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Extinct Names

  1. Friend

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      Sociable middle name choice with a Quaker feel.
  2. Lassie

    • Description:

      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.
  3. Didi

    • Origin:

      Pet name for Di-starting names

    • Description:

      Not as lively or independent as Gigi, Kiki, or Coco.
  4. Pam

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Pamela, English

    • Meaning:

      "all honey"

    • Description:

      This mild-mannered short form was Queen of the Prom in the fifties and sixties, but today is mostly heard on TV's The Office (and of course as one of the founders of Nameberry).
  5. Velva

    • Description:

      Velva is a feminine name that may have originated as a variant of Velma, which has German origins meaning 'determined protector.' Alternatively, it might relate to Latin 'velum' meaning 'veil' or 'covering.' Velva has a soft, vintage quality reminiscent of names popular in the early 20th century. The name reached its peak of modest popularity in the United States during the 1910s-1920s. Today, Velva is quite rare, offering a distinctive choice with a gentle, nostalgic charm. Its soft consonants create a delicate impression, while the name still carries a sense of substance and history.

  6. Nance

    • Description:

      Nance is a feminine name with roots as both a medieval diminutive of Ann/Anne and as an English surname. The name Anne derives from Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' As a given name, Nance was more common in medieval and early modern periods, particularly in Cornwall, England, where it also developed as a surname. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century in America but has since become quite rare as a first name. Nance carries a vintage, simple charm while maintaining connections to the more traditional Ann/Anne family of names. It's sometimes seen as a nickname for Nancy, which itself originated as a diminutive of Ann. Today, Nance might appeal to parents seeking a short, distinctive name with historical roots and a connection to English heritage.

  7. Sandi

    • Description:

      Sandi is a feminine name typically functioning as a diminutive of Sandra or Alexandra, though it has established itself as an independent given name. Popular particularly during the 1950s through the 1970s in the United States, Sandi offers a friendly, approachable alternative to more formal versions. The name has English origins, ultimately derived from the Greek 'alexandros' meaning 'defender of mankind.' The 'i' ending creates a cheerful, casual impression compared to the 'y' spelling (Sandy). Sandi conveys warmth and accessibility, with a vintage charm that's reminiscent of mid-century America. While less commonly given to newborns today, it remains recognizable and straightforward, embodying a friendly, unpretentious quality many find appealing.
  8. Simpson

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of Simon"

    • Description:

      Try Simon. Or Homer.
  9. Dickson

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "son of Dick"

    • Description:

      Dickson's nickname problem keeps it from having the upside possibility of similar names like Jackson and Harrison. If you're looking for fresh baby names to honor an ancestral Richard or Dick, consider Dixon. Or better, Richardson.
  10. Irl

    • Description:

      Irl is a compact, masculine name with both Irish and Germanic roots. In Irish contexts, it's believed to be a shortened form of 'Ireland,' potentially conveying patriotic sentiment. Its Germanic origin suggests a connection to the word 'earl,' denoting nobility and leadership. This concise, one-syllable name projects strength and directness with its sturdy consonant combination. Throughout the early 20th century, Irl enjoyed modest usage in the United States, particularly in rural communities, but has since become exceedingly rare. The name's brevity makes it distinctive in an era of longer names, though it sometimes faces pronunciation challenges (typically pronounced like 'earl'). Irl might appeal to parents seeking a succinct name with historical depth that remains unfettered by modern trends or popular associations.
  11. Chucky

    • Description:

      Chucky is primarily known as a diminutive or nickname form of Charles, which has Germanic origins meaning 'free man' or 'manly.' The name gained notable recognition through the horror film character 'Chucky,' a possessed doll featured in the Child's Play franchise beginning in 1988. Before the films, it was simply an affectionate nickname, often used for young boys named Charles, Charlie, or Chuck. The name has a playful, friendly sound that contrasts with its horror film associations. While rarely used as a formal given name, Chucky still appears occasionally as a nickname or informal name. Its popularity as a given name declined after the horror films, though some parents might choose it for its friendly, approachable quality, particularly if it has family significance.
  12. Miner

    • Description:

      Miner is a masculine occupational name derived from the English language, referring to someone who works in mines extracting coal, ore, or other minerals. As a first name, Miner is uncommon and carries strong working-class connotations, evoking images of hard work, determination, and industrial heritage. The name gained limited use in America during the 19th century when occupational names were occasionally adopted as given names. While rare in contemporary usage, Miner might appeal to families with mining heritage or those seeking a unique, rugged name with clear meaning and historical significance.
  13. Farmer

    • Origin:

      Occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "farmer"

    • Description:

      Shepherd is soaring in the charts, so why not Farmer? Perhaps because, unlike some of the occupation names that are so popular today, it is still an everyday word. Even so, if you're looking for a name that fits modern trends but no one else is using, Farmer could be the one.
  14. Dimple

    • Description:

      An adorable nickname for a smiley baby, but not suggested as a legal name.
  15. Plummer

    • Origin:

      English occupational name

    • Description:

      Plummer might be an occupational name for someone who works with pipes -- yes, like a plumber -- or with feathers, from the Olde English (from the French) plume. Or it could indicate someone who lived near a plum tree.
  16. Pat

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Patricia

    • Meaning:

      "noble, patrician"

    • Description:

      An early and still quintessentially gender-neutral name, now supplanted by thousands of fresher options. Hasn't been recorded as a given name since 1991.
  17. Orpha

    • Origin:

      Variation of Orpah, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "fawn"

    • Description:

      Orpha, with its Biblical roots and its animal meaning, was once a fairly popular name, but fell from sight around the time of the Second World War, along with so many other Old School Names. And its similarity to the word orphan probably didn't help.
  18. Peg

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Margaret, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      Peg is a nostalgic turn-of-the-last-century nickname, sociable but slight. Like near-identical twin Peggy, Peg is in mothballs.
  19. Oral

    • Description:

      Oral is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the word meaning "spoken" or "relating to the mouth." It gained modest popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, particularly in religious communities. The name is perhaps most famously associated with evangelist Oral Roberts. Beyond English-speaking countries, similar forms appear in various cultures, including connections to the Irish name Orell. Oral has a distinctive, brief sound with biblical associations that appeal to some families. While uncommon today, it represents a straightforward, dignified option with historical usage. Its simplicity and unique sound set it apart from more common contemporary choices.
  20. Nedda

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "born on Sunday"

    • Description:

      Midcentury macramé-maker.