Elk County Forum

General Category => Genealogy => Topic started by: genealogynut on January 27, 2007, 08:36:45 AM

Title: Unusual Given Names
Post by: genealogynut on January 27, 2007, 08:36:45 AM
I think it would be rather interesting for all of us to list the unusual given names that are known to us.

1. Prettyman  (Now....what kind of a name is that?  I think his mama must have really hated him, to stick him with that for all of his life)

2.  Platt (he's in my family history database)

3.  Playford  (one of my grandfather's)

4.  Columbus   (I ran across this name as I was doing a biography, and had never heard of anyone having that as a given name)

5.  Ignatz  (one of Don's great-grandfathers)

6.  Zadock   (another name that is my database)

7. Middleton

8. Secret

9. Surprise

10.  Achsah

11.  Memory

12. Christabella

13.  Avalon

14. Walsh

15. Treyton

16. Paulus

17.  Eder

18. Malfus/Marfus

19.  Fountain

20. Tuesday

C'mon, folks!   Help me out, by listing any unusual names you've heard of.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Wilma on January 27, 2007, 09:33:46 AM
I could search my records and probably come up with some, but there is one that to me has always been unusual for a given name.

My father's given name was Pinckney.  He had an Uncle Pinckney and a great uncle Pinckney.  It used to be common to use the mother's surname as a given name for one of the children, preferably sons.  So I wonder if there is a connection to the Pinckneys of colonial times.  My 1965 World Book encyclopedia lists 4 Pinckneys, one of them, Elizabeth Lucas Pinckney, managed her father's plantations and after her husband's death, her own plantations.  She grew indigo.  Her 2 sons were too busy being politicians to become involved in farming.  Besides with a mother like her, they weren't needed.  Charles Cotesworthy Pinckney ran for president against Thomas Jefferson and again against James Madison.  Thomas Pinckney ran for vice-president against, but lost to Thomas Jefferson.

I haven't found any connection, but still wonder.

We also have a:
Charter
Zelphia Silivia
Experience

and for middle names:
Valentine ( born on Feb. 14)
Sumner (definitely a surname of a bride)
Perrin (also a bride's surname
Holcomb
Crawford
Harvey (a known surname
Clayton
Green
and my own father's middle names
Ulysses Marquis--I have wondered why my father had 2 middle names and have concluded that Grandmother had 2 names that she still wanted to use and my father was the last of the babies.

Does this help, Lois.  At least it shows that you aren't the only one with odd given names.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Wilma on January 27, 2007, 09:53:57 AM
Here's one I missed:

Olney
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: genealogynut on January 27, 2007, 09:57:32 AM
Thanks, Wilma, for adding to the list. I'd never heard of them, either.   Anyone else know of unusual given names?
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Buddyboy on January 27, 2007, 09:58:08 PM
My dad's first name was Elmore and his middle name was Burgess. Until he died, he stood by the story that his middle name was from Burgess batteries. Now I know he was named after his Uncle Abraham Burgess Reynolds. I have only seen Elmore as a name of a town near my wife's hometown in IL. We also have Justeen (for a guy), Valentine (not born on Valentine's, just loved the name I guess. HA!). It seems that a family name is Theophilus. One branch had one in every family.

Closer to today, my wife and I thought we were be original with our first son's name. His name is Johanan Miguel (the first is pronounced Yo ha nan) It is German for Johannan and of course Miguel is Spanish for Michael. I was studying German and Spanish in college and thought it would be neat. He has been mortified by a principle calling him Hannah and has had it mispronounced more than having right. He usually goes by Joe. With our next child we tried to be more traditional going with Timothy Reid. Reid was a family name from my wife's side and was her Grandpa's middle name. The girl's name we were considering was Tabitha Renee. When we told Ruth's mom, she said, "Tabitha that is a witch's name." We told her that it was from the Bible and that it was sometimes translated Dorcas. Mom Wagoner thought that would be a great name as she had a cousin by that name. I could only imagine the nickname that would be given to a child with that name.  Funny how times change.

I also have thought that we should have three names in our lives. There are certain names that are just appropriate for kids, then ones for adults and some beautiful names that you only think of older people using.

