Names that Peaked in 1905

  1. Conley
    • Origin:

      Anglicization of Conleth, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "chaste fire; constant fire"
    • Description:

      Conley has a contemporary surname feel but is actually vintage in its usage. It was used as a masculine given name through the 1940s and peaked in 1905 at Number 709. Ready for revival? Definitely.
  2. Bell
    • Origin:

      English and Scottish occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "ringer of the bell"
    • Description:

      Simplicity and pleasant associations give the word Bell real possibility as a first name -- but somehow it seems better for a girl, a la Belle.
  3. Ceil
    • Origin:

      Short form of Cecilia or Celia
    • Meaning:

      "blind or heavenly"
    • Description:

      With the growing popularity of Celia and Cecilia, this vintage canasta-playing nickname name could be due for a comeback.
  4. Hill
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "someone who lives by a hill"
    • Description:

      Simple and down-to-earth, but would probably work best as a middle name.
  5. Leola
    • Description:

      Leola is a feminine name of Latin and German origins. It can be a variant of Leola, meaning 'lioness,' derived from 'leo' (lion), or an elaboration of Leah or Lee. It was most popular in the United States during the early 20th century, peaking between 1890-1920 when it ranked in the top 300 names. The name conveys strength and grace, resonating with the powerful imagery of a lioness. Though less common today, Leola maintains a classic, vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking something both traditional and distinctive. Its soft sound contrasts with its strong meaning, creating a name with balance and character.

  6. Roosevelt
    • Origin:

      Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "rose field"
    • Description:

      Presidential surname adopted as a first by numbers of midcentury African-American parents.
  7. Neola
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "the young one"
    • Description:

      Has an arty, creative image.
  8. Ester
    • Origin:

      Variation of Esther, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "star"
    • Description:

      This simplified spelling is a bit too polyester, though this is also the authentic Slavic version of an Old Testament name that's being rediscovered.
  9. Theadore
    • Description:

      Theadore is a masculine name that appears to be a spelling variation of Theodore, which has Greek origins meaning "gift of God" (from the elements "theos" meaning God and "doron" meaning gift). This alternative spelling maintains the distinguished, classic nature of the traditional name while giving it a slightly different visual appearance. Theodore has historical significance through notable figures like President Theodore Roosevelt and has remained consistently popular over generations. The Theadore spelling, while less common, offers the same potential for nicknames like Theo or Ted. Parents choosing this spelling variation might appreciate its subtle uniqueness while honoring the name's rich historical and linguistic heritage.
  10. Audie
    • Description:

      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 strength' or 'noble counselor.' The name gained some recognition in America through World War II hero Audie Murphy, though it's traditionally more common for females. With its short, sweet sound and vintage charm, Audie fits well with the trend toward reviving early 20th century names. It provides a less common alternative to popular 'Au-' names like Audrey and Autumn. While never reaching high popularity rankings, Audie has maintained continuous usage throughout the decades. Its simplicity and gentle sound make it appealing to parents seeking a name that's both distinctive and accessible.

  11. Graydon
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of the gray-haired one"
    • Description:

      Waspy, but preferable to Nanny Diaries satiric name Grayer. Grayton Greydon, Greyton.
  12. Hilton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "hill settlement"
    • Description:

      Do you really want to name your baby after a hotel? Or a famous-for-being-famous starlet?
  13. Hermon
    • Description:

      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 significance in multiple religious traditions. Mount Hermon stands at the border of Lebanon and Syria and appears in biblical narratives as a place of significance. While not among common mainstream names, Hermon has historical usage particularly in religious communities. The name possesses a dignified, classical quality with its biblical associations and straightforward pronunciation. Similar to the more familiar Herman but with a distinctive spelling, Hermon appeals to parents seeking names with religious heritage and meaningful etymology. Its relative rareness gives it a distinguished, uncommon quality while maintaining recognizable sounds.
  14. Fairy
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "fairy"
    • Description:

      Fairy's reputation as a slur directed at gay men takes it off the table as a baby name option. Go with Pixie or Faye instead.
  15. Ozella
    • Description:

      Ozella is a feminine name with uncertain origins, possibly derived from the Hebrew name Azaliah (meaning 'God has set aside') or as a feminine form of Oswald (from Germanic elements meaning 'god' and 'power'). It may also have developed as a creative elaboration of names like Ozell or Ozel. Ozella gained limited recognition in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly in Southern states. The name has a lyrical, flowing quality with its melodious sound and distinctive 'z' consonant. Ozella remains quite rare, giving it an air of uniqueness and vintage charm. Those bearing this name might appreciate its uncommon nature and the way it combines softness with a certain strength in its consonants.

  16. Ozie
    • Description:

      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, but gained independent usage during the early 20th century, particularly in Southern states. The name has a warm, friendly quality with its soft sound and approachable feel. Ozie peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1910s and 1920s but has since become quite uncommon, giving it a distinctive vintage charm today. The name's simple two-syllable structure and ending with the feminine 'ie' sound connects it to the tradition of Southern diminutives while maintaining its own identity. Ozie carries echoes of a bygone era, evoking rural American heritage and simpler times.
  17. Johny
    • Description:

      Johny is a masculine name that functions as a diminutive or variant spelling of John, one of the most enduring and widespread names throughout Western history. Derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious,' John has produced numerous variations across cultures. The Johny spelling, with a single 'n,' gives the traditional name a more casual, affectionate feel compared to the more common Johnny (with two n's). This spelling appears in various regions, including parts of Europe and South Asia. The name balances friendly approachability with its connection to the classic John, which has been borne by countless notable figures throughout history, including saints, kings, and cultural icons. While less conventional than the standard Johnny, Johny offers a slightly different written form while preserving the familiar, warm sound associated with this beloved nickname.

  18. Foy
    • Origin:

      Surname, from French
    • Meaning:

      "faith"
    • Description:

      This once-popular surname name (rhymes with Roy) has since faded away, but we think it has a simple, stylish charm.
  19. Rosevelt
    • Description:

      Rosevelt is a masculine name derived from the Dutch surname meaning 'rose field.' It gained popularity in the United States largely due to President Theodore Roosevelt and his distant cousin, President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Though less common than the spelling 'Roosevelt,' Rosevelt maintains the same presidential association and strong character. The name conveys leadership, strength, and determination. While never extremely common, it saw modest popularity in the early to mid-20th century following the Roosevelt presidencies. Today, Rosevelt remains a distinguished choice that carries historical significance while being uncommon enough to stand out.
  20. Orma
    • Description:

      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 Irish naming traditions as a variant of Orla or Orlaith, meaning 'golden princess' or 'golden lady.' Some sources suggest connections to Latin 'orma' relating to footprint or trace, symbolizing one who leaves a lasting impression. In Italy, it occasionally appears as a dialectal variation of names like Alma. The name's brevity and melodic quality give it a distinctive yet accessible feel. Orma has never been common in English-speaking countries but maintains modest usage in Scandinavian regions and parts of the Celtic world. Its cross-cultural presence and meaningful associations with natural strength make it appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with substance.