“1617, April 13. Christened Damaris, d. of Doctor Masters.
“——, May 29. Christened Damaris, d. of Doctor Kingsley.”—Canterbury Cathedral.
Martha, which sprang into instant popularity, is registered at the outset:
“1563, July 25. Christened Martha Wattam.”—St. Peter, Cornhill.
Phebe had a great run. The first I have seen is—
“1568, Oct. 24. Christened Phebe, d. of Harry Cut.”—St. Peter, Cornhill.
Dorcas was, perhaps, the prime favourite, often styled and entered Darcas. Every register has it, and every page. A political ballad says—
“Come, Dorcas and Cloe,
With Lois and Zoe,
Young Lettice, and Beterice, and Jane;
Phill, Dorothy, Maud,
Come troop it abroad,
For now is our time to reign.”
Persis, Tryphena, and Tryphosa were also largely used. The earliest Persis I know is—
“1579, Maye 3. Christened Persis, d. of William Hopkinson, minister heare.”—Salehurst.