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Names that Peaked in 1883

  1. Almina

    • Description:

      Almina is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It might be a variant of Almina or Wilhelmina, combining 'al' (all) with 'mina' (love). In Arabic contexts, it could relate to 'al-Aminah' meaning 'the trustworthy one' or 'the honest one.' The name has historical usage in various European and Middle Eastern countries but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Almina gained some recognition through Almina Herbert, Countess of Carnarvon, who was the wife of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon who famously funded the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb.
  2. Dock

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "enclosed area of water in a port for ships to load and unload"

    • Description:

      A sailing and sea-related choice, which also feels connected to the reparative powers of nature (via dock leaves) and to doctors generally, Dock made the Top 1000 in the first half of the 20th century, though today, it is only quietly and sporadically used.
  3. 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.
  4. Harve

    • Description:

      Harve is a masculine name that functions as a shortened form of Harvey, which derives from Old Breton origins meaning "battle worthy" or "iron." This concise variant maintains the strength of the original while offering a more casual, approachable quality. Harve was more commonly used in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in rural American communities, giving it a rustic, vintage charm. Though less common than Harvey in contemporary usage, Harve fits with the trend toward shorter, straightforward masculine names. The name carries associations of reliability, straightforwardness, and unpretentious strength. While uncommon today, its simplicity and historical usage make it an option for parents seeking a distinctive name with traditional roots.
  5. Jeptha

    • Origin:

      Variant of Jephthah

    • Meaning:

      "he opens"

    • Description:

      The middle name of a Duck Dynasty castmember, who goes by Jep, derives from the rare Old Testament name that's gone almost completely unused for centuries.
  6. Mittie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Matilda or Martha

    • Description:

      Mittie is an antiquated nickname, best known as the name of the mother of President Theodore Roosevelt. It may be a short form of the pet name Mitten.
  7. Bose

    • Description:

      Bose is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Indian contexts, particularly Bengali, it functions as both a surname and given name derived from the Sanskrit word 'vasu' meaning 'wealth' or 'bright.' In Yoruba culture (Nigeria), Bose means 'born on Sunday' or can be short for names containing 'bose' like Bosede ('born with royalty'). The name gained some recognition through notable bearers like physicist Satyendra Nath Bose and audio equipment company founder Amar Bose. While uncommon as a first name in Western countries, Bose remains used in its cultures of origin, appreciated for its brevity and pleasant sound.
  8. Orrie

    • Description:

      Orrie is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may function as a diminutive of Aurora, meaning 'dawn' in Latin, or derive from Hebrew Ora meaning 'light.' In some cases, it appears as a feminine form of Orry, which has Norse origins meaning 'spear ruler.' The name also exists as a spelling variant of Orri, a Scandinavian name referring to a type of grouse bird. Orrie has a vintage charm characteristic of names popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but fell out of common usage in later decades. Its simple, melodic quality carries a nostalgic feel while still offering an uncommon option for contemporary parents drawn to short, sweet vintage names with multiple cultural connections.
  9. Elza

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is my joy"

    • Description:

      Intriguing twist on several familiar names, though many people will mistake this for Elsa, Eliza, and so on.
  10. Albertus

    • Origin:

      Latin form of Albert, German

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  11. Vannie

    • Description:

      Vannie is a feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive form of names such as Vanessa, Savannah, or even Evangeline. This sweet, compact name has a friendly, approachable quality with its '-ie' ending, which traditionally denotes affection in English nicknames. Vannie has never been widely popular as a formal given name, remaining mostly in use as a nickname throughout the 20th century. In the American South, it occasionally appeared as an independent name. The name has a vintage charm that connects to the tradition of using nicknames as given names, which was more common in earlier generations. Vannie's rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking something familiar-sounding yet uncommon.

  12. Delpha

    • Description:

      Delpha is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from the ancient city of Delphi, which was considered the center of the world in Greek mythology and home to the famous Oracle of Delphi. The name carries connotations of wisdom, prophecy, and spiritual insight from this association. In some interpretations, it's connected to the Greek word 'delphis' meaning 'dolphin,' a creature revered in ancient Greek culture. Delpha was moderately used in the United States in the early 20th century but has since become quite rare, giving it a vintage charm with classical roots. The name's unusual quality, melodious sound, and rich mythological connections make it appealing for parents seeking a distinctive feminine name with historical depth and a touch of mysticism.
  13. Easter

    • Origin:

      English, from German

    • Description:

      Easter has been used as a name for several hundred years, as part of the day-naming tradition; now, this rarely heard holiday celebration name would make a novel choice for a springtime baby. Background:The early Anglo-Saxon monk and scholar Bede took the name of a goddess--Eostre-- whose feast was celebrated at the vernal equinox and gave it to the Christian festival of the resurrection of Christ.
  14. Chancey

    • Description:

      Chancey is a masculine name with French origins, derived from the Old French 'cheance' meaning 'luck' or 'fortune'. It developed as a variant of Chauncey, which came to England with the Norman Conquest. Historically, Chancey was more common as a surname than a first name. In the United States, it experienced minor popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but remains relatively uncommon today. The name carries connotations of luck and good fortune, with a somewhat old-fashioned, genteel quality. People named Chancey are often perceived as unique individuals with an air of distinction and perhaps a touch of good luck in their character.

  15. Lesta

    • Description:

      Lesta is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Lester or Esther, or possibly derived from Romance languages where '-esta' is a common suffix. In some contexts, it could be related to the Latin 'laetus' meaning 'happy' or 'joyful.' Lesta has a gentle, melodic quality with its soft consonants and ending vowel sound, typical of feminine names. Though uncommon in most English-speaking countries, the name's brevity and straightforward pronunciation make it accessible. Lesta could appeal to parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name that feels both modern and timeless. Its rarity gives a child bearing this name a sense of individuality without being difficult to spell or pronounce.
  16. Elbert

    • Origin:

      English variation of Albert

    • Description:

      Rocking out on the porch with buddies Hubert, Norbert, and Osbert.
  17. Ermine

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "weasel"

    • Description:

      Fur names. We don't think so.
  18. Lem

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Lemuel, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  19. Marget

    • Description:

      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 countries during the Middle Ages. Marget has a vintage charm that connects to its historical usage while sounding slightly different from the more common Margaret. The name carries the same associations with beauty and preciousness that the pearl symbolism suggests. Though less common today than Margaret or modern variations like Margot, Marget appeals to parents seeking names with historical authenticity and subtle uniqueness. Its concise form makes it straightforward while still evoking the elegance associated with its more familiar counterparts.
  20. Miner

    • Description:

      Miner is a masculine occupational name derived from the English language, referring to someone who works in mines extracting coal, ore, or other minerals. As a first name, Miner is uncommon and carries strong working-class connotations, evoking images of hard work, determination, and industrial heritage. The name gained limited use in America during the 19th century when occupational names were occasionally adopted as given names. While rare in contemporary usage, Miner might appeal to families with mining heritage or those seeking a unique, rugged name with clear meaning and historical significance.