These days, we have high expectations when it comes to baby names. We wanted them to be unique but not too weird, have retro appeal but not sound completely “dated” and maybe, if it wasn’t too much to ask, they could have a special meaning too. This is where Forgotten Names comes in. And because they’ve been “forgotten” to some degree, they’re still unique enough that your child won’t have two Idas in her class anymore.
Let’s start with a little 101 of baby name popularity: The Social Security Administration (SSA) records the top 1,000 baby names given to citizens from 1900 to 2023. How it fluctuates over time, or reference a specific year and see exactly how many children got a certain name. For example, in 2023, 539 babies were named Mack. Therefore, the actual chance of encountering another Mike on the playground is very low. That’s why a forgotten name feels so special – it gives you all the retro feel you want without being too common.
Parents who are looking for the absolutely perfect name should peruse the SSA’s website… or scroll through these 15 names we’ve reviewed for you.
01Muriel
This beautiful three-syllable name means “glittering” or “shining sea.” It happens to be the name of an archangel in the Bible who cares for plants, animals, and humans. Muriel was a popular name in the early decades of the 1900s, but it hasn’t even made the top 1,000 most popular names for girls since 1964, according to the SSA. It has dropped to No. 875.
02ila
Ira was a fairly popular name for baby boys in 1900, and its usage has been declining ever since (although by NPR’s Ira Glass the popularity might make you think you’ve heard the name more often than you actually do). According to the SSA, it will only be given to 264 babies through 2023, so it’s a rare choice full of retro style.
03Augustus
Fans of old westerns will love this lonely dove –Inspired names. Although Augustus was used more between 1900 and 1910 than in any other decade in SSA history, it was never the most popular name. It has been experiencing a renaissance since 2000 and is currently the 488th most popular name for baby boys, but is only used by 610 babies nationwide. So, your little Gus will still stand out in class.
04Myrtle
Myrtle hasn’t even cracked the top 100 baby names in the United States since 1965, remaining firmly in the top 100 from 1900 to 1925 – in other words, extremely popular. A certain shrub with characteristics. So, if something about this pregnancy has made you feel healing, Myrtle might be speaking to you.
05Ada
Ida means “hardworking” and is of German and Greek origin. SSA records show it peaked in 1900 at No. 30 on the pop charts, then slowly fell out of favor until falling out of the top 1,000 in 1986. , we thought it was time for Ida to have her moment.
06Perry
Perry followed a similar trajectory to Ida, being quite common in the 1910s and 1950s before disappearing completely in 2006. If you prefer a unisex name or a girl’s name for a boy, Perry would be a cute, down-to-earth choice.
07Nell
Nell was never a super common name for girls; it dropped out of the top 1,000 names in 1956. Gone with the wind resonance.
08Maude
All you know is that Maud and Myrtle were best friends once – and maybe they’ll be best friends again. Maud has not been in the top 1,000 names since 1950, being most popular in 1900 (presumably in the late 1800s, before SSA records began). The name itself is short for Matilda, meaning “strength” or “strength.”
09eugene
From No. 45 in 1900 to No. 918 in 2023 (offered to only 250 babies), Eugene has definitely been put on hold. The feminine Eugenia or Eugenie is equally uncommon in the states. If you want to push the envelope, you could pair a female name with Eugene as a baby girl’s middle name (you know, like James).
10Myrna
Myrna’s popularity peaked in the 1930s, but it has not been in the top 1,000 names since 1976. We think it’s time to make a comeback! The name means “beloved” and “high-spirited,” making it a beautiful name for a little girl with a zest for life.
11Cecil
Cecil was once a very common name, but over time it fell out of favor. It last ranked among the top 1,000 names in 1997.
12Harriet
Harriet is a name we all recognize, so it’s surprising that it hasn’t been in the top 1,000 names in the United States since 1962. One year on the charts in 2019. Harriet Tubman is the most famous person to bear this name, and it’s a noble choice to name your daughter, but it also has a touch of humor. Harriet means “ruler of the household,” which is definitely what the baby will look like after birth.
13mark
Mack (or Mac) has Irish and Scottish roots and is often considered a prefix for surnames (think MacDonald, Macpherson, you know). It means “son’s” or “boy’s son,” which means dads might like this option. It was fairly common in the early 1900s and then slowly declined over time. Now the numbers are rising again, but not too often – only 539 babies were given this name in 2023.
14Mavis
Mavis dropped out of the top 1,000 in 1963, but returned to the list in 2016 and has gained some attention every year since. Still, as of 2023, the name has been given to only 501 baby girls.
15hollis
Historically used as a boy’s name, Hollis makes an excellent unisex name choice in the modern sense. It ranked No. 379 in 1900 and fell out of the top 1,000 in 1974 — until last year, when it climbed back up to No. 1,000. It was given to 219 babies. It was originally a surname, so fans of Wells, Cooper and Hayes may find it particularly appealing.
Will any of these names be your baby’s names? If not, no hard feelings – maybe now you can visit the SSA website yourself and look for a forgotten gem of a name.
