Names that Peaked in 1905
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…
Margaret
Greek
"pearl"
Margaret is derived from the French Marguerite, which in turn came from Margarita, the Latin form of the Greek Margarites. Margarites was based on the Old Persian word margārīta , meaning "pearl."…
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…
Leona
Latin
"lioness"
A strong, grounded choice that still has plenty of energy and charm, Leona is the feminine form of Leon, itself derived from the Greek word for "lion". Associated with courage, leadership, and…
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…
Goldie
Anglicized form of Yiddish Golde or Golda
"gold"
Goldie is a shimmering new addition to the nickname name lineup, and became one of the fastest rising girl names in 2023. After peaking at Number 114 in 1904-1905, Goldie slid off the list completely…
Graydon
English
"son of the gray-haired one"
Waspy, but preferable to Nanny Diaries satiric name Grayer. Grayton Greydon, Greyton.
Hill
English
"someone who lives by a hill"
Simple and down-to-earth, but would probably work best as a middle name.
Emmitt
Spelling variation of Emmett
Emmitt is a new spelling spin borne of the popularity of Emmett.
Edra
Edra is a concise feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Hebrew name Edre, meaning 'flock' or 'cloud', or have connections to Greek or Welsh roots. In Welsh contexts, it…
Irvine
Irvine is a masculine name derived from a Scottish place name and surname, ultimately from Celtic origins meaning 'green water' or 'fresh water,' referring to the River Irvine in Ayrshire, Scotland.…
Orma
Orma is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Finnish, it derives from a word meaning 'wildness' or 'untamed spirit,' reflecting natural strength and independence. It also appears in…
Ilda
Italian variation of HIlda, German
"battle woman"
The Italian form of Hilda is rarer but sweeter than its mother name, which still isn't ready for revival in the US.
Hermon
Hermon is a masculine name with ancient Hebrew origins, derived from the biblical Mount Hermon mentioned in the Old Testament. The name means 'sacred mountain' or 'sanctuary,' carrying spiritual…
Ozie
Ozie is a feminine name with American origins, though it has been used for both genders historically. It emerged primarily as a nickname or diminutive form of names like Oswald, Osborne, or Ozella,…
Audie
Audie is a feminine name with diverse origins, functioning as both a diminutive of Audrey and a name in its own right. Derived from Anglo-Saxon roots, it carries meanings associated with 'noble…
Odette
French, from German
"wealthy"
Odette is the good swan in Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake , a role for which Natalie Portman won an Oscar ---and it would make a particularly sophisticated yet upbeat choice. In fact, it charted in…
Foy
Surname, from French
"faith"
This once-popular surname name (rhymes with Roy) has since faded away, but we think it has a simple, stylish charm.
