Names that Peaked in 1885
Across 6 pages
of 6
Octave
French form of Octavius, Latin, or English word name
"eighth; musical and poetry term"
Octave shortens Octavius to a more manageable length, keeping the "eighth" meaning. In English speaking countries, however, people could easily confuse this with the musical and poetrry term octave .…
Olaf
Norse
"ancestor's relic"
Olaf, though sainted and regal in Norway, is slightly oafish here. It is one of those names that has become completely familiar in the U.S. without ever becoming assimilated. Now that he's a comical…
Smith
English occupational name
"blacksmith"
Even if it is the Number one surname in the U.S.--with more than 2.5 million bearers--we still think that Smith would make a cool first or middle name, whether or not it has family history. Though…
Virge
Virge is an uncommon masculine name that likely developed as a shortened form of Virgil, a name with Latin origins meaning 'staff-bearer.' In some cases, it might also serve as a variant of Verge.…
Wilhelm
German variation of William
"resolute protection"
This dignified German form of William belonged to two German Emperors and Kings of Prussia, as well as a host of other important historical figures. These include composer (Wilhelm) Richard Wagner,…
Zenas
Zenas is a masculine name with ancient Greek origins, appearing in the New Testament as a Christian convert mentioned by Paul. The name derives from Zeus, the supreme deity in Greek mythology,…
Ewing
English from Greek
"noble, well-born"
A surname very rarely heard as a first, associated with Hall of Fame basketball star Patrick Ewing and, in the 1980s, the oil-rich Ewing family on the nighttime soap, "Dallas"
Reason
English word name
"a statement offered in explanation or justification"
A provocative word name that may strike the right chord for an adventurous baby namer, Reason has begun to sound, well, more reasonable as a name in recent years. While it did first feature in the US…
Dessie
Dessie is a charming feminine name with multiple origins. Primarily considered a diminutive of Desdemona (from Greek, meaning 'ill-fated'), it's also used as a nickname for names like Desirée (French…
Blanch
Blanch is a feminine name with French origins, derived from the word 'blanc' meaning 'white' or 'fair.' Historically, it was used to describe someone with pale complexion or blonde hair. The name was…
General
Word name
"general"
General as a name sounds more like a military rank than another word for "widespread". You may find your little General ruling the household.
Emmer
Emmer is a feminine name with Germanic and Hebrew influences. It may have originated as a variant of Emma, derived from the Germanic element 'ermen' meaning 'whole' or 'universal'. Alternatively,…
Hilma
German
"protective helmet"
Hilma is heard in Germany and the Scandinavian countries, and sometimes used as a shortening of Wilhelmina--though there are more appealing German names for girls . to be found. Hilma Wolitzer is an…
Donie
Donie is a feminine name with Irish roots, often serving as a diminutive of Madonna or Donna, both meaning "lady." It can also be a nickname for names like Dominique or Donella. With its friendly…
Ashby
English
"ash tree farm"
This Ashley-like surname name actually made the US Top 1000 around the turn of the 20th century. Used very quietly today in equal numbers -- about a dozen each -- for boys and girls. Ashby is a major…
Gee
Gee is a masculine name that can have multiple origins. It may function as a short form of names beginning with 'G' such as George, Gerald, or Geoffrey. Alternatively, it could have originated as a…
Clora
Clora is a feminine name with Latin roots, likely derived from 'chloros' meaning 'green' or 'pale green,' which has connections to flora and growth. It can be considered a variant of Clara or…
Malissie
Malissie is a feminine name that appears to be a variation of Melissa or possibly Malissa. It carries the sweetness of its root name Melissa, which derives from Greek meaning 'honeybee.' The added…
Cap
English word name
The lead character of the Captain America movies, played by Chris Evans, is occasionally called Cap, short for "captain," but even he has a real name. (Steve Rogers, ICYC)
Tolbert
Tolbert is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from elements meaning 'people' or 'folk' and 'bright' or 'famous.' It emerged as a surname before transitioning to occasional use as a first…