British Baby Names

Bridgerton Names: Reality or Fantasy?

 

Want to know how realistic the names in Bridgerton are? Check out my new post over at Nameberry! 

The Top 50 Names in England 1377-1381

In 1377-1381, the Hundred Years wars have been raging for forty years, and Edward III has just died after his 50-year reign, leaving his grandson, Richard, as heir. 

Below are the top 50 national totals for first names for men and women living in 1377-81 in England, collated by George Redmonds in Christian Names in Local and Family History (2004). 

His frequency tables have been compiled from male names from 10 counties and female names from 10 counties in the Poll Tax returns of 1377-81. 1000 male and 1000 female names were counted from each county and have been combined to produce a national total of 10,000 names for each gender. 
For his overall ranks, Redmonds has not included any male names with totals under three or female names with totals under nine. An examination of some of the rarer regional variations will be looked at in a later post. 

As Redmonds point out, "Because those who were being taxed were adults, the names testify to practices a generation earlier."

Redmonds has also given each name a "classification of popularity", listed below:

 

1	John	3532	Extremely popular	1	Alice	1714	Extremely popular
2	William	1834		2	Agnes	1433
3	Thomas	945	Very popular	3	Joan	1239
4	Richard	831		4	Matilda	654	Very popular
5	Robert	741		5	Isabel	465
6	Henry	334	Popular	6	Margaret	435
7	Roger	306		7	Emme	409
8	Walter	240		8	Marg' *	281	Popular
9	Adam	178	Quite popular	9	Margery	279
10	Nicholas	163		10	Ellen	278
11	Hugh	104		11	Julian	238
12	Geoffrey	85		12	Cecile	229
13	Simon	81		13	Christine	208
14	Ralph	69		14	Katherine	178	Quite popular
15	Peter	62		15	Edith	142
16	Stephen	50	Infrequent	16	Amice	125
17	Gilbert	34		17	Elizabeth	112
17	Philip	34		18	Beatrice	110
19	Reginald	32		19	Magot *	99
20	David	29		20	Sarah	78
21	Laurence	27		21	Sybil	74
22	James	20		22	Felice	72
23	Edmund	19		22	Christian	72
24	Alan	16		24	Avice	71
25	Denis	15		25	Denise	64
25	Michael	15		26	Is' *	62
25	Alexander	15		27	Isolde	60
28	Matthew	12		28	Lucy	46	Infrequent
28	Andrew	12		29	Petronille	39
30	Edus (?)	10		29	Rose	36
31	Giles	8	Rare	29	Mariot *	34
31	Benedict	8		32	Mabel	30
33	Edward	7		32	Lettice	30
34	Luke	6		34	Constance	27
34	George	6		35	Anne	24
34	Gregory	6		35	Idony	24
34	Clement	6		37	Eve	22
38	Elias	5		38	Annabel	21
38	Bartholomew	5		39	Marion	20
40	Martin	4		40	Eleanor	19
40	Jena	4		41	Ibot *	18
40	Nigel	4		41	Mag' *	18
43	Randolph	3		43	Evita *	14
43	Madok	3		44	Clemence	13
43	Maurice	3		45	Agatha	12
43	Griffin	3		46	Helwise	11
43	Gervase	3		46	Godelena	11
43	Eyvyn	3		48	Lora	10
43	Hamond	3		49	Mary	9	Rare
43	Stacey	3		49	Margr' *	9

 

* "The evidence shows that clerks readily used abbreviations that could stand for more than one name and, since these cannot be identified, the totals in a few cases are seriously affected. The most obvious problems are Marg' for either Margaret or Margery and Is' which could be for either Isabel or Isolde. Less important numerically was 'Cris' which could be for either Christian or Christine, two names that are usually listed separately in dictionaries. There may have been a distinction, for the daughter of Robert de Gowtby of Noseley in Leicestershire was first names Christiana and then Crystina. Perhaps the spellings represented scribal preferences, since Christine was particularly frequent in the south coast counties of Kent and Dorset but missing from some counties in the Midlands and North, were Christian was more usual.

The clerks also employed many diminutives, and it has been thought safer to list these variations independently. Magot is the most important of these but Mariot, Ibot, Evita, Colet, Evot, Annot and Ammot are others that affect the overall counts. This helps to explain why the list of women's names is longer than the men's but, even if we ignore the abbreviations and diminutives, there were still more female names in use, and more of them were 'popular'."

The Top 50 Names in England and Wales in 1700

1700 - William III (famously known as William of Orange) is on the throne. This year, William Congreve's comedy The Way of the World is first performed in London and an English translation of the novel Don Quixote is first published. 

Below are the top 50 first names for boys and girls born in 1700 in England and Wales according to Leslie Dunkling in The Guinness Book of Names, 6th Edition (1993).

Variants have been grouped together under their most frequent form. 

 

1	John		1	Mary
2	William		2	Elizabeth
3	Thomas		3	Ann
4	Richard		4	Sarah
5	James		5	Jane
6	Robert		6	Margaret
7	Joseph		7	Susan
8	Edward		8	Martha
9	Henry		9	Hannah
10	George		10	Catherine
11	Samuel		11	Alice
12	Francis		12	Frances
13	Charles		13	Eleanor
14	Daniel		14	Dorothy
15	Benjamin		15	Rebecca
16	Edmund		16	Isabel
17	Matthew		17	Grace
18	Peter		18	Joan
19	Nicholas		19	Rachel
20	Isaac		20	Agnes
21	Christopher		21	Ellen
22	Abraham		22	Maria
23	Stephen		23	Lydia
24	Jonathan		24	Ruth
25	Philip		25=	Deborah
26	Michael		25=	Judith
27	Hugh		27=	Esther
28	Joshua		27=	Joanna
29	Anthony		29=	Amy
30	Ralph		29=	Marjorie
31	Andrew		29=	Phoebe
32	David		32	Jenny
33	Simon		33=	Barbara
34	Roger		33=	Bridget
35	Alexander		35	Fanny
36	Jacob		36	Lucy
37	Laurence		37=	Betty
38	Moses		37=	Eliza
39	Nathaniel		37=	Nancy
40	Walter		40	Emma
41	Aaron		41	Charlotte
42	Jeremy		42=	Dinah
43	Owen		42=	Sally
44	Mark		44=	Harriet
45	Timothy		44=	Jemima
46	Adam		44=	Kitty
47	Martin		44=	Mary Ann
48	Josiah		48=	Caroline
49	Luke		48=	Peggy
50	Harry		48=	Sophia

Please note: Statutory birth registrations in England and Wales came into effect mid-1837 so there is no official data prior to this. Dunkling does not explain where the above data is taken from or how large the data range is. Is it from a single parish? A whole county? Several parishes across England and Wales?

