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Names that Peaked in 1902

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. 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).
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  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. 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.
  9. Ferris

    • Origin:

      Irish, English

    • Meaning:

      "strong man or ironworker"

    • Description:

      It’s been more than three 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. Zelma

    • Origin:

      German, diminutive of Anselma

    • Meaning:

      "God helmet"

    • Description:

      Familiar in the US, Brazil, and Latvia in the early 20th century, Zelma has been off the radar for some time. While the Selma-Thelma-Velma connection might date it, with Zelda and Alma sparking recent interest and clunky names holding new appeal, Zelma may be one to reconsider.
  14. Ivor

    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Welsh Ifor

    • Meaning:

      "yew"

    • 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.
  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. Vashti

    • Origin:

      Persian

    • Meaning:

      "lovely"

    • Description:

      This Persian name with an Old Testament pedigree has a warm Sasha-like feel. The Biblical Vashti was a queen who refused her husband's orders to appear naked in front of his party guests and so was deposed in favor of Esther. For her independent spirit, Vashti has become something of a feminist icon.
  17. Francisca

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      Spanish and Portuguese form of Frances or Francesca
  18. Curley

    • Description:

      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,' historically given to someone with curly hair. The name gained some recognition through various notable figures, including Curley Johnson (NFL punter) and James Michael Curley (Boston mayor and Massachusetts governor). It has a friendly, approachable quality with a touch of vintage charm. As a first name, Curley remains uncommon, appearing more frequently as a surname or nickname. The name carries associations with a cheerful, affable personality and has connections to Irish-American communities. Curley might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive, informal-sounding name with a warm, personable character.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.