The Mennonites took their name from Menno Simons, a Dutch leader of the Anabaptists. His name, which is a nickname of Meine, is still used today in the American Mennonite community.

Klaas is a traditional Dutch and Frisian masculine name, functioning as a shortened form of Nicholas or Nikolaas. Originating from the Greek name Nikolaos, it combines the elements "nike" (victory) and "laos" (people), meaning "victory of the people." Widely used in the Netherlands and parts of northern Germany, Klaas has been a staple name for centuries, particularly in rural and traditional communities. In Dutch folklore, Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) is a beloved figure associated with gift-giving, indirectly boosting the name's cultural significance. Though uncommon outside Dutch-speaking regions, the name's brevity and strong consonant sounds give it a distinctive character that travels well. It typically appears as a full name rather than a nickname.

This simplified version is not nearly as popular as the original (it also destroys a perfectly good palindrome), and has been on the decline in recent years.

For a minute or two this sounded more modern than Janet, now equally outmoded.

This vintage name is still used today among the Amish.

Aquilla appears in the New Testament. The name carries powerful symbolism through its association with eagles, conveying qualities of strength, vision, and nobility. Despite its classical origins, Aquilla remains quite rare as a given name, offering distinction while still having historical precedent. The name has a commanding presence with its unusual letter combination and strong sound. For parents seeking a name with both gravitas and uncommon status, Aquilla provides a meaningful option with rich symbolic connections to one of the most majestic birds in cultural traditions.

Benuel is an Amish name that has only ever appeared on the Pennsylvania charts.

Laverna was the Roman goddess of thievery, cheating, and the underworld. The original meaning of her name in unknown, however, there are several theories. One such theory states that Laverna is related to the Latin word for theif, laterniō, while another connects the name to levare, meaning "to lift," as in shoplifting. In the case of the latter, Laverna would mean "goddess of gain".

Obscure Old Testament name -- he was the son of Naomi and the husband of Ruth -- that's become even more obscure over the past century, perhaps due to its unappealing meaning.

This form of Theodoric, familiar via Marlene, is a possible German import. It is an Anglicized ancestor of Derek and all its variations. A noted bearer was acclaimed classical German baritone and conductor Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, and there have been Dietrichs in Henry James's The Princess Casamassima,/em and more recently on the TV show Psych.

Abram was Abraham's original name in the Bible; it's more user-friendly but with a bit less gravitas. And it does offer that cool nickname Bram, as well as the friendly Abe. After some early American usage, in 1936 Abram completely disappeared for nearly forty years, until its return in the 1970s.

Concise and clipped European version of the earnest Ernest.

As a first name, Atlee is a common choice in the Amish community.

Cool spelling of the venerable Isaac used in several different cultures.

The Ephram spelling, a phonetic spin on the original, may gain ground as it's the one used for the hero's name in the novel Ruby by Cynthia Bond, the new pick for Oprah's book club.

Meaning "anointed one" in Greek, this was a title applied to Jesus by early Greek-speaking followers. It has been used as the English form of both Christos and Chrestos, which means "good".

After cracking the US Top 200 in the early 2000s, fueled by Jacob's rise, this name has been losing steam in recent years. But Jakob is the top form of the name in many other countries, cultures, and languages, ranking highly in Germany, Norway, Austria, Iceland, and Slovenia. Jakub is the Polish variation.

This spelling of Melinda is used primarily in Amish communities.

A blend of Mervyn and Marvin that is every bit as dated as either of the originals. That -erv sound is difficult no matter what. Mervin is still used today among Amish families.

Katura is a feminine name with biblical origins, variant of Keturah, who was Abraham's second wife in the Old Testament. The name derives from Hebrew and means "incense" or "fragrance." This alternative spelling maintains the original pronunciation while offering a more phonetic approach. While uncommon in mainstream usage, Katura has maintained a quiet presence, occasionally chosen by parents seeking a name with biblical significance but less common than traditional choices like Sarah or Rebecca. The name carries a mystical, exotic quality with its connection to aromatic incense and ancient heritage. Katura offers a distinctive choice with meaningful historical and spiritual roots while providing a melodic, feminine sound.