Some Word Names used in USA 1920

  1. Modesta
    • Description:

      Modesta is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'modestus' meaning 'modest' or 'moderate.' It embodies the virtue of humility and unassuming grace. The name has historical usage particularly in Spanish, Italian, and Lithuanian cultures, though it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. Modesta enjoyed some popularity in earlier centuries when virtue names were more common but has become increasingly rare in modern times. The name has a classic, almost regal quality with its flowing syllables and meaningful roots. Parents might choose Modesta for its beautiful sound, distinctive nature, and the positive character trait it represents, hoping to inspire these virtues in their daughter.

  2. Princella
    • Description:

      Princella is a feminine diminutive form of "Prince," combining the word with the feminine suffix "-ella." This suffix pattern is common in creating feminine forms of names, similar to names like Gabriella or Daniella. The name emerged primarily in the mid-20th century in the United States, with peak usage in the 1950s and 1960s. Princella conveys notions of nobility and dignity, literally meaning "little princess" or "small female prince." The name has remained relatively uncommon, maintaining a distinctive quality. Usage patterns show it has been embraced across various communities, particularly in southern states. The name represents a trend of creating feminine forms from traditionally masculine names or titles by adding distinctly feminine suffixes.
  3. Savana
    • Description:

      Savana is a feminine name that represents a variation of Savannah, which refers to the vast grassy plains found in tropical and subtropical regions. The name has English origins but draws inspiration from the Spanish word 'sabana' (sheet) and ultimately from the Taino word 'zabana' (grassland). Without the final 'h', Savana has a slightly more streamlined and modern feel while maintaining the natural imagery of wide-open spaces and wild beauty. The name suggests qualities of freedom, expansiveness, and natural elegance. While less common than the Savannah spelling, Savana has gained modest popularity since the 1990s as parents seek names with natural connotations but with unique spellings.

  4. Diamantina
    • Origin:

      Greek, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "diamond"
    • Description:

      Diamantina is a feminine name of Latin and Greek origin, derived from 'diamante' meaning 'diamond.' This elegant and jewel-inspired name has been used historically in Portuguese and Italian cultures. Notably, there is a Diamantina River in Australia named after Lady Diamantina Bowen, wife of a Queensland governor in the 19th century. The name carries connotations of precious value, brilliance, and strength, as diamonds are the hardest natural substance. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Diamantina maintains popularity in Latin countries, often shortened to affectionate nicknames like Dina or Tina.
  5. Orange
    • Origin:

      Fruit or color name
    • Description:

      An unlikely choice, but in this era of Apple, Navy, Golden, and Mint, you never know. In fact, Orange does have some historical grounding as a feminine name, appearing in Medieval times as Orange, Orenge, and Orengia, possibly after the French place name, which was named for a Celtic water god, Arausio, meaning "cheek, temple".
  6. Pinkie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of color name Pink
    • Meaning:

      "pink"
    • Description:

      Aside from the singer, there aren't many people around named Pink or Pinkie or Pinky -- zero, in fact.
  7. Candelaria
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "Candlemas"
    • Description:

      A bright and appealing Spanish name traditionally given to honor the church festival of Candlemas, which commemorates the presentation of Christ in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary.
  8. Welcome
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Warm and open, but way too much teasing potential.
  9. Inocencia
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "innocence"
    • Description:

      Inocencia is like Chastity or Immaculata. Few modern girls outside the Latino community -- or even in it -- would appreciate having to carry this name.
  10. Felicitas
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "good luck, fortune"
    • Description:

      In Roman mythology. Felicitas was the deity of good luck.
  11. Pearlena
    • Description:

      Pearlena combines the English word 'pearl' with the feminine suffix '-ena,' creating a longer, more ornate version of the classic name Pearl. This elaboration follows a pattern seen in names like Paulina or Carlena, where a simple root name is extended with a melodic suffix. Pearl itself derives from the Latin 'perla,' referring to the precious gem, and has been used as a name since the late 19th century. The extended form Pearlena emerged in the early 20th century, with documented usage in the United States from the 1910s-1930s. Though never extremely common, it has persisted as a distinctive vintage name. Pearlena carries the same associations of purity, rarity and value as Pearl, but with an elaborated, more formal structure that was fashionable in earlier eras of American naming.
  12. Delight
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "gratification or pleasure"
    • Description:

      The mythical daughter of Eros and Psyche becomes a modern-sounding word name. Danger: could be seen as X-rated.
  13. Feliz
    • Description:

      Feliz is a feminine name with Spanish and Portuguese origins, directly meaning "happy" or "fortunate." Simple yet profound, this name bestows an inherently positive quality upon its bearer. While more commonly recognized as the Spanish word for "happy" (as in "Feliz Navidad"), it has been used as a personal name in Spanish-speaking countries and among families with Hispanic heritage. The name has a bright, cheerful sound that naturally evokes feelings of joy. Though relatively uncommon as a first name in English-speaking countries, Feliz offers a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name that embodies positivity and good fortune while honoring Latin linguistic roots.

  14. Stellar
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "of the stars"
    • Description:

      This cosmological name is given to a handful of boys and girls each year in the USA. Likely to get confused with Stella, but definitely edgier and likely to start a conversation.
  15. Precious
    • Origin:

      Latin word name
    • Meaning:

      "of great worth, expensive"
    • Description:

      Though many might find it too syrupy, hundreds of parents each year choose this name for their daughters to make them feel special. Precious Ramotswe is the engaging African sleuth in the popular No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.
  16. Dimple
    • Description:

      An adorable nickname for a smiley baby, but not suggested as a legal name.
  17. Perline
    • Description:

      Perline is a feminine name with French origins, derived from the word 'perle' meaning 'pearl.' It emerged as a variation of names like Pauline and Pearl, offering a distinctive yet elegant option. The name conveys qualities of preciousness and beauty, much like its gemstone association. While not widely common in English-speaking countries, Perline has maintained a quiet presence, particularly in French-speaking regions and among families seeking a name with subtle refinement. Its gentle sound and meaningful connection to something naturally beautiful and rare make it an appealing choice for parents looking for something slightly unconventional yet classically feminine.

  18. 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.".
  19. France
    • Origin:

      Place-name
    • Description:

      This geographic name has lots of Gallic elan. France Nuyen is a French-Vietnamese actress who starred in the Broadway hit The World of Suzie Wong.
  20. Queen
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "queen"
    • Description:

      Queen has seen a revival in recent times, reaching its record high in 2018 with 280 births — it has remained steady since then. Previously, Queen saw a peak in the 1920s, but its origins go back even further than that. Queen was a noted name among enslaved people in America, along with other royal choices such as Duke, Squire, and Prince.

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