Names that Peaked in 1883
Across 9 pages
of 9
Caro
Diminuitve of Carol or Caroline, English, French ,"free man"
"free man"
Upper-crusty nickname occasionally used in Britain, particularly in 1930s novels featuring significant garden party scenes, but eclipsed here by Carrie et al.
Byrd
English word name
"bird"
One of the rare cases where spelling a name with a y makes it less rather than more feminine. Birdie might be the freshest choice in this aviary.
Ema
Variation of Emma, German, Japanese
"universal; favor, benefit + flax"
Streamlined and succinct, Ema is a multicultural choice with wide-reaching appeal and versatility. From its German roots, Ema is a form of the classic Emma, used in Spanish, Portuguese, Slovene,…
Lovey
Diminutive of Love, English word name
This cutesy nickname made it onto the Top 1000 in 1883.
Albertine
French feminine variation of Albert
"bright, noble"
Albertine and Alberta are old-fashioned feminizations ala Geraldine and Roberta: a little bit clunky, a little bit regal, just waiting for a celeb to use them to make them cool again. Familiar in…
Mabelle
Variation of Mabel
Is Mabelle pronounced like Mabel or like May-belle or like the French words for "my beauty" — mah belle — in the Beatles song Michelle? This is a decision you'll have to ponder and a question you'll…
Maida
English
"maiden"
Old English name as outmoded as the use of the word maid for a young girl.
Georgeanna
English, combination of Georgia and Anna
With the first two syllables pronounced Georgie, it has a stylish Masterpiece Theatre air.
Malvina
Scottish
"smooth-browed one"
An invention of the eighteenth-century romantic poet James Macpherson, in his epic cycle about Ossian, a legendary Celtic hero. In Poland, where it was popular at the start of the 20th century, the…
Marget
Marget is a feminine name representing a medieval variant of Margaret, which derives from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' This spelling was particularly common in Scotland and Scandinavian…
May
Diminutive of Margaret and Mary; month name
May is a sweet old-fashioned name that hasn't been on the national charts in several decades, but is definitely sounding fresh and springlike. Parents are beginning to see it once more as one of the…
Minnie
Diminutive of Wilhelmina, German
"resolute protection"
Minnie was wildly popular at the turn of the last century — it was the fifth or sixth most popular name throughout the 1880s — but is completely obscure in the US today. Blame Mickey's girlfriend.…
Mathilda
Variation of Matilda
"battle-mighty"
The addition of the h makes it more Old World, which is not the direction you want to push Matilda in.
Maud
English and French diminutive of Matilda, German
"battle-mighty"
Maud, lacy and mauve-tinted, was wildly popular a hundred years ago but has been rarely heard in the past fifty. Some stylish parents are starting to choose Maud again, especially as a middle. Maude…
Fredericka
Fredericka is the feminine form of Frederick, a classic Germanic name meaning 'peaceful ruler,' derived from the elements 'frid' (peace) and 'ric' (ruler, power). This elegant feminine variation adds…
Matilde
Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese version of Matilda, German
The German Matilda has some European variations that are popular in their native countries. Matilde ranks in Italy's and Portugal's Top 10 for girls, while the French variation Mathilde ranks among…
Missie
Missie is a feminine name that originated as an affectionate nickname for Melissa or Mississippi. It has evolved into a given name in its own right, carrying a warm, friendly quality with its soft…
Nealie
Nealie is a feminine name of Irish origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Cornelia or occasionally as a variation of Neala, the feminine version of Neal. The name carries connotations of…
Bertha
German
"bright, glorious"
Ever since Allied soldiers in World War I dubbed the enormous German cannon "Big Bertha", this name hasn't worked for a sweet little baby girl. But this was not always so. Hard as it might be to…
Felicie
Felicie is a charming feminine name of French origin, serving as a variation of Felicity. Derived from the Latin 'felicitas' meaning happiness or good fortune, it carries the beautiful meaning of…