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Some Word Names used in USA 1920

AuntieofGretel
By AuntieofGretel
Updated Tue Dec 07 2021
  1. Alpha

    • Origin:

      Greek, first letter of the alphabet

    • Description:

      The first letter of the Greek alphabet ande the brightest star in every constellation, this would make an interesting choice for a first daughter, though it does give off some spectral sci-fi reverberations--and references to the term "alpha male.".
  2. 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).
  3. America

    • Origin:

      Place-name

    • Description:

      Given to children of both sexes as far back as colonial times, this carries a lot of baggage. However, parents continue to take the risk. Actress America Ferrera may be have inspired some families to choose the name. Ferrera's Honduras-born mother shares her unusual name.
  4. Amparo

    • Origin:

      Spanish and Portuguese

    • Meaning:

      "refuge, shelter"

    • Description:

      Amparo is a medieval name related to the Virgin Mary most closely associated with the city of Valencia, in Spain. Although it does not appear at all on the most recent US name roster, meaning it was used for fewer than five babies last year, it was used in the US throughout the 20th century.
  5. Angel

    • Origin:

      Spanish and English

    • Meaning:

      "angel, messenger"

    • Description:

      Angel is one of those names that has a very different trajectory for girls and boys. As a female name, it was most popular in the US from the 1970s until the turn of this century, almost breaking into the Top 100 at its peak in 2001 but then beginning a long slide down the list.
  6. Angelita

    • Description:

      Angelita is a feminine Spanish name that serves as a diminutive form of Angela, meaning 'little angel' or 'little messenger.' Its roots trace back to the Greek word 'angelos,' which means 'messenger.' This charming and delicate name carries an inherently sweet and affectionate quality through its diminutive suffix '-ita,' which adds warmth and tenderness to the original name. Angelita has been particularly popular in Spanish-speaking countries and communities, though its usage has gradually declined from its peak in the mid-20th century. The name evokes images of innocence, gentleness, and celestial beauty, making it an endearing choice for parents seeking a name with both religious significance and feminine grace.

  7. April

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "to open"

    • Description:

      Once the most popular month names, April has been overtaken by June (for girls) and August (for boys), as well as the charmingly old-fashioned May. Literary reference: the heroine of the book and movie Revolutionary Road, and there have been Aprils on Parks and Recreation, Glee, and The Vampire Diaries. Trivia note: comedian Ralphie May named his daughter April June May.
  8. Arizona

    • Origin:

      Place-name from Papago Indian

    • Meaning:

      "little springs"

    • Description:

      We usually think of place-names as a modern invention, but in fact Arizona ranked on the US Top 1000 from its inception in 1880 until 1911, when it vanished below the surface. It peaked at Number 510 in 1882, before Arizona became a state. One notorious vintage bearer: criminal "Ma" Barker, born Arizona Clark.
  9. Asencion

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "ascension"

    • Description:

      Highly religious choice.
  10. Assunta

    • Description:

      Assunta is a feminine Italian name derived from the Latin word 'assumpta,' meaning 'taken up' or 'elevated.' The name has strong Catholic associations, specifically referring to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven—a significant feast day celebrated on August 15th. Girls born around this feast day were traditionally given this name in Catholic Italian families. Assunta has been used for centuries in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities, though it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name carries a sense of devotion and religious heritage, connecting bearers to Italian cultural traditions. While less frequently given to newborns today even in Italy, Assunta maintains its cultural significance and timeless connection to religious heritage.
  11. Atlas

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "bearer of the heavens"

    • Description:

      While Atlas is a decidedly male god and this name is in the US Top 300 for boys, it is used for an increasingly significant number of baby girls in the US. And undeniably, it's a name that imparts strength to any child.
  12. Auburn

    • Origin:

      Color name

    • Meaning:

      "deep reddish-brown"

    • Description:

      With its rich aural relation to names like Aubrey and Audrey, this color name could be the next Amber, or Scarlett.
  13. Autumn

    • Origin:

      Season name

    • Description:

      Crisp and colorful, Autumn is the most popular season name now -- the only one in the Top 100 in recent years -- with Autumn's coolness only surpassed by Winter. Jennifer Love Hewitt named her daughter Autumn James.
  14. Altagracia
    • Beauty

      • Origin:

        English word name

      • Meaning:

        "attractiveness"

      • Description:

        Better yet, find a name with the same meaning: Belle, Cosima, Indira, Uilani, Zeynep.
    • Beryl

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "sea-green jewel"

      • Description:

        Dated British favorite that never caught on in this country, where Jade remains the green gem of choice. Interesting namesakes: British writer Beryl Bainbridge and British aviatrix Beryl Markham.
    • Blossom

      • Origin:

        English

      • Meaning:

        "to bloom"

      • Description:

        Now that parents have picked virtually every name in the garden, from the common Rose to the captivating Zinnia, some are reconsidering the old, more generic names like Flora and Posy and Blossom — which was last in favor in the 1920s and still has a Floradora showgirl aura.
    • Brownie

      • Description:

        Brownie is an uncommon feminine name derived from the English word for the small chocolate dessert or from the color brown. As a name, it has a sweet, endearing quality with a touch of whimsy and nostalgia. While not commonly used as a formal given name, Brownie may appear as a nickname for someone with brown hair or eyes, or someone who enjoys baking or eating the dessert. In folk traditions, 'brownies' were helpful household spirits in Scottish folklore, adding a touch of magical association. The name has an informal, affectionate quality that some parents might choose for its uniqueness and warm associations. Though rare in official records, Brownie might be used as a middle name or a distinctive first name for parents seeking something unconventional with friendly, comforting connotations.

    • Blondine
      • Canary

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "small bird"

        • Description:

          The name of a small yellow bird that hasn't taken off in the way that some of its avian sisters – like Robin, Wren or Lark – have.