Names that Peaked in 1902
Across 3 pages
of 3
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…
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…
Orrie
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.…
Mace
English
"heavy club"
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.
Willia
Willia is a feminine name that serves as a variation of the more common Wilhelmina or a feminine form of William. Derived from Germanic roots, the elements 'wil' meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'helm'…
Tomie
Tomie as a masculine name likely originated as a diminutive form of Thomas, which derives from the Aramaic word for 'twin.' While more commonly used as a nickname, Tomie sometimes appears as a given…
Ewald
German, Dutch
"ruler of the law; power of the law"
Strong without sounding harsh, Ewald is an Old Germanic name made up of ewa meaning "law" and walt meaning "power, authority". It therefore translates to "ruler of the law", "power of the law" or…
Zeno
Anglicized form of Greek Zenon, related to Zeus, king of the gods
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…
Curley
Curley is a masculine name that originated as a nickname or surname before transitioning to occasional use as a given name. It derives from the Middle English word 'crul' meaning 'curly,'…
Eligah
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…
Victoriano
Victoriano is a masculine name of Latin origin, representing an elaborated form of Victor, meaning "conqueror" or "winner." Popular in Spanish-speaking countries and communities, the name carries…
Arvel
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…
Hertha
Hertha is a feminine name with Germanic and Norse origins, connected to the Old Norse goddess Jörð (Earth). The name literally translates to 'earth goddess' or 'mother earth', embodying fertility,…
Celestine
Latin
"heavenly"
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. Celestine was the name…
Clarnce
Clarnce is a variant spelling of the more common name Clarence, which has Germanic origins. The name derives from the Latin 'clarus' meaning 'bright' or 'clear.' This alternate spelling retains the…
Marcellus
Latin
"young warrior"
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.
Rogers
Rogers originated as a Germanic surname meaning 'famous spear' from the elements 'hrod' (fame) and 'ger' (spear). As a masculine given name, it represents a surname-to-first-name transition, a common…
