Names that Peaked in 1917

  1. Marguerite
    • Origin:

      French variation of Margaret; also a flower name
    • Meaning:

      "pearl; daisy"
    • Description:

      Marguerite is a classic French name with a remnant of old-fashioned Gallic charm; and is also a variety of daisy. Chic again in Paris, it's definitely ripe for revival here.
  2. Silvio
    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese form of Silvius
    • Meaning:

      "wood, forest"
    • Description:

      Shiny and sylvan choice.
  3. Mildred
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "gentle strength"
    • Description:

      When scientists do research on the effects of an unpopular name, we're afraid that Mildred is one of the examples they cite, often in tandem with Bertha and Gertrude. But with cute nickname Millie on the rise, anything's possible.
  4. Rosario
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "rosary"
    • Description:

      Rosario comes from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora del Rosario, or "Our Lady of the Rosary", Rosary referring to the vocal and mental prayers in Catholicism, that reflect on the life of Christ and his Mother.
  5. Antoinette
    • Origin:

      French feminine diminutive form of Antoine
    • Meaning:

      "priceless one"
    • Description:

      This feminization of Anthony, like other early French forms, such as Babette and Nanette, is not heard as often as it once was, but it could be time for a reappraisal of this delicate Gallic choice.
  6. Rosella
    • Description:

      Rosella can be seen as a nature name (a rosella is the name of a variety of beautiful Australian cockatoos and an Australian flower) or a diminutive version of Rose.
  7. Bethel
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "house of God"
    • Description:

      A rarely used Biblical place-name with a soft and pleasant sound.
  8. Afton
    • Origin:

      Place-name
    • Description:

      Name of a town in Scotland that has a feminine strength.
  9. Tessie
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Theresa, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "to reap, gather"
    • Description:

      With Tillie a new favorite of avant-garde parents, the British music-hall Tessie might conceivably follow.
  10. Regis
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "kingly"
    • Description:

      Venerable old saint's name now associated solely with talk show host Philbin, who is constantly seeking namesakes. It comes from the word rex meaning "king".
  11. Michelina
    • Origin:

      Italian diminutive of Michele, feminine form of Michael, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "who is like God"
    • Description:

      Michelina Matelli was a wealthy Italian woman who became a nun. She was made Saint Michelina in the 1700s.
  12. Eldred
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "old counsel"
    • Description:

      This marvelously medieval name had a moment in the 1910s and 1920s but has dropped completely off the radar now.
  13. Orvin
    • Gasper
      • Casimer
        • Idamae
          • Zigmund
            • Americo
              • Delora
                • Origin:

                  Variation of Dolores
                • Meaning:

                  "sorrows"
                • Description:

                  A form of Dolores (or Delores) that was occasionally used in the early 20th century. It could work as an alternative to Lenora, Laura, Delilah, or Della.
              • Verl