335+ Colonial Names from the 1700s

Hatty is an old school nickname for Harriet, itself an old-fashioned choice. The more usual spelling historically is Hattie, with was given to more than 750 baby girls last year in the US, three times as many as were named Harriet. Hatty, by contrast, was used for fewer than five babies -- quite a contrast!

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

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.

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

nature namesare in, and even fish names like Pike and Salmon are open for consideration.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.