Names that Peaked in 1884
Across 7 pages
of 7
Ara
Armenian
"king"
Simple and yet distinctive, Ara is a mythological name of a famously handsome king. Although it originated as a boys' name, in the contemporary US, it's now much more commonly used for girls. Ara was…
Belva
Latin
"beautiful view"
Has a decidedly middle-aged image.
Elenor
Elenor is a feminine name serving as a variant spelling of Eleanor, which has deep historical roots. Originating from the Occitan name Aliénor, it was introduced to England by Eleanor of Aquitaine in…
Ellen
English variation of Helen
"torch; shining light"
An medieval English form of Helen, the sensitive but clear-eyed Ellen has swung in and out of style for centuries, often alternating with the parent name. Ellen was the more common in medieval…
Hettie
Diminutive of Henrietta, English
"estate ruler"
It may take another generation or so, but this category of Hettie-Lettie-Lottie names could make a comeback.
Evaline
Variation of Evelyn or Aveline
Evaline may be unusual, but there are so many stylish names around right now that sound like it, from Eva to Evelyn to Adeline, that it will feel less distinctive than it is.
Flavia
Latin
"golden, blond"
An ancient Roman clan name, Flavia is one choice that's unusual but historic. Now a Top 60 name in Italy, Flavia has been a rarity in the US, but with the upswing in F names for girls, this could…
Gennie
Gennie is a feminine name that typically serves as a diminutive form of names like Genevieve, Genesis, or Jennifer. The name Genevieve has Celtic origins meaning 'tribe woman,' while Jennifer derives…
Georganna
Georganna is a feminine name combining the classic 'George' (from Greek 'georgos' meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker') with the feminine suffix 'anna' (meaning 'grace' or 'favor'). This elegant…
Bell
English and Scottish occupational name
"ringer of the bell"
These days, it's more likely you'd call your daughter the popular Belle or Bella.
Albina
Albina is a feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'albus' meaning 'white' or 'bright.' The name suggests qualities of purity, clarity, and radiance. Historically popular across Eastern Europe,…
Dorthea
Dorthea represents an alternative spelling of Dorothea, a name of Greek origin meaning 'gift of God' (from 'doron' meaning gift and 'theos' meaning God). This variant spelling maintains the name's…
Dennie
Dennie is primarily a feminine name in modern usage, though it has historical use as a masculine name as well. It originated as a diminutive form of Dennis or Denise, names derived from Dionysus, the…
Nelia
Diminutive of Cornelia
"horn"
This lively and appealing name originated as a short form of Cornelia, but is well able to stand on its own. Nelia is also often in the Hispanic culture, where it can be a short form of Manuela. It…
Cordie
Cordie is a feminine name with Latin roots, traditionally serving as a diminutive of Cordelia or names containing 'cord,' meaning 'heart.' Popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in…
Gusta
Dutch diminutive of Augusta, Latin
"great, magnificent"
Stick with the long form.
Altha
Altha is a rare feminine name with ancient Greek origins. It likely derives from the Greek word 'althos,' meaning 'healing,' or could be a variation of Althea, which comes from 'althein' meaning 'to…
Mollie
Variation of Molly
This new/old spin on Molly -- nickname-names with the ie ending were particularly popular at the turn of the last century -- that has landed this name in the US Top 1000.
Minnie
Diminutive of Wilhelmina, German
"resolute protection"
Minnie was wildly popular at the turn of the last century — it was the fifth or sixth most popular name throughout the 1880s — but is completely obscure in the US today. Blame Mickey's girlfriend.…
Meta
German, Slovene, and Scandinavian diminutive of Margaret, Greek
"pearl"
A unique international short form of Margaret, now associated with Facebook and Instagram and with "meta" fiction, books, TV shows, and similar that are self-referential.