Names that Peaked in 1880

This alternative spelling of Harriet has always ranked in the England top 1000, reaching as high as the top 50 in the late 1800s. The extra T changes nothing about the pronunciation but adds a little flair and balances out the double R's in the middle of the name.

Kizzy remains the most popular spelling of the Keziah short form, at least in some part thanks to its appearance in the 1977 television show Roots.

All names ending in ville are in nowheresville.

This form of Charlotte, long obscure, is sure to grow in popularity along with the explosion of Charlotte. It's pretty and feminine and a nice spin on the more familiar version. In Germany, short form Lotta is popular.

Has a rather heavy surname feel.

Ossie is best-known as the name of actor Ossie Davis, whose full name did not start with Os: It was Raiford. But Ossie makes a cute contemporary short form for any name beginning with Os.

A name that's unusual in that changing the i to a y -- as in Byrd -- makes it more masculine.

Rice is really stretching the nature name boundary to its outer edges. But you may want to take it that far.

Ruggedly appealing word name in the Thorn/Rider/Storm school of boys' names.

Viney (and Viny) is an antiquated nickname for names with the "vin" component, such as Lavinia and Melvina.

Sociable middle name choice with a Quaker feel.