335+ Colonial Names from the 1700s

In the Old Testament, Asenath was the wife of Joseph and mother of Manesseh and Ephraim.

A bit too elephantine for a modern child.

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

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

Cuthbert is unlikely to make a comeback anytime soon, so Cuddy too may be lost to history.

The Early Americans invented names too, sometimes variations of classical or biblical favorites. This one appears in Colonial rosters; the Aur beginning is Latin and means "gold."

These days Sophie would be the most likely nickname for Sophronia, but back in Colonial times, Fronie was a common diminutive.

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.

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

A vintage addition to the Riley/Miley/Wiley/Kylie brigade.

In the Plymouth Colony of the seventeenth century, Thankful was the third most popular of the abstract word names. It disappeared after 1700 and has virtually no chance of returning.

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

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

This Puritan virtue name is unstylish, but sympathetic and appealing, in these largely uncomfortable times.

Cleda is a simple but rare name that may be related to Cleta, the name of one of the Charities or Graces.

An old-school nickname for a rare biblical gem. Hetty is a more favorable option.