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Names that Peaked in 1902

  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. 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).
  5. Cecil
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "blind"
    • Description:

      Once a powerful Roman clan name, Cecil has lost much of its potency over the years, though it retains a strong presence in the sports and jazz worlds. Past bearers include film giant Cecil B. DeMille, poet Cecil Day Lewis, father of Daniel, and photographer Cecil Beaton. Fictional Cecils appear in Oscar Wilde's play, Lady Windemere's Fan, E. M. Foster's A Room With a View and the film Lee Daniel's The Butler.
  6. 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.
  7. Clarence
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "bright"
    • Description:

      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.
  8. Ferris
    • Origin:

      Irish, English
    • Meaning:

      "strong man or ironworker"
    • Description:

      It's been four decades decades since Ferris Bueller took his famous day off in the cult classic 1986 teen comedy movie, but we think the time for this name could and should be now! Especially with the recent rise of the hero's girlfriend, Sloane, up the baby name rankings. Half preppy, half rugged, it boasts that stylish S ending and has a cozy, retro feel.
  9. Cyril
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "lordly"
    • Description:

      A British-accented Greek name with an intellectual image that has been off the U.S. charts since 1966, but was a Top 300 name at the turn of the last century. We have the feeling Cyril's ready for a comeback.
  10. Marcellus
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "young warrior"
    • Description:

      This ancient Roman family name, first borne by the distinguished Marcus Claudius Marcellus and later by two popes, is a possibilty in the hot new category of names from antiquity.
  11. Ivor
    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Welsh Ifor, English form of Norse Ívarr
    • Meaning:

      "lord; yew tree, bow warrior"
    • Description:

      Ivor, a favorite choice for upscale characters in Brit Lit novels by authors like P.G. Wodehouse and Evelyn Waugh, is an interesting and unusual name just waiting to be discovered by parents in this country.
  12. Zeno
    • Origin:

      Anglicized form of Greek Zenon, related to Zeus, king of the gods
    • Description:

      Zeno, the name of two ancient philosophers, has a muscular dynamism that's lightened by its cheerful final vowel, resulting in a kind of offbeat sci-fi feel. Zeno of Citium was the founder of the Stoic school of thought, Zeno of Elea was another early, original Greek thinker, famed for his Paradoxes.
  13. Celestine
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "heavenly"
    • Description:

      Celestine is a pretty, crystalline extension (actually a diminutive) of Celeste that would make a choice that is both delicate and strong. It is also a popular name in France.
  14. Orrie
    • Description:

      Orrie is a masculine name that serves as a diminutive form of names like Orville, Orson, or Orlando. With English origins, it carries a vintage charm that was more common in the early 20th century. The name has connections to Latin roots, with 'or' often relating to gold or dawn in various name origins. Orrie has a friendly, approachable quality with its soft sounds and simple pronunciation. While it has fallen into relative obscurity in recent decades, it retains appeal for parents seeking short, distinctive vintage names that aren't commonly heard. The name balances masculinity with a certain gentleness, making it versatile for various personalities. Orrie also occasionally appears as a surname in English-speaking countries.

  15. Arvel
    • Description:

      Arvel is a masculine name with varied origins. Some sources connect it to Old Norse elements, possibly derived from 'arr' meaning 'eagle' combined with 'valdr' meaning 'ruler.' Others suggest it may be a variant of Arvid, meaning 'eagle tree' or 'eagle wood.' In some regions, Arvel is considered a diminutive form of Arvell or a variant of Orville. The name has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, experiencing brief periods of minor usage in the United States during the early 20th century. Arvel carries a rustic, somewhat old-fashioned charm while maintaining distinctive character. Its rarity makes it an uncommon choice for modern parents, though it appeals to those seeking a name with historical depth and unique quality.

  16. Francisca
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      Spanish and Portuguese form of Frances or Francesca
  17. Loran
    • Description:

      Loran is a versatile masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Latin 'Laurentius' meaning 'from Laurentum' or 'crowned with laurel,' or it might be an anglicized form of the Irish name Labhrán. The name also has connections to LORAN (Long Range Navigation), a radio navigation system. In some European contexts, it appears as a variant of Laurent or Lorenzo. Loran strikes a balance between familiar and distinctive, with a strong, straightforward sound. While never extremely common, it saw modest usage in the United States during the mid-20th century. The name carries connotations of strength and clarity, perhaps influenced by its navigational associations.

  18. Eligah
    • Description:

      Eligah appears to be a variant spelling of the biblical name Elijah, which comes from the Hebrew 'Eliyahu' meaning 'Yahweh is my God.' This alternative spelling maintains the same pronunciation while offering a distinctive written form. The original Elijah was a significant prophet in the Old Testament known for his unwavering faith and miraculous deeds. While the traditional spelling Elijah has been consistently popular, ranking high in many English-speaking countries, Eligah represents a much rarer variation. This alternative spelling emerged in recent decades as parents sought unique ways to personalize traditional names. Eligah carries the same spiritual significance and strong historical roots as its more common counterpart while standing out on paper.

  19. Mace
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "heavy club"
    • Description:

      Has a slight aura of danger, from its being two types of weapons and a looming character in the Star Wars films. Best left as a nickname for Mason.
  20. Georgie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of George, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "farmer"
    • Description:

      A warm and cuddly nickname name, although he famously "kissed the girls and made them cry" in the old nursery rhyme.

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