Scotty
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Wilma on January 27, 2007, 10:05:32 PM
Our names do change.  As a child I was Babe;  as a wife, I was Honey; as a parent I am Mother, Mom, sometimes Mommie; as a grandmother, I am Grandma.  My sister calls me Wilma Jane, my brothers call me Sis.  And that is only the names that can be put on a family oriented forum.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Ms Bear on January 28, 2007, 02:24:28 PM
Three unusual names I have found are Aquilla, Bushrod and Simion.  The unusual names are a lot easier to find when searching if they were transcribed right from the original document.

Ms Bear
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: genealogynut on January 28, 2007, 02:37:47 PM
Yes, yes, Yes!  Looking for an unusual name is a whole lot easier if its transcribed correctly.  It's all these John's, William's, George's, Samuel's, Jacob's, and James' that can drive a person nuts, especially if they are repeated in every generation of the same family!!!

Here's more unusual names:  Bazil, Kinnon and Othneil.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Janet Harrington on January 28, 2007, 05:04:35 PM
Well, now I will quit wondering why people name their children such odd names.  West Elk has had many students that have come through with names like Lightening, Stormy, Windy...Elk Valley has had Sunshine, Country, Stormy, Kansas, just to name a few.

Oh names.  Such strange things.  Names that parents give a child that is stuck for life unless the grown child goes to court and changes it.

I have my given name and names given to me by many people, Mama Sheriff is one of my best remembered.  I got that from an EMT who worked for me and he was young enough to be my son.  I have been called names that I make for myself such as Ta Ta.  If I ever see you in person I'll tell you why I have that name.  The most important thing to remember about names is that whatever you are called, Honey, Mother, Grandma, MeMaw, Mama, Daddy, Son, Sis, Brother, Daughter, whatever...just don't forget to answer to the supper call. 
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: LisaT on February 06, 2007, 01:42:33 PM
All of these are first names listed at the cemetery in Moline and some ppl that are around here.
Mitzuke, Capsa, ,Burnel, Delavan, Metta, Arvilla, Texana, Paschal
Statera, Hugenda, Electa, Tenna, Densla, Ravilla, Loviett, Permelia,
Eleazor, Ova, Octa, Jno, Glemie, Orpha, Bestimonia, Oelphinia, Padney,
Rhodna, Olia, Dalia, Dacia, Ozella, Vida, Aurelio, Monnia, Huldah, Kerlantha,
Lavaughn, Marthella, Petra, Lavoria, Elfreda, Vollie, Solon,
If anyone knows how to say Jno or how it pronounced I'd like to know. There are 2 listed with the names and I haven't a clue how to pronounce it.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: LShortt on February 06, 2007, 08:58:38 PM
This has nothing to do with family history, but I see an abundance of names on a daily basis due that I work within the criminal court system of the area where I live.  A couple of names recently that have caught my attention are...

Lancelot (the poor guy was born in the 70's too)

Willow (followed by the middle name of) Sativa.  This one is definetly a product of the 60's, not only because of the first name but the middle name IS definetly a 60's culture.  Do a google on the meaning of the word Sativa.  I was stunned.

Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: dandymomma on July 06, 2007, 10:50:18 PM
I've got some weird ones in my family tree as well...

Armilda Jane
Fielding Louis
Alma Ruth
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: kdfrawg on July 06, 2007, 11:35:44 PM
Names have always been odd and they are getting odder. I have an ancestor named "Philander Parks Walker", which I have always liked. My current favorite modern name belongs to an Alabama football player from the 90s, "Car Radio Johnson." I am generally saddened that my father was an orphan and was turned out of one in the Dakotas after a name change to "Jones." They did that to all of their kids. If not for that, my name would be "Vanderheident."

;D
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Ole Granny on July 07, 2007, 12:04:53 AM
A genealogy buddy and I decided to see who could find the strangest name while doing our research.  First day, I came across the name of "Finely Stretchberry".  My friend said I won!
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: kdfrawg on July 07, 2007, 12:42:03 AM
Finely Stretchberry is great! I imagine he (?) got a ribbing at recess!

;D
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: jpbill on July 07, 2007, 06:10:00 AM
To LisaT.  I think the Jno name you found on tombstones is an abreviation for Jonathan.  Others may have another idea.

Bill
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Ole Granny on July 07, 2007, 08:22:13 AM
Hi, Bill,

I agree with you on Jonathan as Jno.

Ole Granny
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: kdfrawg on July 07, 2007, 09:39:27 AM
I should have mentioned....

I have a friend here, a UP photographer, named Orlin, which you don't see every day. And I have a next-door neighbor whose father was Elmer and was disappointed not to have a boy to name Elmer II, so she wound up Elmerta.

