a distinctive yet accessible option.
  7. Letitia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "joy, gladness"
    • Description:

      Letitia is a delicate, once prim and proper sounding name whose staid image has been unbuttoned by numerous phonetic spellings. The original, often used in Spanish-speaking families, would still make an attractive, delicate choice. After a solid century on the Top 1000 list, Letitia fell off in the early 1980s and has not yet returned.
  8. Hermann
    • Description:

      Hermann is a masculine name of Germanic origin meaning 'army man' or 'warrior,' derived from the elements 'heri' (army) and 'mann' (man). This powerful name has deep historical roots, most notably associated with Hermann (or Arminius), the Germanic chieftain who defeated Roman legions in the Battle of Teutoburg Forest in 9 CE. Popular throughout Germany, Switzerland, and Scandinavia, the name has been borne by notable figures such as author Hermann Hesse and physicist Hermann von Helmholtz. While its usage has declined in recent decades, it maintains a classic, strong character. In English-speaking countries, the simplified spelling 'Herman' is more common, though the double 'n' version preserves its authentic Germanic heritage.
  9. Kizzie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Keziah, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "cassia tree"
    • Description:

      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.
  10. Young
    • Description:

      Young is a masculine name that originated as a surname in English, derived from the Old English word 'geong,' meaning 'young' or 'youthful.' As a given name, it has been most commonly used in East Asian cultures, particularly in Korea, where it's pronounced differently than in English. In Korean usage, Young (or Yeong) can have various meanings depending on the Chinese characters used to write it, including 'brave,' 'flourishing,' or 'eternal.' The name is straightforward, simple, and carries positive connotations of youth and vitality. While uncommon as a first name in Western countries, its simplicity and positive meaning make it an accessible cross-cultural option.
  11. Newton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "new town"
    • Description:

      Named after Isaac. Or Wayne.
  12. Celie
    • Origin:

      French variation of Cecilia
    • Meaning:

      "blind"
    • Description:

      Attractive, underused name made famous by the heroine of The Color Purple. Still, if you're going to go to Celie, why not go all the way to Celia or Cecelia? You can always use Celie for short.
  13. Burt
    • Description:

      Burt is a masculine name with Germanic origins, typically serving as a shortened form of Burton, which meant 'fortified settlement' or 'fortress town.' The name gained notable popularity in the mid-20th century in English-speaking countries, partly influenced by famous bearers like actor Burt Lancaster and director Burt Reynolds. Burt conveys a strong, no-nonsense character with its short, one-syllable structure. The name peaked in popularity during the 1930s-1960s and has gradually become less common since, giving it a vintage appeal now associated with that era. Burt balances masculine simplicity with a touch of retro charm, making it appealing to those who appreciate straightforward, traditional male names with historical substance.
  14. Lonnie
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "lion"
    • Description:

      An old-timey boyish nickname that works as a diminutive of Leona or Leonie, Alondra, Lorna or any female name with strong L and N sounds.
  15. Eldora
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "covered with gold"
    • Description:

      An unusual old school name which is made more modern by that fashionable El- beginning.
  16. Emilie
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Emily; German and Scandinavian feminine form of Aemilius
    • Description:

      Unlike most creative spellings, this one isn't overly trendy or overdone—in fact, it's quite delicate and pretty. However, it is clearly suffering from the plethora of similar names that are flowing around right now (Emelie, Emilia, Emily, Emilee, Amelie, Amelia) and has fallen more than 300 spots since 2013. It might be time for Emilie and her sisters to be left alone for a while.
  17. Joella
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "the Lord is God"
    • Description:

      Most modern parents would drop the Jo, leaving the superpopular Ella.
  18. Claus
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian and German variation of Nicolas
    • Description:

      A very Christmas-y Christmas baby name, that may avoid the Santa image by instead adopting the alternative spelling Klaus.
  19. Dell
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Odell, English
    • Meaning:

      "of the valley"
    • Description:

      Originally a short form of Odell, a place name turned surname that hails from England.
  20. Erastus
    • Origin:

      Latinized form of Greek Erastos
    • Meaning:

      "beloved"
    • Description:

      The Biblical Erastus was an assistant of Paul's in the New Testament. A name used in the 19th century that has fall off the scope, but may be revived as parents dig deeper for undiscovered Biblical choices.

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