Extinct Names

Briefly used as a male name in the early 20th century. Doll is a surname with a variety of origins and meanings, some more desirable than others.

The lilting Lorelei has given birth to many variations, including this one, now extinct.

We don't see that bright a future for this one either.

Actress Kirstie Alley popularized this short form that's been off the popularity register for a decade.

Adelma shot to stardom on the coattails of 19th century Eastern European spiritualist Baroness Adelma Vay de Vaya. Delma continued to be used in the US until the 1950s, when it dropped from sight.

Delmer is kind of a smoosh of two dated names, Delmar and Elmer, that does not improve on either. While Elmer is making a return as a Geek Chic name, Delmar was given to only 14 baby boys last year while Delmer is extinct.

Dickson's nickname problem keeps it from having the upside possibility of similar names like Jackson and Harrison. If you're looking for fresh baby names to honor an ancestral Richard or Dick, consider Dixon. Or better, Richardson.

Plummer might be an occupational name for someone who works with pipes -- yes, like a plumber -- or with feathers, from the Olde English (from the French) plume. Or it could indicate someone who lived near a plum tree.

Aside from the singer, there aren't many people around named Pink or Pinkie or Pinky -- zero, in fact.

Peg is a nostalgic turn-of-the-last-century nickname, sociable but slight. Like near-identical twin Peggy, Peg is in mothballs.

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.