However, the top half of this list, at least, is very similar to Smith-Bannister's top 50 for 1690-1700 from forty English parishes, taken from "family reconstitution data and evidence from records of baptism (sometimes birth) detailed in parish registers and a sample size of 122,710."

Notable differences appear in the bottom half of the lists, especially the female names:-

Names in Smith-Bannister's top 50 (1690-1700), but not in Dunkling's top 50 (1700):

Jonas (#36), Cornelius (#39), Cuthbert (#43), Solomon #43), Rose (#26), Thomasin (#28), Joyce (#31), Abigail (#34), Patience (#34), Hester* (#36), Mercy (#38), Wilmot (#38), Christian (#41), Easter* (#41), Rosamund (#41), Beatrice (#46), Edith (#46), Grisel (#46), Ursula (#46)

* Dunkling may have combined Hester and Easter with Esther.

Names in Dunklings top 50 (above) but not in Smith-Bannister's top 50 (1690-1700):

Hugh* (#27) Nathaniel* (#39), Aaron* (#41), Jeremy* (#42),Owen† (#43), Mark*, Martin* (#47), Josiah* (#48), Luke* (#49), Harry^‡ (#50) Jenny^‡ (#32), Fanny^‡ (#35), Betty^‡ (#37), Eliza^‡ (#37), Nancy^‡ (#37), Emma* (#40), Charlotte (#41), Sally^‡ (#42), Harriet (#44), Jemima (#44), Kitty^‡ (#44), Mary Ann^‡ (#44), Caroline (#48), Peggy^‡ (#48), Sophia (#48)

* All of these names appear in earlier years for Smith-Bannister's rankings so were certainly in use.
† Smith-Bannister only looks at English data; Owen was most likely from Welsh data Dunkling gathered. 
^‡ Smith-Bannister may have combined these diminutives with their parent-forms (Henry, Jane, Frances, Elizabeth, Ann, Sarah, Catherine and Margaret)

 

Finds from 1877

 

1877 - the year Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India, Anna Sewell's novel Black Beauty was published, and the first Test cricket match between England and Australia too place.

Below is a selection of names from the GRO Birth Records for England and Wales in 1877. All are first names and middle names — the surnames are not included unless indicated by 'sn' — and have been checked against other records for accuracy.

Abdala Albert Abraham Mwyndeg Achille Ernest Adolphus Septimus Adonis Volney Admiral Nelson Aelred Joseph Alcey Jehu Alcwyn Bilson Alderman Willie Alexander The Great Almond William Aloysius Cuthbert Alphaeus Ebenezer Alured Leopold Alwyne Frank Amaziah Ambrose Valentine William Ammiel Ammon Amory Yaspard Andronicus Leonidas Felix Aneurin Gwawdrydd Angelo Bertram Anstall Charles Antwerp George Aqua Percy Amelius Martin Archelaus Elijah Archer Arthur Arden Eloah Arminius Theobald Army Charles Arphad William Arrow Samuel Arundell Lorenzo Ashley Aurelian Athelstane John Athanasius Pryor Auberon Herbert Aubrey Vyvyan Avenel Dudley Beauclerc Axel Theodore Aynsley Ayre Baldisaro Bar-jona Silas Barnice Robert Baron Lefrank Bartolozzi Francis Barwood Platt (sn: Woodnutt) Beanland Beezer John Belgium Batterson Bellows Buckley Bezaleel Alfred Biggleswade Bismarck Cadwaladr Lloyd Calixt Henry William Captain William Carnage Casbourn Cripps Casimir Valentine Cledwyn David Colonel Adolphus Crayston Webston Crewe Kelvie Crisp Ingomar (sn: Figgins) Cyrenius Cystenyn Demetrius Edward Democritus Drury Beaumont Eadeauf Tomlinson Ebenezer Missionary S. Egbert Athelstan Elkanah John Elwin Egbert Ember Ernest Emlyn Thomas England Englebert Emanuel Epaminondas Epaphroditus Frederick Errington Marsh Euphrates Ewart Ulysses Augustine Faithful Fisher Wood Flavius Burton Folthorp George Stanley Friend Ephraim Gaius Hubert Garibaldi Mazzini General Myers Gentleman John Giacomo Othello Bruto Golden Edgar Goronwy Idwal Gustavus Adolphus Habakkuk Hamlet Horatio Haydn Verdi Hilkiah George Hipolyte Joseph Houseman Frederick Illtyd Llewelyn Jairus William Jakeh Glasson Jehoiada Jehoshaphat Jones Jehu William Jephthah Cornelius Jethro Horatio Jezreel Karl Thorburn Kenelm Llewelyn Kenneth Kennaway Kenric William Kingdon Tregosse Kinneff Napier Kirwen Arthur Kossuth Mazzini Lambatous Richards Lamorock George Lefèbure Thomasso Leonidas Lightfoot Lamonby Lucky Lyndoe Christmas Maldwyn Melchisedec Mithredath George Myrddyn Owen Osbertus Pearse Oswald Valentine Ozias Kemp Peter The Great & William The Conqueror (twins) Plantaganets Quested John Kenney Rhianfa Rocco Stanley Romulus Paul Rupert Ethelbert Isaac Saint Joseph Sargent Major Saxon Alfred Seneca Sergius Demetrius Servetus Le Gendre Sharp Walker Shield Ridley Sidney Zorobabel Silvanus Arthur Slight Stanley Spendlove Odessa Spiridione Nicolo St John Bede Y. Stradivarius Theobald Wolfe  Troilus Victor Twilly William [sn: Trowell] Ulick Fitzgerald Ulric Basil Frederick Ultimus Vere Henry Vickerman Nicholson Victor Omega Washington Cornelius Young Captain James Charles  Zaphnath Paaneah Zebedee Zephaniah Zeus Zoro Innes

