Names that Peaked in 1886

Louisiana is a geographic spin on the Louise theme. Pretty, if a bit of a syllable overload. Short form Lou or Lulu lightens it.

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.

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. There are however plenty of places called Calhoun which might lessen that association.

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.

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, it functions as a nickname for Josephine or Osiris. The name has a vintage, Southern charm in American contexts, particularly in rural communities. Osie peaked in the early 1900s but has remained quite rare. Its short, melodic sound gives it a gentle, approachable quality. The name carries a subtle sweetness and simplicity that appeals to parents looking for something distinctive yet unpretentious, with historical roots but a sound that works well in contemporary settings.

Hardy is a spirited and durable un-Germanic German surname that is starting to be used in this country.

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.

Trapped somewhere in the nether region between Haddie and Catie, with the added confusion of sounding like someone who works on a golf course. Caddie Woodlawn was a TV heroine of the Old West in the 1980s. Caddie had its moment, but we don't see it becoming one of the more popular girl names starting with C.

Alvia is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Latin roots, possibly related to 'albus' meaning 'white' or 'bright,' suggesting purity or clarity. Alternatively, it could be a variant of Alvah, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'sublimity' or 'exalted one.' In some cultures, Alvia appears as a masculine variant of Alvina or Alba. The name has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, giving it a distinctive quality. It carries a gentle yet dignified sound that balances traditional masculine qualities with a certain softness. Alvia has seen occasional use across different European cultures but has never reached widespread popularity in any particular region.

Foppish name with a distinguished forebear, French general Marquis de Lafayette, who fought in the American Revolution. It accounts for the L in L. Ron Hubbard. Old-time short form: Fayette or Fate.

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 town in West Yorkshire, England. Woodsome means "place at the houses in the wood," from the Old English æt wudu-hūsum.

Middle name possibility for a nature-loving family -- Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke used it for their son's middle name.

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 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 names beginning with 'El' such as Elbert or Elvin. The name has a warm, friendly quality with its soft sounds and simple structure. While uncommon, Elby has an approachable, unpretentious character that makes it accessible. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel, though it could equally be considered vintage in style. Elby strikes a balance between uniqueness and familiarity, making it appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name that still feels warm and relatable rather than exotic or difficult.

We don't see that bright a future for this one either.

We don't recommend using a baby name in which "meth" is the first syllable. Try the original form, Meta, instead.

Strongly connected to Elie Wiesel — Holocaust survivor, Nobel laureate, and author of the influential book Night.

Ferman is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Germanic element 'fardi' meaning 'journey' or 'travel,' suggesting someone who is a traveler. Alternatively, it could be a variant of Firmin, from the Latin 'firminus' meaning 'firm' or 'strong.' In Turkish, 'ferman' refers to an official decree or order, implying authority. The name has historically been used across various cultures including Germanic, Turkish, and Hispanic communities. While never extremely common, Ferman has maintained steady usage throughout history. Its short, strong sound gives it a masculine character that's easy to pronounce across languages. The name conveys qualities of strength, decisiveness, and reliability while offering cultural versatility.

Mossie is a feminine name with Irish origins, traditionally used as a nickname for Maurice (for males) or Maureen (for females). In Irish contexts, it's pronounced more like 'MOH-shee' and has been used as an independent given name for generations, particularly in rural communities. The name has a gentle, vintage quality reminiscent of simpler times. Outside Ireland, Mossie might evoke associations with moss—the soft green plant—lending nature-inspired overtones. While uncommon in most English-speaking countries today, it retains usage within Irish families honoring heritage. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its soft sounds and diminutive ending, making it feel simultaneously quaint and affectionate. Mossie represents a connection to Irish naming traditions while maintaining a distinctive character.

Similar to Amy and Romy, Omie is a sweet yet unexpected diminutive of Naomi. It might also work as a short form of Ramona or Salome, and as a feminine form of Omar.