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Extinct Names

  1. Nan

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Nancy

    • Description:

      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".
  2. Marge

    • Origin:

      Short form of Margaret, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      Marge used to be as common as Maggie or Megan, ranking on its own in the girls' Top 1000 from 1900 until right after World War II, when so many Old School names fell off the list in favor of a new generation cuter, perkier choices.
  3. Verda

    • Origin:

      Variation of Verde, Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "green"

    • Description:

      Verda was a fairly popular girls' name in the US from the 1880s through the 1920s, when it started to slip, finally dropping from sight after World War II.
  4. Stu

    • Description:

      Stu is a masculine name primarily used as a diminutive of Stuart, Stewart, or Stanley. Stuart and Stewart originated as Scottish surnames derived from the Old English 'stig-weard,' meaning 'household guardian.' As a standalone name, Stu gained some usage in the mid-20th century during a trend toward friendly, approachable shortened names. It projects a casual, unpretentious quality with a distinctly mid-century feel. While never ranking highly as a formal given name, Stu maintains recognition through cultural references like the character Stu Pickles from the animated series 'Rugrats' and various sports personalities. Today, it's more commonly used as a nickname rather than a legal given name.

  5. Corny

    • Origin:

      Short form of Cornelius, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "horn"

    • Description:

      Cornelius is one of the Ancient Roman names that is not quite making a comeback, despite having been a Top 200 name in the US in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Blame Corny, a nickname that is just too joke-worthy.
  6. Doll

    • Origin:

      German or English surname

    • Meaning:

      "foolish, mad, strong, ditch"

    • Description:

      Briefly used as a male name in the early 20th century. Doll is a surname with a variety of origins and meanings, some more desirable than others.
  7. Pleas

    • Description:

      Pleas is an uncommon masculine name with American origins, most likely derived as a short form of Pleasant or possibly as a variant spelling of the Greek name Plies. Historically, it appeared occasionally in the Southern United States, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The name has a distinctive single-syllable simplicity that makes it memorable. Pleas has become quite rare in contemporary usage, giving it a vintage quality that might appeal to parents seeking truly uncommon names with historical precedent. The name's connection to 'pleasant' gives it positive connotations of amiability and agreeable character.
  8. Geoff

    • Description:

      Geoff is a shortened form of Geoffrey, a masculine name of Germanic origin meaning 'peace pledge' or 'divine peace.' This shorter variant gained popularity particularly in British-influenced regions during the mid-20th century. While maintaining the same pronunciation as 'Jeff,' the distinctive spelling gives it a more traditional English appearance, reflecting its medieval origins. Geoffrey was introduced to England by the Normans and was borne by several medieval nobles. The shortened form Geoff offers a classic yet approachable quality, balancing formality with familiarity. Though less common now than in previous decades, Geoff continues to be used, appreciated for its straightforward sound and rich historical associations.
  9. Worthy

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "valuable"

    • Description:

      Here too lies the danger of entitlement.
  10. Butler

    • Origin:

      English occupational name

    • Description:

      We don't see that bright a future for this one either.
  11. Colon

    • Description:

      Colon is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the word 'colonus' meaning 'farmer' or 'settler.' It shares etymological roots with words related to colonization and cultivation. While uncommon as a first name in most English-speaking countries, it has seen occasional use in Spanish-speaking regions, particularly as a variant of Colón, which was the Spanish rendering of Christopher Columbus's surname. The name's pronunciation differs from the anatomical term (the colon punctuation mark derives from Greek 'kolon' meaning 'limb' or 'part'). As a given name, Colon remains rare, ranking outside the top 1000 names in popularity charts across most countries.
  12. Wirt

    • Description:

      Wirt is a masculine name with Germanic origins, derived from ancient words meaning "worthy" or "deserving." It may also have roots as an occupational surname for an innkeeper or host (from Middle High German "wirt"). The name is quite uncommon in modern usage, giving it a distinctive and vintage quality. Wirt gained some recognition through the character Wirt from the animated miniseries "Over the Garden Wall," which introduced it to a new generation. Its short, strong sound and traditional Germanic heritage make it an understated choice for parents seeking a name with historical depth but minimal contemporary usage.

  13. Val

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Valentina, Valerie, etc

    • Description:

      Occasionally used as an independent name, but why.
  14. Fran

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Frances

    • Meaning:

      "from France or free man"

    • Description:

      This short form has been pretty much replaced by Frankie, however, it could fit in with other clunky but charming names, like Peggy, Bess, and Enid.
  15. Oddie

    • Origin:

      Variation of Odie, English or German

    • Meaning:

      "of the valley; wealthy"

    • Description:

      We can't get past the odd part of this name.
  16. Gale

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Gail

    • Description:

      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.
  17. Oralee

    • Origin:

      French variation of Aurelia, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "the golden one"

    • Description:

      Aurelia may be back in a big way, but Oralee and Oralie definitely are not. Would you really want to name your daughter "orally"?
  18. Pinkie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of color name Pink

    • Meaning:

      "pink"

    • Description:

      Aside from the singer, there aren't many people around named Pink or Pinkie or Pinky -- zero, in fact.
  19. Wilt

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Wilton, English

    • Meaning:

      "place by a stream"

    • Description:

      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.
  20. Tiny

    • Description:

      Tiny is an endearing feminine name that originated as a diminutive nickname before occasionally being used as a given name. It directly references small stature or youthfulness, deriving from the English word meaning "very small." Historically, it often served as an affectionate nickname for Christina, Martina, or other names ending with "-tina." As a standalone first name, Tiny remains quite uncommon, sometimes chosen for its sweet simplicity and distinctive quality. The name peaked in limited usage during the early 20th century but never achieved mainstream popularity. Tiny conveys qualities of delicacy, charm, and uniqueness, though some may prefer it as a nickname rather than a legal name.