;D
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Ole Granny on July 07, 2007, 10:11:56 AM
Quote from: LisaT on February 06, 2007, 01:42:33 PM
All of these are first names listed at the cemetery in Moline and some ppl that are around here.
Mitzuke, Capsa, ,Burnel, Delavan, Metta, Arvilla, Texana, Paschal
Statera, Hugenda, Electa, Tenna, Densla, Ravilla, Loviett, Permelia,
Eleazor, Ova, Octa, Jno, Glemie, Orpha, Bestimonia, Oelphinia, Padney,
Rhodna, Olia, Dalia, Dacia, Ozella, Vida, Aurelio, Monnia, Huldah, Kerlantha,
Lavaughn, Marthella, Petra, Lavoria, Elfreda, Vollie, Solon,
If anyone knows how to say Jno or how it pronounced I'd like to know. There are 2 listed with the names and I haven't a clue how to pronounce it.

My grandmother's name was Huldah.  She did not care for it and went by Nettie.  Choices.  Guess it is somewhat better that Huldah.  Husband's mother was Orpha and that's what they called her.  These are the only Huldah and Orpha I have ever known.  Another grandmother was Etta Estellla.  Maybe our names will be strange in future times.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: flo on July 07, 2007, 12:02:58 PM
notice one of the "strange" names listed was Permelia.  My oldest daughter is Pamela but my grandmother always called her Permelia, so maybe that was a  popular name in her day.  I always just thought she was pronouncing it wrong but at age 90 you don't correct her on something that trivial.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: kfclark on July 07, 2007, 06:52:10 PM
In researching things to say at Nellie Clark Bruner's funeral, I came across this website. It is fun to look up your own name in the year you were born to find out how popular it was.  http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/  (http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/)
Nellie was # 50 in 1907 and Kevin is #14 in 1962.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: kdfrawg on July 07, 2007, 07:21:20 PM
Michael was the 7th most popular name in 1947. Jones, well, Jones is more "popular" than that (it is 4th in the country). So, with a name like Michael Jones (one of a veritable horde of Michael Joneses everywhere), you will begin to see why I like seeing rare and unusual names. It is a form of wishful thinking.

;D
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Diane Amberg on July 07, 2007, 08:11:53 PM
       Kevin, thanks for sharing that website, that's fun. I didn't make it for 1945 but Carol and I both made it in 1950.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: dandymomma on July 08, 2007, 11:49:51 AM
Some of my Aunts and Uncles have pretty unusual names and/or spellings for thier generation.

My mom, Anettia (Anita) and her sister Tena (Tina)
My father's brothers, Jodie LaMar and LaDon

My cousin named her daughter Corbyn Jade. I'm waiting to see what they come up with for the baby they are expecting.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: flo on July 08, 2007, 12:04:41 PM
 oldest daughter Pamela, was #12 in 1959, daughter Kelly #45 in 1961, daughter Denise (went by Lynn) #30 in 1962.  Not very popular names - Couldn't even find mine, probably because of the spelling.  Couldn't have been very popular, tho.  But that was interesting - - - :'( went back in and ck'd my name by different spellings that I know of and wasn't even in the top 1000.  Does that make me an odd ball or "unique" ;D
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: dandymomma on July 08, 2007, 12:20:00 PM
Amber was #34 for 1977. It hasn't made the top 10 in the past 50 years.

Andrew was #7 for 1999. But I don't think many of them go by Andy. Of the other Andrews that are my son's age, their mothers frown on the nick name. Kinda funny.

Natalie was #23 for 2003.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: kdfrawg on July 08, 2007, 12:28:04 PM
Flo, you are definitely "unique."

As for me, I'm "eccentric" as opposed to "crazy."

But where do you suppose all this leaves Janet and Teresa?

;D
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Wilma on July 08, 2007, 01:11:10 PM
Just as crazy as they have always been.

This one isn't unique, in fact it is usually the top male name.  My grandson's name is Michael.  This is what his teachers and everybody else except me and his grandpa called him all his growing up life.  We called him Mike, which is a good oldfashioned MAN'S name.  Somewhere in his highschool life, he started going by Mike and that was what was on his graduation roll and that is what he calls himself now.  Were Grandpa and I right or what?
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Janet Harrington on July 08, 2007, 07:40:37 PM
Quote from: Wilma on July 08, 2007, 01:11:10 PM
Were Grandpa and I right or what?

