Colonial Names from the 1700s

Kiah

Short form of Hezekiah, Hebrew

"God gives strength"

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

Kit

English, diminutive of Christopher

"bearer of Christ"

Actor Kit Harington, aka the dreamy Jon Snow on Game of Thrones , has given this nickname-name new style and appeal for boys. Actress Jodie Foster used it for her son back in the 2000s, while actor…

Lafayette

French

"faith"

Foppish name with a distinguished forebear, French general Marquis de Lafayette, who fought in the American Revolution. It accounts for the L in L. Ron Hubbard. Old-time short form: Fayette or Fate.

Lazar

Russian, Bulgarian, Serbian and Macedonian variation of Lazarus, Latin from Greek

"God is my helper"

With Lazarus heating up, this slimmer Eastern European form will likely see an uptick in use.

Lazarus

Latinized Greek variation of Hebrew Eleazar

"God is my helper"

Lazarus is a name that looks as if it could possibly be raised from the dead, just like its biblical bearer. Look for it in the next wave of Old Testament revivals that transcend their long-bearded…

Lemuel

Hebrew

"devoted to God"

Lemuel is a neglected Old Testament name, with the friendly nickname Lem, that we're surprised hasn't been picked up on by parents who have known too many Samuels. In the Bible, Lemuel is mentioned…

Lige

Diminutive of Elijah, Hebrew

"Yahweh is God"

If default nickname Eli is too common for your tastes, you may consider resuscitating the antique nickname Lige for your little Elijah. Lige Conley, born Elijah Crommie, was an American silent film…

Linus

Greek

"flax"

Can Linus lose its metaphorical security blanket and move from the Peanuts page onto the birth certificate? We think it has enough charm and other positive elements going for it for the answer to be…

Micajah

Hebrew

"who is like God?"

Also written as Michaiah, this name is used for several Biblical characters both male and female. Makes a fresh and distinctive twist on Michael, Michelle, or Micaela. Antiquated yet modern-sounding…

Ned

English, diminutive of Edward

"wealthy guardian"

Ned is a gently old-fashioned Nancy Drew-Bobbsey Twins-era short form for Edward that sounds cooler than Ed and is enjoying a small style renaissance. Usage of Ned in literature goes back to a Ben…

Newt

English

"a small salamander"

Rarely used on its own and irrevocably tied to former House Speaker Gingrich -- who was christened Newton.

Newton

English

"new town"

Named after Isaac. Or Wayne.

Obadiah

Hebrew

"servant of God"

For the seriously audacious biblical baby namer who wants to move beyond Elijah and Josiah, this name has considerable old-fangled charm. Obadiah, who gave his name to one of the shortest books in…

Paddy

Diminutive of Patrick, Irish

"noble, patrician"

Because it's a generic (and often derogatory) term for an Irishman, Paddy fell out of use as a diminutive or given name, though actress Mare Winningham used it not long ago.

Philo

Greek

"loving"

Could Philo be the next Milo? We love the o-ending and sweet meaning of this dynamic and distinctive Greek name, often used in literature, but never particularly popular. The ancient Philo (aka Philo…

Philomon

Greek

"affectionate"

Also written as Philemon, this New Testament character was a recipient of Paul's epistles.

Phineas

English, Egyptian

"the Nubian, the bronze-colored one"

Phineas is the English variation of Phinehas, a Hebrew name likely derived from the Egyptian name Pa-nehasi. Pa-nehasi, meaning "the Nubian" can also be translated as "the bronze-colored one." The…

Prosperity

Word name

Forget Patience and Charity: Here's a Colonial name (and sentiment) that seems perfect for modern times.

Quill

Irish, English

"lion; scribe, writer with a quill pen"

First appearing in the US stats back in 2013, this wordy choice fits in with the likes of Sonnet, Poetry, Fable, and Story as a literary option for writers, fans of classic literature, and those who…

Reason

English word name

"a statement offered in explanation or justification"

A provocative word name that may strike the right chord for an adventurous baby namer, Reason has begun to sound, well, more reasonable as a name in recent years. While it did first feature in the US…