Extinct Names

The meaning of this word flipped from "cheerful" to "homosexual" during the twentieth century, and it's now almost certainly too loaded to sit comfortably as a baby name. Which is a shame as sound-wise it's very appealing, just a short step away from Faye, May, and Rae.

Verlin is an obscure name that found some use in the US in the early part of the 20th century, but now it and variation Verlyn are extinct, given to no baby boys in the US last year.

Short form of Alfred that had fallen out of favor, but could come back alongside Alfie and other clunky old-style nicknames like Gus and Ike.

Actress Kirstie Alley popularized this short form that's been off the popularity register for a decade.

Rice is really stretching the nature name boundary to its outer edges. But you may want to take it that far.

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.

Trish was a cool -- in every sense of the word -- nickname back when Patricia was one of the most popular names in the US, primarily in the 1960s and 1970s. Trish is actually kind of a nickname of a nickname, Tricia, best known as Tricia Nixon, the daughter of President Richard who named after her mother, who was called Pat. Trish, along with almost every other name related to Patricia including Pat, Patti, Patsy, and Tricia, is seriously out of fashion today.

Australian opera singer Nellie Melba—self-named for her hometown of Melbourne—inspired this now-dated name more associated today with a peach dessert and dietetic toast.

Although now usually considered a female name in the US, Carol actually had a good run of popularity for boys too, peaking at #325 in 1937 and remaining in the US Top 1000 until the mid 1960s, when its popularity for both sexes began to decline. It derives from Carolus, the Latin form of Charles.

As seen on SNL, Pat is the ultimate androgynous name. Stick with long form Patrick, and make sure everyone calls him Patrick.

The name Lassie originates from Scottish culture, where it was traditionally used as a term for a young girl or maiden. However, its widespread recognition comes primarily from the fictional female collie dog character created by Eric Knight in his 1940 novel 'Lassie Come-Home,' which spawned multiple films and a popular television series. As a human name, Lassie is quite rare, maintaining an affectionate, loyal quality associated with the beloved canine character. The name carries connotations of faithfulness, heroism, and protective instincts. While uncommon as a given name for girls, it may occasionally be used as a nickname for names like Lassarina or simply to evoke the wholesome, classic Americana feel associated with the character.

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".

Best known these days as the name of an American department store chain, Dillard was once a baby name that ranked on the US Top 1000, at least until the middle of the last century.

Lemon is one of the more unique names related to fruit, compared with sisters Clementine and Apple. That may be because lemon is also a word that's slang for a clunker, something that doesn't work very well. No baby wants to feel like a Lemon, so this is one of those unusual names that is best avoided.

Barb is a midcentury nickname name that, like Deb and Sue, feels terminally dates now. But with the revival of Barbie, Barb may not be far behind.

Luster is an uncommon masculine name derived from an English word meaning 'shine,' 'gleam,' or 'radiance.' Originally more common as a surname, it emerged as a given name through the practice of transforming family names into first names, particularly in American naming traditions. The name conveys qualities of brilliance, polish, and distinction, with implications of something that captures attention through its shining quality. Despite its positive connotations and appealing sound, Luster has never achieved widespread popularity as a first name, remaining notably rare in usage statistics. The name might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive option with strong sensory associations and an inherently positive meaning, though some might hesitate due to potential secondary meanings of the word in modern English.

Boyish nicknames for girls -- like Charlie and Frankie -- are in fashion, but Geraldine is out. Gerri just might split the difference.

Brunette is an unusual feminine name derived from the French word for a woman with brown hair. While more commonly recognized as a descriptive term rather than a given name, it has occasionally been used as a female name throughout history, particularly in French-speaking regions or among families with French heritage.

Occasionally used as an independent name, but why.

Verlyn is an obscure name that found some use in the US in the early part of the 20th century, but now it and variation Verlin are virtually extinct, given to no baby boys in the US last year.