Colonial names, similar to Edwardian and Victorian names, are names that are a throwback to "simpler" times, but that doesn’t mean the names aren’t complicated. When searching for Colonial names — from the time in early American history from 1607 to 1776 — you may have come across the traditional Colonial names including Benjamin, Alice, Charlotte, and Henry, but if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find rare gem names like Oceanus and Nabby.
Often of biblical origin, Colonial names are quirky, fun, and rare and they often will remind you of a TV show or movie character that you’ve seen once upon a time. If you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind name for your son or daughter, be sure to get into this list of 30 lesser-known Colonial baby names. You won’t be disappointed with their unique style.
APPHIA
Apphia is the Greek form of the Hebrew name meaning “fruitful, increasing.” It’s a great way to honor this newest addition to your family. Pronounced Af-ee-uh or Ap-fee-uh, the name is mentioned in the New Testament. This is a strong name for a girl who is likely to be as productive and creative as her moniker.
KIT
Short and simple, Kit was a popular Colonial name, but it’s also a traditional nickname for Christopher which is derived from the Greek Christophoros. That name is composed of Christos (Christ) and pherein (to bear), so Kit means “bearing Christ.” The first name Kit would fit well with a longer middle name, so something like Kit Alexander. The Game of Thrones actor professionally known as Kit Harington was born Christopher Catesby Harington.
MAGDALENA
Although not commonly used in English-speaking countries today, Magdalena is one of the more Colonial names. It can be found in Polish, German, Swedish, Spanish, Croatian, and English speaking countries and more. Of Latin origin, it’s derived from Magdalene. According to Baby Name Wizard, Magdalena means "woman of Magdala" and Magdala means tower. All of that is to say, this feminine and powerful name would be a sweet choice.
EBENEZER
Ebenezer is a name you don’t hear too often, unless it’s around Christmastime. Meaning "stone of help" in Hebrew, ebenezer was the name of a monument built by Samuel in the Old Testament. Ebenezer Scrooge is the name of the cold-hearted miserly character in Charles Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol.
SELAH
There is a little confusion about the true meaning of the name Selah, but we’re clear that it’s a very pretty name. Of Hebrew origin, the word Selah (pronounced SEE-lah or SAY-la) “appears throughout the Book of Psalms. Its precise meaning is mysterious, but it is interpreted as a pause to breathe and reflect on the important words just uttered,” according to Baby Name Wizard. Call her LaLa for short.
CLEMENT
The name Clement is an unassuming name meaning “mild and gentle.” Derived from the Latin word clemens, it proved to be a popular name as there have been 13 popes named Clement, according to Baby Name Wizard. It was originally the name of an early saint and was chosen for being a merciful and symbolic name.
CHERISH
How could anyone resist a little girl named Cherish? From the word meaning to love, hold dear, treasure, and care for, this name of Old English origin is perfect for any beloved daughter. Also great as a middle name that's unusual and sweet. As a nickname, you could call Cherish shortened versions like Cher, Cherry, or Cheri.
ARCHIBALD
Of Norman French origin, Archibald is from the Old German "bright and bold.” According to Baby Name Wizard, “the name was brought to England by the Normans and has long been associated with Scotland, where it first became common in the Middle Ages.” The shortened form, Archie, is the first name of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son, though it’s not a nickname from Archibald, his full name is Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.
KETURAH
Keturah sounds like a modern name but according to Baby Name Wizard, it’s a Hebrew biblical name meaning "incense," alluding to the pleasant aroma incense gives. Keturah was the name of Abraham’s wife (after Sarah), and the mother of his six sons. For short, Keturah can be called Ketty, Ketts, Kez, KiKi, or Ket.
JEDIDIAH
Here’s the perfect name for your all-knowing little Jedi! Star Wars fans will have a hard time resisting this moniker for their son. Jedidiah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “beloved of Jehovah.” According to Baby Name Wizard, it was the name given to Solomon by Jehovah at his birth through the prophet Nathan. Jed is the obvious nickname, but he can also be lovingly called Jedi, JD, or Diah.
VERITY
Verity is another word name that we found from the Colonial era. It’s derived from the Latin and Old French word vérité and was made popular by 17th century Puritans. Verity simply means “a truth, a reality.” And for those familiar with Spanish, you know that verdad means truth. Baby Name Wizard has really cute nicknames for Verity, especially Birdie, since little kids' pronunciation of Verity sounds like Birdie. Others include: Vez, ViVi, and Vee.
HOMER
One might be most familiar with this name because of the long-running cartoon TV series, The Simpsons, but the main character Homer Simpson, has got nothing on your son! Of Greek origin, the name means “security, pledge.” historically Homer was an epic Greek scribe who wrote the poems The Odyssey and The Iliad. Those writings are so classic that the word homeric has come to mean “work on an enormous scale.” It certainly would be a superb name for a future writer.
COMFORT
Comfort began to be used as a given name by the Puritans following the Protestant Reformation in the 16h century, according to Baby Name Wizard. Comfort is a soothing word name in the same vein as names like Faith, Truth, and Mercy. It’s such a peaceful and warm name, that we imagine it would be difficult to be mad at this sweet girl.
CHAUNCEY
Chauncey sounds like a proper name for a little boy but also a name of a sweetheart of a kid who always does good. The name of Latin origin means “chancellor” or “church official,” but it’s also said to mean “good fortune or good luck.” This name can also be spelled Chauncy and the name can be used for girls, too.
