10 Centenarian Baby Names: Hester, Tressa & Lessie

They sound like they're from another world – and that's exactly what makes them so fascinating. Hester, Tressa, Lessie, and seven other rare girl names belong to women who reached an exceptionally old age. Behind each name lies a piece of history, meaning, and nostalgia. A touching journey to super-centenarians and their nearly forgotten first names.

1. Susannah Mushatt Jones

Susannah Mushatt Jones, born on July 6, 1899, is known as "Miss Susie." She attributes her long life to a healthy lifestyle free from alcohol and cigarettes, emphasizing the importance of faith and adequate sleep. The biblical name Susannah, meaning "lily," has not appeared in the US Top 1000 since 1978, yet remains charming and timeless through its variants like Susa, Susie, Annie, and Zanna. Susannah is a name that embodies both strength and grace, and may just experience a comeback.

2. Delphine Gibson

Delphine Gibson, born on August 17, 1903, celebrated her 112th birthday with a week of festivities declared by her town in her honor. The name Delphine, inspired by nature, combines the beauty of the delphinium flower and the intelligence of the dolphin. This connection of flora and fauna gives the name a special depth and appeal that reflects both elegance and intelligence.

3. Ila Jones

Ila Jones, born on August 21, 1903, lives by the motto: "I just have fun." The name Ila is a variant of the Scottish name Isla and gained popularity through Emma Watson's role in the film "Noah." Ila is a name that combines simplicity and elegance, captivating with its short and concise pronunciation. It evokes the Scottish landscape and the beauty of nature.

4. Lessie Brown

Lessie Brown, born on September 22, 1904, is the center of a large family with five children, 24 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 26 great-great-grandchildren. The name Lessie, derived from "leas celyn," means "garden of hollies" and is a feminine form of Leslie. Lessie is a name that radiates warmth and security while establishing a connection to nature. It embodies the strength and growth of a large family.

5. Leta Nolen

Leta Nolen, born on February 17, 1905, loves to dance and drove until the age of 101. The name Leta, pronounced Lee-tuh, means "cheerful and joyful" and exudes a simple elegance. It joins the ranks of names like Cora, Lena, and Maya, which charm with their simplicity and grace. Leta is a name that symbolizes joy and optimism.

6. Tressa Bartholomew

Tressa Bartholomew, born on March 30, 1905, believes in the importance of a harmonious family. "I think it's good to have a family that gets along. No fighting or bickering," she says. The name Tressa is a rare variant of Theresa and carries a special charm. While Tess and Tessa are more common, Tressa offers a unique alternative that feels both traditional and modern.

7. Alelia Murphy

Alelia Murphy, born on July 6, 1905, lives by the motto: "Sleep when you're dead!" Alelia, also spelled A'Lelia, is a variant of Eulalia and means "well spoken." The name Alelia, embodying grace and eloquence, can be shortened to Allie, Eli, or Lia. It is a testament to the power of language and the importance of communication.

8. Armida Brunson Sholar

Armida Brunson Sholar, born on August 9, 1905, enjoys music, bingo, and TV nights. The name Armida, meaning "warrior woman," comes from a poem by Torquato Tasso and describes a powerful and beautiful seductress. Armida is a name that unites strength and beauty, reminiscent of a time when poetry and literature played a significant role.

9. Hester Ford

Hester Ford, born on August 15, 1905, is the mother of twelve children. The Persian name Hester means "star" and is an anagram of Esther. Endearing nicknames for Hester include Hettie and Ettie. The rise in -er ending names like Asher, Harper, and Piper may lead to the return of Hester. Hester is a name that combines both tradition and modernity, captivating with its simplicity.

10. Mamie Johnson

Mamie Johnson, born on January 13, 1906, has never driven a car and prefers to walk or take the bus. Mamie, a diminutive of Mary and Margaret, is a nostalgic name that could regain popularity thanks to celebrities like Mamie Gummer. Mamie is a name that radiates warmth and familiarity, evoking times gone by when simplicity and tradition were at the forefront.