Old New England Names from Maine

Parthenia may be a bit unwieldy, but does conjure up majestic images of the Parthenon. It was briefly in the US charts in the late 19th century.

A bit pharmaceutical, not to mention hatlike.

Has an old-time country feeling, perhaps due to Ma Rainey, considered the "Mother of the Blues". This is the most popular spelling of the name, given to about 50 girls last year, with half as many called Rainy and a quarter named Rainie, the spelling used by Andie MacDowell for her now-grown daughter.

Rena is a Hebrew name all on its own and is also a European short form of Irene, Irini, Renata, and Renate. In Punjabi, Rena means "to remain".

Roby is a masculine name that functions as a diminutive or variant of Robert, which comes from Germanic elements meaning "fame" and "bright." This shorter, friendlier version maintains the approachable quality of Rob while adding the playful 'y' ending. Roby is used across several cultures, appearing in various European naming traditions including English, Italian, and Hungarian contexts, though with slightly different pronunciations. The name has maintained consistent but modest usage throughout the 20th and 21st centuries without becoming overly popular. Roby strikes a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness—recognizable enough to be easily pronounced but uncommon enough to stand out. The name carries a youthful, approachable quality that can transition easily into adulthood, making it versatile across different stages of life.

Rosalind feels fresher now.

Rosena is a feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'rosa' meaning 'rose.' This elegant variation of Rose incorporates the popular feminine suffix '-ena' to create a more elaborate form of the classic floral name. Popular during the late Victorian era, Rosena has maintained an old-world charm while remaining relatively uncommon. The name evokes images of the rose flower, symbolizing love, beauty, and femininity across many cultures. With its melodic three-syllable rhythm, Rosena offers a distinctive alternative to more common Rose derivatives. Though it experienced a decline in usage through the mid-20th century, Rosena has appeal for parents seeking a vintage name with familiar roots but uncommon usage in contemporary settings.

It may seem like an indecisive cross between Roy and Reece, but Royce was fairly popular in the 1930s and '40s. It has seen a resurgence in recent years, helped by some well-known athlete bearers. The Latin pop singer Prince Royce also has brought renown to the name. And some aspirational parents may see the name as a way to associate with the Rolls-Royce brand.

Selwin is a masculine name of Old English origin, derived from elements meaning "friend" or "household" and "win" meaning friend, essentially translating to "friend of the household" or "companion." This rare name has Anglo-Saxon roots and shares similarities with names like Selwyn, Edwin, and Elwin. Throughout history, Selwin has remained uncommon but persistent, particularly in the United Kingdom. The name conveys qualities of loyalty, friendship, and dependability. Its distinctive yet approachable sound makes it appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth but without widespread usage.

Sure, and we hope he has a good time playing with Buster and Buddy.