Names that Peaked in 1911
- Felice
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"lucky"Description:
Felix is rising in the chart for boys, and its feminine variations are sure to follow. The best knows these days, thanks to the TV character, is Felicity, but there's also Felicia and Felice. Like Lucia, Felice is a name with different pronunciations depending on where it's used. The Italians pronounce it fa-LEECH-ay, but the Americanized version is feh-LEESE.
- Imelda
Origin:
Italian and Spanish from GermanMeaning:
"all-consuming fight"Description:
Saint's name made infamous by Philippine dictator's wife Imelda Marcos. A more positive famous bearer is the British actress Imelda Staunton, best known for playing Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter movies.
- Garnet
Origin:
Jewel name, from the FrenchMeaning:
"pomegranate"Description:
One of the jewel names in use a hundred years ago, due for revival along with sisters Ruby and Pearl.
- Winthrop
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"friend's village"Description:
Proper Bostonian.
- Hyman
Origin:
Anglicized variation of ChaimMeaning:
"life"Description:
Hyman was commonly used by first-generation Jewish immigrants to Anglicize Chaim, but similarities to terms like heinie and hymen have taken it out of the realm of modern possibility. The original Chaim would be preferable to Hyman.
- Wilford
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"willow ford"Description:
As a whole Wilford still carries a dowdy, dated image, but each component of the name—Will and Ford—are stylish in their own right.
- Lovell
Description:
Lovell is a masculine surname-turned-first-name with Anglo-Norman origins. Derived from the Old French 'louvel' meaning 'little wolf,' it was originally a nickname for someone fierce or wolf-like in character. The name entered England after the Norman Conquest and established itself as both a surname and occasional given name. Lovell peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1920s but remains relatively uncommon today. The name carries a sophisticated, gentlemanly quality with its soft consonants and connection to noble medieval families. Some may also appreciate its phonetic resemblance to the word 'love,' giving it a subtly affectionate undertone.
- Elinore
Description:
Elinore is a feminine name that represents a variation of Eleanor, a name with Greek origins meaning 'bright, shining one' or 'light.' This spelling variant maintains the elegant, classic feel of Eleanor while offering a distinctive touch with the ending 'e.' Eleanor has been borne by numerous notable women throughout history, including Eleanor of Aquitaine and Eleanor Roosevelt. While less common than the standard spelling, Elinore carries the same sophisticated, timeless quality with a slightly more uncommon presentation. The name evokes images of dignity, intelligence, and grace, making it appealing to parents drawn to classic names with historical depth and enduring appeal.
- Patsy
Origin:
English and Irish, diminutive of PatrickMeaning:
"noble, patrician."Description:
Patsy has been rarely heard for half a century, for either gender, and we're not expecting that to change in the near future..
- Ozie
Description:
Ozie is a unisex name with historical usage in the United States dating back to the late 19th century. The name may have multiple origins: it could be a diminutive of names like Oswald or Osborne (from Germanic elements meaning 'god' and 'power' or 'bear'); alternatively, it might derive from the Greek name Ozias, a variant of Uzziah, meaning 'Jehovah's strength.' Another possibility is that it developed as a nickname for names beginning with 'Os-' or 'Oz-'. Historical records show Ozie used across various American communities throughout the 20th century, with peak popularity in the early to mid-1900s. The name has become less common in recent decades. Its short, distinctive sound and vintage quality give it a unique character that connects to earlier American naming traditions while remaining uncommon in contemporary usage.
- Amerigo
Description:
Amerigo is a masculine Italian name best known through the explorer Amerigo Vespucci, for whom the Americas were named. Derived from Germanic elements, likely 'Amalric' or 'Emmerich,' combining words meaning 'work,' 'power,' or 'ruler' with 'rich' or 'mighty.' This gives Amerigo the impressive meaning of 'work-ruler' or 'powerful leader.' The name has remained consistently used in Italy but is quite rare elsewhere. It carries a strong historical resonance due to its connection with the naming of two continents. The rhythmic four-syllable pronunciation (ah-meh-REE-go) has a melodious Italian flair. For parents seeking a name with historical significance, continental connections, and Italian heritage, Amerigo offers a distinguished option with built-in geographical and historical importance.
- Erma
Origin:
Variation of Irma, English, German, SloveneMeaning:
"whole, great, universal; army man"Description:
A variation of the German Irma, Erma emerged in the 19th century in English-speaking countries where its similarity to timeless Emma might have helped it gain popularity. In fact, if you follow its Germanic roots, it relates back to irmin meaning "whole, great", the same as Emma does.
