Names that Peaked in 1910
- Arnie
Origin:
Short form of Arnold, English from GermanMeaning:
"ruler, strong as an eagle"Description:
Arnie is a nerdy-tipping-into-cute nickname that may rise again, if not for this generation of babies then for their babies. Look for it in the nurseries of 2050.
- Eino
Description:
Eino is a masculine Finnish name derived from Germanic elements, ultimately a Finnish form of names containing 'ain' meaning 'one' or 'alone.' Popular in Finland and among Finnish-American communities, Eino carries cultural significance as a traditional Nordic name. It rose to prominence in Finland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, influenced by Finnish nationalist movements. The name is characterized by its distinctive sound and straightforward pronunciation (AY-no). While uncommon outside Finnish communities, Eino represents Finnish cultural heritage and has maintained steady usage in Finland. The name may appeal to parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name with Scandinavian roots and a strong cultural identity.
- Willie
Origin:
Diminutive of WilliamDescription:
There have been many great Willies (Mays, Nelson, Wonka), but a boy with this name could never ever go to England. Most people will also assume it is short for the more traditional William, which might be the best avenue for achieving this nickname.
- Osborne
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"Divine bear; divine warrior"Description:
A surname style choice that could get you nicknames Bear and Ozzy, which is pretty cool. It comes from the Old English variant of the Old Norse Ásbjǫrn, which was introduced to England after the Norman conquest and used occasionally as a given name ever since. Victorian author Elizabeth Gaskell used Osborne for a character in her final novel, Wives and Daughters while it is also famously associated with Osborne House, the former royal residence of Queen Victoria on the Isle of Wight, and with musician Ozzy Osbourne.
- Al
Description:
Al is a masculine name that primarily functions as a shortened form of names beginning with 'Al,' such as Albert (meaning 'noble and bright'), Alfred ('wise counselor'), Alexander ('defender of the people'), or Alvin ('noble friend'). With its single syllable and straightforward pronunciation, Al projects a friendly, approachable quality that has made it enduringly popular as a nickname throughout the 20th century. The name peaked in popularity during the mid-1900s and carries associations with a generation of reliable, hardworking men. Al's simplicity gives it a timeless quality, though in recent decades it has become less common as a standalone given name, with parents more likely to use it as a familiar nickname for longer Al- names.
- Johnnie
Origin:
Diminutive of John, HebrewMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
This spelling of the traditional nickname for John is a bit more feminine than Johnny, based on the fashion at the turn of the 20th century to use boyish diminutives ending in -ie for girls.
- 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.
- Corine
Description:
Corine is a feminine name derived from the Greek name 'Korinna,' which means 'maiden' or possibly relates to 'kore' meaning 'girl.' This elegant name has historical usage in both French and English-speaking countries, with periodic waves of popularity throughout the 20th century. Corine reached its peak usage in America during the 1920s-1940s but has since become less common, giving it a vintage charm. The name strikes a balance between familiarity and uniqueness, with its simple spelling and melodic pronunciation. Corine's classical roots and delicate sound make it appealing to parents seeking a name with subtle sophistication.
- Halley
Origin:
Scottish and EnglishMeaning:
"hall or woodland clearing"Description:
While this has a distinguished male namesake -- astronomer Edmund Halley and his comet -- it still strays too close to the superpopular feminine Hailey family to work for some parents for a boy. Fewer than five baby boys were given the name last year, but that could change as formerly-female names become more acceptable for boys.
- Mozella
Description:
Mozella is a feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive or variant form of Moses (Hebrew, meaning "drawn out of the water"). The "-ella" suffix is a common feminine diminutive in Italian and several Romance languages, suggesting a possible Italian-American influence in its formation. The name has historical usage dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States, though it has always remained relatively uncommon. Census records show scattered usage throughout the early 1900s, with a modest peak in popularity during the 1920s and 1930s. The name has declined in usage since mid-century but continues to appear occasionally. Mozella represents an interesting blend of biblical naming traditions with Romance language suffixes.
- Corene
Description:
Corene is a feminine name with Greek origins, likely a variation of Corinne, which derives from the ancient Greek city of Corinth. The name has a classic, somewhat vintage appeal with a soft, flowing sound. Corene was most popular in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, peaking around the 1920s-1940s. It carries connotations of elegance and refinement associated with its Greek heritage. The name has a delicate quality with its two syllables and gentle ending. Though less common today than in previous generations, Corene might appeal to parents seeking a feminine name with historical depth that isn't overly common. Its vintage character fits with the cyclical revival of early 20th-century names in modern naming trends.
- Odis
Description:
Odis is traditionally understood as a variant spelling of Otis, a name with Germanic origins. Otis derives from the Old German name Otto, meaning 'wealth' or 'prosperity.' The spelling variation with 'd' instead of 't' has been documented in American naming records since the early 1900s. The name was most popular in the United States between the 1910s and 1930s but has since declined in common usage. Some renewed interest in the name may have been influenced by the fame of musicians like Otis Redding. Regional usage patterns show the name was particularly common in Southern states. In some cases, Odis might also be used as a surname. The name's straightforward pronunciation and classic feel have helped it maintain a small but consistent presence in American naming practices over decades.
