Names that Peaked in 1883
Across 9 pages
of 9
The names
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…
Jep
Diminutive of Jeptha
Jules Jephtha "Jep" Robertson, one of the stars of A&E's Duck Dynasty , is singlehandedly reviving this obscure nickname name. It's also allegedly been used as a nickname for Geoffrey and a little…
Zack
Short form of Zachary or Zachariah
As the common short form of Zachary or, more unusually, Zachariah, Zack is less intuitive than Zach or Zac in terms of spelling but clearer in terms of pronunciations. Maybe because it rhymes with…
Susie
Diminutive of Susan, Hebrew
"lily"
In the 1950s and 60s, Susie was the name every little girl wanted for her very own. Susie, which might be short for Susan or Susannah, might be off its fashion peak but it's still cute and perky.
Augusta
Feminine variation of Augustus, Latin
"great, magnificent"
Augusta is a dignified name reminiscent of wealthy great-aunts and stately homes, but with the fashion for both August and Gus for boys, and the renewed interest in clunky classics like Gwendolyn and…
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,…
Zetta
Hebrew
"olive"
A rarely heard Hebrew name whose zippy first initial Z transforms it from dated Yetta-like image to more lively Catherine Zeta Jones-like appeal.
Alf
English
"elf counsel"
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.
Clide
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…
Alvena
Feminine form of Alvin, English
"noble friend, friend of the elves"
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…
Bluford
Variation of Buford, English from French
"beautiful fort"
An offbeat form of Buford that you're unlikely to find on birth certificates today. Maybe for a pet.
Gertha
English variation of Gerda, Scandinavian
"enclosure, stronghold"
Gertha hasn't been seen since 1971, and it's unlikely to make a comeback.
Icey
Icey is an uncommon feminine name that evokes a sense of coolness, clarity, and pristine beauty. As a nature-inspired name, it directly references ice and winter landscapes, projecting qualities of…
Tilda
Estonian and Spanish diminutive of Matilda, German
"battle mighty"
Actress Tilda Swinton injected this dated nickname name with some modern charm.
Drucilla
Latin
"strong"
Pleasingly quaint and dainty New Testament possibility; the nickname Dru modernizes it.
Ananias
Hebrew
"God has given"
Ananias is a New Testament name of three different figures. The two good ones were a high priest and a disciple of Paul. The not good Ananias was the husband of Sapphira who conspired to deceive the…
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…
Francisqui
Francisqui is a feminine name that appears to be a rare variant or diminutive form related to the name Francis (feminine: Frances or Francesca). Likely of Romance language origin, possibly French,…
Ceasar
Variation of Caesar
Newt
English
"a small salamander"
Rarely used on its own and irrevocably tied to former House Speaker Gingrich -- who was christened Newton.