Colonial Names for Boys | 1700s Names

A New Testament tax collector was called Zaccheus, the freshest spin on this biblical favorite.

Cuthbert is unlikely to make a comeback anytime soon, so Cuddy too may be lost to history.

Sounds a bit like a nickname in a Dickens novel, but this short form was used in New England a few centuries ago, back when names like Micajah were popular. Both short and long forms are now ripe for revival.

Forget Patience and Charity: Here's a Colonial name (and sentiment) that seems perfect for modern times.

If default nickname Eli is too common for your tastes, you may consider resuscitating the antique nickname Lige for your little Elijah.

In the 18th century, Tiah was seen as a nickname for the biblical name Azariah. Nowadays it's used a variation of the feminine names Thea and Tia.

Zophar is a friend of Job in the Bible, the most impassioned of the three who visit him during his trials.

With Lazarus heating up, this slimmer Eastern European form will likely see an uptick in use.

Along with Dobbin, Dob was medieval nickname for Robert.

A bit too elephantine for a modern child.

An old-timey nickname for Derrick that has since been forgotten.

Prince of the tribe of Zebulon in the Exodus, everyone will misunderstand this as Elias, with a stuffed nose.

This Puritan virtue name is unstylish, but sympathetic and appealing, in these largely uncomfortable times.

A vintage addition to the Riley/Miley/Wiley/Kylie brigade.

Ancient nickname that sounds cuter than its modern alternatives -- but be aware that in the days of the horse and buggy, it was most often used for the horse.

Also written as Philemon, this New Testament character was a recipient of Paul's epistles.