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Oregon Trail era names - boys

  1. Washington

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "home of the Wassa people"

    • Description:

      Lincoln, Tyler, Taylor, Jackson, Jefferson, Harrison, McKinley, Grant, Kennedy, Carter -- yes. Washington -- probably not.
  2. Asahel

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "created by God"

    • Description:

      A biblical character who was one of David's most valiant warriors and was known for being fast. But in the modern English-speaking world, this name may be too close to an insulting anatomical word.
  3. Gabel

    • Description:

      Gabel is a masculine name with Germanic roots, functioning primarily as a surname before occasional use as a first name. Derived from the Middle High German 'gabel' meaning 'fork' or 'forked implement,' it originally designated a maker of forks or someone who lived near a forked road or river. As a personal name, Gabel carries a strong, concise sound with its two syllables and distinctive ending. The name shares similarities with biblical Gabriel but offers a more uncommon alternative. Gabel has never been widely used as a first name in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality for contemporary parents seeking unique options. With its Germanic heritage and straightforward pronunciation, Gabel represents a rare name choice with historical substance and a modern, minimalist appeal.
  4. Gillis

    • Description:

      Gillis is a masculine name of multiple origins, functioning as both a given name and surname across various European cultures. In Dutch and Scandinavian usage, it developed as a diminutive of names containing the element 'gil,' meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage.' It's also connected to the Greek name Aegidius, meaning 'shield-bearer,' which evolved into Giles in English. Gillis has been moderately common in northern European countries, particularly the Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of Scandinavia. The name has a crisp, concise sound that balances traditional roots with contemporary appeal. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it offers an interesting alternative to more familiar names like Giles or Gilbert.

  5. Abijah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is my father"

    • Description:

      Abijah is a truly unusual, truly unisex, truly appealing biblical name. There were several male Abijahs in the Bible, one of them, known as Abijah of Judah, was the fourth king of the House of David, and also a couple of females.
  6. Granville

    • Description:

      Granville is a distinguished English place name and surname that originated from the Norman-French "grande ville," meaning "large town." Dating back to medieval times, it gained usage as a given name in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly among families with connections to various Granville locations across England and France. The name carries an air of aristocratic heritage and old-world sophistication. While never extremely common, Granville experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century before declining in usage. Today, it represents a distinguished, vintage choice that suggests refinement and classic elegance. The name may appeal to parents interested in surnames as first names or seeking a dignified traditional option with historical resonance.

  7. Wheeler

    • Origin:

      English occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "wheel maker"

    • Description:

      Wheeler is one of the most energetic of the newly stylish occupational names, all those 'e's giving it a friendly, freewheeling sound.
  8. Ivanhoe

    • Origin:

      English, possible variation of Ivan

    • Description:

      So identified with the hero of the Sir Walter Scott novel, it would be almost impossible for any boy to carry.
  9. Brien

    • Description:

      Brien is a masculine name of Irish and Celtic origin, a variant of the more common Brian. Derived from the Old Celtic element 'bre' meaning 'hill' or the Old Irish 'brigh' meaning 'high, noble, strong.' This name has deep historical roots in Irish culture, where Brian Boru was a renowned High King of Ireland in the early 11th century. Brien offers a slightly distinctive spelling of the classic, maintaining the strong, reliable character while standing apart. Though less common than Brian or Bryan, it shares their appeal as a name suggesting strength and dignity. Brien has maintained a steady if modest presence in English-speaking countries, particularly among families with Irish heritage who appreciate its cultural connections.
  10. Chief

    • Description:

      Chief is a masculine English word name derived from the Old French 'chef', ultimately from Latin 'caput' meaning 'head'. As a name, Chief directly evokes leadership, authority, and responsibility. Unlike traditional given names, Chief falls into the category of title names that have occasionally been used as personal names. It remains very rare as a first name in most countries but may be found as a nickname for someone in a leadership position. The name carries strong connotations of respect and command. When used as a given name, it places expectations of leadership on the bearer. Chief saw minimal usage in the United States during the 20th century, primarily appearing in Native American contexts or as a nickname rather than an official given name.

