Names that Peaked in 1885
Across 6 pages
of 6
Mima
Diminutive of Jemima, Hebrew
"dove"
Mima was once a common nickname for the biblical Jemima.
Eda
English, Turkish
"wealthy, well-mannered"
An medieval English diminutive of Edith, which could make an unusual addition to simple vintage revivals like Eva, Ada and Ida. In Turkish, it means "well mannered".
Jemima
Hebrew
"dove; daytime"
Jemima, the name of a strong and beautiful Biblical daughter of Job, has long been among the chicest choices of aristocratic Brits, and has since shifted to be used more generally too, replacing…
Lura
Lura is a short, distinctive feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from Latin 'laurel' (symbol of victory), or it could be a variation of Laura. In Albanian, Lura refers to…
Jennette
Jennette is a feminine diminutive form of Jean or Jane, which ultimately derive from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." This charming variation emerged in medieval times and gained…
Melvina
Celtic
"chieftain"
Melvina ranked in the Top 1000 for over 65 years in the US, coinciding to a large extent with the years its much more popular masculine counterpart Melvin ranked in the Top 100. Today, Melvin is…
Mayme
Mayme is a vintage feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Mary or Mae. Popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mayme has a sweet, old-fashioned charm that speaks to simpler…
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.
Maymie
Maymie is a sweet, vintage feminine name that originated as an affectionate diminutive form of May or Mary. Popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the American South,…
Medora
Greek
"mother's gift"
Medora is a Greek name much less common here than, say, Melanie or Melissa. It has some literary references, including as the beautiful and passionate heroine of Lord Byron's poem The Corsair, and in…
Dosia
Short form of Theodosia, Greek
"giving to God"
Dosia is rare but not foreign, especially since the antiquated name Theodosia was highlighted in the play Hamilton .
Ilma
Finnish, Hungarian, Spanish, or literary Quenya
"air; starlight"
A name that's unknown in the US and Britain but is popular as a nature name in Finland. May also be known as a Hungarian variation of Amelia and a Spanish form of Wilhelmina. Ilma also appears in…
Rena
Hebrew, Greek, Estonian, Scandinavian, German, Punjabi
"joyous melody; peace; reborn; to remain"
Rena is a Hebrew name all on its own and is also a European short form of Irene, Irini, Renata, and Renate. In Punjabi, Rena means "to remain".
Rennie
Rennie is a feminine name that often serves as a diminutive of names like Renata, Irene, or Renee. It has Scottish origins where it can be derived from the Gaelic elements "raon" meaning "rule" or…
Pollie
Pollie is a delightful feminine name typically serving as a diminutive of names like Pauline, Paula, or Polly. It has English origins and derives ultimately from the Latin name 'Paulus,' meaning…
Hulda
Hebrew
"sweet, lovable"
Hilda with a stuffed nose.
Valentine
French variation of Valentina
"strength, health"
For a girl, we'd say Val-en-teen, though many would insist on pronouncing it like the holiday.
Ab
Ab is a short masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hebrew, it derives from 'אָב' (av) meaning 'father,' reflecting paternal significance in ancient societies. It appears in the Bible as…
Dolphus
Dolphus is a masculine name with historical roots as a variant or diminutive of Adolphus, which derives from the Old High German name 'Adalwolf,' meaning 'noble wolf.' This shortened form emerged…
Pheobe
Spelling variation of Phoebe, Greek
"bright, pure"
Like Gwenyth and Issac, Pheobe is one of those names that many a delivery-dazed parent has accidentally spelled "wrong". It just doesn't make sense that the o comes before the e! If you really mean…