Names that Peaked in 1914
- Theron
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"hunter"Description:
Theron is best known these days as the surname of actress Charlize, but it does have a long history as a first name, ranking in the Top 500 in the early part of the 20th century and only dropping out of the Top 1000 in the early 1990s. Theon is a similar name made familiar by the popular series Game of Thrones: Might it and Theron rise in tandem?
- Maurice
Origin:
English and French from LatinMeaning:
"dark-skinned"Description:
In the USA, Maurice was in the Top 200 for most of the 20th century; since 1990, however, it has been on a slow and steady decline. This name has the potential for some old-school cute nicknames such as Mo as well as the more trendy Reece.
- Concetta
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"pure"Description:
A name that relates to Concepcion and the Virgin Mary, but feels a good deal more secular.
- Carmel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"garden"Description:
Carmel is a biblical place-name that is often used by Catholic parents around the world. It is given in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and is the name of a mountain ridge on the Mediterranean near Haifa in Israel, mentioned in the Old Testament, famous for its lush vegetation and said to have been often visited by Mary and the Infant Christ.
- Armin
Origin:
Form of Herman or ArmenMeaning:
"soldier or wish, hope"Description:
Possibly related to the Ermin- names (which gave us Emma and her variants) or to Herman OR to the Persian/Kazakh/Armenian names Arman or Armen, this is an unusual choice which fits current trends.
- Clovis
Origin:
Teutonic, French, early form of Ludwig or LouisDescription:
An aromatic, unconventional name.
- Dominick
Origin:
Variation of Latin DominicMeaning:
"belonging to the Lord"Description:
This is the second-to-the-original spelling of a name that's part Jersey Shore, part upper-crust British. Dominick gets you more directly to nickname Nick.
- Gilmore
Origin:
Irish and ScottishMeaning:
"devoted to the Virgin Mary"Description:
For better or worse, this name is still firmly attached to the TV series Gilmore Girls. It's one of a number of Scottish and Irish surname names beginning with Gil, meaning "servant". In this case, it's "servant of Mary", making it a subtle male Marian name.
- Pasquale
Description:
Pasquale is a traditional Italian masculine name with rich historical and religious significance. Derived from the Latin 'paschalis' meaning 'relating to Easter,' it was historically given to boys born during the Easter season. The name has deep roots in Italian culture, particularly in southern Italy and Sicily, where it remains moderately common. In Italian-American communities, Pasquale has been a familiar presence since the waves of Italian immigration in the early 20th century, often affectionately shortened to 'Pat' or 'Patsy.' The name carries connotations of faith, tradition, and cultural heritage. While less common among newer generations, Pasquale offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with Mediterranean charm and historical depth. Its characteristic Italian ending gives it a melodic, warm quality when pronounced correctly.
- Domenica
Origin:
Italian feminine form of DominicMeaning:
"belonging to the Lord"Description:
Much fresher and more energetic than Dominique.
- Elwin
Description:
Elwin is a masculine name with Anglo-Saxon origins, combining the elements 'elf' and 'friend,' thus meaning 'elf friend' or 'friend of elves.' This charming meaning connects the name to folklore and magical traditions. Elwin has maintained consistent though uncommon usage throughout English-speaking countries for centuries. It peaked in popularity in the early 20th century but never reached the mainstream. The name has a scholarly, somewhat whimsical quality while still maintaining masculine strength. With the recent interest in fantasy literature and media, names with mythological connections like Elwin may appeal to parents seeking something distinctive yet pronounceable. The similar-sounding Alwin and Edwin are more frequently used alternatives, making Elwin a less common choice with the same approachable sound.
- Gaetano
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"from the city of Gaeta"Description:
The progenitor of the English name Guy, Gaetano has a lot more gusto.
- Saverio
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"the new house"Description:
Attractive Italian form of Xavier, originally a Basque place name most notably borne by St Francis Xavier, a Jesuit priest and missionary.
- Geno
Description:
Geno is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It can be a shortened form of names like Eugene (meaning 'well-born' or 'noble'), Eugenio, or Gennaro (from the Latin Januarius, referring to the month of January). In Italian usage, Geno often serves as a nickname for Luigi or Eugene. The name has a strong, simple sound with just two syllables, giving it an approachable, friendly quality. Geno gained some recognition in American culture through sports figures and musicians, though it remains relatively uncommon. Its brevity and easy pronunciation make it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet uncomplicated name with European roots. The name carries a warm, unpretentious character while maintaining its masculine strength.
- Attilio
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"father-like"Description:
Attilio charted in the US in the early years of the 20th century, a peak of Italian immigration. Only nine baby boys received the name in the US last year, but it has the trendy O ending and also carries the tough-guy image of Attila (the Hun).
- Velda
Origin:
Variation of ValdaDescription:
See VALDA.
- Kathlyn
Origin:
Combination of Katherine and LynnDescription:
Annette Bening and Warren Beatty bestowed this name on their daughter in honor of his mother.
- Orene
Description:
Orene is a feminine name of uncertain origin, though it may be a variant of Irene, which comes from the Greek word 'eirene' meaning 'peace.' It could also potentially be related to Latin 'aurum' meaning 'gold' or serve as a feminized form of Oren, a Hebrew name meaning 'pine tree.' Orene emerged in American usage in the early 20th century, experiencing a small peak during the 1920s and 1930s. The name has remained quite rare throughout its history, giving it a distinctive, vintage quality. With its soft sound and ending reminiscent of names like Irene, Charlene, and Marlene, Orene appeals to those seeking an uncommon name with a gentle, classic feel that carries echoes of the early 20th century.
- Hilbert
Description:
Hilbert is a Germanic masculine name derived from the elements 'hild' meaning battle or strife and 'beraht' meaning bright or famous. It represents a 'brilliant warrior' or 'bright battle.' The name gained recognition through the prominent German mathematician David Hilbert (1862-1943), whose work in mathematics significantly influenced various fields including geometry and mathematical physics. While never extremely common, Hilbert has maintained a steady, modest presence in Germanic countries. In English-speaking countries, it remains relatively rare and distinctive, often chosen by parents with mathematical interests or German heritage. The name carries connotations of intelligence, scholarly pursuits, and analytical thinking.
- 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.