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Step into the world of the 1890s names, where they were more than just labels. They reflected a vibrant era marked by progress and cultural transformation. As society embraced the first modern Olympic Games, marveled at the wonders of moving pictures, and cheered for the birth of basketball, names became symbols of optimism. In the United States, this period, nostalgically dubbed the ‘Gay Nineties,’ captured a spirit of carefree cheerfulness. Now, travel back with us as we unveil popular boys’ and girls’ names from this enchanting decade, each a testament to the time and the families who embraced them.
Key Pointers
- The 1890s was a vibrant period marked by growth, progress, and numerous cultural transformations.
- The period was also known as the ‘Gay Nineties’ due to the social changes and carefree attitude of the people.
- Most of the baby names of the 1890s reflected the styles of the Victorian era.
200+ Unique Names From 1890s For Girls And Boys
This curated list offers a glimpse into the past, perfect for parents looking for classic and meaningful names for their babies.
1890s Girl Names
In the 1890s, girl names often reflected the traditional and elegant styles of the Victorian era. Many names were influenced by Biblical references, literary figures, or nature, as can be seen below.
1. Ada
Ada is a shortened form of Germanic names like Adelaide or Adelina, which start with the element ‘adal’ meaning ‘noble.’ Augusta Ada King, the Countess of Lovelace and daughter of Lord Byron, an English mathematician who assisted Charles Babbage with his proposed mechanical computer, was a notable bearer of this name. Additionally, in Turkish, Ada means ‘island.’
2. Agnes
This name comes from the Latin form of the Greek name ‘Hagne,’ derived from ‘hagnos,’ meaning ‘chaste.’ The name is also associated with the meaning ‘lamb.’ One well-known bearer is Agnes Allen, an English author of children’s books.
3. Alice
Alice originates from the Old French name Aalis, a short form of Adelais, which is derived from the Germanic name Adalheidis meaning ‘nobility or nobleness.’ This name is famously borne by the protagonist of Lewis Carroll’s novels, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.
4. Alma
Alma likely comes from the Latin word ‘almus,’ meaning ‘nourishing,’ and also coincides with the Spanish word for ‘soul.’ In Hebrew, it means ‘young woman.’ Another interpretation suggests it is an English feminine name derived from ‘alma mater,’ which means ‘benevolent mother,’ a title historically used for the Virgin Mary and ancient goddesses.
5. Anna
Derived from the Hebrew name Channah, this name means ‘grace or favor,’ and is used in the Greek and Latin Old Testament. A notable bearer of this name is American actress Anna Kay Faris.
6. Annie
Annie is a diminutive form of Anne, the French version of Anna. A famous person with this name is Annie Dillard, an American author.
7. Beatrice
This name is the Italian version of Beatrix, which likely originates from Viatrix, the feminine form of the Late Latin name Viator, meaning ‘traveler or voyager.’
8. Bertha
The name Bertha was initially a short form of Germanic names that began with the Old Saxon or Old Frankish element ‘berht,’ derived from the Old High German term ‘beraht,’ which means ‘bright.’
9. Bessie
Bessie is a diminutive of Elizabeth, which comes from ‘Elisabet,’ the Greek version of ‘Elisheva,’ a Hebrew name meaning ‘my God is an oath.’ Bessie Potter Vonnoh, an American sculptor, bore this name.
10. Beulah
Beulah means ‘married’ in Hebrew, with another possible translation being ‘espoused.’ Beulah Bondi, an American actress, was a famous bearer of this name.
11. Blanche
Meaning ‘fair-colored or white,’ this name comes from a medieval French nickname. This term, along with its equivalents in other languages, ultimately traces back to the Germanic word ‘blankaz.’
12. Carrie
A short form of Caroline, which comes from the name Charles meaning ‘man or army.’ It is commonly used as a nickname for Carolyn or Caroline.
13. Catherine
Catherine is the French version of Katherine, a Greek name with various meanings such as ‘pure,’ ‘each of the two,’ and ‘torture.’ It might also derive from a Coptic name meaning ‘my consecration of your name.’
14. Charlotte
This is the feminine version of the male name Charles, and means ‘vigorous’ or ‘strong and virile.’ An English actress named Charlotte Jordan Evans is a notable bearer of this name.
15. Clara
Clara is the feminine form of the Late Latin name Clarus, which means ‘bright, clear, or famous.’ A notable person with this name is Clara Doty Bates, a 19th-century American author.
16. Cora
A Latinized version of the Greek name of Kore, this name means ‘maiden.’ It was an epithet of the Greek goddess Persephone.
17. Daisy
Originating from the English term for the white flower, Daisy traces back to the Old English term ‘dægeseage,’ which means ‘day eye.’ Daisy Jessica Edgar-Jones, a renowned British actress carries this name.
18. Della
Della, a diminutive often derived from names like Adelaide or Adela, carries connotations of nobility. American actress and singer Della Reese was a famous bearer.
19. Dora
Derived from longer names containing the ‘dor’ or ‘dora’ element, like Theodora or Isadora, Dora may also stem from the Greek term ‘doron,’ meaning ‘gift.’ Additionally, in Albanian, ‘dora’ means ‘hand,’ while in Russian, it serves as a diminutive for the name Agafodor.
20. Dorothy
The English version of the Greek name ‘Dōrothéa,’ Dorothy means ‘God’s Gift,’ blending ‘dōron,’ meaning ‘gift,’ with ‘theós,’ meaning ‘god.’ Dorothy McGuire, the American actress, notably carried this name.
21. Edith
With roots in the Old English name Eadgyð, Edith combines ‘ead,’ meaning ‘fortune or wealth,’ with ‘guð,’ meaning ‘battle.’ Edith Willis Linn Forbes, an American poet, was a notable bearer.
