Names that Peaked in 1883
- Netta
Origin:
English, diminutive of names ending in -ette or -etta, or variation of Neta, HebrewMeaning:
"plant"Description:
Netta ranked in the US Top 1000 in the 1880s, when it was often used as a short form of names such as Jeanette, Annette, and Antoinette. In Jewish families, Netta was typically seen as a variation of the Hebrew name Neta.
- Ceasar
Description:
Variation of Caesar
- Corda
Description:
Corda is a feminine name with Latin roots, meaning 'heart' or 'string of a musical instrument.' This uncommon name carries musical connotations and can be related to 'cordial,' suggesting warmth and sincerity. While rare in English-speaking countries, Corda may appear in Italian communities where its connection to 'cuore' (heart) resonates culturally. The name has never ranked in the US top 1000 names, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking something unique yet melodious. Corda also bears similarity to Cordelia, though with a simpler, more streamlined sound profile.
- Lella
Description:
Lella is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Italian, it functions as a diminutive of names like Gabriella, Raffaella, or Donatella, conveying affection and familiarity. In Arabic cultures, Lella is an honorific title meaning 'lady' or 'madam,' used particularly in North African regions to show respect to women of importance. The name has a melodic quality with its repeated 'l' sounds creating a gentle, flowing pronunciation. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Lella offers cross-cultural appeal with its simplicity and warmth. The name's brevity makes it accessible and memorable, while its international connections give it depth and character beyond its compact form.
- 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.
- Harman
Description:
Harman is a masculine name with Germanic origins, functioning both as a surname and given name. It derives from the Old German elements 'hari' meaning 'army' and 'man' meaning 'man,' essentially translating to 'army man' or 'warrior.' As a first name, Harman has historical usage particularly in Germanic countries and among Dutch communities. In India, it also appears as a Sikh and Punjabi name with different etymological roots. While not widely popular in mainstream Western culture, the name has maintained steady if modest usage. Harman conveys strength and reliability, with a traditional sound that isn't overly common, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name with historical depth.
- Bama
Description:
Bama is a concise feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In the United States, it's most commonly associated with the nickname for Alabama, particularly in reference to the University of Alabama's sports teams. In some African cultures, particularly Nigerian, Bama can be a given name with various meanings depending on the specific language or dialect. In parts of India, it may derive from Sanskrit with connections to the goddess Lakshmi. The name's brevity gives it a punchy, memorable quality with just two syllables. While uncommon as a formal given name in Western countries, Bama might appeal to parents seeking a unique name with regional American significance or those with cultural connections to its various international origins.
- Mont
Origin:
Diminutive of Montgomery or FrenchMeaning:
"mountain"Description:
Monty Burns, on The Simpsons, smashed to pieces any goodwill for his first name leftover from Monty Python. But if you drop the "y," you're left with a distinctly Gallic sounding nickname name. If it feels to slight for the birth certificate, there are tons of ways to get to it as a nickname: Montgomery, Montana, Montreal, even Montmorency.
- Adolph
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"noble wolf"Description:
World War II stamped a permanent verboten on Adolph.
- Wess
Description:
Wess is a masculine name that typically functions as a shortened form of Wesley or Weston. The name Wesley originated as an English surname meaning "western meadow," while Weston literally means "western town." As a standalone name, Wess maintains the friendly, approachable quality of these longer forms while offering a more concise option. The name has a strong, straightforward sound with its single syllable ending in a distinctive double-s. While uncommon as a formal given name, Wess carries a certain casual charm that appeals to parents seeking short, unfussy masculine names. It connects to traditional naming patterns while feeling slightly more modern and streamlined. The name's brevity makes it practical and memorable, fitting well with contemporary preferences for shorter boys' names.
- Fleming
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"man from Flanders"Description:
If it's not too phlegmatic for you, this surname and name of a Scottish clan could honor a number of people, especially Alexander Fleming, the father of antibiotics, and Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond.
- Alvina
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"elf-friend"Description:
This variation of the more well known Alvin adds an unusual and feminine touch to the original. It sounds a bit more like what it means--"elf friend."
- Henery
Origin:
Spelling variation of Henry
- Litha
Description:
Litha is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. In pagan traditions, particularly Wiccan, Litha refers to the summer solstice celebration, connecting the name to midsummer festivals and nature. Alternatively, it may derive from Anglo-Saxon or Old English roots. The name possesses a delicate, ethereal quality with its soft consonants and ending in 'a,' following patterns common in feminine names. Litha remains quite rare as a given name, offering a distinctive option for parents drawn to nature-inspired choices or ancient cultural references. Its brevity and melodic sound make it accessible despite its uniqueness, and it carries subtle associations with light, summer, and growth.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ivey
Origin:
Surname name, variation of IvyMeaning:
"son of Ive; person from Ivoy; ivy plant"Description:
Ivey can be considered an alternate spelling of the botanical name Ivy, but it also has separate origins as a surname. For the Anglo-Saxon Ivey line, Ivey means "son of Ive," while for the English-Norman Iveys, it means "person from Ivoy," a commune in the Cher department of France.
- 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.
- Almeda
Description:
Almeda is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the word 'almus' meaning 'nourishing' or 'kind.' It may also be connected to the Spanish term 'alameda,' referring to a tree-lined avenue or a poplar grove. The name was moderately popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare. Almeda carries connotations of nurturing and natural beauty, evoking images of serene pathways bordered by stately trees. While uncommon today, it represents a classic naming style with a melodic quality that could appeal to parents seeking a vintage name with subtle elegance.
- Lelar
Description:
Lelar is an uncommon feminine name with obscure origins. It may have emerged as a variant of more familiar names like Lela, Leila, or Lila, all of which have various meanings across different cultures, often associated with concepts of night, darkness, or beauty. Another possibility is that Lelar developed as a creative modern invention or family surname adaptation. The name has never achieved widespread popularity and remains extremely rare in the United States and internationally. This rarity gives Lelar a distinctive quality for those seeking a truly uncommon name. Its soft sounds and flowing quality create a gentle, feminine impression, while its uniqueness ensures individuality for anyone bearing the name.
