Though there is a fascination of using unique baby names, there is also a growing trend of bringing back traditional, antique-like names for your future child. Names like Evelyn, William, and Clara are all top chart names that have been around for ages (and probably aren't going anywhere soon). But there are also many once common baby names that have become extinct in recent years. And although you may not be tempted to revive some of them, a few have become very unique and could definitely stand to have the dust brushed off of them.
Most of the names on this list haven't seen the top 100 or even 1000) charts in a century or more, but that doesn't negate the beautiful stories, meanings, or history behind them. Even if Dolores or Bill isn't top on your list (and, lets be honest, it probably isn't) it's fascinating to learn about the ebb and flow of popular names in our society.
And who knows? You may be tempted to add a few of these virtually extinct names to your checklist. Or maybe even use one as a middle name. You can almost guarantee that your baby will be the only one with these unusual monikers.
1
Dolores
Meaning "lady of sorrows," Dolores probably seems too antiquated for most. But it does have a sweet sound to it that doesn't deserve to disappear forever.
2
Alpha
While it's generally known as the first letter in the Greek alphabet, in 1880, Alpha was one of the top names in the country. according to Name Berry In the mid-1900s though, it dropped past the top 1000 and has declined ever since.
3
Sondra
A diminutive of Sandra meaning, "defending men," Sondra is unique to say the least. Though with the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, many people are hesitant to give this name a foothold and was given to only five girls in 2013.
4
Icarus
This Greek mythology name is the classic tale of a man who, in his pride, flew too close to the sun. According to Name Berry, Icarus has never broken past the top 1000 names, though it isn't hard to imagine why.
5
Nanette
Nanette was common during a time when French names like Annette and Babette were popular. It's the French variation of Ann or Nancy and has a cute, thought antiquated, ring to it.
6
Sherwood
The English surname meaning "bright forest," and the legendary roost of Robin Hood and his band of Merry men may be best left in the pages of history.
7
Zelma
An obscure name with an even more obscure meaning — God helmet, what?— doesn't do Zelma many favors. However it does have a much prettier ring to it than Velma or Selma.
8
Neil
The Irish word for "cloud" does have some popularity with through stars like Neil Patrick Harris and Neil Diamond, but by and large parents are gravitating away from it.
9
Clive
Clive means "living near a high cliff," and somehow is cool enough to have an edgy sound, but just old man enough to make it unpopular.
10
Barbra
Unless you have an inexplicable love for Barbra Streisand, this name, from the Greek word for "foreign or strange," may be better left in the past.
11
Cathy
A nickname for Katherine, which is still quite common today, Cathy means "pure," and is not nearly as common as its longer form.
12
Bill
Bill is a shortened form of William or Billy, meaning "resolute protection." Both of which are much more common than this one-syllable name.
13
Kay
What used to be a common name for both boys and girls is quickly fading away. Apparently parents don't find the popular jewelry brand an enticing baby name.