I am not answering that.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: kdfrawg on July 08, 2007, 07:50:48 PM
Gosh, Wilma, first you tell me that Mike, rather than Michael, is a man's name. Then I find myself eating a vegetarian Kansas Quiche for dinner tonight, and you know what they say about men and quiche. I suppose that I should be getting a complex about now, but I don't think I will. I've gotten along this far being called Michael and eating quiche, and I guess it is way too late to stop either one.

;D
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Wilma on July 08, 2007, 08:21:06 PM
We can just overlook the Michael and stick with Frawgie.  Probably fits you better anyway.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: kdfrawg on July 08, 2007, 09:54:24 PM
LOL! It depends on who you talk to, Wilma. My wife, for some reason, insists on calling me Michael, as does my family. I suppose it is a matter of habit, in most cases. But that is hardly true of everyone that I know. I have been in the computer business for a very long time. I was privileged to have an ARPANET email address at Stanford in 1979. In 1980, I joined Compuserve and discovered the "CB Simulator," the earliest ancestor of the chat room, although it was mainly used by computer nerds, at least at first. Then, and up to today, I have been known as Kermit D. Frawg, which I shortened a number of years ago to kdfrawg. So most of my friends were originally met on line, somehow or another, and still call me Kermit.

I guess I have the best of both worlds. Along the road, before and since my entrance to the world of computerized communications, I have been called both better and worse than either Michael or Kermit. You, of course, may call me what you want.

;D
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Jody on August 12, 2007, 04:23:55 PM


My husbands sister had the name Aubine.   I always thought that was a  little weird.  Iwas not surprised that Joan was  5th in the year of my birth,as I always had a joan in my age group. I changed the spelling to Joanne
,when I    was 10 years old. That spelling  was on the list again, i AM SURPRISED my Mom didn't name me Shirley {She was so crazy  over Shirley Temple]
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: flo on August 13, 2007, 12:38:49 PM
on the CBS morning show they had a guest who talked about "cute" names for your children.  One very interesting fact was that when they grow up that name may not be so "cute".  When going out into the serious business world, Jonathan will be perceived as smarter than Shilo, whether he is our not.  So what's cute for a chubby pink baby may not work for a 30 something year old.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: emptynest on August 13, 2007, 08:24:39 PM
Good point, Flo.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: jensarlou on September 05, 2007, 11:14:30 PM
TA TA mentioned some unusual names of West students.  We cant forget Kactus and Kanyon.  What about all the celebraties that have named their children the most unusal names?  For instance, Apple.  I had a great great grandmother whose name was Louisiana Williams.  And as most of you know my oldest had a common name but they too can be made unusual be spelling them differently, Jennifer or as I spelled it Jenepher.  I always tell ppl. if Stephen or Stephanie could have a ph why couldn't Jenepher?  Let be phonetic.  hahaha :)
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: KandyKane on May 11, 2008, 03:03:23 PM
Since this seems to be a popular thread, I'll add some names I've come across.  For the male gender: Elvy, Delman, Lorval, Deamus, Durward, Edris, Nondus, Collis, Cuba, Ayres, Leral, Dorus, Bate, Loyal, Royal, Worth, Santford, Wiley, Denzel, Bennona, and Leveret.  For the girls: Zona, Ophelia, Dicey, Winter, Blossom, Isla, Ulas, Misha, Coral, Delena, Burletta, Carrietta, Vena, Zella, Ozella, and Elma,
