335+ Colonial Names from the 1700s

A name mentioned in the Old Testament as the wife of a king of Edom. A curious blend of clunky biblical style, and a "bel" ending that mirrors the feminine sound of names like Isabel and Annabel. Hettie and Belle / Bella are nickname possibilities.

An old-timey nickname for Derrick that has since been forgotten.

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

Ancient nickname that sounds cuter than its modern alternatives -- but be aware that in the days of the horse and buggy, it was most often used for the horse.

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.

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

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

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."

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

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.

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

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

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.