22. Edna
Meaning ‘pleasure’ in Hebrew, Edna was borne by the American poet Edna Dean Proctor. It could also be an Anglicized version of the Irish and Scottish name Eithne, meaning ‘kernel’ in Gaelic.
23. Effie
A short form of the name Euphemia, Effie means ‘to use words of good omen’ from Greek ‘euphemeo.’ In Scotland, it sometimes serves as an Anglicized form of Oighrig, originating from the Gaelic name Aithbhreac, composed of elements ‘ath-’ and ‘breac’ meaning ‘speckled.’
24. Eleanor
Originating from the Old French form of the Occitan name Alienòr, Eleanor was notably borne by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of American President Franklin Roosevelt.
25. Elizabeth
Derived from Elisabet, the Greek variation of the Hebrew name ‘Elisheva,’ Elizabeth translates to ‘my God is an oath.’ Elizabeth McGovern, an American actress, is a well-known individual with this name.
26. Ella
The name Ella has Norman origins and was initially a short form of Germanic names containing the element ‘alles,’ which means ‘other.’ It can also be a diminutive of names beginning with ‘El’ or names ending in ‘ella.’
27. Ellen
Ellen is a medieval English form of Helen, a Greek name that means ‘torch’ or ‘corposant,’ or ‘moon.’ It is also a short form of Eleonora and a variant of Eleanor. Ellen DeGeneres, an American comedian, is a well-known bearer of this name.
28. Elsie
This is a diminutive form of the name Elizabeth. A notable person with this name was Elsie Janis, an American singer.
29. Emily
Emily is the English feminine form of Aemilius, a Roman family name derived from the Latin word ‘aemulus,’ which means ‘rival.’ British actress Emily Olivia Laura Blunt is a famous bearer of this name.
30. Emma
This name was used as a short form of Germanic names that started with ‘irmin,’ meaning ‘great or whole.’ One well-known person with this name is Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson, an English actress famous for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movie series.
31. Esther
The name Esther possibly means ‘star’ in Persian. Alternatively, it may be derived from the name of the Near Eastern goddess Ishtar, which is linked to the Semitic root ‘’ṯtr,’ possibly relating to the Evening Star.
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32. Ethel
Ethel is a short form of names that begin with the Old English element ‘æðele,’ meaning ‘noble.’ A notable bearer of this name was Ethel Merman, an American actress.
33. Eva
The name Eve originates from the Hebrew name ‘Chawwah,’ which is derived from the Hebrew word ‘chawah’ meaning ‘to breathe’ or the related word ‘chayah,’ meaning ‘to live.’
34. Evelyn
Initially used as a surname, Evelyn comes from Aveline, a French name meaning ‘hazelnut.’ The name has older roots as a feminine Norman French diminutive of Ava, a Germanic name with uncertain origins often interpreted to mean ‘bird.’
35. Fannie
A variant of the name Fanny, which is used as a short form of the French name Frances, this name means ‘free one,’ and the Spanish name Estefanía, a version of Stephanie meaning ‘crown.’ Fannie Hurst, an American novelist, was a prominent carrier of this name.
36. Flora
In Roman mythology, Flora was the goddess of flowers and spring. Flora originates from the Latin word ‘flos,’ meaning ‘flower.’
37. Florence
The name Florence comes from Florentius, a Latin name or its feminine form Florentia, both derived from the term ‘florens,’ meaning ‘flourishing or ‘prosperous.’ Florence Nightingale, a key figure in the development of modern nursing, was a notable bearer of this name.
38. Frances
A feminine version of the name Francis, which comes from the Late Latin name Franciscus meaning ‘Frenchman.’ This name traces its roots back to the Germanic tribe called the Franks.
39. Georgia
Georgia is the feminine form of George, originating from the Greek name ‘Georgios.’ This Greek name comes from the word ‘georgos,’ which means ‘earthworker or farmer,’ and is derived from the elements ‘ge’ meaning ‘earth’ and ‘ergon’ meaning ‘work.’
40. Gertrude
Meaning ‘spear of strength,’ this name is derived from the Old German words ‘ger,’ meaning ‘spear,’ and ‘drud,’ meaning ‘strength.’ A notable bearer of this name was the American poet Gertrude Bloede.
41. Gladys
Derived from the Old Welsh name Gwladus, this name is likely derived from the word ‘gwlad’ meaning ‘country.’ It may also have been adopted as a Welsh version of the Roman name Claudia, which comes from Claudius, a Roman family name, possibly meaning ‘crippled or lame’ in Latin.
42. Grace
Derived from the English word for grace, this name ultimately comes from the Latin word ‘gratia.’ It became popular as one of the virtue names created by the Puritans in the 17th century. The name was borne by actress Grace Kelly.
43. Hattie
Hattie is a diminutive form of Harriet, which is the English version of the French name Henriette, a feminine form of Henri. Henri originates from Henrik, which ultimately comes from the Germanic name Heimiric, derived from the elements ‘heim,’ meaning ‘home,’ and ‘ric,’ meaning ‘ruler or power.’
44. Hazel
Derived from the English word for the hazel tree or the light brown color, this name comes from the Old English word ‘hæsel.’ A famous person with this name was Hazel Court, a British actress.
45. Helen
Helen is the English version of the Greek name Helene, which might mean ‘moon’ or ‘torch.’ In Greek mythology, the daughter of Zeus and Leda was named Helen. Other meanings associated with the name include ‘light, warming, or shining.’
46. Hilda
Used as a short form of names containing the Old Frankish element ‘hildi,’ this name comes from the Old High German term ‘hilt,’ and the Old English term ‘hild,’ all meaning ‘battle.’
47. Ida
Ida originates from the Germanic element ‘id,’ which possibly means ‘labor or work.’ A well-known bearer of this name was the American actress Ida Lupino.
