Names that Peaked in 1903
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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…
Leo
Latin
"lion"
Leo is a strong-yet-friendly name that was common among the Romans, used for fourteen popes, and is now at its highest point ever in the US thanks in part to Leonardo "Leo" DiCaprio. Derived from the…
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…
Ila
Scottish, Hindi, Hungarian, Finnish
"from the island; earth, sacred speech; shining light; joy"
A simple name that's rising fast in the US, likely inspired by the popularity of Isla and Ayla. This streamlined form might appeal to those who like Ana, Ivy, and Ada, and it brings a multicultural…
Lemmie
Lemmie is a masculine name that typically functions as a diminutive form of names like Lemuel or sometimes Clement. With its friendly, approachable sound, Lemmie has an informal, warm quality that…
Thedore
Thedore appears to be a variant spelling of the classic masculine name Theodore, which derives from Greek elements meaning 'gift of God.' This alternative spelling maintains the dignified,…
Leonia
Latin
"lioness"
Leonia is one of the rarest of the feminizations of Leo and brothers that have lion-related meanings and are growing in popularity throughout the Western World. Leona is the most popular of the group…
Rafaela
Spanish and Portuguese version of Hebrew Raphaela
"God has healed"
This euphonious and lovely name is an internationally appealing choice, that, like Gabriela and Isabela before it, is beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream. Also spelled Raffaella…
Loney
Loney is an uncommon given name that originated as an English surname, derived from Old French 'l'aulnai,' meaning 'alder grove' or from the Old English 'lane-eg,' referring to a 'long island.' As a…
Letha
Greek
"forgetfulness"
Letha is taken from Lethe, the mythological River of Oblivion. Letha now sounds as if it's missing a first syllable.
Teddie
Teddie is a masculine name typically used as a diminutive form of Edward, Theodore, or Edmund. This spelling variation adds a playful, affectionate quality to the more common 'Teddy.' The name…
Hayward
English occupational name
"guardian of the hedged enclosure"
Possible Hayden alternative.
Lessie
Lessie is traditionally a feminine name that appears here designated as masculine. Historically, it emerged as a diminutive of names like Leslie or Celeste, or sometimes as a nickname for Elizabeth.…
Rubie
Rubie is a charming variation of Ruby, which derives from the Latin word "ruber," meaning "red" - referencing the precious gemstone. This spelling with an 'ie' ending gives the classic name a…
Ela
Turkish
"terebinth tree"
A sweet, simple mini-name that fits into many cultures. The only drawback is the potential for confusion with Ella, Ayla, and other similar names.
Lesley
Scottish
"garden of holly"
Lesley as a masculine name derives from Scottish habitational surname origins, combining elements meaning "garden of holly" or "holly meadow." Though now more commonly used for girls in the United…
Hortense
Latin
"of the garden"
Hortense is actually the French feminine form of Hortensia, the name of a strong, politically active early Roman woman. Hortense began to be used in the English-speaking world in the nineteenth…
