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Names of Years Gone By

Electric_Sheep
By Electric_Sheep
Updated Sat Sep 24 2022
Names pulled from history and old family trees that have fallen out of favour, but are itching for a comeback.
  1. Adoniram
    • Anaximander
      • Asenath
        • Cephas

          • Origin:

            Aramaic

          • Meaning:

            "rock"

          • Description:

            The apostle Simon was called Cephas by Jesus because he was to be the rock upon which the Christian church was to be built. In most versions of the New Testament, Cephas is translated into Petros in Greek, Peter in English.
        • Cordia

          • Description:

            Cordia is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'cor' or 'cordis,' meaning 'heart.' This gives the name a warm, affectionate underlying significance, suggesting someone who is loving or heartfelt. Cordia was most popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in southern regions. The name also appears as a flowering plant genus, adding natural associations. Though never reaching mainstream popularity, Cordia has maintained consistent, if minimal, usage throughout the decades. The name's soft sound and positive meaning make it appealing to parents seeking a vintage name with a gentle quality and emotional resonance.
        • Ephriam

          • Description:

            Ephriam is a variant of the biblical name Ephraim, derived from Hebrew origins meaning "fruitful" or "productive." In the Old Testament, Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Ephriam has remained relatively uncommon in modern usage, maintaining a traditional and distinctive quality. This spelling variation gives the name a unique character while preserving its biblical heritage. Though not frequently chosen for baby boys today, Ephriam appeals to parents seeking a name with religious significance and historical depth. The name carries connotations of abundance and prosperity, reflecting its etymological roots.
        • Erastus

          • Origin:

            Latinized form of Greek Erastos

          • Meaning:

            "beloved"

          • Description:

            The Biblical Erastus was an assistant of Paul's in the New Testament. A name used in the 19th century that has fall off the scope, but may be revived as parents dig deeper for undiscovered Biblical choices.
        • Hiram

          • Origin:

            Hebrew

          • Meaning:

            "brother of the exalted one"

          • Description:

            Hiram is the kind of forgotten biblical name that adventurous parents who wish to move beyond David and Daniel are beginning to reconsider--even though it has bits of its old stiff-collared image clinging to it, along with a little hillbilly feel as well.
        • Jabez

          • Origin:

            Hebrew

          • Meaning:

            "borne in pain"

          • Description:

            Jabez has a rare combo of three appealing elements: a Biblical heritage, a captivating Southern accent, and a jazzy feel. It was popular with the Pilgrims and on into the nineteenth century (there have been four U.S. Congressmen named Jabez), but it hasn't been in the Top 1000 since 1880.
        • Larkin

          • Origin:

            Irish

          • Meaning:

            "rough, fierce"

          • Description:

            The additional syllable makes Lark a masculine surname name, borne by poet Philip Larkin.
        • Lular

          • Description:

            Lular is an uncommon feminine name with somewhat obscure origins. It may be a variant of 'Lula,' which derived from 'Talula' or as a diminutive of 'Louise.' The name peaked in popularity in the southern United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but is extremely rare today. Lular has a melodic, rhythmic quality with its repeated 'l' sounds, giving it a gentle, flowing pronunciation. The name carries a distinctly vintage charm and represents a naming tradition from rural America. Its uniqueness makes it stand out, though its rarity means there are few cultural references or famous bearers to shape its contemporary associations.

        • Louera
          • Lovick
            • Marciana

              • Origin:

                Latin

              • Meaning:

                "warlike"

              • Description:

                Marciana is a cooler (much cooler) elaboration of Marcia.
            • Orlena

              • Description:

                Orlena is a delicate feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Orlene, which derives from French roots meaning "golden" or can be considered a feminine form of Orlando. Some sources suggest connections to the Irish name Orlaith, meaning "golden princess." This melodious three-syllable name carries an old-world charm with its flowing sound and uncommon status. Though never achieving widespread popularity, Orlena has appeared consistently but rarely throughout naming records, appealing to parents seeking a name that sounds traditional yet remains distinctive. With its soft consonants and ending in the feminine 'a', Orlena balances uniqueness with accessibility in pronunciation. The name evokes qualities of elegance and warmth while offering the nickname options of Lena or Orla.

            • Paralee

              • Description:

                Paralee is a feminine given name that appears to have emerged in the United States primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name may be a compound formation combining elements like 'Para-' (possibly from Greek, meaning 'beside' or 'beyond') and '-lee' (a common suffix in American feminine names, possibly derived from the popular name Lee which has English origins meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing'). Alternatively, it might be a variant of Paralie or Parley. Historical records show usage primarily in the Southern United States during the early 1900s. The name follows patterns of other melodic feminine names ending in '-lee' or '-lie' that were somewhat common during this period. Paralee has become quite rare in contemporary naming patterns, representing a style of naming that was more prevalent in earlier generations.
            • Petronella

              • Origin:

                Greek

              • Meaning:

                "rock, stone"

              • Description:

                Petronella, and its shorter sister Petra, are both feminizations of Peter. While Petronella is a name with deep history, it's extremely rare. It was given to no baby girls on record in the US last year.
            • Sophronia

              • Origin:

                Greek

              • Meaning:

                "sensible, prudent"

              • Description:

                A name some people first encountered in the old children's book series The Five Little Peppers, in which Sophronia, the youngest of the Peppers is nicknamed Phronsie.`It was also used by Dickens in two of his novels: The Old Curiosity Shop and Our Mutual Friend.
            • Theophilus

              • Origin:

                Greek

              • Meaning:

                "friend of God"

              • Description:

                This is a multi-syllabic New Testament relic that could be yet another fresh way to get to Theo. In the beginning of Luke's gospel, he dedicates his words to Theophilus.
            • Varena

              • Description:

                Varena is a feminine name with multiple possible origins, potentially derived from Latin roots or as a variant of Verena, which comes from the Latin 'vereri' meaning 'to respect' or 'to revere.' This elegant name carries a classical resonance while remaining uncommon in modern usage. Varena has sporadic appearance across different European cultures, particularly in Italian and Spanish language regions. The name's melodic quality and flowing rhythm give it a romantic, somewhat mysterious character. Despite its rarity, Varena feels intuitive in pronunciation and spelling. The name may also connect to geographical references, including towns in Italy and Lithuania. Its distinctive nature combined with classical undertones makes it appealing for parents seeking an uncommon name with historical depth.