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Pennsylvanian Names in 1874

  1. Augustus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"

    • Description:

      Parents are beginning to look at imposing, somewhat fusty-sounding names like this one with fresh eyes: they definitely make a strong statement.
  2. Alvinus
    • Asaph
      • Barbara

        • Origin:

          Latin

        • Meaning:

          "foreign woman"

        • Description:

          Barbara is back! Among the fastest-rising names of 2023, Barbara came back from oblivion at the very bottom of the Top 1000, gaining nearly 100 places on the popularity list.
      • Barney

        • Origin:

          Variation of Barnabas

        • Meaning:

          "son of comfort"

        • Description:

          The name Barney is hot among hip Londoners and it has been above the Top 500 in the UK since 2012. You can see why - it's got a friendly happy sound and a lovely meaning and is more easily worn than Barnabas. However, Barney is a more difficult sell in America, due to Barney the Dinosaur and Barney Gumble, the loveable lout from The Simpsons. In the positive column for Barney are jazz clarinetist Barney Bigard and guitarist Barney Kessel. For those who love the name but can't get past the dinosaur, may we suggest the related names Bernard or Barnaby?
      • Beale

        • Origin:

          English from French

        • Meaning:

          "fair, handsome"

        • Description:

          Surname of a character in Henry James' What Maisie Knew.
      • Bella

        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Isabella, Italian

        • Meaning:

          "beautiful"

        • Description:

          Everything ella, from Ella to Bella to Arabella, is red hot right now. Bella is one of the most, well, beautiful girl names starting with B. It carried a hint of a nice Old World grandmotherly veneer, until it became attached to Twilight's Bella Swan.
      • Benjamin

        • Origin:

          Hebrew

        • Meaning:

          "son of the right hand"

        • Description:

          Benjamin is a biblical name that has enjoyed widespread favor for decades, ranking in the US Top 50 for almost half a century and the Top 10 from 2015 until 2023.
      • Bernard

        • Origin:

          German

        • Meaning:

          "strong, brave as a bear"

        • Description:

          Bernard is obviously a saint's name, but how did it get to the big, benevolent dog? The eleventh century monk, patron saint of mountain climbers, who lived in the Alps, was famed for setting up safe houses for pilgrims on their way to Rome over the treacherous St. Bernard Pass, and the canine breed, also used to rescue people in treacherous conditions, was named for him.
      • Caroline

        • Origin:

          French, feminine variation of Charles

        • Meaning:

          "free man"

        • Description:

          Caroline is a perennial classic, one of the elite group of girls' names that's ALWAYS ranked among the Top 1000 and that's been in the Top 100 since 1994. Elegant yet strong, Caroline calls to mind the Kennedy Camelot years and Princess Caroline of Monaco.
      • Carrol

        • Description:

          Carrol is a unisex name with Irish and Germanic origins, though it's more commonly used for males in contemporary times. Derived from the Gaelic name 'Cearbhal' meaning 'fierce in battle,' it also has connections to the Germanic name 'Karl' meaning 'free man.' In medieval times, the name crossed into English usage, sometimes spelled Carroll or Carol. It gained particular prominence in Irish-American communities. Carrol peaked in popularity in the early 20th century and has since become less common, giving it a vintage appeal. The name carries associations with music due to its connection with Christmas carols, as well as literary connections through Lewis Carroll. Its balanced combination of strength and melodic quality makes it a distinguished yet distinctive choice.
      • Catharine

        • Origin:

          Spelling variation of Catherine, Greek

        • Meaning:

          "pure"

        • Description:

          Actress Hepburn made the Katharine spelling famous, which seems to be the inspiration for this spin on Catherine.
      • Cecilia

        • Origin:

          Feminine form of Cecil, Latin

        • Meaning:

          "blind"

        • Description:

          Cecilia is a lovely classic name deservedly enjoying a new turn in the sun. Always among the Top 500 girls' names in the US, Cecilia is now at its highest point ever.
      • Charles

        • Origin:

          French from German

        • Meaning:

          "free man"

        • Description:

          Charles derives from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "man" or "free man", and is a royal name in multiple European countries. A famous early bearer is Charlemagne, King of the Franks and Lombards and then Roman Emperor in the 8th-9th centuries.
      • Christian

        • Origin:

          Greek or English from Latin

        • Meaning:

          "anointed one or follower of Christ"

        • Description:

          The name Christian has fallen a bit from its 90's and 00's heights, but it's still quite popular. Once considered overly pious, Christian is now seen as making a bold statement of faith by some, while also having secular appeal for others. Christian's enduring popularity may be influenced by such celebrities as Christian Slater and Christian Bale, not to mention the fashion world's Dior, Lacroix, Louboutin and Audigier.
      • Christiann

        • Description:

          Christiann is a feminine variation of the classic name Christian, which derives from the Latin 'Christianus' meaning 'follower of Christ.' The doubled 'n' adds a distinctive feminine touch to the traditionally masculine name. This spelling variation emerged as parents sought ways to feminize Christian while maintaining its religious significance and heritage. The name carries strong religious connotations, connecting to Christianity's rich history and traditions. Despite its clear derivation, Christiann remains relatively uncommon compared to other feminine forms like Christina or Christiana. The name appeals to families with strong faith traditions who desire a name with explicit religious meaning while offering a slightly unconventional spelling. Christiann maintains the dignified quality of its root name while establishing a separate feminine identity through its unique orthography.

      • Christianna

        • Description:

          Christianna is a feminine name representing an elaborate form of Christina or Christiana, all ultimately derived from the Latin 'Christianus' meaning 'follower of Christ.' This elegant variation combines the religious significance of its root name with a flowing, romantic quality created by the additional syllable. The double 'n' lends a distinctive visual element while maintaining the name's classical heritage. Christianna offers a formal option with multiple familiar nickname possibilities including Chris, Christi, Anna, or Annie. Though never among the most common names, Christianna has maintained consistent if modest usage throughout recent decades, particularly appealing to families valuing its religious connections while desiring something less frequently used than Christina. Its cross-cultural recognition makes it accessible despite its relative rarity.
      • Clara

        • Origin:

          Latin

        • Meaning:

          "bright, clear"

        • Description:

          Clara is a strong, lovely girls' name that's always ranked among the US Top 1000 girl names but has been climbing since the turn of this century. It now ranks right around Number 100, making it a modern classic that's neither too popular nor unfamiliar.
      • Clinton

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "hilltop town"

        • Description:

          Like many names that have strong political connotations, the attractiveness of the name Clinton will be affected by your world-view. But, taking politics out of the equation, Clinton has a lovely pastoral meaning, a strong sound and a tremendously wearable nickname - Clint - all which would seem to be in its favor for at least a second thought.
      • Conrad

        • Origin:

          German

        • Meaning:

          "brave counsel"

        • Description:

          Conrad has a somewhat intellectual masculine image, a solid name that has been consistently on the popularity lists, especially well used in the 1920s and 30s, and given a pop of rock energy by the Elvis-like character of Conrad Birdie in Bye, Bye, Birdie--("We love you Conrad, oh yes we do!").