48. Irene
Meaning ‘peace,’ Irene comes from the Greek name Eirene. In Greek mythology, Eirene was the goddess of peace. Irene Dunne, an American actress, was a famous person with this name.
49. Jennie
A variation of Jenny, which is a medieval English form of the name Jane. Jane comes from Jehanne, an Old French feminine form of Iohannes, the Latin version of the Greek name ‘Ioannes,’ derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning ‘Yahweh is gracious.’
Trivia50. Jessie
Jessie is a variant of Jesse, originating from the Greek form ‘Iessai’ of the Hebrew name ‘Yishai,’ which possibly means ‘gift.’ It is also a Scots diminutive of Jean, a medieval English form of Jehanne, an Old French feminine form of Iohannes, meaning ‘Yahweh is gracious..’
51. Josephine
This name is a form of Joséphine, the French feminine version of Joseph, which means ‘he will add.’ A famous bearer of the name was Josephine Hutchinson, an American actress.
52. Julia
Julia is the feminine form of the Roman family name Julius, which means ‘downy-bearded.’ The name also implies being ‘of the gens Julia’ or a descendant of Julus.
53. Katherine
Katherine is a variation of the name Catherine. The spelling with a middle ‘e’ was first seen in England in 1196 after the Crusades. A well-known bearer is the American actress Katherine Heigl.
54. Kathryn
Often associated with the meaning ‘pure,’ Kathryn is another variant of Katherine that was popular in the 1890s. A notable person with this name is Kathryn Hess, an American mathematician.
55. Katie
This is a form of the name Kate, which itself is a diminutive of Katherine. A famous bearer is the American actress Katie Holmes.
56. Laura
Laura is the feminine form of the Late Latin name Laurus, which means ‘laurel.’ A well-known bearer was Laura Ingalls Wilder, an American author who wrote the Little House on the Prairie series.
57. Lena
This name is a short form of names that end in ‘lena.’ A notable bearer was Lena Ashwell, a British actress.
58. Leona
Leona is the feminine form of Leon, which is a Greek name that means ‘lion.’
59. Lillian
Originally, this name was probably a diminutive of Elizabeth. It can also be seen as an elaborated form of Lily, derived from the Latin word for lily, ‘lilium.’ Lillian Hellman, an American playwright, was a notable bearer.
60. Lillie
This variant of Lily comes from the name of the flower, which symbolizes purity. Lillie Berg, an American musician, was a notable bearer.
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61. Lizzie
This name is a diminutive of Elisabet or Elizabeth. A notable bearer was Lizzie Caswall Smith, a British photographer.
62. Lottie
Lottie is a short form of names that contains lotte, such as Charlotte or Liselotte. Lottie Briscoe, an American actress, was a notable bearer.
63. Louise
This name is the French feminine form of Louis, which is the French version of Ludovicus, the Latinized version of the name Ludwig. It comes from the Germanic name Hludwig, meaning ‘famous in battle.’
64. Lucille
Lucille is the French version of Lucilla, which traces back to the Roman name Lucius, meaning ‘light.’ A well-known person with this name was American comedian Lucille Ball.
65. Lucy
This is the English version of Lucia, a female form of the name Lucius, which means ‘light.’ A notable person with this name is American actress Lucy Liu.
66. Lula
A shortened form of Louise and other names that start with Lu, this name has been borne by Lula Mae Hardaway, an American songwriter.
67. Lydia
Lydia means ‘from Lydia’ in Greek, referring to a region on the west coast of Asia Minor.
68. Mabel
often had sweet and endearing meanings, and Mabel is one of them. Meaning ‘lovable,’ Mabel is the medieval female version of the Late Latin name Amabilis.
69. Mae
A variant of May, this name comes from the name of the month. Mae Whitman, an American actress, is a notable person with this name.
70. Maggie
Maggie is a diminutive form of Margaret, a Greek name that means ‘pearl.’ Maggie Baird, an American actress, is a widely acknowledged carrier of this name.
71. Mamie
Mamie is a shortened form of the Greek name Margaret, which means ‘pearl.’ It is also seen as a diminutive of Mary, carrying meanings like ‘sea of bitterness,’ ‘rebelliousness,’ ‘wished for child,’ or ‘beloved.’ A famous person with this name was the American singer Mamie Smith.
72. Margaret
This name comes from the Latin name Margarita, which in turn was derived from the Greek word ‘margarites’ meaning ‘pearl.’ This term likely has roots in an Indo-Iranian language. Margaret Thatcher, who was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is a well-known bearer of this name.
73. Marguerite
Marguerite is the French version of Margaret and also the French word for the daisy flower. A notable person named Marguerite was Marguerite De La Motte, an American film actress.
74. Marie
This is the French and Czech version of Maria, with Mary being its English equivalent. An American author named Marie Lu is a notable person with this name.
75. Marion
Marion originated as a medieval French diminutive of Marie. Marion Aye, an American actress, was a notable person who had this name.
76. Martha
Meaning ‘the mistress or the lady,’ this name comes from the Aramaic word ‘marta.’ An American actress named Martha Scott was a notable bearer of this name.
77. Mary
Mary is the common English version of Maria, derived from the Hebrew name Miryam. The exact meaning is unclear, but possible interpretations include ‘sea of bitterness,’ ‘rebelliousness,’ and ‘wished for child.’ It might also be of Egyptian origin, related to the term ‘mry’ meaning ‘beloved’ or ‘mr’ meaning ‘love.’ Other suggested meanings include ‘bitter,’ ‘marine,’ and ‘drop of the sea.’
78. Mattie
This name is used as a short form of names such as Matilda, Matthea, Matthew, or Martha.