Abbavenna Abolene Jane Adelaide Ludovina Adeliza Esther Mary Jane Adolphine Eléonor Adnah Elizabeth Adrienne Linda Aeddan Blanche Muriel Ahinoam Sarah Ann Aida Octavia Alcedie Eva Aldyth Lorna Algerna Christabel Algitha Pathenia Allida Antonella Caroline  Aline Dulcie Aliticia Thirza Almatina Rose Alwen Cordelia Amalthoea Miller Ambrosine Lilian Frances Amiable Felicité Andrewina Ethel Anesta Cleopatra Angelina Michaelina Arabella Snowdrop Aretas Isabella Ariana Lizzie Armenal Alice Athelinda Jane Annie Avarina Beatrix Avis Aurora Avonnia Ayliffe Florence Azena Melita Azella Jessie Azubah Bertha Balmena Georgina Barbarina Florence Belina Fanny Bellander Alice Bethalina Elizabeth Blossie Priscilla Boadicea Bona Benedicta Brunetta Georgina Brunhilde Mary Camelia Clarissa Candace Caroline Casiphia Celestine Mary Christian Etheldreda Mary Cinderella Clelia Cleopatra Zelaide Clio Eliza Clytie Elsie Corah Savilla Corisande Emma Crimelina Euphemia Damaris Amelia Dehli Eden Delilah Honoria Desdemona Diamond May Dinorah Ida Nanette Donaldina Jane Isobel Dulcibelle Florence Dulcie Gwendoline Eanswith Elstrith Effierenda  Effeldipha Ann Elvetia Jane Embrozena Emerence Catherine Enid Adolphina Pearl Enriqueta Maud Emeralda Patty Esterlie Harriet Esther Olympia Ethelberga Eugenia Saxonia Valeria Cornelia Eulalie Adeline Exantic Winifred Ezela Pia Favella Sophia Favoretta Hermione Agnes Forbenious Fortituda Jane Friswith Mary Fuchsia Gertrude Gilberta Catherine Glenara Mary Glenolva Fanny Glenthora Golda (sn: Silver) Guadalupe Gertrude Hebe Mabel Hero Elizabeth Hesperia Mary Hildegarde Florence Holly Tryphena Huldah Mabel Ianthe Sheila Gwendoline Igerna Brunhilda Ilid Catherine Innocence Ipsa Jerusha Augusta Jette Agnes Keturah Mildred Mary Kimbrah Susannah Leillette Martha Lelia Kitty Lendella  Leonora Crissada Eleanor Liena Alwina Lizziana Eldridge Loruhamah Violet Love Unity Luetta Amelia Jane Lulu May Lyra Ione Mabel Alphonsine Mahala Lauretta Maida Florence Manuelita Blythe Maple Alice Mary Maskelyne Adelaide Hannah May Azora Merelina Muriel Ismena Mehetabel Eliza Mercy Pendelphia Mietje Marianne Mignonette Mira Drusilla Morlena Ada Myra Ursula Myrtle Etheline Oenone Isabel  Ozelah Celeste Eva Pedora Leah Pembula Alice Penelope Polymnia Querina Elizabeth Quillianna Reginella Edith S. Romana Lucretia Annie Ronetta Georgina Roxana Maria Rylandeth Georgiana  Sacramenta Sarepta Mary Selina Venus Selina Vesina Seraphina Bridget Sheba Sibella Wilhelmina Sultana Mary Tamar Bilhah Telidwen Theodosia Oceana Theolinda Cadwallader Thyra Amira Trianda Emily Mary Tydfil Letitia Ubertha Naomi Ulrique Hilda Wrenny Susan Vashti Victoria Viva Fredericka Francesca Xantippe Zelmira Ann Zerlina Favante Venua Asquith Bertha Valotti Lara

Fun facts:

• Epaminondas (above) went on to marry Keturah Mildred Mary (above). 
• Guadalupe Gertrude (above) and Manuelita Blythe (above) don't appear to have any Spanish family connections. 
• 3 children were registered with the first name Captain.
• 13 children were registered with the first name Happy.
• 3 children were registered with the first name Little.
• 6 boys were registered with the first name Lord.
• 5 children were registered with the first name Love.
• 32 boys were registered with the first name Major.
• 3 boys were registered with the first name Napoleon.
• 5 children were registered with the first name Pickles.
• 5 children were registered with the first name Royal.
• 5 children were registered with the first name True.
• 17 girls were registered with the first name Virtue.
• 12 children were registered with the first name Worthy.
• 17 boys were registered with the first name Young.

 

For a look back at previous years' "Finds from" posts, click on the category links below ↓

Unexpectedly Common Medieval Names

 

 

Here are 20 names for girls and for boys which were unexpectedly common during the Middle Ages. 

My main source for these names comes from George Redmond's Christian Names in Local and Family History in which he ranks 1000 names from ten counties in the poll taxes between 1377 and 1381.

 

Julian

The Latin Julianus and Juliana both became Julian in vernacular Middle English. So, just like Philip was a name for both boys and girls in the Middle Ages, so too was Julian. 

Julian, however, managed to race ahead in usage for girls thanks to Saint Julian of Norwich (1342-1416), an anchoress and theologian. 

The female Julian was also found as Gillian, perhaps to distinguish it from the masculine form. 

In Edmond's ranking, Julian was #11 for women in the 1377-81 poll taxes. 

 

Amice

Amice was the vernacular form of the Latin Amicia, most likely derived from the Latin amicus "friend." A saint Amicia was venerated in Brittany which may explain some of its popularity.  

In Edmond's ranking, Amice was #16 for women in the 1377-81 poll taxes. 

 

Sybil

In Ancient Greece and Rome, sibyls were female prophets who were thought to possess divine foresight. In the Middle Ages, the name was spelled Sibyl or Sibley and even developed the diminutives Sibb and Sibot. 

In Edmond's ranking, Sybil was #21 for women in the 1377-81 poll taxes.

 

Felice

Felice and Felis were the vernacular forms of the Late Roman name Felicia, derived from the Latin felix "lucky, fortunate." 

Felice was the lady love of Guy of Warwick, the legendary hero of English and French chivalric Romance. There was also a third century saint with the name. 

Felice later became much confused with Phyllis. 

In Edmond's ranking, Felice was joint #22 for women in the 1377-81 poll taxes.

 

Christian

Like Julian, Christian was another unisex medieval name that was more common for girls. Both Christianus and Christiana can be found in the Latin records, but both had the vernacular form of Christian. 

In Edmond's ranking, Christian was joint #22 for women in the 1377-81 poll taxes.

