Classic Names that Were Never Popular

When we think of classic names, we think of Anna and John, Elizabeth and Charles; names that were in the top 100 most years since 1880. 

While there is the stereotype that timeless classics must always be popular, that is not the case. Perhaps some classic names have never been popular at all. Instead, a name is a classic if it has remained in consistent use for centuries and has a timeless sound. 

Here are some classic names that were never in the top 200 and, thus, not boring.

Antonia

Antonia, a feminization of Anthony, has been worn by saints and royals over the years. This makes it an alternative to Alexandra and Victoria. Yet, it never ranked in the top 300 and rarely in the top 400. It even left the top 1000 not too long ago. 

Benedict

Benedict has been common among Christians since the sixth century and English-speakers since the twelfth. Benedict has been worn by several popes, saints, and notable figures, including American general Benedict Arnold (1741-1801), as well. However, the name only made the top 450 once. This can be a just as classic but more intriguing alternative to Benjamin.

Conrad

Conrad has been worn by a tenth century saint as well as several German royals. As an American name, it has ranked every year since 1880 without making the top 200. 

Hugo

Hugh barely made the top 100 a century ago. However, the Latin Hugo, which has just as much history, never became that popular. Perhaps it rarely made the top 300.

Malcolm

This was the name of four Scottish kings in the Middle Ages as well as American civil rights leader Malcolm X (1925-1965). While it ranked every year since 1880, Malcolm never made the top 200. 

Philippa

Philippa, the feminine form of Philip, has been worn by royals over the centuries. These include fourteenth century Queen Philippa of Hainault and Philippa "Pippa" Middleton. There was also a twelfth century St. Philippa of Toulouse alongside three Blessed Philippas. Despite its history, Philippa never even made the American top 1000. 

Phoebe

This Greek name appeared in the New Testament in the Bible and later in a Shakespearean play. Several famous figures, include nurse Phoebe Member (1823-1913) have worn the name as well. While Phoebe has always been more common elsewhere in the English-speaking world, it never made the American top 200. However, the name is rising, so that could change soon. 

Polly

Polly is a classic nickname for Mary that never made the top 200 despite its old-fashioned sound. Its associations over the years include Aunt Polly from Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Polly Pocket dolls. 

Susanna

Susanna first appeared in the Bible and went on to become the famous song "Oh, Susanna!". In America, the name has always been uncommon. It rarely made the top 350 and never the top 300. 

Thaddeus

Thaddeus appeared in the Bible and has been worn by a few saints. Notable bearers like former United Stated Representative Thaddeus Stevens (1792-1868) also make it classic. While it ranked almost every year since 1880, Thaddeus never made the top 300. 

Theodora

This feminization of Theodore has been worn by a Byzantine empress and used among English speakers since the fifteenth century. As with Antonia, its regal heritage makes Theodora an alternative to Alexandra and Victoria. It never made the top 500, though. 

Wilhelmina

If you're wondering that the classic feminization of William is, this is it. It has been worn by a twentieth century Dutch queen and other royalty, putting it in the same regal class as Philippa and Theodora. However, its overload of consonants has always kept it out of the top 200.

Which of these classic names do you like best?