LAVINIA
Lavinia is a name of deep roots. According to Baby Name Wizard, it’s born in “Roman mythology by the daughter of King Latinus. She was the last wife of Aeneas and was considered to be the mother of the Roman people.” Lavina is the feminine form of Latinus (from Latium, the area surrounding and including ancient Rome). Lavinia Fontana was a 15th century Italian painter.
BARNABAS
Barnabas is so rare these days, but it’s a name from the Bible. In Acts in the New Testament, the name Saint Barnabas was given to a man named Joseph, a companion of Paul on his missionary journeys and uncle of the gospel writer Mark. Derived from the Aramaic word for “son of exhortation” or “son of the prophet,” the name was occasionally used after the 12th century.
PRUDENCE
Prudence is yet another word name that’s also a virtue. To be prudent is to be sensible and cautious. A quirky and old-fashioned name, it’s so much a throwback that it feels new. Little Prue will likely be one-of-a-kind in grade school. Fun fact: “Dear Prudence” by The Beatles is a song that was written for actress Mia Farrow’s sister Prudence.
BART
Who knew this Colonial baby name list would have two references to the cartoon series The Simpsons? Bart is a character name on the long-running show and the name definitely earned a boost from the mischievous son of Homer and Marge Simpson. A short form of Bartholomew, it's a name with Hebrew origins that means "son of the earth."
DELIA
Delia is a short form of the name Cordelia, and also a feminine version of the name Delius. Derived from Latin, it means “from the island of Delos.” Greek mythological goddess Artemis, who was also called Delos, was supposedly born on the island of Delos. Delia also happens to be a nickname for the name Bridget, but we also love the nicknames DeeDee, Lia, and Deels.
CONSTANTINE
The name Constantine could be quite the mouthful for a little guy, but we’re sure he’d get the hang of it. The name is derived from the Latin name Constantinus and is said to mean “constant” or “consistency.” Constantine the Great was the first Roman emperor to adopt Christianity. Nicknames for this cutie could be Stan, Dino, Cus, Gus, or Con.
LOTTIE
Lottie is a shortened form of Charlotte, the feminine diminutive of Charles (full-grown, a man). Of English origin, it’s a name with great Colonial and vintage charm that is perfect for a strong and brave little girl. If you’ve ever watched Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, you’ll remember Lottie as Princess Tiana’s Southern belle best friend.
HEZEKIAH
Hezekiah is a lesser known Colonial name but that doesn’t mean it should be cast aside as a baby boy name option. Hezekiah was, according to the Hebrew Bible, the son of Ahaz and the 13th king of Judah. Meaning “God gives strength,” it’s definitely an important and strong name. Hs nickname could be Kiah, Hez, or Zeke.
MERCY
Virtues were definitely a source of name inspiration in the Colonial times, including Mercy. Taken from the word that means “compassion, forgiveness, pity,” the word mercy is derived from the Latin merces which means “payment, reward.” The name was popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and has been heard recently — it’s the name of Madonna’s youngest daughter, Mercy James.
ALDEN
Alden has origins as a surname derived from Old English name Aldwine, which is a compound of ald meaning “old” and wine meaning “friend.” A gender neutral name, it’s usually heard for boys, but would make an awesome name for a girl. The meaning “old friend,” lends itself as a name for a child you feel has been here before in a spiritual way. Nicknames could be Al, Dennie, or Aldi.
URSULA
Ursula is said to borrow from Middle Latin and features the root ursa which means “she-bear” or “little bear.” The origin is from a “legendary 4th century saint, a Christian British princess,” according to Baby Name Wizard, and as the story goes she was martyred along with 11,000 virgins by the Huns at Cologne. Her nickname could be the super cute monikers Sula or Lulu.
ENOCH
Enoch, pronounced EE-nuk, is of Hebrew origin meaning “dedicated, disciplined.” This name has profound meaning in the Bible, Enoch was the father of Methuselah, the oldest living man in the Bible, so Enoch was a highly favored name. It’s rarely used today, but your little guy could be the one to make this Colonial name a hit again. Nicknames could be Eno or Nok.
TABITHA
Tabitha is an inspirational name, said to have been born in the Bible by a woman who was brought back to life by St. Peter. It’s from the Ecclesiastic Greek name Tabeitha, which is derived from the Aramaic tabhītha which means “graceful” or “gazelle.” Pop culture made the name Tabitha best known as the daughter of the witch who twinkled her nose on the TV series Bewitched.
MICAJAH
Micajah, like Michael and Michaela, is said to mean “who is like God.” Of Hebrew origin, this name is similar to Michaiah (pronounced Mick-kai-ah) but it can also serve as an unusual twist on names including Michelle and Micah. Baby Name Wizard suggests nicknames for him could be Cijah, Mickey, and Cage.
SIBELLA
Meaning “God is my oath,” Sibella is a lovely Spanish version of Elizabeth, which is from the Hebrew elīsheba'. Sibella could also mean “beautiful” because of the ending of the name “bella,” which is known in Spanish and Italian languages. It’s also said that the name is a feminine form of the masculine name Sibyl which is Greek for “prophet.”
WILEY
A gender neutral name, Wiley reminds us of Willie with a bit of a twist. Meaning “crafty” and of Old English origin, it’s the perfect name for the child of parents who are artists in their own right. Though it’s close to the word wily which means “deceitful,” and conjures up thoughts of the trickster cartoon character Wile E. Coyote, we like thinking of the name as a little guy who is wise and creative.
