Extinct Names

Verde is an uncommon color name with a Latinate accent, perfect for a spring baby.

Although she declared her independence as far back as the reign of Elizabeth I — Good Queen Bess, Bess now sounds less passé than Beth or Betsy.

No babies of any gender were named Orange in the US in the most recent year counted. But that doesn't mean, in this era of anything-goes baby names, that it couldn't happen. In fact, Orange did appear in the US stats for boys throughout the 20th century, and was given to 20 boys in 1920. Not all that many, but still quite a lot to be called Orange.

Sister is an old-timey nickname-name for girls, ranking in the Top 1000 as a proper name for girls until the beginning of the 20th century. But more often, Sister was used as a nickname in the truest sense of the word, not a short form ala Kathy but a nickname in the way that Chip and Bud are. Or maybe Junior is a more appropriate name analogy: Sister was sometimes the nickname given to the only girl in a family of boys, so literally a descriptive word name like Junior.

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.

Cyndi is a feminine name that emerged as a diminutive and alternative spelling of Cindy, which itself is a nickname for Cynthia. The name ultimately derives from Greek mythology—Cynthia was an epithet of the goddess Artemis, referring to her birthplace on Mount Cynthus. This modern spelling variation with 'y' instead of 'i' gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s in the United States. The singer Cyndi Lauper, who rose to fame in the 1980s, helped popularize this specific spelling. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with a touch of retro charm. While less common for newborns today, Cyndi maintains cultural recognition through its association with pop culture.

Sour or sweet? Enough like Lennon, Leonard, and Clement to work, or best left in the fruit basket? That's up to you to decide, but Lemon has been appearing in the US charts for boys since the 1880s.

Best left on the old southern plantation, sipping his mint julep.

Sherm is traditionally a masculine name that originated as a nickname or shortened form of Sherman. Sherman itself derives from the Old English occupational surname meaning 'shearer of woolen cloth' or 'cloth cutter.' Sherm maintains a distinct American character and gained some usage during the mid-20th century. While never extremely common, it has a friendly, approachable quality that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet recognizable name. The name carries associations with determination and practicality. Famous bearers include various athletes and musicians, though it remains relatively uncommon in contemporary naming practices.

Sociable middle name choice with a Quaker feel.

Long one of the most popular girls' names starting with P, Patti replaced Patsy as the midcentury's popular, peppy babysitter but has now joined her in the retirement home.

When Gail was popular, half a century ago, Gale was a plausible choice. Gale does put a slightly more masculine spin on the name, but it's dated in any version.

Bobbsey Twins-era nickname name that could find new life via Nan, heroine of The Nanny Diaries. Nan was also the nickname of Annabel St George, the protagonist of Edith Wharton's novel "The Buccaneers".

Basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain (born Wilton) lends a sort of mythic quality to his name. Few have ventured to use it since it is so tied to the famed Chamberlain, but it could make an inspired middle.

Permanent property of that devilish little Simpson kid.

William was such a popular name, thanks to the Conquerer, in early England that it gave rise to a range of nicknames, including the distinctly Scottish Wilkie. Heard mostly as a surname these days, it's the middle name of Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick's son James and the first name of writer Collins. While Wilkie could make an adorable short form for a little boy, we'd recommend a more substantial full name such as, well, William.

Glynn is a masculine name with Welsh and Irish origins, derived from the word 'glin' meaning 'valley' or 'glen.' It can be both a surname and first name, sometimes used as a variation of Glenn or Flynn. In Welsh contexts, it relates to geographical features, literally referring to someone who lived in or near a valley. Glynn has maintained modest usage throughout the 20th century, particularly in Celtic regions and their diaspora communities. The name has a concise, strong sound while maintaining a touch of Celtic mystique. Notable bearers include various athletes, musicians, and actors, though it has never reached mainstream popularity. The distinctive double 'n' spelling gives this short name a visual interest while honoring its Celtic linguistic roots.

A Greek name with a charming meaning and mythological ties, Philander has long been too close to "philanderer" for English speakers to consider.

Cinderella stepsister type Victorian-valentine name.