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Lookatmeknow!! on May 12, 2008, 05:51:54 AM
Well, I have one daughter whose names is a little original, Parker.  If I am calling the doctors or such, they always call her a boy.  It is  a boys name, but I chose to give it to my daughter.  I also have a little Harlee girl.  I could have spelled it Harley, but she my uncles middle name is Lee so I spelled it the way we did.  Then I have a very common named daughter, Rebecca.  Parker's middle name is also a little unsual or at least the spelling is, it is MacKenzie.  I really don't know why I named Parker, Parker MacKenzie.  I just did.  As for Rebecca Lynn, we had to (my husband and I) agree on a name, and that was the one that we came up with.  And as for Harlee Jo, well Jo is my brothers middle name, and Jeff's mom helped us come up with the Harlee.  I do like unusual names.  My mothers name was Cinda, yes there is supposed to be an A at the end.  My grandfather liked the name and came up with it.  But there are alot of very unusual older names, too.  I think my family has alot of them.  My grandpa Knight was Wyatt VanBuren, how different is that.  My fathers name was James Veryl, again very unusual.  That might be were I got the ususual GENE??!!! :laugh:
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Tobina+1 on May 12, 2008, 12:09:49 PM
Well, I finally stumbled upon this thread.  You probably wondered what was taking me so long!?!
My name is Tobina (toe-bee-nah).  I have had many, many different nicknames, but I have never introduced myself as anything other than Tobina.  Toby is the most popular, Tob (long O), Toe (my dad's nickname for me), and Bina.  My parents combined the 2 names Tobin and Bina together.  My maiden name is Schmidt, so they wanted unusual names for their kids to go with such a common last name.  And, no shortened names, either.  They both hated having to sign their long names on all legal papers, but be called by their short name all the time.  Tobina, Mandi, Barry, Tanner.  All unusual in their time.  I have enjoyed having a very uncommon name.  I plan to name my kids with uncommon names (if I can convince hubby of that), and/or names from our families that were a little uncommon/old fashioned.
I've worked with Tiona (tye-own-nah), Tahma (tah-ma), and Orana (ore-anna).  There were kids in a neighboring town called Oat, Rye, and Wheat.  I knew a guy in college named Howdy Snoddy.  I don't think Howdy was his given name, but that's what he called himself and how he did everything in school.  Why would-ya?
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: flo on May 12, 2008, 01:45:48 PM
How about the PRCA champion bull-dogger that name his three sons Rope, Tie and Cash.  Don't remember his first name, but his last name was Meyers and they lived between Colony and Garnett.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Diane Amberg on May 12, 2008, 02:59:34 PM
I used to know a cute little kid whose nick name was "Bumper." He grew up to be a tow truck driver!  :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Worked OK for him.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: W. Gray on May 12, 2008, 03:03:14 PM
Was his last name Crop?
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Diane Amberg on May 12, 2008, 05:34:38 PM
Cute, but no, it was Dent.  Honest
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: pam on May 12, 2008, 09:51:47 PM
Hey, Ma that was Roy Cooper, He was a champion calf-roper from Oklahoma!
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: flo on May 12, 2008, 10:00:04 PM
the guy I'm talking about lived just outside Garnett, south then east - don't remember the name of those towns.  Gr'ma Gertie knew him.  His last name was Meyers and he named his boys Rope, Tie (Tye) and Cash.  I'll think of his first name, probably in the middle of the night.  ;D

