Colonial Names from the 1700s

Parthenia may be a bit unwieldy, but does conjure up majestic images of the Parthenon. It was briefly in the US charts in the late 19th century.

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

Greek name found in the New Testament makes for one of the unique baby names still undiscovered from the Bible.

This Puritan virtue name may be unstylish, but it is also sympathetic and appealing in these largely uncomfortable times.

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

Variation of Derek.

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.

A Colonial-era nickname for Joan.

A New Testament tax collector was called Zaccheus, the freshest spin on this biblical favorite.

These days Finney is most likely a pet form of Finn, but it was once a standard nickname for the biblical Phineas.

In the Old Testament, Asenath was the wife of Joseph and mother of Manesseh and Ephraim.

Experience is a word name used by the New England Puritans but probably too joke-worthy for a modern child...or teenager. It does not have as direct a biblical reference as most Puritan names.

Benajah, the name of several minor Old Testament figures, is also written as Benaiah. Benajah might make a great Benjamin update or name for the son of a builder or architect.

Cristina is one case where the streamlined version feels more alluring.

The Biblical Abijah might be temporarily lost to time, but this antiquated short form could move with it into the modern era.

This Puritan virtue name is unstylish, but sympathetic and appealing, in these largely uncomfortable times.

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."

Young rocker Tennessee Thomas has brought this former one-person name over to the girls' side -- though the census roles of North Carolina in 1850 included a female named Tennessee and called Tincy.

Long forgotten Old Testament name with modern potential.

Place-name mentioned in the New Testament and not yet on the name map. Philadelphia Thursday was the character played by Shirley Temple in John Ford's 1948 "Fort Apache."