Names that Peaked in 1886
Across 6 pages
of 6
Ammie
Ammie is a feminine name that can be considered a variant spelling of Amy or a diminutive form of names containing 'am' sounds like Amanda or Amelia. The traditional name Amy comes from the Old…
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.…
Ola
Norwegian and Swedish form of Olaf
"ancestor's relic"
Simple, friendly, distinctive name heard in several cultures. The a ending may feel more feminine in the US than Ole, though both variations are acceptable in Scandinavia.
Parthenia
Greek
"chaste maiden"
Parthenia may be a bit unwieldy, but does conjure up majestic images of the Parthenon. It was briefly in the US charts in the late 19th century.
Pearle
Pearle is a feminine name that represents a stylistic variation of Pearl, derived from the precious gem formed within oysters. Dating back to the Victorian era when gem and virtue names were highly…
Susanna
Hebrew
"lily"
Susanna is an old and under-appreciated name, perhaps because of the recent overpopularity of Susan, that is certainly due for a comeback. The Susannah spelling is just as appropriate as Susanna. The…
Ham
Hebrew
"hot, warm"
Along with Shem and Japheth, a son of Noah with a name that's almost never used -- for more obvious reasons than those of his brothers.
Sandy
Scottish and English diminutive of Alexander
"defending men"
A sweet Scottish short form of Alexander which is feeling newly appealing now the era of Sandra is far behind us. Sandy would also work well as a nickname for a child with pale red or dark blond hair.
Manuelita
Manuelita is a feminine name of Spanish origin, serving as the diminutive form of Manuela, which is itself the feminine version of Manuel. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew 'Emmanuel,'…
Alvy
Diminutive of Alvin, English
"noble friend; friend of the elves"
Alvie is the spelling parents tend to prefer, and may rise along with Archie, Alfie, and Albie. The Alvy variation is strongly associated with Alvy Singer, Woody Allen's character in Annie Hall .
Christena
Christena is a feminine given name that serves as a variant of Christina, ultimately derived from the Greek word 'christianos' meaning 'follower of Christ.' This spelling variation emerged as a way…
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…
Clarence
Latin
"bright"
The name of the guardian angel in It's a Wonderful Life is rarely heard the rest of the year because of its studious, near-nerdy image, but this could change in the current naming climate. An English…
Celestia
Variation of Celeste, Latin
"heavenly"
Celestia is a heavenly name that sounds more ethereal than Celeste, Celestia might make a distinctive, feminine choice if your taste runs toward names like Angelina and Seraphina. Celestia was more…
Angèle
French from Latin
"angel"
The French word for angel is Ange, but Angèle is the French version of the name Angela, and feels much fresher nowadays.
Charls
Charls is an uncommon masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Charles, dropping the 'e' for a more streamlined form. Charles itself derives from Germanic origins, meaning 'free man'…
Calhoun
Irish
"from the narrow forest"
A beaming, friendly Irish last-name-first-name waiting to be discovered, though anyone into American history might associate it with John C. Calhoun, a 19th century statesman who defended slavery.…
Louisiana
French place-name
Louisiana is a geographic spin on the Louise theme. Pretty, if a bit of a syllable overload. Short form Lou or Lulu lightens it.
Colbert
English and French surname from German
"bright helmet"
Associated with comedian Stephen Colbert, who uses the French pronunciation of his name as a bit (the rest of his family of origin use the English pronunciation).
Butler
English occupational name
"chief manservant"
An English occupational name and surname that brings to mind old, stately homes, black suits, and white gloves, Butler peaked back in 1919 when 30 boys were given the name. It hasn't appeared in the…