Names that Peaked in 1901
Across 3 pages
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About this list
The names
William
German
"resolute protection"
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…
John
Hebrew
"God is gracious"
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…
Lillian
English from Latin
"lily; pledged to God"
Lillian has ranked among the US Top 100 for the past 20 years, making it Lily's less popular but more grown-up cousin. A Top 10 name at the turn of the last century, the heyday of Lillian Gish and…
Arthur
Celtic
" bear"
Arthur, once the shining head of the Knights of the Round Table, is, after decades of neglect, now being polished up and restored by stylish parents, inspired perhaps by the new generation of royals.…
Mary
Hebrew or Egyptian
"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"
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…
George
Greek
"farmer"
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…
Helen
Greek
"torch; shining light"
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. The name…
Louie
Variation of Louis, German and French
"renowned warrier"
Celebrated in song—the rock 'n' roll classic "Louie, Louie"—this is a gregarious, friendly spelling of Louis not often used as a full first name. It reentered the US Top 1000 in 2015. It's a highly…
Marie
French variation of Mary
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
The ubiquitous French version of Mary came into the English-speaking world in the nineteenth century. In the United States, Marie was a huge hit at the turn of the last century and for the ensuing…
Davis
Surname derived from David, Hebrew
"beloved"
Davis is a fresh way to say David. Some sources define it as "son of David," but we see it as a surname spin on the original. While David is an everyman name, Davis has some creative edge -- and…
Houston
Scottish
"Hugh's town"
Looking for a Texas name more distinctive than Austin and Dallas? Houston is a lanky, roguish place-name, right in style with its Texas accent and cowboy image.
Hosie
Hosie is a masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a diminutive of Hosea, a Hebrew name meaning 'salvation' or 'deliverer.' Alternatively, it could be related to the Scottish surname…
Leva
Leva is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hebrew, it relates to "lioness," suggesting strength and courage. It also appears as a variant of Levi or as a Slavic name meaning…
Roby
Roby is a masculine name that functions as a diminutive or variant of Robert, which comes from Germanic elements meaning "fame" and "bright." This shorter, friendlier version maintains the…
Vada
English, Sanskrit, German
"knowledge, rule"
Vada is a feisty retro choice that feels like a fresh spin on the likes of Ava and Ada. Its bold V initial is bang on trend, although Vada remains very uncommon in the US. It is perhaps best known as…
Esco
Esco is a unique masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a diminutive of names beginning with 'Es-' such as Esmond or Escobar, or derive from place names like Esco, Spain. Another…
Lonnie
Short form of Alonso or Alonzo, variations of Alphonso
"noble, ready"
Lonnie is one of those antiquated nicknames that is used much more often in the US than you might think, especially as a short form of Alonso or Alonzo, names always on the US Top 1000.
Mathews
Mathews is primarily known as a surname derived from the biblical name Matthew, meaning 'gift of God' or 'gift of Yahweh.' When used as a first name, Mathews represents an uncommon variation that…
Son
Son is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins and meanings. In Vietnamese tradition, it's a common name meaning 'mountain,' symbolizing strength and stability. In English, while primarily…
Ova
Ova is an uncommon masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the word "ovum" meaning "egg." While rarely used as a given name in modern times, it has historical precedence as a masculine name…