79. Maude
Maude is a variation of Maud, which is the Medieval English and French form of Matilda, meaning ‘strength in battle.’ An American singer named Maude Nugent was a notable bearer of this name.
80. May
The name May comes from the name of the month, which itself is derived from the name of a Roman goddess, Maia. It also refers to the hawthorn flower and is also used as a short form of names such as Mary, Mabel, or Margaret.
81. Mildred
A name that is derived from the Old English name Mildþryð, which means ‘gentle strength.’ It comes from the elements ‘milde,’ meaning ‘gentle,’ and ‘þryþ,’ meaning ‘strength.’ Mildred Bendall, a French painter, was a notable person with this name.
82. Minnie
Minnie is a diminutive of Wilhelmina, which means ‘will helmet.’ This name gained fame as the name of the cartoon character Minnie Mouse, introduced by Walt Disney in 1928.
83. Myrtle
The name Myrtle comes from the English word for the evergreen shrub, which has roots in the Greek word ‘myrtos.’ Myrtle symbolizes a happy marriage and is often included in bridal bouquets.
84. Nancy
Nancy started as a diminutive form of Annis, a medieval English version of Agnes, a Greek name meaning ‘chaste.’ In some English dialects, ‘mine’ was used instead of ‘my,’ resulting in ‘Mine Ancy,’ which evolved into Nancy.
85. Nellie
Used as a diminutive of Nell and other names that contain ‘nel’ this name was carried by Nellie Marie Burns, an American actor and poet.
86. Nettie
Nettie is a diminutive of names ending in ‘nette,’ such as Jeanette or Annette. A Notable bearer was Nettie McBirney, an American inventor.
87. Nora
This name comes from Honora and Honoria), which is derived from the Latin word for honor. It can also be a short form of Eleanor or related to the Arabic name Nura, meaning ‘light.’
88. Olive
Derived from the English and French word for the tree, this name comes from the Latin word oliva. Olive Thomas, an American silent film actress, was a notable bearer of this name.
89. Pauline
Pauline is the feminine form of Paulinus in French. This name comes from the Roman family name Paulus, which means ‘humble or small’ in Latin.
90. Pearl
often had an aura of opulence, and Pearl is one such classic name. Originating from the Late Latin word ‘perla,’ Pearl is derived from the English word for the precious object found in some mollusks’ shells. One notable bearer was Pearl Bailey, an American singer.
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91. Rosa
Rosa is typically associated with the Latin word for ‘rose.’ However, it might originally come from the Germanic name Roza, a short form of names starting with the Old High German term ‘hruod’ or the Old Frankish term ‘hroþi,’ meaning ‘fame.’ Additionally, in South Slavic languages, Rosa means ‘dew.’
Quick fact92. Rose
Rose was a Norman French form of the Germanic name Hrodohaidis, which means ‘famous type.’ This name is composed of the elements ‘hruod,’ meaning ‘fame,’ and ‘heit,’ meaning ‘sort, kind, or type.’ Rose Combe, a French writer, was a notable bearer.
93. Ruby
Coming directly from the name of the red precious stone, this name comes from the Latin word ‘ruber,’ meaning ‘red.’ A well-known bearer is Ruby Bridges, an American civil rights activist.
94. Ruth
Meaning ‘friend,’ Ruth originates from a Hebrew name derived from the word ‘re’ut.’ In England, it was also associated with the old word ruth, which means ‘compassion or pity.’ Additionally, it serves as a Limburgish short form of Rutger, meaning ‘famous spear.’
95. Sadie
Sadie is a diminutive form of Sarah. Notably, Sadie Frost, an English actress, bears this name.
96. Sallie
Sallie is a variant of Sally, which is also a diminutive form of Sarah. Sallie Harmsen, a Dutch actress, is a well-known individual with this name.
97. Sarah
An American actress named Sarah Jessica Parker is a notable bearer of this name. In Hebrew, Sarah means ‘princess, lady, or noblewoman.’ It is also the name of Abraham’s wife in the Old Testament.
98. Stella
Created by Philip Sidney, a 16th-century poet for his sonnet collection ‘Astrophel and Stella,’ this name means ‘star’ in Latin. It is also a diminutive of Styliani, a Greek name meaning ‘pillar.’
99. Susie
Susie is a diminutive of Susan, which is an English variant of Susanna. It comes from the Greek name Sousanna, derived from the Hebrew name Shoshannah. This name is related to the Hebrew word ‘shoshan’ meaning ‘lily,’ which in modern Hebrew also means ‘rose,’ possibly originating from the Egyptian term ‘sšn’ meaning ‘lotus.’
100. Vera
Vera means ‘faith’ in Russian, and it is sometimes linked to the Latin word ‘verus,’ meaning ‘true.’ It is also an Albanian name derived from the word verë, meaning ‘summer.’
101. Viola
Viola means ‘violet’ in Latin. An American actress named Viola Davis is a notable person with this name.
102. Virginia
This is the feminine form of the Roman family name Virginius or Verginius. The name’s meaning is unknown, but it has long been associated with the Latin word ‘virgo,’ meaning ‘virgin or maid.’
1890s Boy Names
These names are the top-ranked boys’ names from the 1890s (1). Many of these names have been passed down through generations and remain in use today.
103. Albert
Albert comes from the Germanic name Adalbert, meaning ‘noble and bright,’ composed of the elements ‘adal,’ which means ‘noble,’ and ‘beraht,’ which means ‘bright.’ A famous person with this name is Albert Einstein, a German-born theoretical physicist.
104. Alexander
The name Alexander is the Latinized form of the Greek name Alexandros, which means ‘defending men.’ It is derived from the Greek words ‘alexo,’ meaning ‘to help or defend,’ and ‘aner,’ meaning ‘man.’ A well-known bearer of this name was Alexander Graham Bell, the Scottish inventor of the telephone.
