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Colonial Names from the 1700s

  1. Melvina

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "chieftain"

    • Description:

      Melvina ranked in the Top 1000 for over 65 years in the US, coinciding to a large extent with the years its much more popular masculine counterpart Melvin ranked in the Top 100. Today, Melvin is still hanging on in the Top 1000 for boys, but Melvina hasn't been given to more than 20 babies in a year since 1991.
  2. Sibella

    • Description:

      Sibella is a feminine name of Latin origin derived from Sibyl or Sibylla, referring to female prophets or oracles in ancient Greek and Roman culture. The name carries an air of mysticism and ancient wisdom, while its melodic quality gives it an elegant, sophisticated sound. Sibella was occasionally used during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, particularly among nobility, though it has always remained uncommon. The name experienced brief periods of minor popularity in the 19th century but remains rare today. Its classical roots combined with its lyrical sound appeal to parents seeking a name with historical depth that maintains a distinctive quality. A child named Sibella would likely appreciate having a name that is recognizable but seldom encountered.

  3. Kizzie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Keziah, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "cassia tree"

    • Description:

      Kizzy remains the most popular spelling of the Keziah short form, at least in some part thanks to its appearance in the 1977 television show Roots.
  4. Zadock

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "fair, righteous"

    • Description:

      A biblical name that was used in colonial times, but which has an unpleasant sound to the modern ear.
  5. Abiah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is my father"

    • Description:

      Abiah is a Biblical name that appears for both female and male figures. It may be considered the same as the name Abijah in the Bible; one female Abijah was a queen and ancestor of Christ. Abiah may also be considered a relative of the Arabic name Abia. However you spell or pronounce it -- a - BY -a or a - BEE - a -- this name can be an original way to the nickname Abi.
  6. Willie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of William

    • Description:

      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.
  7. Aurinda

    • Origin:

      American invented name

    • Meaning:

      "gold"

    • Description:

      The Early Americans invented names too, sometimes variations of classical or biblical favorites. This one appears in Colonial rosters; the Aur beginning is Latin and means "gold."
  8. Kiah

    • Origin:

      Short form of Hezekiah, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God gives strength"

    • Description:

      Drawn from old record books, Kiah is an antiquated nickname that feels perfectly appropriate for modern times -- maybe more so than father name Hezekiah.
  9. Gussie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Augusta, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"

    • Description:

      Gussie fits the growing trend of boyish nicknames for girls - alongside Charlie and Frankie. But Gussie is a bit fussy — try Gus.
  10. Sukey

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Susan

    • Description:

      Eighteenth-century nickname that still appears occasionally as an alternative to Suzy.
  11. Bart

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Bartholomew, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "son of the earth"

    • Description:

      Permanent property of that devilish little Simpson kid.
  12. Abitha

    • Origin:

      Variation of Tabitha

    • Meaning:

      "gazelle"

    • Description:

      If Abigail's too popular and Tabitha is too...."Bewitched."
  13. Truth

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "the state of being the case"

    • Description:

      True has become an accepted first and middle name; Truth makes an even stronger statement. And with nearly 150 baby boys named Truth in the US in the most recent year counted, as many as were named Ross, the word name is edging up on the Top 1000.
  14. Abijah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is my father"

    • Description:

      Abijah is a truly unusual, truly unisex, truly appealing biblical name. There were several male Abijahs in the Bible, one of them, known as Abijah of Judah, was the fourth king of the House of David, and also a couple of females.
  15. Amzi

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "strong"

    • Description:

      The name of several minor Biblical characters, Amzi seems streamlined and modern and has the potential to catch on. Meaning "strong", it may appeal to parents who enjoy Azariah, Aziel, and Amias. "AM-tsee" is the traditional pronunciation, though "-zee" and "-zie" have also been used.
  16. Con

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Cornelius, Conrad, Latin, German

    • Meaning:

      "horn; brave counsel"

    • Description:

      Back in the day, Con was a nickname for Cornelius and Conrad. Today it feels like a pet form of Connor.
  17. Delphia

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "the womb"

    • Description:

      Feminization of the Greek place name Delphi (of oracle fame), Delphia could also be used as a nod to American city Philadelphia. Delphine and Delphinia are similar names.
  18. Keturah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "incense"

    • Description:

      Keturah, the Old Testament name of Abraham's second wife, is a possibility for anyone seeking a truly unusual and interesting biblical name; certainly a lot more distinctive than that of Abraham's first wife, Sarah.
  19. Bazel

    • Origin:

      Slavic variation of Basil

    • Meaning:

      "regal"

    • Description:

      Gives a good boy name a bad boy feel.
  20. Constant

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "steadfast"

    • Description:

      A traditional French male name that could, with American pronunciation, become an admirable word name.