 

Avice

Avice was introduced to Britain by the Normans from the older Germanic name Aveza. It's origins aren't clear, but it could be derived from Ava, or as a form of Hawis (from Hadewidis "battle + wide"). It could also be derived from the Latin Avitia "ancestral" via the Roman family name Avitus. 

During the Middle Ages, Avice became associated with the Latin avis "bird," and eventually the spelling Avis became the usual form. 

In Edmond's ranking, Avis was #23 for women in the 1377-81 poll taxes.

 

Isolde

Most likely thanks to the popular Romance of Tristan and Isolde, Isolde was quite popular for girls in the Middle Ages, though most likely girls by the name were called Isot or Isaut in everyday. 

In Edmond's ranking, Isolde was #26 for women in the 1377-81 poll taxes.

 

Petronille

Petronilla was the name of a 1st century Roman martyr and considered to be the feminine form of Peter. Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine's sister Alix was known as Petronilla during her childhood. 

Eventually, the vernacular form Pernell / Parnell developed. However, this vernacular form later came to be used to refer to a priest's concubine, which may explain why it declined in use by the 17th century. 

In Edmond's ranking, Petronille was #28 for women in the 1377-81 poll taxes.

 

Lettice

The vernacular form of Leticia (Latin laetitia "joy, happiness") which was also found in the Old French form Lece. In some cases, the diminutive form Lecelina lead to the surname Lesley. 

The traditional English pronunciation of Lettice is LET-iss much like 'lettuce'.

In Edmond's ranking, Lettice was #32 for women in the 1377-81 poll taxes.

 

Idony

Derived from a Norse goddess of Spring, Idony was quite common in the Middle Ages. It was Latinised as Idonia or Idonea, the latter of which matches the Latin idoneus meaning "suitable."  

Lady Idonia de Clifford  was the daughter of Robert de Clifford, 1st Baron de Clifford (1274-1314), 1st Lord Warden of the Marches, responsible for defending the English border with Scotland. Her granddaughter, Lady Idoine Neville, was the great aunt of Edward IV and Richard III.

In Edmond's ranking, Idony was #35 for women in the 1377-81 poll taxes.

 

 

 

Benedict

Saintly and popely Benedict was well used in the Middle Ages and led to the vernacular form Benet. 

The feminine Benedicta also became Benet, which means both boys and girls answered to the name. It was, however, more commonly used for boys. 

In Edmond's ranking, Benedict was #31 for men in the 1377-81 poll taxes.

 

Jena

In the poll taxes, we find the mysterious occurrence of Jena for men. Jen and Jan were short forms of Jehan, the Old French form of Johannes (John), so it's most likely that Jena represents this. 

In Edmond's ranking, Jena was joint #40 for men in the 1377-81 poll taxes.

 

Madok / Eyvyn / Griffin

Madok, Eyvyn and Griffin were not uncommon in the Middle Ages in the Welsh-English borders. They were all anglicised forms of the common Welsh names Madoc (Madog), Evan (Ieuan) and Griffith (Gruffudd) which were used in Welsh nobility.

In Edmond's ranking, Madok, Eyvyn and Griffin were joint #43 for men in the 1377-81 poll taxes.

 

Maurice

Saint Maurice was a 3rd-century Roman soldier who became a patron saint of infantry soldiers. His cult was a popular one in the Middle Ages.

The name was brought over to Britain by the Nomans and became commonly spelled Morris.

In Edmond's ranking, Maurice was joint #43 for men in the 1377-81 poll taxes.

 

Hamond

Hamond and Hamon were the English forms of the Germanic names Haimo "home" and Haimund "home + protection."

Shakespeare used one of the diminutive forms, Hamnet, for his son, and another, Hamlet, for the titular character of his famous play. 

In Edmond's ranking, Hamond was joint #43 for men in the 1377-81 poll taxes.

 

Stacey

Stacey, or Stacy, was the diminutive form of Stace, itself the medieval English vernacular form of Eustace. Saint Eustace was a 2nd-century Roman martyr whose cult was popular in the Middle Ages. 

In Edmond's ranking, Stacey was joint #43 for men in the 1377-81 poll taxes.

 

 

Top 200 Most Popular Names in England and Wales in 1840 - Part 2

 

 

Following on from Top 200 Most Popular Names in England and Wales in 1840 Part 1, here are the same rankings but with different spellings combined. 

For ease I have listed the most common form of the name as the total entry -- e.g. Catherine is listed here for Catherine, Catharine, Cathrine, Katherine and Katharine as it was the most common spelling. 

To see how common the different spellings were, you can check Part 1 for an individual rank for each name.

The top ranks, for the most part, remain unchanged. It is the lower ranks that see the most shift. Overall, there was much more movement with the girls' names than the boys'. The top 100 barely shifts for the boys with the notable exception of Sidney (up from #80 to #66), Morris (#104 to #76) and Feargus (#97 to #121 - thanks to Feargus O'Connor). 

For the girls' top 100, Catherine, Susannah, Eleanor, Betsy, Joanna, Kezia, Thirza, Jessie, Marian, Theresa, Emeline, Bessy and Sabina make noticeable shifts upwards. 
. 

Combined Spellings for the Top 200 names in England and Wales in 1840: 

.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 100 102 103 104 105 105 107 108 108 110 110 112 113 114 115 116 117 117 119 119 119 122 122 124 125 125 127 127 129 129 129 129 129 134 135 135 137 137 139 139 141 142 142 144 144 146 146 148 149 149 149 149 153 153 153 156 157 157 159 160 161 161 161 164 164 166 166 166 166 170 170 170 170 170 175 175 175 178 178 178 178 182 182 182 182 186 187 188 188 188 188 192 193 193 193 193 193 193 193 200 200 200 200 200 200 200