P.S. "Butch", sounds like it
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: pam on May 12, 2008, 10:03:41 PM
My daughters middle name is kind of unusual.......Siobhan... pronounced SHi vahn...it's Irish...means praise. Ok, I don't know him but Roy Cooper named his first two Rope and Tie lol
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: flo on May 12, 2008, 10:14:34 PM
I modified above you, Pam
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: pam on May 12, 2008, 10:18:17 PM
Ah....
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: pam on May 13, 2008, 09:14:14 AM
Ok, just found the file that was in in the back of my brain, yeah I remember him, still can't remember the name of the town tho :P
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: frawin on May 14, 2008, 12:04:10 PM
I have a distant cousin that is Rheavaughn, Frank had an uncle whose name was Smiles.  We knew a man in West Texas that went to court and had his name changed to Jackass Andy. 
Mlw
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Dignified Redneck on May 17, 2008, 01:14:54 AM
To Flo and Pam,

The PRCA contestant's name was "Butch" Meyers and the family lived near Welda, Ks. Butch was a vo-ag teacher. He and his wife, Fanchone (now ex-wife) had three children, oldest was a boy named "Rope", next was a girl name "Tye" and the youngest was a boy named "Cash". Fanchone would bring Cash to the indoor rodeo arena at Winfield to compete when she still lived at Welda. Her folks lived in Arkansas City. Butch divorced her and supposably married some rich Texan, the boys followed him when they got older.  The last I heard, Fanchone had moved down there also. If either of you watch the NFR each year, Cash and Rope have competed there within the last 6 years, I think.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: flo on May 17, 2008, 09:00:28 AM
thanks for your input.  They lived in a small town between Welda and Garnett, then east a bit.  Those towns aren't listed on the newest Kansas map.  Bush City is one of them, and I think it was the other where they lived.  It'll come to me sooner or later  :-\ just like Butch's name.  ;D  That can't have anything to do with age, must be my busy mind.  :P
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Wilma on May 17, 2008, 10:35:44 AM
Careful, Flo, don't want to overload your mind.  That happens to us older folks.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: W. Gray on May 17, 2008, 10:42:53 AM
Parker?
Goodrich
Centerville
Selma
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: flo on May 17, 2008, 11:45:51 AM
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/petesarah/Smilies/Shocked.gif)
what you mean "older folks", older than what???
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Dee Gee on May 17, 2008, 11:49:10 AM
When Butch Meyers was at the top of his game, he and his family lived on the south side of US 169 across from the Rocky Roost Cafe at Welda and that is where all three of his kids were born.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Wilma on May 17, 2008, 12:02:44 PM
Most everybody else on earth, Flo.  Well, maybe just me.  You are considerably younger than I am.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: flo on May 17, 2008, 10:10:25 PM
talked with the youngest daughter today and she thought they lived at Welda.  I had an aunt and uncle in Welda also.  don't know why I was thinking Butch Meyers lived east of there.  That's solved, anyhow.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: kfclark on August 11, 2008, 08:12:24 AM
This is a rather old post, but I think I found the answer for LisaT.

According to this genealogy website, http://www.combs-families.org/combs/reference/glossary/j.html , Jno was an abbreviation for John.

I also came across a company Jno. B. Lee company, founded by a Jonathan. http://www.marinesurveyor.com/lee/index2.html.

Kevin
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Teresa on August 13, 2008, 11:15:24 AM
Kevin.. how nice to see you again.....  :)

Is everything going okay for you and yours?
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Diane Amberg on August 13, 2008, 12:29:01 PM
Hey Kevin! Hi there, don't stay away so long. Hope you having a great summer.  :D
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: aamiller321 on August 17, 2008, 02:57:02 PM
There was a kid in my karate class named stone... and that's about it.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Diane Amberg on August 17, 2008, 05:29:58 PM
Did he have a hard edge about him?
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Catwoman on August 17, 2008, 08:16:33 PM
I remember a kid named Pepsi...who was not very bubbly, although he was completely brilliant...and a girl named Jamaica...who was brilliant, too, but was also one of the most beautiful children, inside and out, that I have ever had the pleasure to meet...and they had another sibling that I can't remember the name of (although, as I vaguely remember, it was a unique name, too)...all of the kids were tremendous students and a pleasure to know.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Ole Granny on August 18, 2008, 04:59:06 AM
While researching family history, I came across the name "Finely Stretchberry" at a Indiana site.  It has to be the most unusual name I have come across.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Ding-Dong on August 23, 2008, 08:50:36 PM
I'll just add to the list:  Tazewell, Iden, Cordial, Corda, Vienna, Canada, Alphious, Dema, Comfort, Hardaman, Leander, Hunter, Lusha, Aetna, Ventner, Pella, Tarice, Ardena, Anice, Rufus, Sirilda, Harwood, Semir, Alfa, Marvelle, Lessa, Lovie, Lovisa, Leovicy, Perley, Alena, Slater, Arminta, Malchus, Arlow, Burleigh, Philena, Hannibal, Permenas, Greenberry, Nenia, Ransom, Milo, Ercell, Warwick, Americus, Fidelia, Arista, Villis, Rodema, Wilkie, Clavy, Chois, Elderick, Lionel, Fremont, Syntha, Prentice, Zerelda, Elby, Kizzie, Philetus, Darius, Finley, Dessie, Allwyn, Norval, Cordelia, and Temperance.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: heather_tyler_2014 on August 23, 2008, 08:57:13 PM
catwoman, his name was jester or gester im not sure just in the same range and had the most bright red hair i've ever seen. then pepsi i remeber him, then jamaica she was a good friend very pretty as catwoman has said
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: twirldoggy on August 24, 2008, 02:26:58 PM
this week greta van susteren interviewed a young woman with the first name of pidgeon.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: jprxmkt on August 24, 2008, 05:49:43 PM
Quote from: heather_tyler_2014 on August 23, 2008, 08:57:13 PM
catwoman, his name was jester or gester im not sure just in the same range and had the most bright red hair i've ever seen. then pepsi i remeber him, then jamaica she was a good friend very pretty as catwoman has said


Thank you Heather. I have been racking my brain trying to remember that name, Jester. Thanks!
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: indygal on August 24, 2008, 06:09:41 PM
My grandson has a classmate whose name is Espn. Apparently his parents are true sports fans.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: jprxmkt on August 24, 2008, 06:54:29 PM
Quote from: indygal on August 24, 2008, 06:09:41 PM
My grandson has a classmate whose name is Espn. Apparently his parents are true sports fans.


