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Obscure (At the time) 1880's names

Riveris
By Riveris
Updated Thu Apr 20 2017
You may be surprised?
  1. Adelaide

    • Origin:

      Variant of Adelheidis, German

    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"

    • Description:

      Adelaide is now heading straight uphill on the coattails of such newly popular sisters as Ava, Ada, and Audrey, and in the company of Adeline and Amelia. It was chosen by actress Katherine Heigl for the name of her second daughter.
  2. Adelina

    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Slavic variation of Adeline

    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"

    • Description:

      Adelina is back in the Top 1000 after an absence of nearly a century, thanks to the meteoric rise of her sister name Adeline -- along with Adelaide, Adele, and Ada.
  3. Albertina

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alberta, feminine form of Albert, German

    • Meaning:

      "noble, bright"

    • Description:

      Albertina is a dainty, antiquated -- dare we say demure? -- pet name for Alberta, the feminine spin on the once-popular Albert. With Albert one of the classic boys' names due for a comeback, we can imagine more little girls named Albertina than the zero who get the name today.
  4. Alcide

    • Origin:

      French version of Heracles

    • Meaning:

      "glory of Hera"

    • Description:

      This is the French version of Alcides, birth name of the Greek mythological Heracles (Hercules). You're more likely to recognize it as the name of the hot True Blood werewolf, Alcide Herveaux.
  5. Aline

    • Origin:

      Variation of Adeline or Aileen

    • Description:

      Aline may have originated as a short form of Adeline in the Middle Ages, but it may also be a variation of the Irish Aileen or Scottish Eileen. Aline dropped off the Top 1000 in the 1950s. Fewer than 40 baby girls were named Aline in the US last year.
  6. Allene

    • Description:

      Allene is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive as a variation of Aileen or Eileen (from the Gaelic 'Eibhlín,' meaning 'bright, shining one'), or it could be a feminized form of Allen/Allan (of Celtic origin meaning 'handsome' or 'cheerful'). The name saw modest popularity in the United States in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1910s and 1920s, but has since become quite uncommon. Allene has an elegant, vintage quality with its soft sounds and classical feel. The distinctive spelling with double 'l' and ending 'e' gives it a refined appearance. The name carries connotations of brightness and beauty while remaining understated and sophisticated.
  7. Almon

    • Description:

      Almon is a masculine name with biblical Hebrew origins, appearing in the Old Testament as the name of a place and as a personal name. The meaning is often associated with 'hidden' or possibly 'almond tree,' symbolizing watchfulness and promise in biblical contexts. Almon has a dignified, classical quality while remaining relatively uncommon in modern usage. The name shares phonetic similarities with more familiar names like Alton or Alden, making it accessible despite its rarity. Almon offers a traditional biblical option for parents seeking a name with religious significance and historical depth. Its short, straightforward pronunciation and spelling give it a practical quality despite its uniqueness. The name carries connotations of strength and steadfastness while maintaining a gentle, approachable sound.

  8. Amber

    • Origin:

      Word name, English

    • Description:

      Though perhaps not as currently stylish as Ruby, Jade, or Pearl, Amber has a colorful history (remember the notorious Forever Amber heroine?). Unfortunately, it does come with the "Amber Alert" connotation for modern parents (and their children).
  9. Ammon

    • Origin:

      Variation of Amman, German occupational name, Greek, Ancient Egyptian

    • Meaning:

      "administrator; the hidden one"

    • Description:

      Ammon is connected to two religions in the US and is used exclusively between the two of them. Prior to the 1960s, Ammon was considered a solely Amish name. In the Amish community, Ammon is bestowed in honor of Jacob Amman, whom the Amish sect is named after.
  10. Annabell

    • Description:

      Variation of Annabelle.
  11. Ardella

    • Description:

      Ardella is a feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'ardere' meaning 'to burn' or 'to be passionate.' This charming vintage name peaked in popularity in the early 1900s in the United States but has since become quite rare. Ardella can be considered a diminutive form of names like Arda or a variation of Ardith. The name conveys qualities of warmth, enthusiasm, and fervor, suggesting someone with a vibrant personality. Ardella has a melodic quality with its soft consonants and flowing syllables. Though uncommon today, it belongs to the category of classic names that might experience revival as parents increasingly search for distinctive yet traditional options with meaningful origins.
  12. Arlie

    • Description:

      Arlie is a diminutive form of the Germanic name Arlo, which means 'hill' or 'fortified hill'. While traditionally used for boys, Arlie has evolved into a unisex name with increasing popularity for girls. Its charming, friendly sound gives it a folksy, approachable quality reminiscent of rural America. In the United States, Arlie enjoyed modest popularity in the early 20th century before declining, but has seen a slight resurgence as parents seek vintage yet uncommon names. The name carries a sweet, unpretentious quality with its soft sounds and friendly ending, making it appealing for parents looking for something simultaneously traditional and distinctive.
  13. Arlington

    • Origin:

      English habitational surname, place name

    • Meaning:

      "the noble's town"

    • Description:

      Similar in sound to Arlo, Remington, and Arthur, this surname style and place name could make a patriotic choice in the US, with its connections to Arlington National Cemetery. Given to 14 girls and 24 boys in 2023, it is making moves up the charts, albeit small ones.
  14. Arminda

    • Description:

      Arminda is a feminine name with Latin and Spanish origins, possibly derived from the Germanic name Ermenhild, composed of elements meaning "whole" or "universal" and "battle." In Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries, it has maintained modest popularity over centuries. The name appears in literature and opera, notably as a character in Handel's opera "Arminio." Arminda combines strength and femininity with its melodic sound and strong consonants. The name conveys a sense of determination and dignity, with the soft ending adding a gentle touch to its otherwise robust character. While never reaching mainstream popularity in English-speaking countries, Arminda offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with Latin flair and historical depth.
  15. Asbury

    • Origin:

      Place name

    • Description:

      Asbury Park, a quirky town on the Jersey Shore, was named for Francis Asbury, the first American bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Springsteen fans will likely be among those most drawn to Asbury as a first name; the Boss's first album was called "Greetings from Asbury Park."
  16. Augustine

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"

    • Description:

      Augustine is more substantial (and saintly) than August, less pretentious than Augustus, and, along with its nickname Gus, is definitely a viable choice.
  17. Aura

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "soft breeze"

    • Description:

      Aura is a New Age-y word turned name turned contemporary slang for karm. In Greek and Roman mythology, Aura was the Titan of the breeze and the fresh, cool air of early morning. But at odds with her peaceful, well, aura, the mythological Aura is a tragic figure, ultimately transformed into a fountain by Zeus.
  18. Avie

    • Description:

      Avie is a charming feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may serve as a diminutive of names like Avery, Avis, or Aviva, or stand as an independent name. In Hebrew contexts, it can relate to 'my father,' while in Latin it connects to 'bird.' Avie has a vintage quality reminiscent of early 20th century nicknames, yet feels fresh to modern ears. Though relatively uncommon, its short, melodic sound fits well with contemporary naming trends favoring brief, vowel-rich names. Avie carries a sweet, gentle quality while maintaining simplicity and elegance. Its versatility crosses cultural boundaries while offering a distinctive alternative to more common names like Ava or Eva.

  19. Beth

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elizabeth

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      The sweetest and most sensitive of the pet names for Elizabeth, now also one of the most dated.
  20. Blaine

    • Origin:

      Irish and Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "yellow"

    • Description:

      Attractive Scottish and Irish surname name of a seventh-century saint, associated with the illusionist and escape artist David Blaine.