20 baby names that were very popular in the 1900s but that nobody uses anymore

Mildred was among the most popular girls’ names in the United States in the early 20th century, consistently ranking in the national top 10 for two consecutive decades. Of Old English origin, this name was considered both refined and unpretentious, making it a natural choice for families from a wide range of social backgrounds. It would be difficult to find a baby named Mildred today, as the name has become so strongly associated with older generations that a resurgence in popularity seems unlikely.

At its peak, in the early 20th century, Clarence was a truly common male given name—common enough that it didn’t seem particularly stodgy or old-fashioned at the time. It is associated with a medieval English duchy and exuded an air of tradition that clearly appealed to parents of the era. These days, Clarence rarely appears in baby name rankings, although it does sometimes show up in historical TV series or novels set during that era.

Few girls’ names left as distinct a mark on the early 20th century as Ethel, which ranked among the top 12 nationwide for much of that decade (it had reached 6th place in the late 1890s). This name, of Germanic origin, was considered sophisticated and strong at a time when character-based names were very much in vogue. Today, it is regarded as one of the most clearly outdated names in the English language, and modern parents have almost entirely abandoned it.

In the early 20th century, Wilbur was a very common name for boys—appealing enough that many parents chose it without hesitation. Of Old English origin, this name evoked a solid, unpretentious masculinity that fit well with the era’s tastes in names. Today, it’s one of those names that seems so outdated that even parents who love old-fashioned names tend to rule it out right away.

In the early 1900s, Gertrude appeared regularly on American birth certificates; the name was popular enough to be considered a quite common choice for a baby girl at the time. The name has Germanic origins and conveys a meaning associated with strength, which fit well with the era’s preference for names that reflected a genuine character. It’s hard to imagine Gertrude making a strong comeback anytime soon, as it remains one of the most decidedly dated names from that entire period.

Floyd was a very common name for boys in the early 20th century, particularly popular in the South and Midwest of the United States. It likely derives from the Welsh name Lloyd and had a down-to-earth, working-class feel that resonated with many families of the time. Although Floyd has never completely fallen out of use, today it is much more closely associated with historical figures and famous musicians than with the average newborn.

As hard as it may seem to believe today, Bertha was a very popular girl’s name in the early 20th century, considered a perfectly respectable—even fashionable—choice. Derived from Old High German, this name—whose meaning is linked to brightness or fame—appeared regularly on birth certificates across the country during its heyday. Over time, however, it has taken on such a negative connotation that even parents drawn to vintage names tend to leave it off their shortlist.

In the early 1900s, Roscoe was a very popular first name for boys, particularly in the southern United States, where it was considered a distinguished and somewhat unique choice. It is believed to derive from an Old Norse place name, and it had a strong character that fit well with the major naming trends of the time. These days, you’re much more likely to encounter Roscoe as a nickname or the name of a character in a Western than as a child’s first name.

A regular feature among the most popular girls’ names in the United States in the early 20th century, Edna was one of the most common names of the time. It may have Hebrew origins and appears in several religious texts, which gave it a sacred quality in the eyes of families at the time.

Otis was a very popular boy’s name in the early 20th century; of Old High German origin, it was associated with an air of dignified simplicity that fit perfectly with the naming conventions of the time. It is interesting to note that Otis has seen a slight resurgence in popularity in recent years, although it is still far from regaining the popularity it enjoyed a century ago.

Far from being merely a short form of Harriet, Hattie was commonly used as a first name in its own right for girls in the early 20th century, prized for its warm and approachable quality. It exuded a certain friendliness that made it a favorite choice among families who wanted a name less stuffy than the more formal options of the time. Although Hattie sometimes appears on lists of names considered ripe for a comeback, it has not yet made a significant return to common use.

Unlike most of the names on this list, Alva was used for both boys and girls in the early 20th century, making it one of the most versatile choices of the time. It was associated with prominent figures of the era—notably as the middle name of inventor Thomas Edison—which lent it a certain credibility in some circles. Today, this name has largely fallen out of use and does not appear to be among the retro choices that today’s parents are actively rediscovering.

Blanche was a refined and very common name for girls in the early 20th century; of French origin, it means “white” or “fair.” It was considered an elegant choice, combining simplicity and distinction, and was widely used throughout the country at its peak. Today, younger generations are more likely to recognize the name Blanche from television than to seriously consider it for a baby’s name.

Taking its name from an ancient Roman city in England, Chester arrived in America as a first name steeped in Old World tradition and was widely used for boys throughout the early 20th century, even though it never ranked among the most popular names. It conveyed an impression of solidity and reliability that fit naturally within the naming conventions of the time. Today, Chester has a decidedly retro feel, and although it sometimes appears on lists of names worth reconsidering, the momentum needed for a true comeback simply hasn’t materialized.

Myrtle was a very popular girl’s name in the early 20th century, part of a broader trend of nature-inspired names that included Violet, Daisy, and Pearl. Of ancient Greek origin, it was associated with love and immortality in classical tradition, giving it a historical depth that its bearers may not have fully appreciated. Despite the current resurgence of interest in vintage botanical names, Myrtle has not quite managed to regain its former status.

In the early 20th century, Elmer was a common male given name that appeared on birth certificates across the country. Of Old English origin, it is associated with the notion of nobility and was used across all social classes without distinction. Since then, Elmer has become one of those names that immediately evokes a specific era, and it is rarely chosen today, except when families wish to honor a loved one.

Opal was a popular girl’s name in the early 20th century, part of a trend toward names inspired by gemstones, which also included Pearl, Ruby, and Garnet. Of Sanskrit origin, this name is associated with the gemstone of the same name, and parents at the time were drawn to its elegance and brevity. Opal has seen a slight resurgence in popularity in recent years, as vintage gemstone-inspired names are gradually coming back into fashion, although it remains far from common on today’s birth certificates.

Of Latin origin and meaning “red-haired” or “with a reddish complexion,” Rufus was a recognizable and fairly common male given name in the early 20th century, used in various regions and social circles. Nowadays, Rufus is far more common as a dog’s name than as a child’s first name, making a genuine resurgence in popularity quite unlikely for most families today.

Agnes was a very common female given name in the early 20th century, with strong religious connotations due to its association with Saint Agnes and centuries of use in the Christian world. Of Greek origin, it means “pure” or “holy,” and was considered a name of great value at a time when names evoking virtue were very popular. Agnes has seen a slightly more pronounced resurgence in popularity than many of its counterparts in the current context, particularly in Europe, but it remains relatively uncommon in U.S. birth records today.

Evoking the ancient Roman poet of the same name, Virgil was a solemn and fairly popular first name for boys in the early 20th century, particularly favored by families who valued literary and historical references. It fit perfectly with the trend of the time, which favored first names imbued with solemnity and cultural significance. Virgil is now an extremely rare choice for a newborn in the United States, although it has gained some recognition in recent years thanks to its presence in fashion and music.