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Extinct Names

  1. Lassie

    • Description:

      The name Lassie originates from Scottish culture, where it was traditionally used as a term for a young girl or maiden. However, its widespread recognition comes primarily from the fictional female collie dog character created by Eric Knight in his 1940 novel 'Lassie Come-Home,' which spawned multiple films and a popular television series. As a human name, Lassie is quite rare, maintaining an affectionate, loyal quality associated with the beloved canine character. The name carries connotations of faithfulness, heroism, and protective instincts. While uncommon as a given name for girls, it may occasionally be used as a nickname for names like Lassarina or simply to evoke the wholesome, classic Americana feel associated with the character.
  2. Pat

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Patricia

    • Meaning:

      "noble, patrician"

    • Description:

      An early and still quintessentially gender-neutral name, now supplanted by thousands of fresher options. Hasn't been recorded as a given name since 1991.
  3. Corny

    • Origin:

      Short form of Cornelius, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "horn"

    • Description:

      Cornelius is one of the Ancient Roman names that is not quite making a comeback, despite having been a Top 200 name in the US in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Blame Corny, a nickname that is just too joke-worthy.
  4. Merilee

    • Origin:

      English, word name or combination of Mary and Lee, or Scottish place-name

    • Description:

      Merilee and Merrilee were early respelled or word names, ahead of their time in some ways. Merrilee hit the Top 1000 for a couple of years in the 1940s, but last year no baby girls were given either version of the name in the US, which makes it more appealing.
  5. Sister

    • Origin:

      English, "a female who has one or both parents in common with another"

    • Meaning:

      "a female who has one or both parents in common with another"

    • Description:

      Sister is an old-timey nickname-name for girls, ranking in the Top 1000 as a proper name for girls until the beginning of the 20th century. But more often, Sister was used as a nickname in the truest sense of the word, not a short form ala Kathy but a nickname in the way that Chip and Bud are. Or maybe Junior is a more appropriate name analogy: Sister was sometimes the nickname given to the only girl in a family of boys, so literally a descriptive word name like Junior.
  6. Loring

    • Origin:

      Variation of Lawrence, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "from Laurentum"

    • Description:

      Loring lives as a first name thanks to the Kansas doctor Loring Miner who first sounded the alarm on what became known as the Spanish Flu.
  7. Colon

    • Description:

      Colon is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the word 'colonus' meaning 'farmer' or 'settler.' It shares etymological roots with words related to colonization and cultivation. While uncommon as a first name in most English-speaking countries, it has seen occasional use in Spanish-speaking regions, particularly as a variant of Colón, which was the Spanish rendering of Christopher Columbus's surname. The name's pronunciation differs from the anatomical term (the colon punctuation mark derives from Greek 'kolon' meaning 'limb' or 'part'). As a given name, Colon remains rare, ranking outside the top 1000 names in popularity charts across most countries.
  8. Barb

    • Origin:

      Short form of Barbara, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "stranger"

    • Description:

      Barb is a midcentury nickname name that, like Deb and Sue, feels terminally dates now. But with the revival of Barbie, Barb may not be far behind.
  9. Patti

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Patricia

    • Meaning:

      "patrician"

    • Description:

      Long one of the most popular girls' names starting with P, Patti replaced Patsy as the midcentury's popular, peppy babysitter but has now joined her in the retirement home.
  10. Sandi

    • Description:

      Sandi is a feminine name typically functioning as a diminutive of Sandra or Alexandra, though it has established itself as an independent given name. Popular particularly during the 1950s through the 1970s in the United States, Sandi offers a friendly, approachable alternative to more formal versions. The name has English origins, ultimately derived from the Greek 'alexandros' meaning 'defender of mankind.' The 'i' ending creates a cheerful, casual impression compared to the 'y' spelling (Sandy). Sandi conveys warmth and accessibility, with a vintage charm that's reminiscent of mid-century America. While less commonly given to newborns today, it remains recognizable and straightforward, embodying a friendly, unpretentious quality many find appealing.
  11. Nicodem

