335+ Colonial Names from the 1700s

Back in the day, Con was a nickname for Cornelius and Conrad. Today it feels like a pet form of Connor.

In the Zulu and Xhosa languages of Southern Africa, Phila is a unisex name pronounced "PEE-la" and means "to live of life" It's also the feminine version of the ancient Greek name Philo, pronounced "FEE-la", meaning friend or lover and present in several contemporary names and words used throughout the Western World. The name Philip, for instance, means lover of horses, while the city name Philadelphia means "brotherly love" and philosophy means "love of wisdom".

If default nickname Eli is too common for your tastes, you may consider resuscitating the antique nickname Lige for your little Elijah.

Sounds a bit like a nickname in a Dickens novel, but this short form was used in New England a few centuries ago, back when names like Micajah were popular. Both short and long forms are now ripe for revival.

Kizzy remains the most popular spelling of the Keziah short form, at least in some part thanks to its appearance in the 1977 television show Roots.

Feline nickname for Tabitha — a bewitching vintage choice.

Little-used name borne by several biblical figures including a king. It would make an unexpected way to get the nickname Eli - or Kim.

With Lazarus heating up, this slimmer Eastern European form will likely see an uptick in use.

Related to Amir and Amira, an antiquated name that holds some modern appeal.

The Biblical Abijah might be temporarily lost to time, but this antiquated short form could move with it into the modern era.

Modesty is a virtue name dating to Roman times, but never widely used, except for hot 1960s movie spoof heroine, Modesty Blaise, based on a comic strip.

A noble surname from northern England that has occasionally been used as a first name.

Prince of the tribe of Zebulon in the Exodus, everyone will misunderstand this as Elias, with a stuffed nose.

A biblical name that was used in colonial times, but which has an unpleasant sound to the modern ear.

Forget Patience and Charity: Here's a Colonial name (and sentiment) that seems perfect for modern times.

Experience was used by the Puritans but probably too joke-worthy for a modern child...or teenager.

Azuba is a form of Azubah, the Old Testament wife of Caleb. The name was used among early African-Americans.

Donia is a name with many possible origins. Besides a short female form of Donald, it may also be a form of the Italian Donna meaning lady, a variation on the Arabic Donya meaning world, or a Celtic name of the Don family, which all have meanings related to dark or darkness.

Place-name mentioned in the New Testament and not yet on the name map. Philadelphia Thursday was the character played by Shirley Temple in John Ford's 1948 "Fort Apache."