105. Alfred
Coming from the Old English name Ælfræd, Alfred means ‘elf counsel’ and is made up of the elements ‘ælf,’ meaning ‘elf,’ and ‘ræd,’ meaning ‘advice or counsel.’ Alfred Bernhard Nobel, a Swedish chemist who founded the Nobel Prize, was a notable bearer of this name.
106. Allen
A variant of Alan or a surname derived from the same name that has been used in Brittany since at least the 6th century and may mean ‘handsome’ or ‘little rock’ in Breton. Alternatively, it could come from the name of the Alans, an Iranian people who migrated to Europe in the 4th and 5th centuries.
107. Andrew
Andrew is the English form of the Greek name Andreas, which comes from the word ‘andreios,’ meaning ‘masculine or manly.’
108. Anthony
This is the English form of the Roman family name Antonius. A notable person with this name was Anthony Michael Bourdain, an American celebrity chef.
109. Archie
Archie is a short form of Archibald, which comes from the Germanic name Ercanbald. This name is made up of the elements ‘erkan’ meaning ‘holy, pure, or genuine’ and ‘bald’ meaning ‘brave or bold.’
110. Arthur
The exact meaning of Arthur is unclear. It may come from the Celtic words ‘artos’ meaning ‘bear’ and ‘wiros’ meaning ‘man’ or ‘rīxs’ meaning ‘king.’ Another possibility is that it relates to the Roman family name Artorius.
111. Ben
Ben is often used as a nickname for names that carry the element ‘ben,’ like Benjamin, Bennett, Benedict, Benson, or Ebenezer, but it can also stand alone as a given name. In Arabic, Ben or bin means ‘son of.’
112. Benjamin
The name Benjamin originates from the Hebrew name Binyamin, meaning ‘son of the south’ or ‘son of the right hand,’ combining the words ‘ben’ meaning ‘son’ and יyamin’ meaning ‘south or right hand.’ Benjamin Harrison, a former U. S. president, is a famous bearer of this name.
113. Bernard
Of Old German roots, this name is composed of words ‘bern’ meaning ‘bear’ and ‘hart’ meaning ‘firm, hard, brave, or hardy.’ A well-known person with this name is Bernard Sumner, a British musician.
114. Carl
This is the German and Scandinavian version of Karl, which comes from a Proto-Germanic word meaning ‘man.’
115. Cecil
Cecil comes from the Roman name Caecilius, which is derived from the Latin word ‘caecus,’ meaning ‘blind.’ Another origin of the name is from Monmouthshire, related to the Old Welsh personal name Seisyllt.
116. Charles
This name is the French and English form of Carolus, which is the Latin version of the Germanic name Karl, derived from a word that means ‘man.’ Another theory suggests it comes from the common Germanic element ‘harjaz’ meaning ‘army.’ A famous person named Charles is the English novelist Charles Dickens.
117. Charlie
Charlie is a short form of Charles. A well-known person with this name is the British comic actor Charlie Chaplin.
118. Chester
Meaning ‘ fortress or camp,’ this name comes from the Latin word ‘castrum.’
Chester comes from an English surname that originally referred to someone from an ancient Roman settlement in Britain, named Chester.
119. Clarence
This name comes from the Latin title Clarensis, used by members of the British royal family. The title ultimately originates from Clare, the name of a town in Suffolk.
120. Claude
Claude is the French version of Claudius, a Roman family name that possibly comes from the Latin word ‘claudus,’ meaning ‘crippled or lame.’
121. Clifford
Clifford comes from a surname that originated as a place name meaning ‘ford by a cliff’ in Old English. A notable bearer of this name was the American anthropologist Clifford Geertz.
122. Clyde
The name Clyde originates from the River Clyde in Scotland, with roots in the Cumbric word ‘Clud,’ which has an uncertain origin. A well-known person with this name was Clyde McPhatter, an American R&B singer.
123. Daniel
Meaning ‘God is my judge,’ this name comes from the Hebrew name Daniyyel. It combines the roots ‘din’ for ‘to judge’ and ‘’el’ for ‘God.’ A famous person with this name was Daniel Defoe, an English author.
124. David
Meaning ‘uncle’ or ‘beloved,’ David comes from the Hebrew name Dawid, which comes from ‘dod.’ David Beckham, an English footballer, is a prominent figure with this name.
125. Dewey
Dewey is likely a variant of Dewi, which possibly comes from Dewydd, an Old Welsh form of David. An American actor named Dewey Martin was a notable person with this name.
126. Donald
Formed from the Old Irish elements ‘domun’ for ‘world’ and ‘fal’ for ‘rule,’ Donald originates from the Scottish Gaelic name Dòmhnall, meaning ‘ruler of the world,’ A famous bearer of this name is Donald Trump, the former President of the United States.
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127. Earl
Derived from the Old English term ‘eorl,’ meaning ‘warrior or nobleman,’ Earl comes from the aristocratic title. An American musician named Earl Scruggs was a notable person with this name.
128. Ed
The name Ed is a short form of names that start with Ed, such as Edward, Edgar, and Edmund. A well-known person with this name is Ed Sheeran, an English singer.
129. Eddie
Eddie is a diminutive form of names like Edward, Edison, Edgar, and Edmund. A famous bearer of this name is Eddie Griffin, an American basketball player.
130. Edgar
The name Edgar comes from Old English and combines the elements ‘ead,’ meaning ‘fortune or wealth,’ and ‘gar,’ meaning ‘spear.’ Edgar Allan Poe, the American author, is a notable person with this name.
131. Edward
Derived from the Old English elements ‘ead,’ meaning ‘fortune or wealth,’ and ‘weard,’ meaning ‘guard,’ Edward means ‘rich guard.’ Edward Norton, an American actor, is a notable person with this name.
