Names that Peaked in 1905

  1. Beadie
    • Description:

      Beadie is a diminutive feminine name with British origins, possibly derived as a nickname for names beginning with the letter 'B' such as Beatrice, Berenice, or Beatrix. It may also relate to the Old English word 'bēad' meaning 'prayer' or 'bead.' The name has a vintage, quaint charm that evokes the early 20th century when such diminutive forms were more common. Beadie remains exceptionally rare in modern usage, making it a distinctive choice. The name carries a gentle, sweet quality with its soft sounds and '-ie' ending. Its rarity gives it a certain charm for parents seeking something unusual yet accessible. In contemporary culture, the name may be recognized from the character Beadie Russell in the television series 'The Wire.'

  2. Jiles
    • Description:

      Jiles is a unique masculine name with origins likely derived from Giles, which has Greek roots meaning 'shield bearer' or 'young goat.' This alternate spelling gives the classic name a distinctive touch while maintaining its traditional feel. Jiles has remained relatively uncommon in the United States, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with character but not overwhelming popularity. The name carries a certain rural charm and strength, and while not frequently appearing on popularity charts, it has maintained a steady, albeit rare, presence particularly in Southern regions of the United States. Some may associate it with notable figures like Jiles Perry 'J.P.' Richardson, known as The Big Bopper.
  3. Bulah
    • Description:

      Bulah is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, representing a variant spelling of Beulah, which means "married" or "bride" in Hebrew. In the Bible's Book of Isaiah, the land of Israel is called "Beulah" to symbolize its sacred relationship with God. This alternate spelling emerged in the American South during the 19th century, where it gained modest popularity. Bulah reached its peak usage in the early 1900s but has since declined significantly. The name carries vintage charm and rural associations, evoking the simplicity of agrarian America. Today, Bulah is rarely given to newborns, making it an uncommon choice that connects to biblical heritage with a distinctive Southern flavor.

  4. Ilda
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of HIlda, German
    • Meaning:

      "battle woman"
    • Description:

      The Italian form of Hilda is rarer but sweeter than its mother name, which still isn't ready for revival in the US.
  5. Edra
    • Description:

      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 could be related to the word for 'blessed'. Edra has remained quite uncommon throughout history, never breaking into popular name charts in most countries. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel, while its potential ancient origins provide historical depth. With just two syllables and a soft ending, Edra strikes a balance between strength and femininity. The name might appeal to parents seeking something short, distinctive, and easy to pronounce across multiple cultures.
  6. Ardath
    • Description:

      Ardath is a feminine name with literary and biblical connections. It appears in the apocryphal book of 2 Esdras as a field where the prophet receives visions. The name may derive from Hebrew, possibly meaning 'flowering field' or 'meadow light.' Ardath gained some recognition through British author Marie Corelli's 1889 novel 'Ardath: The Story of a Dead Self.' While never widely popular, it saw modest usage in the early 20th century in English-speaking countries. Ardath has a vintage quality combined with a distinctive sound, appealing to those seeking uncommon names with literary or biblical connections. Its soft ending balanced with strong consonants gives it a memorable, melodic quality.

  7. Everet
    • Description:

      Everet is a masculine name derived from Germanic roots, closely related to the more common spelling Everett. It originates from the elements 'eber' meaning 'wild boar' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong,' thus conveying the meaning 'brave as a wild boar' or 'strong boar.' This vintage name has Old English connections and was brought to England by the Normans. The single-t spelling variant Everet maintains the same distinguished quality while offering a slightly simplified form. Though less common than Everett, which has enjoyed a significant revival in the 21st century as part of the trend toward classical names, Everet shares the same appealing blend of strength and refinement.
  8. Delsie
    • Description:

      Delsie is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a diminutive of names like Adela or Cordelia, or possibly derived from the German name Adelheid, meaning 'noble type.' The name has a vintage charm characteristic of names popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Delsie peaked in popularity in the United States around the 1910s-1920s and has since become quite uncommon, giving it that distinctive quality sought by parents looking for revival names with historical precedent but current rarity. The name's soft sounds and ending 'ie' give it a gentle, feminine quality while maintaining simplicity and approachability, fitting with current trends of rediscovering vintage names.
  9. Corean
    • Description:

      Corean is an uncommon feminine name that likely developed as a variant spelling of Korean, possibly referring to someone of Korean heritage or born during the Korean War era. Alternatively, it may be a creative spelling of names like Corinne or Cora with the '-ean' suffix added for distinction. The name has a melodic quality and contemporary feel despite its rarity. While not widely used in any particular region, Corean occasionally appears in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. The name's uniqueness offers the advantage of distinctiveness while maintaining familiar phonetic elements. For parents seeking an uncommon name with international flair and cultural connection, Corean presents an interesting option with multiple potential origins.

  10. Wava
    • Description:

      Wava is a feminine name of uncertain etymology, though some sources suggest it may be a variation of the Germanic name Wava or a derivative of wave, suggesting water imagery. This uncommon name enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the early 1900s, particularly in rural communities. Wava reached its peak usage around the 1910s-1920s but has since become quite rare. The name has a vintage, nostalgic quality that connects to an era of distinctive Americana. With its simple two-syllable structure and melodic sound pattern, Wava carries a gentle, flowing quality that reflects its possible connection to water imagery.