Some Word Names used in USA 1920
- Merced
Description:
Merced is a feminine name of Spanish origin derived from the word 'Mercedes,' which means 'mercies' or 'graces.' It is connected to the Catholic title for the Virgin Mary, 'María de las Mercedes' (Mary of Mercies). The name carries connotations of compassion, kindness, and blessing. While less common than the variant Mercedes, Merced maintains the same beautiful meaning with a slightly more understated feel. In Spanish-speaking communities, particularly those with strong Catholic traditions, the name has historical significance and cultural resonance. The name's pronunciation (mer-SED) gives it a graceful, flowing quality that many parents find appealing.
- Versie
Description:
Versie is a feminine name that peaked in popularity in the United States in the early 1900s. It may have originated as a diminutive form of names beginning with "Ver-" such as Veronica or Vera, or possibly as a variant of Versey, a surname derived from place names. Another theory suggests it could be related to the Latin word "versus," meaning "turned." Versie has a vintage charm characteristic of names from the early 20th century, with the soft sound and -ie ending that was popular in that era. Though it has fallen into obscurity in recent decades, it represents an authentic piece of naming history and might appeal to parents interested in reviving genuinely vintage names with a gentle, feminine quality.
- 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.
- Rosary
Origin:
English word nameDescription:
"Rose" names are big right now, as are spiritual names, so this rare option could fit the bill for Catholic parents looking for an overtly religious choice. The Rosary is a form of prayer in the Catholic Church, using a string of beads also called a rosary.
- Daisie
Origin:
Variation of Daisy, diminutive of Margaret or flower name, EnglishMeaning:
"day's eye"Description:
This spelling variation of Daisy ranks in the British Top 1000 but was only used for a few dozen baby girls last year in the US. At the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th, it made the Top 1000 during the craze for ie-ending names.
- France
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
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.
- 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.
- Pearle
Description:
Pearle is a feminine name that represents a stylistic variation of Pearl, derived from the precious gem formed within oysters. Dating back to the Victorian era when gem and virtue names were highly fashionable, Pearle carries connotations of purity, rarity, and natural beauty. The added 'e' gives the name a vintage, slightly more elaborate feel. Though popular in the early 1900s, Pearle declined significantly by mid-century and now remains quite rare. Unlike the standard spelling Pearl, which has seen a modest revival among vintage name enthusiasts, Pearle maintains its distinctiveness. The name evokes images of elegance and timeless value, appealing to parents drawn to vintage names with natural symbolism. Its brevity combined with rich associations makes it both substantial and delicate, an uncommon choice with familiar roots.
- Inocencia
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"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.
- Delight
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"gratification or pleasure"Description:
The mythical daughter of Eros and Psyche becomes a modern-sounding word name. Danger: could be seen as X-rated.
- Orange
Origin:
Fruit or color nameDescription:
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".
- Consuella
Description:
Consuella is a feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Consuelo, which derives from Spanish meaning 'consolation' or 'comfort.' The name originated as a reference to the Virgin Mary, 'Nuestra Señora del Consuelo' (Our Lady of Consolation). This variation with the added 'l' and 'a' ending gives the name a softer, more elaborated feminine quality while maintaining its Spanish heritage. Consuella carries warm, nurturing connotations, suggesting someone who brings solace and support to others. While less common than the traditional spelling, this variant offers a slightly more ornate alternative that still honors Hispanic naming traditions. The name has a melodious quality with its flowing vowels and gentle consonants, creating an elegant, comforting impression.
- Fortunata
Origin:
Spanish variation of LatinMeaning:
"luck, fate, wealth"Description:
Brimming over with a sense of good fortune. Could make a little girl feel very lucky.
- Felicitas
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"good luck, fortune"Description:
In Roman mythology. Felicitas was the deity of good luck.
- 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.
- Sweetie
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"sweetie"Description:
This term of endearment has a longer history as a given name than you might expect. Sweetie first appeared on the charts in 1894 and was given to a peak total of 20 baby girls in 1916. But the most likely reason you're on this page — YouTube stars Rydel and Capron Funk named their daughter Sweetie Mary Funk in 2022, a sister for Super. As with her older brother's name, we don't expect Sweetie's name to inspire a generation of others. A couple of copycats, maybe.
- Felicidad
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"happiness"Description:
Used exclusively in Latino families.
- Welcome
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Warm and open, but way too much teasing potential.
- 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.
- 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.
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