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Some Word Names used in USA 1920

  1. Pearly

    • Description:

      Pearly is a feminine name derived from the English word 'pearl,' which refers to the precious gemstone formed within certain mollusks. As a name, Pearly evokes qualities of rarity, purity, and natural beauty. Dating back to the Victorian era when virtue names and gemstone names were fashionable, Pearly has maintained a delicate, vintage charm while remaining relatively uncommon. The name carries positive associations with luster, preciousness, and the soft iridescence of its namesake gem. Often used as a nickname for Pearl, Pearly adds a whimsical, affectionate quality with its diminutive '-y' ending. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century but has remained relatively rare, offering parents a distinctive option with clear positive connotations and a gentle, feminine sound.
  2. Beauty

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "attractiveness"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "lighthearted, happy"

    • Description:

      She'd better be. Merry is one of the classic names for Christmas babies.
  4. Cinderella

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "little ash-girl"

    • Description:

      One familiar name never used for real people, for obvious reasons. Read more about Cinderella and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.
  5. Mintie

    • Description:

      Mintie is a feminine name with English origins, likely derived as a diminutive form of names like Araminta or simply from the herb mint (associated with freshness and sweetness). Popular during the late Victorian era, particularly in the southern United States, Mintie has the characteristic endearing quality of the '-ie' suffix that was fashionable in that period. It shares stylistic elements with names like Hattie, Mattie, and Dottie. This charming vintage name has faded from common usage in the 20th century but holds potential for revival among parents seeking authentic historical names with a sweet, nostalgic quality. Mintie's association with the fresh herb also gives it nature-inspired connotations that may appeal to contemporary naming trends.
  6. 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.
  7. Consuelo

    • Origin:

      Spanish from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "she who brings consolation"

    • Description:

      Consuelo is a chic, highly sophisticated Spanish name that works well with Anglo surnames. It was regularly on the U.S. popularity list through 1983, reaching as high as Number 339 in 1930.
  8. 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".
  9. Pansie

    • Description:

      Pansie is a feminine name derived from the English word for the pansy flower. The name ultimately traces back to the French word 'pensée' meaning 'thought' or 'remembrance,' as the pansy flower has long been associated with remembrance and loving thoughts. As a given name, Pansie emerged during the Victorian era when flower names became fashionable for girls. The spelling variation with 'ie' instead of 'y' gives it a quaint, vintage quality. Though never extremely common, Pansie had modest popularity in the early 20th century. The name carries associations of delicacy, colorful beauty, and the symbolic meaning of the flower itself—thoughtfulness and remembrance. Today, it remains a rare choice that offers botanical charm and nostalgic appeal.

  10. 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.
  11. Victory

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "victory"

    • Description:

      A winning unisex word name, fresher than Victoria or Victor. While Victory ranked only once on the US Top 1000, in 1918 at the end of World War I, it's a Top 25 name for girls in France.
  12. Welcome

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      Warm and open, but way too much teasing potential.
  13. Fortunata

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Latin

    • Meaning:

      "luck, fate, wealth"

    • Description:

      Brimming over with a sense of good fortune. Could make a little girl feel very lucky.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Missouri

    • Origin:

      Native American

    • Meaning:

      "Dugout canoe"

    • Description:

      Missouri, the name of a tribe, a state and a river, derives from the Illinois word mihsoori meaning "dugout canoe". It became a somewhat popular American girls' name in the mid-19th century.
  17. Pearline

    • Description:

      Pearline is a feminine name derived from Pearl, which itself refers to the precious gem formed within oysters. The suffix "-line" adds a graceful, elongated quality to the classic jewel name. Popular primarily in the early 20th century in the United States, Pearline has a vintage charm that evokes the elegance of bygone eras. The name suggests qualities of rarity, purity, and natural beauty. While less common today, Pearline has retained appeal among parents drawn to vintage names with a soft, feminine sound. The name carries associations with luminosity and preciousness, symbolizing something valuable and unique. Its gentle sound pattern creates a name that feels both delicate and distinctive.
  18. Pearlie

    • Description:

      Pearlie is a charming feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Pearl. The name Pearl itself comes from the precious gem, symbolizing purity, wisdom, and something rare and valuable. The addition of the diminutive suffix "-ie" gives Pearlie an affectionate, vintage quality. The name was most popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Southern communities. Pearlie has the nostalgic charm associated with names from this era, invoking images of simpler times. While no longer common, it has seen occasional modest revivals as parents rediscover vintage names. Pearlie maintains a sweet, unpretentious quality that balances its precious gemstone origins with a friendly, approachable sound.

  19. 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.

  20. Pearlean

    • Description:

      Pearlean is a feminine name derived from the English word 'pearl,' ultimately from the Latin 'perna' (sea mussel). It combines the gem name Pearl with the feminine suffix '-ean,' creating a more elaborate form. The name first appeared in American naming records in the early 20th century, with most documented usage occurring between the 1920s and 1950s. Pearlean follows a pattern common in this era where natural element names were extended with suffixes. The name Pearl itself was quite popular during the late Victorian era and early 20th century, reflecting the period's appreciation for gem and virtue names. Pearlean has become increasingly rare in recent decades as naming trends have shifted away from such elaborated forms. The name carries associations of preciousness and luminosity inherent in its gemstone root.

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