132. Edwin
Meaning ‘rich friend,’ this name originates from the Old English elements ‘ead,’ which means ‘fortune or wealth,’ and ‘wine,’ meaning ‘friend.’
133. Elmer
This name comes from a surname derived from Æðelmær, an Old English name, which combines the elements ‘æðele,’ meaning noble, and ‘mære,’ meaning famous.
134. Ernest
Originating from the Old High German word ‘ernust,’ this name means ‘earnest or serious.’ A well-known individual with this name was American writer Ernest Hemingway.
135. Eugene
Eugene is the English version of Eugenius, itself the Latin form of the Greek name Eugenios. This name comes from the Greek word ‘eugenes,’ meaning ‘well born,’ combining the terms ‘eu’ for ‘good’ and ‘genes’ for ‘born.’
136. Everett
Everett stems from an English surname that is based on the given name Everard. This name traces back to Everardus, the Latin form of Eberhard, an Old German name meaning ‘brave boar.’
137. Floyd
A variant of the Welsh name Lloyd, this name means ‘gray.’ An American pianist named Floyd Cramer was a notable person with this name.
138. Francis
Francis is the English form of the Late Latin name Franciscus, which means ‘Frenchman.’ This name ultimately comes from the Franks, a Germanic tribe, named for the type of spear they used.
139. Frank
This name comes from an Old German name that referred to a member of the Germanic tribe known as the Franks. Their name likely came from a type of spear, from the Proto-Germanic word ‘frankô.’
140. Fred
Fred is a short form of Frederick and other names that include the same element. A famous bearer of this name was the American actor and dancer Fred Astaire.
141. Frederick
Meaning ‘peaceful ruler,’ this name is the English version of an Old German name that combines ‘fridu’ for peace and ‘rih’ for ‘king or ruler.’ A well-known bearer of this name is Frederick Sanger, a British biochemist, and two-time Nobel prize winner.
142. George
George originates from the Greek name Georgios, which comes from the word ‘georgos’ meaning ‘earthworker or farmer.’ This is derived from the Greek words ‘ge’ for ‘earth’ and ‘’ergon’ for ‘work.’
143. Guy
Guy is an Old French form of the name Wido, which started as a short form for names beginning with the Old Saxon or Old Frankish element ‘widu,’ and the Old High German ‘witu,’ both meaning ‘wood.’
144. Harold
Made up of the elements ‘here’ meaning ‘army’ and ‘weald’ meaning ‘mighty or powerful,’ this name comes from the Old English name Hereweald. Harold Lloyd, an American film actor, was a notable person with this name.
145. Harry
Harry is a medieval English form of the name Henry and is currently used as a diminutive for both Henry and names starting with ‘Har.’ A famous individual named Harry was Harry S. Truman, the American president.
146. Harvey
Derived from the words ‘haer’ for ‘battle’ and ‘viu’ for ‘worthy,’ the name Harvey comes from the Breton given name Haerviu, meaning ‘battle worthy.’ A well-known bearer of this name is Harvey Barnes, an English footballer born in 1997.
147. Henry
Composed of the elements ‘heim’ for ‘home’ and ‘rih’ for ‘ruler,’ Henry derives from the Germanic name Heimirich, which means ‘home ruler.’
148. Herbert
The name Herbert comes from the Old German words ‘heri’ meaning ‘army’ and ‘beraht’ meaning ‘bright.’ A famous person with this name was the German philosopher Herbert Marcuse.
149. Herman
This name comes from the Old German elements ‘heri,’ which means ‘army,’ and ‘man,’ meaning ‘man’ or ‘person.’ A well-known bearer of this name was the American novelist Herman Melville.
150. Homer
Homer originates from the Greek name Homeros, which is based on ‘homeros’ meaning ‘pledge’ or ‘hostage.’ The well-known fictional character Homer Jay Simpson from the animated sitcom The Simpsons bears this name.
151. Horace
Horace is the English and French form of Horatius, a Roman family name that might come from the Latin word ‘hora,’ meaning ‘season, hour, or time.’ However, it could also be of Etruscan origin.
152. Howard
This name originates from an English surname with multiple sources. It can come from the Anglo-Norman name Huard, which is derived from the Germanic name Hughard, composed of Old German elements ‘hugu’ meaning ‘thought, mind, or spirit’ and ‘hart’ meaning ‘firm, hard, brave, or hardy.’ Alternatively, it might stem from the Anglo-Scandinavian name Haward, which traces back to the Old Norse name Hávarðr and shares the same Old German roots. Additionally, it could be derived from the Middle English term ‘ewehirde,’ meaning ‘ewe herder.’
153. Hugh
Hugh is from the Germanic name Hugo, which is derived from the Old Frankish term ‘hugi’ or the Old High German term ‘hugu,’ both meaning ‘thought, mind, or spirit.’ The Australian actor Hugh Jackman is a famous person with this name.
154. Ira
Meaning ‘watchful,’ this is a name of Hebrew origin. In the Old Testament, it is the name of a priest who served King David.
155. Isaac
Derived from the Hebrew name Yitzchaq, this name means ‘he will rejoice or he will laugh.’ It originates from the word ‘tzachaq’ meaning ‘to laugh.’
Did You Know?156. Jack
Jack is derived from Jackin, an earlier form of Jankin, which was a medieval diminutive of John. The name John means ‘Yahweh is gracious.’ An American actor named Jack Nicholson bears this name.
157. Jacob
The name Jacob originates from the Latin Iacob, which comes from the Greek Iakob, and ultimately from the Hebrew name Ya’aqov. It is linked to the Hebrew root ʿqb,’ meaning ‘to be behind or to follow,’ or ‘circumvent, to supplant, overreach or assail.’ Another possible meaning is derived from the Hebrew word for ‘heel,’ ‘aqeb.’ It can also be interpreted as ‘may God protect.’