    • Description:

      Nicodem is a masculine name with Greek origins, derived from 'Nikodemos,' which combines 'nike' meaning 'victory' and 'demos' meaning 'people' – thus translating to 'victory of the people.' The Biblical figure Nicodemus, a Pharisee who visited Jesus by night and later helped with his burial, has influenced the name's usage across Christian communities. While relatively uncommon in mainstream Western culture, Nicodem maintains popularity in Eastern European countries, particularly Poland and parts of the Orthodox Christian world. The name carries connotations of wisdom, curiosity and thoughtful contemplation, reflecting the Biblical Nicodemus's search for truth. Variations include Nicodemus, Nikodim, and Nicodème.

  12. Vernice

    • Origin:

      Variation of Verna, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "springtime"

    • Description:

      Part Verna, part Bernice, Vernice saw use as a girls' name during the heyday of both those names. Both entered the Top 200 in the 1880s, where Verna lasted until 1940 and Bernice a decade longer.
  13. Deforest

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "living near the forest"

    • Description:

      Nature surname with an aristocratic edge. Spelling it DeForest distances it from deforestation.
  14. Lashonda

    • Description:

      Lashonda is a feminine name that gained notable popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, peaking in the early 1970s. The name follows a naming pattern combining the prefix 'La-' (possibly derived from French influence or as a creative prefix element) with 'shonda,' which may be a variation of Shonda or Shawnda. The 'La-' prefix was particularly common in feminine names during this era. The second element might relate to the name Shawn/Sean (meaning 'God is gracious' in Irish) with a feminine suffix, though its exact etymology is uncertain. Lashonda exemplifies the trend toward distinctive, melodic feminine names with two or three syllables ending in a vowel sound. Though its usage has declined since the 1980s, Lashonda remains recognized as a name that emerged during a period of creative naming practices in late 20th century America.
  15. Nedda

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "born on Sunday"

    • Description:

      Midcentury macramé-maker.
  16. Rube

    • Description:

      Rube is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Reuben, a Hebrew name meaning 'behold, a son'. Historically, it gained recognition in American culture as a nickname and eventually as a stand-alone name. In the early 20th century, 'Rube' became associated with the cartoon artist Rube Goldberg, known for his illustrations of complicated gadgets. The name has also carried connotations of rural simplicity, as the term 'rube' came to mean a country bumpkin in American slang. Though never extremely popular as a formal given name, it maintains a vintage Americana charm. Its short, straightforward sound gives it an unpretentious quality that might appeal to parents seeking a name with historical character and simplicity.

  17. Mayo

    • Origin:

      Irish place-name

    • Meaning:

      "yew-tree plain"

    • Description:

      When ordering a baby name, hold the mayo.
  18. Carole

    • Description:

      Carole is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the masculine name Charles, ultimately from Germanic roots meaning 'free man' or 'strong.' Popularized in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century, Carole reached its peak popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, boosted by celebrities like Carole Lombard. The spelling with an 'e' ending gives it a distinctly French flair compared to the variant Carol. Though less common for newborns today, Carole retains a classic, elegant image. The name carries musical associations through the tradition of Christmas carols and gained recognition through famous bearers like singer-songwriter Carole King. Its timeless quality balances tradition with a warm, approachable character.

  19. Velva

    • Description:

      Velva is a feminine name that may have originated as a variant of Velma, which has German origins meaning 'determined protector.' Alternatively, it might relate to Latin 'velum' meaning 'veil' or 'covering.' Velva has a soft, vintage quality reminiscent of names popular in the early 20th century. The name reached its peak of modest popularity in the United States during the 1910s-1920s. Today, Velva is quite rare, offering a distinctive choice with a gentle, nostalgic charm. Its soft consonants create a delicate impression, while the name still carries a sense of substance and history.

  20. Friend

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      Sociable middle name choice with a Quaker feel.

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