William John Thomas James George Henry Joseph Charles Robert Edward Richard Samuel Alfred Frederick David Edwin Benjamin Albert Francis Daniel Isaac Walter Peter Arthur Stephen Matthew Edmund Abraham Jonathan Philip Michael Christopher Alexander Mark Andrew Hugh Joshua Evan Jesse Josiah Job Lewis Jacob Ralph Reuben Herbert Owen Frank Harry Enoch Tom Eli Jeremiah Elijah Amos Jabez Timothy Luke Moses Anthony Cornelius Patrick Martin Nicholas Aaron Sidney Ebenezer Nathaniel Emanuel Levi Adam Ephraim Allen Griffith Noah Morris Simon Jonas Elias Nathan Oliver Lawrence Solomon Leonard Ellis Morgan Ambrose Rees Simeon Roger Augustus Caleb Abel Isaiah Dennis Rowland Feargus Sam Paul Clement Israel Sampson Edgar Elisha Joel Humphrey Joe Dan Miles Gilbert Horatio Theophilus Zachariah Uriah Archibald Seth Absalom Wilson Ernest Hezekiah Jonah Ben Silas Ezra Bartholomew Llewellyn Bernard Giles Felix Horace Jenkin Robinson Squire Septimus Hiram Wright Vincent Shadrach Harvey Smith Matthias Theodore Valentine Jasper Johnson Cuthbert Enos Walker Adolphus Fred Godfrey Watkin Ezekiel Howell Nehemiah Austin Christian Obadiah Jeffery Hartley Lot Spencer Titus Julius Silvester Esau Harrison Percy Reginald Alban Bryan Donald Lionel Marshall Bennet Oswald Price Barnett Gabriel Watson Zephaniah Cyrus Douglas Jarvis Marmaduke Greenwood Hubert Abram Arnold Cecil Julian Lancelot Abednego Eugene Lister Nelson Percival Silvanus Wilfred Abner Lambert Raymond Rufus Stewart Wallace Willoughby

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 89 91 92 93 94 94 96 97 98 99 100 101 101 103 103 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 117 119 119 121 122 123 123 125 126 126 128 128 130 131 131 131 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 142 144 144 146 147 147 149 150 150 152 152 152 152 152 157 157 159 159 161 161 163 163 163 166 166 166 166 170 170 172 172 174 174 176 176 178 178 178 178 182 182 184 184 184 184 184 189 189 189 189 193 193 195 195 195 195 195 200 200 200 200

Mary Elizabeth Sarah Ann Jane Eliza Emma Hannah Margaret Ellen Harriet Martha Maria Catherine Emily Charlotte Alice Caroline Susannah Louisa Frances Fanny Isabella Rebecca Susan Eleanor Lucy Sophia Esther Amelia Matilda Betsy Rachel Lydia Julia Selina Anna Agnes Ruth Phoebe Grace Betty Clara Nancy Helen Jemima Priscilla Henrietta Dorothy Rhoda Dinah Rosanna Bridget Georgiana Lavinia Hester Christiana Joanna Rosina Rose Kezia Victoria Amy Sally Laura Marianne Barbara Rosa Leah Naomi Rosetta Diana Thirza Edith Mercy Kate Letitia Adelaide Jessie Marian Deborah Ada Augusta Cecilia Jennet Janet Georgina Theresa Miriam Nanny Isabel Abigail Angelina Prudence Emeline Bessy Phillis Sabina Judith Celia Patience Winifred Gwenllian Emila Hephzibah Millicent Annie Mahala Clarissa Dorcas Olive Gwen  Honor Flora Kitty Arabella Levina Mira Lettice Margery Annis Tamar Bertha Charity Juliana Gertrude Pamela Lois Zillah Tabitha Eunice Peggy Tryphena Philippa Faith Thomasin Jenny Cicely Blanche Margaretta Joyce Edna Helena Penelope Joan Drusilla Cordelia Adeline Honora Lowry Lucretia Bethia Constance Euphemia Leonora Zilpha Josephine Temperance Olivia Florence Annette Ursula Amanda Rosamond Sylvia Madeline Norah Salome Theodosia Christina Loveday Clementina Keturah Asenath Melinda May Paulina Allison Dorothea Frederica Violet Bathsheba Philadelphia Agatha Annabella Bella Belinda Dora Elvina Lucinda Magdalen Virtue Mabel Zipporah Annetta Easter Jenefer Louise Marie Comfort Ella Elvira Octavia

                                            Statistics compiled by Eleanor Nickerson at britishbabynames.com
                                                     No unauthorised copying without credit or permission.

.

 

 Names in bold are those that have moved into the top 200 when spellings are combined. 

 

Top 200 Most Popular Names in England and Wales in 1840 - Part 1

 

Below are the compiled rankings for the most popular births in England and Wales in 1840 from the England & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index, 1837-1915. As the birth index runs from 1838, this is the last rankings of the series. You can see the complete set from 1840-1900 here.

Spelling Variants

One thing that sets 1840 apart from later years is the sheer number of spelling variations.
Let's take my own name, Eleanor, for example. Back in 1870 (and 1880, 1890 etc), only Eleanor ranked in the top 200, with alternate spellings ranking below. In 1840, however, the top 200 contained Eleanor, Elinor, Ellinor, Elenor and Ellenor. 

The main reason for the wider number of spelling variants is that spelling was less standardised back in 1840. it was also often regional. Ellinor and Ellin, for example, were almost exclusively registered in Wales. 

To remain consistent with the previous rankings from 1850-1900, the rank below lists individual spellings separately. Part 2, will show combined spellings. 

 

Popular Culture Names in 1840

With the exception of 1900, during the Boer War, when patriot names were popular, Victoria rarely ranked in the top 100. It was below the top 150 in 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880 and 1890. 

However, 1840 was the year of Queen Victoria's marriage to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. So the names Victoria and Albert were in popular use, and even Alexandrina, Albertina and Brittania saw rises below the top 200. 

Many boys in 1840 were given the first or middle name Feargus (or Fergus) in honour of Chartist Feargus O'Connor.
A lot of boys and girls had "Feargus O'Connor" as middle names (e.g. Jane Fergus O'Connor Mellard) and several boys were simply called "Feargus O'Connor." Surnames of Chartists appear to have been popularly used as middle names in this year -- Frost, Binns, Williams -- and often several together e.g. Rosa Emmett O'Connor Frost Wadworth and O'Connor Frost McDougall Dawson.

 

Issues and Discounted Names

 It should be noted that the data is not without its flaws. Births were originally recorded by a registrar (in their own handwriting) which were later written up into the register. Some names are invariably recorded incorrectly and it is impossible to know where the mistake was made. Also, I have been compiling the ranks myself, and while I have endeavoured to record the number of names as accurately as possible I am also liable to human error. This, however, should not affect the rankings very much overall.

The register also doesn't record sex so it can be hard to determine how many were male or female -- especially surnames or seasonal names like Christmas, Easter and Valentine. Jesse is a male Biblical name, but was also sometimes a spelling variant/mistake for female Jessie. Tamer can be a variant of Biblical Tamar, but the census also has a few males with the name. As a guide, I looked to census records for the distribution of gender.

Many babies in 1840 were registered simply as "Male" or "Female." Perhaps it was to avoid a fine, or because of high infant mortality rates. Either way, I have not included these 'names' in the rankings. 

. 

The Top 200 names in England and Wales in 1840: 

.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 63 65 66 67 68 68 70 71 72 72 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 81 83 83 85 86 87 87 89 89 89 92 93 93 95 96 97 97 99 100 101 102 103 104 104 106 107 108 108 110 111 111 113 114 115 116 117 118 118 120 120 121 123 124 124 126 127 127 127 128 131 131 131 131 131 136 136 138 138 138 141 142 142 142 145 146 147 147 147 150 150 152 153 153 153 156 157 157 157 157 157 162 163 163 163 166 167 167 167 167 167 167 167 167 175 176 176 176 176 180 180 180 183 183 183 186 186 186 186 189 189 189 192 192 192 192 196 197 197 197 197 197 197 197

William John Thomas James George Henry Joseph Charles Robert Edward Richard Samuel Alfred David Frederick Edwin Benjamin Albert Francis Daniel Isaac Walter Peter Arthur Stephen Matthew Edmund Abraham Jonathan Michael Philip Christopher Alexander Mark Andrew Hugh Joshua Evan Frederic Jesse Josiah Job Jacob Ralph Herbert Reuben Owen Lewis Frank Harry Tom Eli Jeremiah Enoch Elijah Amos Luke Timothy Moses Jabez Cornelius Anthony Patrick Martin Nicholas Nathaniel Aaron Ebenezer Levi Adam Emanuel Ephraim Griffith Noah Simon Jonas Elias Nathan Oliver Sidney Ellis Leonard Morgan Ambrose Phillip Simeon Allen Rees Augustus Roger Caleb Solomon Mathew Abel Rowland Isaiah Sam Paul Lawrence Dennis Clement Israel Edgar Morris Elisha Joel Sydney Edmond Joe Dan Gilbert Horatio Louis Theophilus Miles Uriah Humphrey Maurice Sampson Archibald Seth Feargus Wilson Ben Jonah Ezra Ernest Hezekiah Silas Giles Bernard Horace Jenkin Robinson Squire Bartholomew Felix Hiram Septimus Wright Vincent Harvey Smith Zachariah Fergus Valentine Jasper Johnson Theodore Enock Laurence Absalom Cuthbert Enos Fredrick Walker Adolphus Fred Godfrey Ruben Watkin Ezekiel Allan Christian Nehemiah Hartley Austin Howell Lot Matthias Obadiah Shadrach Spencer Titus Julius Emmanuel Harrison Reginald Zechariah Donald Lionel Percy Esau Oswald Price Gabriel Marshall Soloman Watson Cyrus Douglas Marmaduke Greenwood Jarvis Llewellyn Samson Hubert Abram Arnold Cecil Ely Julian Llewelyn Zephaniah

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 77 79 80 81 82 82 84 85 86 87 87 89 90 91 91 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 100 102 102 104 105 106 107 107 109 110 111 111 113 114 115 115 117 117 119 119 121 121 121 124 124 124 127 128 128 128 130 132 132 134 135 136 137 137 137 139 141 141 143 143 145 145 147 147 149 149 151 152 152 154 155 155 157 158 158 158 158 158 163 163 163 163 163 168 168 170 171 171 171 171 171 176 176 178 178 178 181 181 181 181 181 186 186 186 186 186 186 192 193 193 193 193 193 193 199 199 199 199 199 199

Mary Elizabeth Sarah Ann Jane Eliza Emma Hannah Margaret Ellen Martha Maria Harriet Charlotte Emily Caroline Alice Louisa Frances Catherine Fanny Isabella Anne Susan Rebecca Susannah Lucy Sophia Esther Amelia Matilda Eleanor Susanna Harriett Catharine Rachel Lydia Julia Anna Agnes Ruth Betsy Selina Grace Betty Clara Nancy Harriot Betsey Phoebe Jemima Helen Priscilla Henrietta Dorothy Rhoda Dinah Bridget Harriott Rachael Hester Georgiana Christiana Phebe Rose Lavinia Victoria Rosina Amy Sally Rosanna Laura Barbara Ellin Rosa Marianne Naomi Rosetta Leah Edith Mercy Kate Kezia Diana Adelaide Letitia Augusta Deborah Joanna Miriam Isabel Nanny Georgina Thirza Janet Abigail Marian Johanna Ada Angelina Cecilia Elinor Prudence Jennet Cathrine Phillis Celia Judith Patience Gwenllian Jessie Sabina Elisabeth Rosannah Dorcas Keziah Annie Hellen Clarissa Gwen  Ellinor Flora Selena Kitty Olive Winifred Bessy Agness Lettice Margarett Arabella Mahala Theresa Emely Margery Elenor Bertha Charity Teresa Hephzibah Annis Gertrude Ellenor Honor Katherine Lois Pamela Peggy Tabitha Emila Faith Eunice Tryphena Zillah Emeline Rebekah Margaretta Edna Helena Juliana Marion Mildred Jenny Jessey Katharine Levina Penelope Cordelia Cicely Joan Adeline Georgianna Lowry Lucretia Tamar Allice Mira Constance Margeret Myra Honora Josephine Lavina Millicent Temperance Adah Bessey Blanche Emmeline Leonora Olivia Cecelia Euphemia Hepzibah Jennett Milicent Philippa Tamer Amanda Annette Celina Florence Hariet Mariah

                                            Statistics compiled by Eleanor Nickerson at britishbabynames.com
                                                     No unauthorised copying without credit or permission.

.

 

 

 

Finds from 1876

 

1876 - the year that Queen Victoria became "Empress of India" and Scottish inventor Alexander Graham Bell filed a patent for the telephone.

Below is a selection of names from the GRO Birth Records for England and Wales in 1876. All are first names and middle names — the surnames are not included unless indicated by 'sn' — and have been checked against other records for accuracy.

Abednego Harvey Aberhard Rudolf  Abid Ellateef Abijah Stephen Achille Herbert Charles Adin Asaph Admiral Noah Adolphus Orvel Aeneas Henry Agathos Daniel Agrippa William Ahmed Laban Aidyl William Papworth Alaric John Alewyn Henry Alonso Christian Valentine Alured Humphrey Amaziah Henry Amos Adalbert Aneurin Erasmus Aquilla Ernest Araunah Charles Archelaus Job Arrowsmith Arundel Castle Asceline Fitzarthur Ashantee Henry Austin Napoleon Ballantyne Beautymine (sn: Blake) Baptist Andrew Bristo Cornelius Broxholm Woodrow Caesar John Cajaction Diasantius Herbert Rivatt Camille Harmodius Captain George Cave Ludford Collingwood Valentine Colonel Nelson Corbulious Coates Count Lorenzo Curwen Randolph Denchfield Fleet Derwen Maddock Trevor Dick Christmas Doctor Albert Donnison Mattison (sn: Gibson) Duke Ernest Egbert Ethelred Energetic Alfred Engelbert Lutyens Rothwell Epaphroditus Simeon Eustace Sylvanus Fenwick Fryer Fildecevvra -- brothers were named Tralaverio Stansfield and Le'Gran Omega.  Gamble Ekin Vickers Giordano Bruno Glaucus Walter Goliath Gwillym Golyddan Hedley Esau Hetherington Smedley Hyacynthe Eldred Rewse Inflexible Reuben  Iphis Knapton Justinian George King Arthur Lancelot Leopold Leonidas Robert Linnaeus James Lyulph Ydwallo Odin Nestor Egbert Lyonel Toedmag Hugh Erchenwyne Saxon Esa Cromwell Orma Nevill Dysart Plantagenet ("L.Y.O.N.E.L. T.H.E. S.E.C.O.N.D") Naphtali James Narborough Montague Nehemiah Oswald Neptune Henry Nicolas Leonidas Normington Sinkinson (sn: Sellers) Offin Edmund  Omer Kelita Onesimus Josiah Orpheus Vincent Parmenas Joshua Paulus Aurelian Winthorpe  Pericles Pharaoh James Prince Ebenezer Tulip Percy Urban Godfrey Lloyd Xenophon Henry Zacharias Nicodemus Zoram Eber C.

Achsah Ann Addie Florentia Adeline Urania Adelini Myrtilla  Adeliza Priscilla Adolphine Julia Ethel Gertrude Adora Beatrice Adrielle Winifred Afra Ellen Agenora Constance Agostina Maria Alcestie Maud Aleida Marguerite Alexina Edith Algerina Almeida Julia Alsina Helen Marion Alverella Louise St Aubin Ambrozine Philippa Aminda Lauretta Anetta Lucy Aniceta Maria-del Pilar Ankaret Hyde Clare Anselena Sarah Anstice Matilda Appolonia Pelagia Argentine Martha Ariadne Belinda Ariel Jane Marion Armetrude Charlotte Violet Arminell Rosa Asenath Estella Averietta Maud Aynhoe Julia Ellen -- born in the village of Aynhoe Azeline Elizabeth Barbarina Mary Bathia Berry Bolina Daisy Bonella Clara Britannia Louisa Britomart Theodosia  Bruerton Isabel Camilla Gustava Emma Bligh  Cassidena Barbara Celestine Naomi Cincinata Caroline Comfort Berinthia Constance Ethelwynne Cordelia Zenobia Cristabella Priscilla Desdemona Rosina Effie Ophelia Eglah Lydia Enriqueta Celestina Erinthia Evangeline Everilda Florence Evangeline Andrewartha Galatea Leonora Gesine Martha Haidee Helen Happiness Hazelelponi Hedwig Theodora Rosamond Hildegarde Eveline Land Hughina Marion Hypatia Violetta Isolina Athanea Ivy Clelia Guilietta Jessamine Emmaline Kerenhappuch Maria Kingbro Winifred Leopoldina Caroline Lina Onyx Nathalie Alphonsina Nellie Otilia Nora Thusnelda Norina Lillian Sheridan  Obedience Olliff Virginie Orlinda Bessie Pauline Alphonsine Percina Lizzie Prima Josephina Prissy Rose Urania Antoinette Urettia Jane Windsor (sn: Castle)  Yetta Jochebed Zara Lillias Zingra Jane Zorella Louisa

For a look back at previous years' "Finds from" posts, click on the category links below ↓

Top 200 Most Popular Names in England and Wales in 1850

 

Below are the compiled rankings for the most popular births in England and Wales in 1850 from the England & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index, 1837-1915. 

Disclaimer: It should be noted that the data is not without its flaws. Births were originally recorded by a registrar (in their own handwriting) which were later written up into the register. Some names are invariably recorded incorrectly and it is impossible to know where the mistake was made. Also, I have been compiling the ranks myself, and while I have endeavored to record the number of names as accurately as possible I am also liable to human error. This, however, should not affect the rankings very much overall.
. 

The Top 200 names in England and Wales in 1850: 

.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 63 65 66 67 68 68 70 71 72 72 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 81 83 83 85 86 87 87 89 89 89 92 93 93 95 96 97 97 99 100 101 102 103 104 104 106 107 108 109 110 110 112 113 114 114 116 117 117 119 120 121 121 123 123 124 126 126 128 128 128 131 132 133 134 135 136 136 138 138 138 141 142 142 144 144 146 147 148 149 149 151 151 153 153 153 153 157 157 157 157 161 161 163 163 163 166 166 168 169 169 169 169 169 169 169 176 176 176 176 180 180 180 180 180 180 186 186 186 186 190 191 191 193 193 193 193 193 198 198 198

William John Thomas George James Henry Charles Joseph Robert Edward Richard Samuel Alfred Frederick David Arthur Walter Edwin Benjamin Francis Albert Daniel Isaac Peter Harry Stephen Edmund Frank Tom Michael Matthew Herbert Abraham Alexander Mark Frederic Andrew Philip Jonathan Christopher Evan Jesse Hugh Joshua Lewis Ralph Josiah Jacob Eli Reuben Patrick Owen Amos Elijah Moses Job Enoch Sidney Fred Martin Cornelius Anthony Ernest Jabez Levi Luke Joe Ebenezer Adam Jeremiah Sam Nicholas Aaron Oliver Timothy Nathaniel Edgar Emanuel Leonard Noah Griffith Jonas Allen Ephraim Nathan Elias Ambrose Caleb Dennis Rees Solomon Rowland Horace Ellis Abel Louis Phillip Isaiah Roger Simeon Paul Ben Morgan Simon Sydney Lawrence Augustus Clement Bernard Morris Wilson Squire Sampson Archibald Theophilus Israel Ezra Seth Dan Gilbert Horatio Jonah Humphrey Miles Silas Elisha Maurice Hiram Joel Uriah Wright Percy Vincent Reginald Septimus Enos Harold Allan Felix Johnson Mathew Bartholomew Theodore Austin Edmond Adolphus Smith Robinson Absalom Valentine Jenkin Lionel Harrison Howard Hubert Matthias Cuthbert Giles Shadrach Wilfred Hartley Jim Douglas Ezekiel Jasper Llewellyn Wallace Lot Arnold Denis Donald Gabriel Howell Samson Titus Abram Hezekiah Laurence Walker Christian Harvey Julius Oswald Stanley Watkin Marshall Oscar Spencer Thompson Watson Godfrey Zachariah Dick Esau Llewelyn Obadiah Percival Alan Nelson Nehemiah

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 82 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 103 105 106 106 106 109 110 111 112 113 113 113 116 116 116 119 120 121 122 123 124 124 125 127 127 129 130 131 131 133 134 135 136 136 138 139 139 141 141 143 143 143 146 147 148 148 150 150 152 153 154 154 156 157 157 157 157 161 161 161 161 161 161 167 167 167 170 170 172 172 172 172 176 177 177 179 180 180 180 180 180 185 185 187 187 189 189 191 191 191 191 191 196 196 196 196 200 200 200

Mary Elizabeth Sarah Ann Jane Emma Eliza Ellen Margaret Hannah Emily Martha Alice Harriet Maria Louisa Fanny Charlotte Caroline Catherine Frances Isabella Anne Lucy Amelia Susan Esther Rebecca Susannah Eleanor Matilda Clara Agnes Julia Catharine Harriett Anna Rachel Lydia Sophia Susanna Betsy Ruth Selina Grace Kate Annie Helen Nancy Henrietta Phoebe Rose Betsey Jemima Betty Edith Priscilla Laura Jessie Rosa Bridget Amy Dorothy Dinah Lavinia Rhoda Ada Rosina Harriot Georgiana Adelaide Phebe Barbara Florence Hester Christiana Ellin Rosanna Marian Leah Georgina Naomi Miriam Isabel Rosetta Rachael Kezia Mercy Janet Angelina Thirza Augusta Letitia Harriott Joanna Helena Bertha Sally Deborah Jennet Johanna Sabina Teresa Gertrude Theresa Cecilia Phillis Bessy Abigail Celia Marianne Katherine Nanny Flora Prudence Annis Olive Patience Diana Marion Winifred Clarissa Dorcas Gwenllian Agness Constance Judith Arabella Hephzibah Elinor Adah Honor Selena Amanda Rosannah Lois Pamela Adeline Cordelia Margery Blanche Ellenor Keziah Kitty Zillah Josephine Emely Emmeline Katharine Margaretta Tabitha Annette Lavina Charity Victoria Eunice Jessey Mahala Rosena Tamar Bessey Faith Hellen Jenny Lettice Tryphena Drusilla Edna Levina Elenor Honora Bessie Elisabeth Lizzy Olivia Lucretia Ellinor Margarett Marie Dora Emeline Gwen  Juliana Millicent Cecelia Rosamond Kathleen Mildred Adela Christina Cicely Georgianna Leonora Louise Myra Beatrice Maud Penelope Philippa Blanch Joan Thomasin

                                            Statistics compiled by Eleanor Nickerson at britishbabynames.com
                                                     No unauthorised copying without credit or permission.

.

These rankings are incredibly "top heavy". Far more so than today. There were over 50,000 boys named William or girls named Mary in 1850. Compare that to the mere 6941 boys named Oliver and 5158 girls named Amelia in 2015 and we can see that the difference is massive -- especially when we take into account the smaller population size back in 1850. 

In 1850, 226,944 girls and 260,775 boys were given a name in the top 20.

However, only 57,954 girls and 38,885 boys were given a name that ranked between #21- #200.

So, while it's tempting to imagine a bevy of Victorian children running around with the names Tryphena, Hephzibah, Ursula, Watkin, Hezekiah and Shadrach, these were very much in the minority in a world dominated by William, John, Mary and Elizabeth. 

The top six names for both genders remains unchanged from 1850 to 1860. However, what is most notable is how much higher Old Testament names -- Moses, Jabez, Emanuel, Jonas, Solomon, Elisha, Thirza, Deborah, Dinah, Judith -- ranked in 1850 compared with later decades, while the likes of Percy, Harold, Herbert, Ada, Beatrice and Maud, were yet to catch on as they did by the end of the century. 

 

 

Finds from 1875

 

In 1875, The Times newspaper published the first daily weather map, London's sewer system was completed after 30 years of construction, and Captain Matthew Webb was the first person to swim the English Channel

Below is a selection of names from the GRO Birth Records for England and Wales in 1875. All are first names and middle names — the surnames are not included unless indicated by 'sn' — and have been checked against other records for accuracy.

Albion Phoenix Armageddon Danbury Athelstan Vivian Read Bertram Canon (sn: Ball) Butler Barnabas (sn: Baldwin) Eudolphine John Gryffudd Maenllwyd Havelock Varley Inglewood Urban James Experiment John Xerxes Lovelace Bigg Moncrieff Henry Northwood Fellow (sn: Woodward) -- nicknamed "Norrie" according to 1911 census.  Octavius Ulric Samuel Old England (sn: Goodson) Orlando Laurence  Overstreet Grogan Waring Pliny Wardour Trevor Owen Undecimus Urquhart Selby Valentine Hercules Ventura Richard Vespin Randolph Victor Lucullus Octavius Augustus Voltaire James Whatnall Poynton Xavier Royal Alfred Zephaniah Marquis W

Adriana Katie Alice Sylvestia Azella Henrietta Bathsheba Laura Caroline Delitia Cleopatra Ophelia Leonora Verina Clotilda Christian Eleanor Vivia Esmeralda Silence Franceline Louise Guinevere Amy Sara Hermon Susannah India Hannah M Isoline Lily Lavinia Venus Loveday Tryphena Lucilla Constantia W Lurline Celeste I Lyontine Kate Covil Magdalen Avarina Marion Sapientia Mary Brilliana Maud Maraquita Millicinda Viletta Jane Minnie Mazilla Olympia Augusta Orpah Selina Rania Jane Robinette Alice Rose Budd Sabra Zenora Vanda Mary Vartoui Rosa Vectis Augusta Verderina Vestal Mary Zingra Laura

For a look back at previous years' "Finds from" posts, click on the category links below ↓