  11. Cortes

    • Description:

      Cortes is a surname of Spanish origin that has been adopted as a masculine given name. It derives from the Old Spanish word 'cortés' meaning 'courteous' or 'polite.' The name gained historical significance through Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire. As a first name, Cortes is relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. Parents might choose this name for its strong historical connections, sophisticated sound, or to honor Spanish heritage. The name carries connotations of boldness, leadership, and determination, reflecting the explorer's legacy, though its usage remains rare in contemporary naming practices.
  12. Orvin

    • Description:

      Orvin is a masculine name with Germanic roots, likely derived from either Old English elements meaning "friend of spears" or Scandinavian origins related to names like Orvar. It may also be connected to the Old English name Ælfwine or similar compounds. Orvin has a vintage quality reminiscent of names popular in the early 20th century. Though never widely common, it experienced modest usage in Northern European countries and among communities with Scandinavian or Germanic heritage. The name carries connotations of quiet strength and old-world dignity. With its distinctive sound and uncommon status, Orvin appeals to parents seeking a masculine name with historical depth that remains recognizable without being frequently encountered, balancing uniqueness with accessibility.
  13. Israel

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "he who struggles with God"

    • Description:

      Though it was used by the Puritans in the sixteenth century, the founding of the modern Jewish state in 1948 transformed Israel from a traditional favorite into an icon of Judaism.
  14. Geoffrey

    • Origin:

      Anglo-Saxon from French

    • Meaning:

      "pledge of peace"

    • Description:

      In the US, this spelling is less common than mid-century favorite Jeffrey, and it has faded from popularity faster. This more British spelling is the usual form for historical figures like Geoffrey Chaucer and the Welsh historian Geoffrey of Monmouth, and as such it may feel more rooted and enduring.
  15. Strong

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "powerful, solid"

    • Description:

      Many parents are seeking a strong name--well there's no denying that Strong fits that bill.
  16. Cyrille

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lordly"

    • Description:

      A unisex French name, but you may want to simplify your son's life if you're English speakers by going with Cyril. It's an unusual enough name that it doesn't need further complications of spelling and pronunciation.
  17. Jairus

    • Origin:

      Greek, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God enlightens"

    • Description:

      The Greek form of the Hebrew Jair, Jairus appears in the Bible as the father of a girl resurrected by Jesus. Though it is the original, its Spanish variation Jairo is more popular.
  18. Niel

    • Description:

      Niel is a masculine name that serves as a variant spelling of Neil or Neal. It has ancient Celtic origins, derived from the Irish name Niall, which possibly means "champion" or "cloud." This concise name carries historical significance through figures like Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary Irish high king. The spelling variant Niel is less common than Neil but maintains the same strong, clear sound. Popular throughout Scotland, Ireland, and other English-speaking countries, this name has endured for centuries while remaining relatively uncommon. Niel offers simplicity with meaningful heritage, making it appealing to parents seeking a traditional name that's straightforward yet distinctive. Its brevity allows it to pair well with various middle names and surnames.

  19. Armour
    • Zenas

      • Description:

        Zenas is a masculine name with ancient Greek origins, appearing in the New Testament as a Christian convert mentioned by Paul. The name derives from Zeus, the supreme deity in Greek mythology, essentially meaning 'gift of Zeus' or 'living from Zeus.' Despite its biblical presence, Zenas has remained quite rare throughout history. It carries a distinctive combination of religious significance and classical Greek heritage. The name has a strong, masculine quality with its decisive 'Z' beginning and 's' ending, creating a symmetrical sound. While uncommon, Zenas might appeal to parents seeking a name with historical depth, biblical connections, and a distinctive sound that stands out from more conventional choices while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce.