Names that Peaked in 1883
- Judge
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Eighties star Judge Reinhold (born Edward Jr. , he was given this nickname at the age of two weeks) made this possible, but it could cause a lot of confusion.
- Crockett
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"large curl"Description:
Though Davy Crockett is a childhood hero, a frontiersman, soldier, politician, congressman and prolific storyteller. But be aware that "crock" is American slang for a lot of nonsense or something broken.
- Alvan
Description:
Alvan is a masculine name with ancient roots, likely derived from various sources including Old English, where it may have meant 'elf friend,' or from Arabic where similar names relate to 'high' or 'sublime.' It can also be considered a variant of Alvin, which comes from the Old English name Ælfwine, meaning 'elf friend' or 'noble friend.' Alvan appears in historical records dating back centuries but has remained relatively uncommon. The name experienced modest usage in the United States during the 19th century but declined through the 20th century. Alvan carries a dignified, somewhat scholarly air while maintaining approachability. Its rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking a traditional-sounding name that few others will share.
- Alvena
Origin:
Feminine form of Alvin, EnglishMeaning:
"noble friend, friend of the elves"Description:
Similar to Alma and Alba, Alina and Alexandra, Alvena is a clunky but interesting possibility. A notable bearer is Alvena Vajda Sečkar, an American painter, children's book author, and social activist.
- Alf
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"elf counsel"Description:
Short form of Alfred that had fallen out of favor, but could come back alongside Alfie and other clunky old-style nicknames like Gus and Ike.
- Ermine
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"weasel"Description:
Fur names. We don't think so.
- Linna
Description:
Linna is a feminine name with Finnish and Swedish origins, derived from names like Karolina, Carolina, or Linda. It can also be a variant of the name Lina, which comes from names ending in '-lina' such as Adelina or Angelina. In Finnish, 'linna' means 'castle,' adding a noble connotation to the name. Linna remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. The name has a delicate, melodic sound while maintaining simplicity and elegance. Its rarity makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a unique yet accessible name with Scandinavian roots.
- Mabelle
Origin:
Variation of MabelDescription:
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 have to answer and a correction you'll need to make time and again. Despite these difficulties, the style for all names belle-related may propel this one upward.
- Thresa
Description:
Thresa is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Teresa or Theresa. The traditional name derives from Greek origins, possibly connected to the Greek islands of Therasia or Thera, though it may also relate to the Greek word for 'harvest' or 'summer.' This particular spelling, without the common 'e' after 'Th,' gives the name a streamlined, modern feel while maintaining its classical essence. Throughout history, the name in its various forms has been associated with several saints, most notably Saint Teresa of Ávila. While less common than the standard spelling, Thresa offers simplicity with a touch of uniqueness. The name continues to evoke qualities of warmth, compassion, and spiritual depth associated with its more traditional counterparts.
- Hanson
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"son of Hans"Description:
More familiar and melodic to the American ear than either Hans or Hansen, and some might attach it to the three-brother pop-rock band called Hanson.
- Henery
Origin:
Spelling variation of Henry
- Arkie
Description:
Arkie is a feminine name with rustic charm and multiple potential origins. It may have evolved as a nickname for Arcadia, referring to a mountainous region in Greece symbolizing rural paradise and simplicity. Alternatively, it could be a diminutive of names containing the 'Ark' element or a reference to Arkansas (whose residents are sometimes called 'Arkies'). The name peaked in usage in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, particularly in Southern regions. Arkie conveys a warm, friendly personality with its soft sound and casual feel. Though uncommon today, it represents a category of vintage nicknames that occasionally experience revival. The name's brevity and cheerful sound make it distinctive while remaining approachable.
- Daisie
Origin:
Variation of Daisy, diminutive of Margaret or flower name, EnglishMeaning:
"day's eye"Description:
This spelling variation of Daisy ranks in the British Top 1000 but was only used for a few dozen baby girls last year in the US. At the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th, it made the Top 1000 during the craze for ie-ending names.
- Fannie
Origin:
Spelling variation of Fanny, diminutive of FrancesMeaning:
"from France; free man"Description:
It's hard to believe, via a 21st-century sensibility, that Fannie was ever a Top 50 name. But Fannie was even more popular than Fanny in its late 19th-century heyday, and stuck around much longer, staying on the Top 1000 until the 1960s while Fanny fell off in 1940. Today, however, Fannie sounds antiquated at best, and rude at worst.
- Felicie
Description:
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 'lucky' or 'fortunate.' Despite its melodic sound and positive connotations, Felicie remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, though it enjoys more usage in France and French-speaking regions. The name gained some recognition through the 2016 French animated film 'Ballerina' (known as 'Leap!' in the US), which featured a protagonist named Félicie. With its delicate pronunciation (feh-LEE-see) and joyful meaning, Felicie offers a distinctive yet accessible option for parents seeking a name with European flair.
- Clide
Description:
Clide is a variant spelling of the more common masculine name Clyde. It has Scottish origins, derived from the River Clyde in Scotland. The name suggests strength and reliability, reflecting the powerful flow of the river. While less common than its traditional spelling, Clide maintains the same robust character and historical connections. The name has experienced moderate popularity throughout the 20th century but has become less common in recent decades. Clide offers an alternative spelling for parents who appreciate the name's Scottish heritage and masculine sound while wanting something slightly distinctive. It shares the same pronunciation as Clyde and carries similar associations with dependability and natural force.
- Albertus
Origin:
Latin form of Albert, GermanMeaning:
"noble, bright"Description:
Albertus is the Latin form of Albert, a masculine name derived from the Germanic elements 'adal' (noble) and 'beraht' (bright), thus meaning 'noble and bright' or 'nobly famous.' This classical form was widely used throughout medieval Europe, particularly among scholars, clergy, and nobility.
- Robt
Description:
Robt is an abbreviated form of Robert, a Germanic name composed of the elements 'hrod' meaning 'fame' and 'beraht' meaning 'bright.' This shortened version was historically used in written records and documents as an abbreviation for the full name. Unlike conventional nicknames like Rob or Bob, Robt is less commonly used as a standalone given name. Its brevity gives it a distinctive quality while maintaining connection to the popular and classic Robert. The name carries the same connotations of strength, distinction, and reliability as its parent name.
- Fronie
Origin:
Diminutive of Sophronia, GreekMeaning:
"sensible, prudent"Description:
These days Sophie would be the most likely nickname for Sophronia, but back in Colonial times, Fronie was a common diminutive.
- Lem
Origin:
Diminutive of Lemuel, HebrewMeaning:
"devoted to God"Description:
Lem is a corn-cob pipe-smoking, back porch-rocking nickname name. But we predict as Sam and Gus become ho-hum, more parents will look to Lem.
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