158. James
This is the English version of the Late Latin name Iacomus, which is a variant of the Biblical Latin name Iacobus, derived from the Hebrew name Ya’aqov. A famous fictional character with this name is the British spy James Bond.
159. Jesse
Jesse comes from ‘Iessai,’ the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yishai. It possibly means ‘gift,’ but may also be associated with meanings such as ‘King’ or ‘God exists.’
160. Jessie
Jessie is a variant of Jesse. Initially, it was a Scots diminutive of Jean, a form of John. In Spanish, it can be a nickname for the male name Jesus. Notably, Jessie Armstead, an American football player, bears this name.
161. Jim
Jim is a medieval diminutive of James. Jim Bridwell, an American rock climber, was a prominent personality with this name.
162. Joe
Joe is a short form of Joseph. A well-known person with this name is Joe Lynch, an American film director.
163. John
Meaning ‘Yahweh is gracious,’ this name comes from the terms ‘yo’ referring to the Hebrew God, and ‘chanan’ meaning ‘to be gracious.’ John is the English form of Iohannes, the Latin version of the Greek name ‘Ioannes,’ which comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan.
164. Joseph
Meaning ‘he will add,’ Joseph comes from Ioseph, the Latin form of the Greek Ioseph, originating from the Hebrew name Yosef, derived from the root ‘yasaf.’
165. Lawrence
Lawrence is a variant of Laurence, which comes from the Roman cognomen Laurentius, meaning ‘from Laurentum.’ Laurentum was an ancient city in Italy, and its name probably comes from the Latin word laurus, meaning ‘laurel.’
166. Lee
The name Lee comes from a surname that originated from the Old English word ‘leah,’ which means ‘clearing.’ An American actor named Lee Pace is a notable individual with this name.
167. Leo
Leo is derived from the Latin word ‘leo,’ which means ‘lion’ and is related to the name Leon. One well-known bearer of this name was Leo Strauss, an American political philosopher.
168. Leon
Meaning ‘lion,’ this name comes from the Greek word ‘leon,’ An American baseball player named Leon Cadore was a notable person with this name.
Image: Momjunction Design Team
169. Leonard
Leonard means ‘brave lion’ and is derived from the Old German elements ‘lewo,’ meaning ‘lion,’ and ‘hart,’ meaning ‘firm, hard, brave, or hardy.’
170. Leroy
The name Leroy comes from the French nickname ‘le roi,’ which means ‘the king.’ An American astronaut named Leroy Gordon Cooper Jr. is a notable person with this name.
171. Leslie
Leslie originates from a Scottish surname that was derived from a place in Aberdeenshire, likely from ‘leas celyn, a Gaelic term’ meaning ‘garden of holly.’ An English actor named Leslie Banks is a notable bearer of this name.
172. Lester
This name comes from an English surname linked to the city of Leicester, indicating someone from that place. Leicester’s name itself originates from the river Ligore and the Latin word ‘castra,’ which means ‘camp.’
173. Lewis
A medieval English version of the name Louis. One well-known person with this name was Lewis Carroll, the writer of ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.’
174. Lloyd
Derived from a Welsh surname, this name means ‘gray’ in Welsh. An example of a famous person with this name was the American actor Lloyd Bridges.
175. Louis
This is the French form of Ludovicus, a Latinized version of Ludwig. The Germanic name Hludwig, meaning ‘famous in battle,’ combines the elements ‘hlut,’ meaning ‘loud,’ or ‘famous,’ and ‘wig,’ meaning ‘battle or war.’
176. Luther
Luther originates from a German surname, which in turn comes from the Old German given name Leuthar, which combines ‘liut,’ meaning ‘people,’ and ‘heri,’ meaning ‘army.’
177. Martin
This is derived from the Roman name Martinus, which comes from Martis, the genitive form of Mars, the Roman god of war. The name is possibly related to the Latin word ‘mas,’ meaning ‘male.’
178. Michael
Meaning ‘Who is like God?,’ the name Michael comes from the Hebrew name Mikha’el. This rhetorical question suggests that no person is comparable to God. An example of a well-known person with this name is the American composer Michael Abels.
179. Milton
Milton originates from an English surname that comes from a place name meaning ‘mill town’ in Old English. A famous person named Milton was the American comedian Milton Berle.
180. Norman
Primarily an English name of Germanic origin, this name is made up of the elements ‘nord’ meaning ‘north’ and ‘man’ meaning ‘man.’ A Canadian geologist named Norman L. Bowen was a noteworthy bearer of this name.
181. Oliver
The name Oliver is derived from the Old French name Olivier, possibly from the Latin word ‘oliva,’ meaning ‘olive tree.’ It is commonly linked to the Latin term ‘olivarius,’ which means ‘olive tree planter’ or ‘olive branch bearer.’
182. Oscar
Oscar might mean ‘deer friend,’ originating from the Old Irish words ‘oss’ meaning ‘deer’ and ‘carae’ meaning ‘friend.’ Alternatively, it could come from the Old English name Osgar, which is formed of the elements ‘os’ meaning ‘god’ and ‘gar’ meaning ‘spear.’
183. Otto
Otto is the later German form of Audo and originally a short form of various names beginning with the Old High German term ‘ot’ or the Old Frankish term ‘aud,’ meaning ‘fortune or wealth.’ An Austrian philosopher named Otto Weininger is a notable individual with this name.
184. Patrick
The name Patrick comes from the Latin name Patricius, which means ‘nobleman.’ One famous person with this name is the English actor Patrick Stewart.
185. Paul
Meaning ‘humble or small’ in Latin, this name comes from the Roman family name Paulus. A well-known individual with this name is the English singer Paul McCartney.
