Names that Peaked in 1883

Cappie

Diminutive of Capitola

Cappie appeared on the US Top 1000 a single year, 1883, the same year the novel Capitola the Madcap was reserialized in the New York Ledger .

Deetta

Deetta is a feminine name with American origins, likely developed as a variation of names like Detta, Odetta, or potentially as an elaboration of Dee. The name may have emerged during the…

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…

Marianita

Spanish diminutive of Mariana

"of the sea"

An elaboration of Mariana and a sea-inspired choice that once ranked in the US Top 1000 in the late 19th century.

Adah

Hebrew

"ornament"

Adah is a biblical name twice over—one was the mother of Jabal and Jubal, the other was a wife of Esau. The latter Adah and Esau’s descendants settled in Edom and became the Edomites. Adah is…

Mattye

Mattye is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive or variant spelling of Martha, which comes from Aramaic meaning 'lady' or 'mistress of the house.' This particular spelling has Southern…

Delpha

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…

Annis

Variation of Agnes

"pure, virginal"

Annis and Anice are both antique variations of Agnes that have fallen out of use, perhaps because of pronunciation problems (ANN-is, or an-EES?)

Albertine

French feminine variation of Albert

"bright, noble"

Albertine and Alberta are old-fashioned feminizations ala Geraldine and Roberta: a little bit clunky, a little bit regal, just waiting for a celeb to use them to make them cool again. Familiar in…

Alvina

English

"elf-friend"

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."

Amalie

Danish, Norwegian, and German form of Amalia or Amelia

"work"

Popular in Norway and Denmark, but familiar across Europe, Amalie can be pronounced as a-MAHL-yah, much like sister Amalia. A variation of Amelia, it shares the same Germanic element, amal meaning…

Manda

Diminutive of Amanda

The full version is prettier.

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,…

Nan

English, diminutive of Nancy

Bobbsey Twins-era nickname name that could find new life via Nan, heroine of The Nanny Diaries. Nan was also the nickname of Annabel St George, the protagonist of Edith Wharton's novel "The…

Netta

English, diminutive of names ending in -ette or -etta, or variation of Neta, Hebrew

"plant"

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…

Arlena

Arlena is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Arlene, which derives from the Germanic elements meaning "pledge" or "oath." Alternatively, it could be related to the…

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…

Beatrix

Latin

"she who brings happiness; blessed"

Beatrix has a solid history of its own apart from Beatrice, with that final x adding a playful, animated note to the name's imposing history and stately vibe. In the earliest sources it is recorded…