Extinct Names

Nature surname with an aristocratic edge. Spelling it DeForest distances it from deforestation.

Old Testament name of the daughter-in-law of Naomi, now eclipsed by the originally misspelled Oprah.

Verda was a fairly popular girls' name in the US from the 1880s through the 1920s, when it started to slip, finally dropping from sight after World War II.

An early and still quintessentially androgynous name, now supplanted by thousands of fresher options.

Nedra was one of a phalanx of names -- Delma, Verda, Vernice -- popular in the late 19th and early 20th century that dropped out of fashion after World War II and now have disappeared completely. Like the others, Nedra is now extinct.

Nedra was one of a phalanx of names -- Delma, Verda, Vernice -- popular in the late 19th and early 20th century that dropped out of fashion after World War II and now have disappeared completely. Like the others, Nedra is now extinct.

Verlyn is an obscure name that found some use in the US in the early part of the 20th century, but now it and variation Verlin are virtually extinct, given to no baby boys in the US last year.

Traditionally a short form for Patricia — or in the Addam's family, Morticia.

This name's all-male occupational roots help it break the Barbara bonds, but still not the most inspiring surname choice.

Perhaps too spicy for some, but this is a popular Gaelic surname that might appeal for those looking to honor a family branch or to fans of legendary British comedian Tim Curry.

Actress Kirstie Alley popularized this short form that's been off the popularity register for a decade.

Orpha, with its Biblical roots and its animal meaning, was once a fairly popular name, but fell from sight around the time of the Second World War, along with so many other Old School Names. And its similarity to the word orphan probably didn't help.