- Jewell
Description:
Jewell is a feminine name derived from the English word 'jewel,' referring to a precious stone or gem. This name embodies qualities of beauty, rarity, and value. Originally used as a surname for jewelers or those who worked with precious stones, Jewell transitioned to first name usage in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The name peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1910s and 1920s but has since become less common. Jewell offers parents a distinctive choice with built-in symbolism of preciousness and worth. Its vintage quality appeals to those seeking names with classic charm and substantial meaning. The name can also be spelled as 'Jewel,' though the double-L version adds a traditional touch.
- Adell
Description:
Adell is a feminine name with Germanic roots, derived from the noble name Adelaide, meaning 'noble' or 'nobility.' This concise variation maintains the elegant essence of its origin while offering a more modern, streamlined feel. Throughout history, Adell has experienced modest usage, never reaching overwhelming popularity but maintaining a steady presence. In the United States, it saw its highest usage in the early 20th century and has since become less common, giving it a vintage charm. The name carries connotations of refinement and dignity while remaining unpretentious. Its brief, two-syllable structure makes it easily pronounceable across different languages and cultures. Adell balances classic appeal with uniqueness, making it attractive to parents seeking a name that is traditional yet not overused.
- Rosia
Description:
Rosia is a feminine name with Latin roots, likely derived from 'rosa' meaning 'rose,' the beloved flower symbolizing love and beauty. This melodic name can be considered a variant of Rosa or Rosie, with a slightly more elaborate sound. Throughout history, Rosia has appeared sporadically across different regions, particularly in Latin American and Southern European communities. The name carries a warm, romantic quality while remaining relatively uncommon in most English-speaking countries. For parents seeking a distinctive floral-inspired name that maintains classic origins but offers a unique twist, Rosia provides a beautiful alternative to more common rose-derived names.
- Johney
Description:
Johney is a masculine name that functions as a diminutive or variant spelling of John. Derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning "God is gracious," this particular spelling adds an affectionate, informal quality to the traditional name. While less common than Johnny or Johnnie, Johney maintains the same friendly, approachable character associated with these diminutive forms. This spelling variation appears occasionally in Scotland and parts of the United States, though it has never reached widespread popularity. The name carries the warmth and familiarity of John while offering a slightly distinctive written form. Johney might be chosen by parents who appreciate the traditional roots of John but desire a less conventional spelling.
- Odell
Description:
Odell as a feminine name represents a distinctive crossover from what is traditionally used as a masculine name. It has Old English origins, derived from "wad" meaning woad (a plant used for blue dye) and "hall," literally meaning "woad hill." Some linguistic historians also connect it to Anglo-Norman roots. While Odell has been more commonly used for boys throughout history, its adoption as a female name illustrates the ongoing trend of gender-neutral naming. As a feminine name, Odell carries a strong, independent quality with vintage appeal. It remains relatively rare for girls, making it an uncommon choice that stands out. The name possesses a certain dignified quality combined with rustic charm that appeals to parents looking for something distinctive yet grounded in tradition.
- Ozell
Description:
Ozell is a name with somewhat obscure origins that has been in use in the United States since at least the early 20th century. It appears most frequently as a masculine name, though it has occasionally been used for females as well. The etymology is not definitively documented, but it may represent a variant of Oswald (an Anglo-Saxon name meaning 'divine power') or possibly derive from a surname. Another theory suggests it could be related to other 'Oz-' names like Osborn or Osbert. Ozell Sutton (1925-2015), a notable civil rights leader, brought some recognition to this uncommon name. Usage records show Ozell appearing consistently but infrequently throughout the 20th century. The name has a distinctive sound with the strong 'O' beginning and the crisp 'zell' ending, making it both traditional yet uncommon.
- Jannie
Description:
Jannie is a feminine name with multiple origins, functioning as a diminutive of Janet or Janice, which ultimately derive from Jane (a feminine form of John, meaning 'God is gracious'). In Dutch and Afrikaans communities, Jannie serves as a diminutive of Jan (the Dutch equivalent of John). The name has a warm, friendly quality with its diminutive '-ie' ending giving it a naturally affectionate feel. Jannie was relatively popular in the United States during the early-to-mid 20th century but has declined in usage in recent decades. In South African communities, particularly among Afrikaans speakers, it remains in use for girls. The name carries a vintage charm that connects to its peak era while maintaining a sweet, unpretentious quality that some parents appreciate for its simplicity and traditional roots.
- Estell
Description:
Estell is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Estelle, derived from Latin 'stella' meaning 'star'. This celestial connection gives the name a sense of brightness and aspiration. The single-L spelling creates a distinctive variation while maintaining the elegant sound of the original. Estell has an antique charm that appeals to those seeking vintage names with a slightly unique twist. While never among the most popular names, Estell enjoyed modest usage in the early 20th century before declining. It carries a quiet sophistication and brevity that distinguishes it from longer elaborations like Estella or Estrella while conveying the same starry symbolism.