335+ Colonial Names from the 1700s

Fewer letters does not always mean easier—the traditional spelling is the one most people will recognize.

Rarely used in the last two centuries, but might be worth dusting off and holding up to the light.

Named after Isaac. Or Wayne.

A biblical character who was one of David's most valiant warriors and was known for being fast. But in the modern English-speaking world, this name may be too close to an insulting anatomical word.

A sweet (literally) and rare nickname for Charlotte. Lollie would also work as a short form of other names with a strong L sound, such as Elizabeth, Lauren, Lola, Lorelei, and Louisa.

One Puritan virtue name unlikely to thrive in the 21st century.

Cristina is one case where the streamlined version feels more alluring.

Whether it's an Asian surname-name or short for Channing, has a sound and feel that's both simple and stand-out.

Gussie is fussy — try Gus.

These days Finney is most likely a pet form of Finn, but it was once a standard nickname for the biblical Phineas.

No one will ever forget it. But Remember as a name came over on the Mayflower, so it has deep history as well as modern potential.

Benajah, the name of several minor Old Testament figures, is also written as Benaiah. Benajah might make a great Benjamin update or name for the son of a builder or architect.

Abijah is a truly unusual, truly unisex, truly appealing biblical name. There were several male Abijahs in the Bible, one of them, known as Abijah of Judah, was the fourth king of the House of David, and also a couple of females.

Feminization of the Greek place name Delphi (of oracle fame), Delphia could also be used as a nod to American city Philadelphia. Delphine and Delphinia are similar names.

Along with Shem and Japheth, a son of Noah with a name that's almost never used -- for more obvious reasons than those of his brothers.

Winnet is a long-forgotten nickname for Winifred that was used in the US in the 18th and 19th centuries. These days, it's more often found in South Africa.

A once very common Irish diminutive of Bridget that has unfortunately been associated since the 18th century with a pejorative slang term for an old or fussy woman.

A traditional French male name that could, with American pronunciation, become an admirable word name.

The name of several minor Biblical characters seems streamlined and modern.