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Names that Peaked in 1900

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Thu Nov 30 2023
  1. William

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection"

    • Description:

      William is one of the most enduring of classic names for boys. It's also among the most popular boys' names, as American parents see it as being ideally conservative yet contemporary, and hands-down the most popular baby name beginning with W of all time.
  2. George

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "farmer"

    • Description:

      Iconoclasts though we may be, we like Fred, we like Frank, and we like George, which was among the Top 10 from 1830 to 1950, when the number of little Georges started to decline. Solid, strong, royal and saintly, yet friendly and unpretentious, we think that George is in prime position for a comeback, especially since it was chosen by Britain's royal couple.
  3. John

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      John reigned as the most popular of all boys' Christian names for 400 years, from the time the first Crusaders carried it back to Britain until the 1950s. Then American baby namers finally seemed to tire of this straight-arrow, almost anonymous John Doe of names, replacing it with fancier forms like Jonathan and the imported Sean and Ian.
  4. Lillian

    • Origin:

      English from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lily; pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Lillian has ranked among the US Top 100 for the past 20 years, making it Lily's less popular but more grown-up cousin.
  5. Mary

    • Origin:

      Hebrew or Egyptian

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"

    • Description:

      Mary is the English form of Maria, which ultimately was derived from the Hebrew name Maryam/Mariam. The original meaning of Maryam is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).
  6. Pearl

    • Origin:

      Latin gem name

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      Pearl, like Ruby, has begun to be polished up for a new generation of fashionable children after a century of jewelry box storage. The birthstone for the month of June, Pearl could also make a fresher middle name alternative to the overused Rose. Cool couple Maya Rudolph and Paul Thomas Anderson named their daughter Pearl Minnie, followed by Jack Osbourne picking Pearl Clementine. Several celebs have put it in the middle spot, as in Busy Philipps's Cricket Pearl, Jake Owen's Olive Pearl and Caleb Followill's Dixie Pearl .
  7. Mack

    • Origin:

      Scottish or Irish

    • Meaning:

      "son of"

    • Description:

      Mack, when "formalized" with the final k, makes an engagingly amiable choice, a far more uncommon alternative to the ubiquitous Max and Jack, with a nice, every-guy feel. Mack entered the popularity list in 2009 for the first time since 1989 and continues to climb. However, it's still far from its peak — it was a Top 100 name in 1900.
  8. Helen

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "torch; shining light"

    • Description:

      Helen is a name that has connoted beauty since ancient times – Helen of Troy was the the mythological "face that launched a thousand ships," over whom the ten-year Trojan War was fought.
  9. Lee

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "pasture, meadow"

    • Description:

      A name that has a bit of a shouldn't-I-be-a-middle-name sound, though still in use as a first for both genders. Lee might be a good choice if you want something that sounds at once traditional yet modern, unisex but not newly-minted.
  10. Ennis

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "from the island"

    • Description:

      An appealing Irish placename with a unisex feel, Ennis would be a fresh alternative to Dennis and Ellis. It's little-used for boys and even rarer for girls, but since Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons used it for their son, it could be one to watch.
  11. Lambert

    • Origin:

      French and German

    • Meaning:

      "land brilliant"

    • Description:

      Ancient saint's name used for cowardly cartoon lion.
  12. Waverly

    • Origin:

      Locational English surname

    • Meaning:

      "from the quivering meadow"

    • Description:

      Waverly, with its literary resonance and lilting three-syllable sound, could well become the next generation's successor to Kimberly. Although, like Kimberly, it's overwhelmingly catching on for girls. Its cool, bohemian surname feel places it among the new stylish English names for girls, successors to Ashley and Whitney.
  13. Earnest

    • Description:

      Earnest is a masculine name of English origin that developed from the word 'earnest,' meaning 'serious,' 'sincere,' or 'determined.' The name gained popularity during the Victorian era when virtue names were fashionable and personal qualities were considered appropriate inspirations for given names. Oscar Wilde's 1895 play 'The Importance of Being Earnest' playfully highlighted the name's association with seriousness and sincerity. Throughout the early 20th century, Earnest maintained moderate popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, before gradually declining after the 1950s. Often confused with Ernest (without the 'a'), this spelling variant has always been less common. The name conveys qualities of dedication, sincerity, and moral seriousness, making it appealing to parents who value these traditional virtues.

  14. Collins

    • Origin:

      Surname derived from Nicholas or Colin

    • Description:

      Though Collins makes the Top 1000 for girls, it sounds strong and handsome for boys too, kind of like the newly-stylish Brooks. The final s updates it from the 80s-ish Colin or the Twilightish Cullen. Might make an innovative honorific for a grandpa Nick.
  15. Jessie

    • Origin:

      Variation of Jesse

    • Description:

      The -ie version is usually for girls, with the simple e ending—pronounced the same as Jessie—for boys, though the spellings sometimes cross gender lines.
  16. Aggie

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Agatha and Agnes

    • Description:

      Mauve-tinted nickname with vintage charm that could just follow in the footsteps of ABBIE. More prominent now as the nickname for the Texas A&M sports teams.
  17. Lala

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "laurel"

    • Description:

      If it's possible for a name to be too musical, this one is.
  18. Ether

    • Description:

      Ether is an uncommon feminine name derived from scientific and philosophical concepts rather than traditional naming conventions. The word 'ether' historically referred to the fifth element in ancient and medieval science, thought to fill the upper regions of space. It was considered the material that made up the heavens and celestial bodies. The name evokes ethereal qualities—lightness, elegance, and otherworldliness. In modern contexts, it might appeal to parents drawn to scientific terminology or abstract concepts as naming inspiration. While quite rare as a given name, Ether offers a distinctive choice with philosophical depth and celestial associations, fitting among other element-inspired names but with a more mystical quality.
  19. Claudie

    • Origin:

      French feminine variation of Claude

    • Description:

      Attractive form still très Parisienne.
  20. Wayman

    • Description:

      Wayman is primarily a surname that transitioned to use as a first name. It likely derives from the Middle English occupational term 'wayman,' referring to a traveler, wagon driver, or someone who worked on or maintained roads (from 'way' meaning road and 'man'). As a given name, Wayman has been documented in American records since at least the late 19th century, though it has always remained relatively uncommon. The name saw modest usage throughout the 20th century, particularly in the first half. Its transition from surname to given name follows a pattern common in American naming traditions, similar to names like Taylor or Cooper. Wayman has an old-fashioned, dignified quality typical of surname-derived given names, offering a connection to occupational heritage and tradition.