Names that Peaked in 1886
Across 6 pages
of 6
The names
Alcie
Diminutive of Alcina, Greek
"strong-willed"
Alcie and Alsie are antiquated short forms that feel more baby-ready now that names such as Elsie, Elsa, and Isla are becoming popular again. Mother name Alcina was an operatic sorceress who turned…
Hardie
Hardie is a masculine name with Scottish origins, derived from the nickname for someone who is hardy, strong, or brave. It comes from the Old English word 'hearding' meaning 'strong' or 'hardy'. As a…
Clytie
Greek mythology name
"glorious or renowned"
Clytie was a sea nymph who loved the sun god Helios, who spurned her. She turned into the heliotrope flower.
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 .
Ermina
Ermina is a feminine name with ancient Germanic roots, derived from the element "ermen" meaning "whole" or "universal." It's a variation of Ermina, Hermina, or Armina names that have been used across…
Woodson
English surname
"from Woodsome"
Despite its -son ending, Woodson is not a patronymic surname (although it would be a great choice for the child of a Woody or Woodrow). People with the surname Woodson have ancestors from Woodsome, a…
Cliff
Topographical name or short form of Clifford or Clifton
Cliff is a familiar, timeless short form -- never too popular, yet widely known -- that you might also think of as a geographical name ala Vale or Field.
Elby
Elby is a charming masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from a surname, possibly an English place name meaning 'old farm' or 'old settlement,' or could be a diminutive form of…
Metha
English variation of Meta, German and Scandinavian
"pearl"
We don't recommend using a baby name in which "meth" is the first syllable. Try the original form, Meta, instead.
Elbridge
English
"old bridge"
Elbridge is an uncommon last name used as first. It sounds rather forbidding, but Bridge would be a cute, modern nickname.
Pricilla
Pricilla is a variant spelling of Priscilla, a feminine name with ancient Roman origins. The name comes from the Latin word "priscus" meaning "ancient" or "venerable." This alternate spelling…
Fuller
English surname
"cloth cleanser"
An occupational surname that hasn't made the limelight like Carter, Baker, etc., but is equally stylish.
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.
Osie
Osie is a feminine name with multiple origins. It can be a diminutive of names like Oswald (Anglo-Saxon for "divine power"), Osborne ("god bear"), or Oceanus (Greek for "ocean"). In some communities,…
Elie
Yiddish diminutive of Elijah and Eliezer, Hebrew
"Yahweh is God; God helps"
Strongly connected to Elie Wiesel — Holocaust survivor, Nobel laureate, and author of the influential book Night .
Whit
English
"white"
Whit is an uplifting short form of any number of surname-y full names, for Whitman to Whitaker to Whitney. But Whit stands perfectly well on its own and makes for a witty spin on modern virtue names .
Betha
Betha is a feminine name that originated as a medieval diminutive form of Elizabeth, which derives from Hebrew meaning 'God is my oath.' Less common than other Elizabeth variants like Beth or Betsy,…
Blanche
French
"white"
Blanche, which originated as a nickname for a pale blonde and then became associated with the notion of purity, was in style a century ago, ranking in the double digits until 1920. She then had to…
Lue
Lue is a delicate feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Lou or Louise, ultimately derived from the Germanic name Ludwig, meaning "famous warrior." Alternatively, it…
Lilburn
Lilburn is a masculine name with Old English origins, combining elements that likely meant 'small stream' or possibly relating to 'lily flower' and 'burn' (stream). It originated primarily as a…