- Arvil
Description:
Arvil is a masculine name with possible roots in several traditions. It may be a variation of Arvil, which itself could derive from Old Norse elements meaning "eagle" and "wolf," symbolizing strength and courage. Alternatively, it might be connected to April or the Latin term "arvum" meaning "plowed land." The name has maintained limited but consistent usage, particularly in rural American communities during the early to mid-20th century. With its short, strong sound and rare status, Arvil offers a distinctive vintage quality that stands apart from more common names. Its brief popularity peaked in the 1920s-1930s, though it remains an uncommon choice that carries a certain rustic charm.
- Williemae
Description:
Williemae is a feminine compound name combining the elements 'Willie' (a diminutive of William, meaning 'resolute protector') and 'Mae' (a traditional feminine middle name derived from May, associated with the month and ultimately from the Roman goddess Maia). This naming pattern of combining a first name with 'Mae' or similar elements was particularly common in the early-to-mid 20th century in the United States. Historical records show Williemae had its greatest popularity between the 1910s and 1940s, representing naming conventions of that era. The name has become less common in recent decades as naming trends have shifted. Williemae represents a traditional approach to feminine naming that honored family connections, often preserving a family surname or male name (Willie) while adding a distinctly feminine element (Mae) to create a harmonious full name.
- Alfonse
Description:
Alfonse is a variant spelling of Alfonso, a masculine name with Germanic origins. The name derives from the elements 'adal' meaning noble or aristocratic and 'funs' meaning ready or eager, combining to convey 'noble and ready' or 'eager for battle.' Introduced to Spain by the Visigoths, it became popular throughout Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain where many kings bore the name. In the United States, Alfonse peaked in popularity in the early 20th century and has since become less common. The name carries a classic, dignified air with its royal associations while the spelling variant Alfonse offers a slightly modernized take on the traditional Alfonso.
- Colie
Description:
Colie is a masculine name that can function as a diminutive of Nicholas or Cole, though it sometimes stands as an independent name. It has multiple possible origins, including Greek (from Nicholas, meaning 'victory of the people') or Old English (from Cole, meaning 'charcoal' or 'coal-black'). Colie has a friendly, approachable quality with its short, two-syllable structure. While traditionally a boy's name, it occasionally appears as a nickname for girls named Nicole. The name has a casual, American feel and was somewhat more common in the southern United States during the early 20th century. Today, Colie remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive character while maintaining familiar sounds.
- Wyman
Description:
Wyman is a masculine name with Old English origins, derived from the elements "wig" meaning "war" or "battle" and "mann" meaning "man," thus translating to "warrior" or "man of battle." This surname-turned-first-name has medieval roots and was originally an occupational surname for someone with military connections. Wyman has maintained a consistent but uncommon presence in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States where it saw modest usage in the early to mid-20th century. It carries an air of distinction and tradition while remaining distinctive. The name appeals to parents seeking a rare name with historical roots and a strong, masculine meaning.
- Blanchie
Description:
Blanchie is a feminine name that functions as an affectionate diminutive of Blanche, which comes from the French word for "white" or "fair." This charming variation adds a warm, familiar quality to the more formal Blanche. Popular in the early 20th century, Blanchie has the vintage appeal that characterizes many revived names, though it remains quite rare in contemporary use. The name carries associations of purity, innocence, and brightness inherent in its meaning. The '-ie' ending gives it a friendly, approachable quality that softens the sometimes stark impression of Blanche. Though uncommon today, Blanchie might appeal to parents attracted to vintage nicknames with a sweet, nostalgic quality.
- Flonnie
Description:
Flonnie is a rare feminine name with uncertain origins, possibly a variation of Flora or Florence, or derived from an old surname. It emerged in the early 20th century in the United States, particularly in southern states, but never achieved widespread popularity. The name has a vintage, nostalgic quality with a distinctive sound that combines floral softness with unique character. Flonnie saw modest usage in the early 1900s through the 1930s before declining significantly. Today, it remains extremely uncommon, appealing to parents seeking truly distinctive vintage names with a southern charm. The name carries a warm, friendly impression while maintaining its individuality.
- Allean
Description:
Allean is a feminine name that likely developed as a variant spelling of Aileen or Eileen, both derived from the Gaelic name Eibhlín, a form of Helen meaning 'light' or 'torch.' The distinctive spelling with double 'l' and 'ea' vowel combination gives the name a Southern American flavor, where such phonetic spellings became customary. Allean saw modest usage in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, particularly in rural communities. The name has a gentle, vintage quality with its soft sounds and flowing syllables. While uncommon today, Allean represents a tradition of adapting traditional names with distinctive spellings to create something familiar yet individual.