Extinct Names

Sociable middle name choice with a Quaker feel.

Adelma shot to stardom on the coattails of 19th century Eastern European spiritualist Baroness Adelma Vay de Vaya. Delma continued to be used in the US until the 1950s, when it dropped from sight.

As a Biblical name, Nimrod appears in the Old Testament as a great-grandson of Noah, a founder of Babylon, and a famous hunter. In popular culture, its image was altered after the dopey Looney Tunes villain, Elmer Fudd, was called "nimrod" by Daffy Duck in a 40s cartoon. It since became associated less with rebellion and hunting, and more with being a fool.

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

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

Perhaps too spicy for some, but this is a popular Gaelic surname that might appeal for those looking to honor a family branch or to fans of legendary British comedian Tim Curry.

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

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).

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.

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.

When ordering a baby name, hold the mayo.

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.

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.

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

Cinderella stepsister type Victorian-valentine name.

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

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.

Old Testament name of the daughter-in-law of Naomi, now eclipsed by the originally misspelled Oprah. Oprah Winfrey may have made her name more famous than this original Biblical version, but no baby girls received either name in the US last year.

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.