Names that Peaked in 1895
- Orlo
Origin:
Short form of Orlando or Roland, GermanMeaning:
"famous throughout the land"Description:
Orlo is a name nobody ever heard of until the surprise popularity of the unrelated but similar-sounding Arlo. If Arlo can be a hit, why not Orlo? Why not indeed.
- Bertram
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"bright raven"Description:
Old Norman name last current in the 1930s, and firmly in our 'so far out it will always be out' category – despite its appearance as a Hogwarts student in Harry Potter. This is the full first name of P.G. Wodehouse's inimitable Bertie Wooster.
- Nita
Origin:
Hindi, Hebrew, and ChoctawMeaning:
"friendly, to plant, and bear"Description:
One of those slender names, like Lena or Etta, that's used in several cultures and carries a range of meanings. But by being so many things, it doesn't feel decidedly like anything.
- True
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"true"Description:
Many parents seeking a return to more basic values and a simpler lifestyle are turning to such virtuous girls' names as Grace, Faith, and Hope, but there are a handful that work just as well on boys, including True.
- Ellsworth
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"nobleman's estate"Description:
One of the many El- names for boys that boomed in the 1910s and 1920s, but has long been out of fashion. This surname/place name has an aristocratic flavor, and a creative namesake in the artist Ellsworth Kelly. Polar explorer Lincoln Ellsworth also gives it an adventurous connection.
- Hartley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"stag meadow"Description:
Smart and sharp but with a touch of heart and charm, Hartley is a surname style name that could work as an alternative to Harley, Harvey, Artie, or Harry. Quietly used as a masculine name throughout the 20th century, the arrival of two celebrity-baby girl Hartleys in 2010 has meant the name has been used as a predominantly feminine one in recent years. However, since 2020, Hartley has doubled in use for boys too, and was give to a modest 30 in 2023. .
- Fenton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"marsh town"Description:
Fenton is the kind of surname name that's starting to sound almost like a normal first name these days. While it made a brief appearance on the Top 1000 in the late 1800s, today it's distinctive but in step with the times. And Fen as a nickname is undeniably cute -- a Ben of the future.
- Dagmar
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"Day maiden"Description:
This royal Danish name has long been used across Scandinavia, Germany and Slavic countries and somewhat in the US around the turn of the last century --it was #622 in 1888. There were two notable silent screen stars named Dagmar, one with Polish, the other with Danish roots.
- Vern
Origin:
Diminutive of Vernon, EnglishMeaning:
"place of alders"Description:
Until recently, Vernon and its short form Vern seemed like grandpa names not ready for revival, but now we can see it happening. Never the popular, Vern works particularly well as a middle name.
- Alwin
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"noble friend, friend of the elves"Description:
Softer, milder, and sans chipmunk references, Alwin is a likable alternative to Alvin. Win makes a nice nickname.
- Trilby
Origin:
Place name, surname, and literary nameDescription:
Trilby was used first for a character by French novelist Charles Nodier (1822) and made more famous by writer George du Maurier in an 1894 work. A Trilby hat, which Du Maurier's character wore, is a short-brimmed fedora of the kind recently revived by hipsters. Du Maurier's character Trilby fell under the hypnotic power of Svengali: not the best choice for an independent and self-determining daughter. Still, if you want a unisex name that moves far beyond the usual Taylor and Morgan and has energy and feminine verve, Trilby might well be your girl.
- Glenn
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"a narrow valley"Description:
While actress Glenn Close didn't inspire many parents to give their daughters her name in particular, she did help launch a general trend toward boy names for girls.
- Gretta
Description:
Gretta is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Greta, which itself originated as a short form of Margaret or Margareta. With Germanic and Greek roots, the name ultimately derives from 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' Gretta has a classic, slightly vintage feel with its double consonants giving it a more substantial presence than Greta. While never reaching tremendous popularity, the name enjoyed modest usage throughout the 20th century. It carries associations with iconic figures like Greta Garbo, lending it a touch of timeless glamour. Gretta balances familiarity with distinctiveness, offering a recognizable yet not overly common option that works well across various ages.
- Grafton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"town in a grove"Description:
Grafton is the name of dozens of towns, mostly in England, Canada and Australia, and has occasionally been used as a boys' name, with the surprisingly fun and quirky nickname Graf.
- Elda
Origin:
Italian variation of HildaDescription:
While we still can't see Hilda coming back any time soon, it's conceivable that this Italian version could ride the coattails of Ella, Elena and Ellery to broader popularity.
- Christy
Origin:
Scottish and Irish diminutive of ChristopherMeaning:
"bearer of Christ"Description:
Common nicknames for Christopher in Ireland, we think Christy or Christie have a certain cheery charm, especially now that Chris is feeling less ubiquitous.
- Montie
Description:
Montie is a masculine name that functions as a diminutive form of Montgomery or Montague, both names with Norman French origins referring to a 'mountain' or 'pointed hill.' It can also be a nickname for Lamont or a spelling variation of Monty. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its ending 'ie' sound, giving it a more casual feel than its more formal parent names. Montie enjoyed modest popularity in the early 20th century in the United States but has become increasingly uncommon in recent decades. The name carries a vintage charm with cowboy-era associations, evoking images of the American West. Despite its rarity, Montie remains accessible and familiar-sounding due to its relationship to better-known names.
- Zollie
Description:
Zollie is a vintage masculine name that likely originated as a diminutive form of Solomon, from the Hebrew 'shalom' meaning 'peace.' It may also be connected to names like Zoltan or Zoltán of Hungarian origin. Popular in the early 20th century, particularly in the southern United States, Zollie has the characteristic charm of old-fashioned nicknames that became given names in their own right. The name's zippy 'Z' beginning gives it energy and distinction. Though its usage declined after the 1930s, Zollie retains appeal for parents drawn to vintage revivals and distinctive sounds. The name combines an antique sensibility with a playful, friendly quality that works well across age groups.
- Adelard
Description:
Adelard is a masculine name with Germanic origins, composed of the elements 'adal' meaning 'noble' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong.' This powerful combination yields a meaning of 'noble strength' or 'brave nobleman.' The name was brought to England by the Normans following the Norman Conquest and was moderately popular during the medieval period. Adelard of Bath, a 12th-century English scholar and philosopher, represents one notable historical bearer. Despite its distinguished heritage and pleasant sound, Adelard has become extremely rare in modern times. The name carries an aristocratic, intellectual quality with its connection to medieval scholarship. Its traditional Germanic structure gives it a solid, timeless feel, while its rarity makes it distinctive for contemporary use. Adelard offers the appeal of ancient nobility with a sophisticated sound.
- Newman
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"newcomer"Description:
Family name best used in the middle, especially since it was seen as the portly postman in Seinfeld.