186. Peter
Signifying ‘stone or rock,’ Peter originates from the Greek name Petros. This name was a translation of Kefa, an Aramaic name, which Jesus gave to Simon Bar-Jona, the apostle.
187. Philip
Meaning ‘friend of horses,’ Philip comes from the Greek name Philippos. It is made up of the elements ‘philos’ meaning ‘lover or friend,’ and ‘hippos’ meaning ‘horse.’
188. Ralph
Ralph is a shortened form of the Old Norse name Ráðúlfr, which in its Norman form is Radulf. It is derived from the Norse elements ‘ráð,’ meaning ‘advice or counsel’ and ‘ulfr,’ meaning ‘wolf.’
189. Ray
A short form of Raymond, this name is often used independently as a given name. It also matches an English word that means ‘beam of light.’ A notable person with this name is the English guitarist Ray Davies.
190. Raymond
Made up of the elements ‘regin’ meaning ‘counsel, advice, or decision’ and ‘munt’ meaning ‘protection,’ this name originates from the Germanic name Raginmund.
191. Richard
Some vintage boy names never go out of fashion, and Richard is one of them. Richard signifies ‘brave ruler,’ derived from the Old German components ‘rih’ meaning ‘king or ruler’ and ‘hart’ meaning ‘ firm, hard, brave, or hardy.’ An example of a famous person with this name is Richard Gere, an American actor.
192. Robert
The name Robert comes from the Germanic name Hrodebert, which means ‘bright fame,’ made up of the elements ‘hruod’ for ‘fame’ and ‘beraht’ for ‘bright.’ Robert De Niro, the American actor, is a well-known bearer of this name.
193. Roy
Roy is the Anglicized form of the Irish and Scottish Gaelic byname Ruadh, which means ‘red’ and is typically used to refer to or as a nickname for someone with red hair.
194. Russell
This name comes from an English surname of Norman origin, which means ‘little red one,’ a diminutive form of the Old French word ‘rous’ meaning ‘red.’ A notable person with this name is Russell Crowe, a New Zealand-born actor.
195. Sam
Sam is a short form for names like Samson, Samuel, and Samantha. It also means ‘fire’ in Persian, and has Iranian origins from a term meaning ‘black.’
196. Samuel
Samuel originates from the Hebrew name Shemu’el, which translates to ‘name of God.’ This name derives from the Hebrew roots ‘shem,’ meaning ‘name,’ and ‘’el,’ meaning ‘God.’ An alternative interpretation is from the root ‘shama’,’ meaning ‘to hear,’ giving it the meaning ‘God has heard.’
197. Stanley
Signifying ‘stone clearing,’ Stanley comes from an English surname. It is derived from the Old English words ‘stan,’ meaning ‘stone,’ and ‘leah,’ meaning ‘woodland’ or ‘clearing.’ Stanley Holloway, an English actor, was a well-known bearer of this name.
198. Theodore
Meaning ‘gift of god,’ this name has its origins in the Greek name Theodoros. It combines the Greek words ‘theos,’ meaning ‘god,’ and ‘doron,’ meaning ‘gift.’
199. Thomas
Thomas is the Greek form of the Aramaic name Ta’oma, which means ‘twin.’ A famous person with this name is the American actor Thomas ‘Tom’ Hanks.
200. Tom
Tom is a short form of the name Thomas. In Hebrew, it can mean ‘simplicity,’ ‘innocence,’ or ‘the end’ from the word ‘tom.’ It can also be an alternate transcription of the Hebrew name Tam, which means ‘innocent’ or ‘honest.’
201. Victor
Meaning ‘victor,’ ‘winner,’ or ‘conqueror’ in Latin, Victor is a name of Roman origins. A famous bearer of this name was the French writer Victor Hugo.
202. Walter
Derived from the Germanic name Waltheri, Walter means ‘power of the army,’ combining the elements ‘walt’ meaning ‘authority or power’ and ‘heri’ meaning ‘army.’ An American actor named Walter Andrew Brennan was a well-known person who had this name.
203. Will
Will is a short form of William and other names starting with Will. Will Hill, an American football player, bears this name.
204. William
Meaning ‘will helmet,’ this name originates from the Germanic name Willehelm. It is composed of the elements ‘willo’ meaning ‘will or desire’ and ‘helm’ meaning ‘helmet or protection.’
205. Willie
Willie is a diminutive of William and can be used for both boys and girls. In the 1890s, it was a popular name, ranking 18th for boys and 75th for girls on the SSA list of popular names of that era (1).
Reflecting on the 1890s names, we see a snapshot of a bygone era filled with charm. Choosing a name from this list for your baby may connect you to a rich heritage, carrying forward the legacy of a time marked by cultural milestones. Whether you seek to honor your ancestors or simply love the classic appeal of these names, selecting one from the 1890s offers a meaningful way to give your child a name steeped in history. This journey through the popular names of the ‘Gay Nineties’ not only highlights the beauty of the past but also provides a lasting gift for the future.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I find out if a name was popular in the 1890s?
The SSA provides a comprehensive database of baby names registered in the United States (1). You may search by decade to find the popularity of names in the 1890s.
2. Are 1890s names making a comeback in modern times?
Yes, many baby names from the 1890s have regained popularity in recent years. Names like Otto, Ralph, and Ray, popular in the late 19th century, have become fashionable again. These classic names are often rooted in tradition, appealing to modern parents looking for names with depth and historical roots.
Infographic: Timeless Baby Names From The 1890s
Step into the enchanting world of the 1890s, an era marked by significant cultural and societal advancements, from the first modern Olympic Games to the dawn of cinema and basketball. Check out this infographic and explore these classic baby names, each capturing the spirit of progress and the timeless charm of its era.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Popular 1890s boys’ names.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/decades/names1890s.html
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