Names that Peaked in 1896
- Frieda
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"peace"Description:
This traditional Germanic name hasn't been on the U.S. list since 1958, but perhaps due to the mythic power of painter Frida Kahlo, parents are beginning to show some interest in it.
- Lonnie
Origin:
Short form of Alonso or Alonzo, variations of AlphonsoMeaning:
"noble, ready"Description:
Lonnie is one of those antiquated nicknames that is used much more often in the US than you might think, especially as a short form of Alonso or Alonzo, names always on the US Top 1000.
- Crawford
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"ford where crows gather"Description:
A common surname in Scotland, but a starchy first name choice.
- Mckinley
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of the fair hero"Description:
New Presidential name, if you're ready to move beyond Lincoln and Jefferson. At the turn of the last century, during the original McKinley's heyday, as a first name it almost reached the Top 100.
- Cam
Origin:
Diminutive of Cameron, ScottishMeaning:
"crooked nose"Description:
Cameron is still more popular as a boy's name than a girls and this simple, snappy short form works well for either sex.
- Evans
Origin:
Welsh surnameMeaning:
"the Lord is gracious"Description:
Evans is an historic Welsh patronymic surname, derived from Evan, which is a form of John. With Evan's popularity in the U.S. and the U.K. -- it's a Top 50 names -- the stylish s-ending version may also be on the rise.
- Price
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"son of Rhys"Description:
Some names referring to expensive things -- Tiffany, Armani, Porsche -- are in fact declasse, but Price transcends that label with its simplicity and strength.
- Lela
Origin:
Variation of Leila, ArabicMeaning:
"night"Description:
There are a dizzying number of varieties of the Arabic name Leila or Layla, two of the most popular versions, with Lela one of the rarer, given to fewer than 100 baby girls in the US each year. Pronunciation and spelling can be a challenge, so if you choose this simple, lovely name, you will be explaining it much more often than you want to.
- Tressa
Origin:
CornishMeaning:
"third"Description:
More unusual than Tessa, this would make an interesting, meaningful and attractive choice for a third child.
- Hazen
Origin:
Dutch surname from GermanMeaning:
"gray, black; hare"Description:
Hazen is a variation of the Dutch surname Hasin, which has two separate origins. The first is as a nickname for Haso, a Germanic given name derived from haswa, meaning "gray" or "black." Hasin was also a variation of Haas, a Dutch and German surname meaning "hare."
- Mahlon
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"sickly"Description:
Obscure Old Testament name -- he was the son of Naomi and the husband of Ruth -- that's become even more obscure over the past century, perhaps due to its unappealing meaning.
- Aurore
Description:
Aurore is a feminine name of Latin origin meaning 'dawn.' It's the French form of Aurora, the Roman goddess of the morning. The name evokes images of daybreak, new beginnings, and golden light. In French-speaking countries, particularly France and Canada, Aurore has maintained steady popularity over the centuries. The name carries an air of classic elegance and natural beauty. Its literary connections include the protagonist of George Sand's novel 'Histoire de ma vie.' While less common in English-speaking regions, Aurore offers an alternative to the more widely used Aurora. The name's soft sounds and romantic associations give it a timeless quality. Parents might choose Aurore for its subtle French sophistication or meaningful connection to light and renewal.
- Little
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
A name that shows up on the Social Security roles of a hundred years ago. Let's hope it was a never-to-be-repeated mistake.
- Willy
Origin:
Diminutive of WilliamDescription:
See WILLIE.
- Bertrand
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"magnificent crow"Description:
This name of famed philosopher, mathematician and Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell becomes slightly more plausible with the French pronunciation, bare-TRAHN. Another noted bearer is French director and screenwriter Bertrand Tavernier.
- Aloys
Description:
Aloys is a masculine name with Germanic origins, functioning as a variant of Alois, which itself derives from the Old French Loys, a form of Louis. The name ultimately traces back to the Germanic name Chlodovech (composed of elements meaning 'fame' and 'warrior'). Aloys has been particularly popular in German-speaking countries, especially Austria, Bavaria, and Switzerland. It has notable associations with composer Aloys Fleischmann and the Catholic saint Aloysius Gonzaga, whose name variations include Aloys. The name carries an elegant, classical quality with its soft ending and historical resonance. While never achieving widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, Aloys offers a distinguished European alternative to more common names like Louis or Lewis, maintaining its sophisticated character.
- Park
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
A grassy place with trees is a nice image to attach to a name.
- Vergil
Description:
Vergil is a masculine name of Latin origin, representing an alternative spelling of Virgil, derived from the Roman clan name 'Vergilius.' The name is most famously associated with the ancient Roman poet Virgil (70-19 BCE), author of the epic 'Aeneid.' This spelling variation reflects the original Latin pronunciation and appears in various historical contexts, including as the name of Dante's guide through Hell and Purgatory in the 'Divine Comedy.' Vergil conveys classical erudition and literary sophistication. While never extremely common, the name appeals to parents drawn to classical culture and literature. It offers the friendly nicknames Ver or Gil. The name carries connotations of poetic wisdom and scholarly achievement while providing a distinctive alternative to more common classical names, appealing to those seeking names with substantial historical and cultural significance.
- Vira
Description:
Vira is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Slavic languages, particularly Ukrainian, it means "faith" and functions as a counterpart to the Russian Vera. In Sanskrit, Vira means "brave" or "hero" (though it's more commonly masculine in Indian contexts). The name also appears in ancient Roman contexts as a shortened form of names containing "vir" (man, strength). Vira's simplicity and cross-cultural presence give it versatility while remaining relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name's brevity, combined with its meaningful associations with faith and strength, makes it appealing to parents seeking short, strong feminine names. Its multicultural roots allow it to function well across different linguistic and cultural backgrounds while maintaining a distinctive character.
- Ivie
Origin:
Variation of Ivy, botanical nameDescription:
Lengthens the popular Ivy, but why? About 100 baby namers in the US last year found a reason.