Names that Peaked in 1883
- Dock
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"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.
- Elza
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my joy"Description:
Intriguing twist on several familiar names, though many people will mistake this for Elsa, Eliza, and so on.
- 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.
- Earlie
Description:
Earlie is an uncommon feminine name with American folk origins, likely derived from 'early' or possibly serving as a feminine form of Earl, which means 'nobleman' in Old English. The name has a vintage, rural quality that evokes simplicity and authenticity. Earlie appeared occasionally in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in southern United States communities, but has since become quite rare. The name carries a certain nostalgic charm and unpretentious warmth. Its straightforward pronunciation contrasts with its unusual nature as a given name. Earlie might also reference someone born early or at dawn, giving it a natural, temporal connection that feels genuine and unpretentious.
- Rosco
Description:
Rosco is a masculine name that represents a variation of Roscoe, which has English origins as a surname derived from Old Norse elements meaning 'deer forest' or 'roe deer wood.' This simplified spelling offers a more phonetic approach to the traditional name. Rosco carries a friendly, approachable quality with a touch of vintage charm, reminiscent of the early to mid-20th century when the name saw modest popularity. While not among the most common names today, Rosco appeals to parents seeking options with a distinctive character and informal warmth. The name's rustic associations give it a connection to nature and the outdoors, adding to its appeal for those drawn to names with earthy qualities.
- 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.
- 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.
- Catharine
Origin:
Spelling variation of Catherine, GreekMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Actress Hepburn made the Katharine spelling famous, which seems to be the inspiration for this spin on Catherine.
- Bluford
Origin:
Variation of Buford, English from FrenchMeaning:
"beautiful fort"Description:
An offbeat form of Buford that you're unlikely to find on birth certificates today. Maybe for a pet.
- Adolph
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"noble wolf"Description:
World War II stamped a permanent verboten on Adolph.
- 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.
- Berton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"fortified town"
- Hyrum
Description:
Hyrum is a distinctive masculine name with Mormon heritage, most famously associated with Hyrum Smith, the older brother of Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The name is a variant of Hiram, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'exalted brother' or 'my brother is exalted.' Due to the significant role Hyrum Smith played in early Mormon history, the name has maintained steady popularity among Latter-day Saint communities, particularly in Utah and Idaho. Outside these communities, it remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. Hyrum combines historical gravitas with biblical connections, making it meaningful for families valuing religious heritage while seeking a name that stands apart from more common biblical choices.
- 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.
- Jossie
Description:
Jossie is a feminine name that functions as a diminutive of names like Jocelyn, Josephine, or Josette. With English and French influences, it carries a sweet, endearing quality through its 'ie' ending, which traditionally signals affection. The name has a bright, cheerful sound that conveys a sense of warmth and friendliness. While not among the most common girls' names, Jossie has maintained steady if modest usage throughout the years. It offers families a less formal alternative to longer classics while retaining their historical roots. The spelling variation with double 's' distinguishes it from similar nicknames like Josie, giving it a slightly more distinctive written appearance.
- 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.
- 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."
- Orley
Description:
Orley is a distinctive masculine name with Germanic and Old English origins. It likely evolved as a surname before becoming a given name, possibly derived from elements meaning 'eagle meadow' or 'clearing in the woods.' While never widely popular in mainstream culture, Orley has maintained a consistent presence as an uncommon name choice throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. It carries an air of rustic sophistication and vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking a rare yet historically grounded name. Orley shares some phonetic qualities with more common names like Harley and Orion, but maintains its unique identity and subtle rural connotations.
- Gertha
Origin:
English variation of Gerda, ScandinavianMeaning:
"enclosure, stronghold"Description:
Gertha hasn't been seen since 1971, and it's unlikely to make a comeback.
- 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.
The Nameberry App Is Live

- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.