Do they say each letter or run it together as a word? ???
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: indygal on August 24, 2008, 07:21:41 PM
It's pronounced Espen.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Catwoman on August 26, 2008, 04:47:28 PM
Quote from: Ding-Dong on August 23, 2008, 08:50:36 PM
I'll just add to the list:  Tazewell, Iden, Cordial, Corda, Vienna, Canada, Alphious, Dema, Comfort, Hardaman, Leander, Hunter, Lusha, Aetna, Ventner, Pella, Tarice, Ardena, Anice, Rufus, Sirilda, Harwood, Semir, Alfa, Marvelle, Lessa, Lovie, Lovisa, Leovicy, Perley, Alena, Slater, Arminta, Malchus, Arlow, Burleigh, Philena, Hannibal, Permenas, Greenberry, Nenia, Ransom, Milo, Ercell, Warwick, Americus, Fidelia, Arista, Villis, Rodema, Wilkie, Clavy, Chois, Elderick, Lionel, Fremont, Syntha, Prentice, Zerelda, Elby, Kizzie, Philetus, Darius, Finley, Dessie, Allwyn, Norval, Cordelia, and Temperance.
Good heavens...what are these??? Strange town names in Kansas?
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Ding-Dong on August 26, 2008, 04:53:14 PM
Beleive it or not  ;D, but these are given names that are engraved in stone (tombstones) in the Grace Lawn cemetery!
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: BurntHills on November 12, 2008, 04:54:36 PM
I have been in genealogy and land research since 1989, east coast and east of the Mississippi and incl IA, MO & NE. .

  I think one of the saddest bizarre names I ever saw that has stuck with me, and I always wondered WHAT was behind it, in a MO county birth index was c1920s:

FORMICA DINETTE JOHNSON
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: Ole Granny on November 12, 2008, 10:04:25 PM
That is a good one.  I found Finely Stretchberry  (Not a relative) while searching genealogy.  It has always stuck in my mind as unusal.  Gee, I think my mother had a formica dinette in her kitchen . :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: BurntHills on November 12, 2008, 10:24:44 PM
back in the mid1990s before the Internet.....  I traveled all over the USA to get to the courthouses and land deeds and indexes and sub-basements full of moldy damp leather ledgers and libraries and city directories etc.. and all those newspapers on microfilm I guess I just can't ever forget are the secret goldmines..

I love the early Colonial period: wives: Solace, Comfort, Mindwell, etc.

but I had the most bizarre experiences with first names in MO, they had SUCH a run of initials as ''names''  around Columbia ...      RG {Argie} OC {Ocie}, DC {Deecee} boys... XE {Exie, a girl} etc. ...... like the mothers liked the sound the initials made.    no one was left alive to explain WHY.      but every combo of ABCs you could sound off!!   at first  I thought it was just the census taker but no, that WAS their names on everything.   !!

I had to look up a NICHOLS family too, and I was astounded.  I was about to burn out the xerox machine in exasperation.   I told Paul he'd have to help with the NICHOLS cos I just ran out of DIMES. 
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: pam on November 12, 2008, 10:31:09 PM
My granma Smith used to tell us about some girls she grew up with last name Hogg, their dad named them Ima and Ura  :P She was from Polk Co. Missouri. Can you imagine?
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: BurntHills on November 12, 2008, 11:51:03 PM
POLK CO MO, hmm.. isn't that Cane Hill and Fair Play?!   or was that BOLIVAR??   anyway, somewhere there;  I don't have my files handy, but I was doing a lot of family in POLK CO MO.  see, SMALL WORLD.   
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: flo on November 13, 2008, 08:51:51 AM
She grew up in Halfway.  That's a town half way between Boliver and Buffalo.  Her maiden name was Samples.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: pam on November 13, 2008, 09:25:55 AM
yeah, what Ma said lol
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: marjkan on October 05, 2019, 04:35:55 PM
I know a woman named "Tennis" and I eat lunch at a senior center with a name named "Nine."  Those are the two most bizarre names I've run across.
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
Post by: marjkan on October 05, 2019, 04:39:19 PM
correction--- a man named "nine"
Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
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Title: Re: Unusual Given Names
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