Traditional American baby names

Jul 03, 2010 11:03 AM by Monica Beyer

Posted in Parenting / Having a Baby / Baby Names

Classic Girl And Boy Names

When the first settlers arrived in what is now the United States, they brought their own culture and names with them. As the pioneers spread westward through the country, this evolved into a culture all its own, one of hardship and pride, of heavy work and reward and of home and hearth. Many of the names of the early American pilgirms, pioneers and settlers are classic and traditional names still in use today, while others are truly unique. We've gathered the best baby names from early America for you -- check them out!

American names from the 1600s

The legendary ship, the Mayflower, departed English shores in September of 1620. Aboard were 102 passengers, about half of which were known as separatists (or pilgrims) and they arrived in Cape Cod in November. One baby was born during the voyage and received the suitable name Oceanus. The trip was arduous and while only one person died during the voyage, many more died soon after arrival as during the harsh winter they stayed aboard the ship and disease broke out. Names from this time period were often Biblical in origin (as well as what are known as Puritan names) and this trend continued throughout the next few centuries. Here are notable boy and girl names from the passengers of the Mayflower: