But
but
A very rare surname-like given name, likely used as a clipped form rather than a traditional baptismal name.
Meaning
As a standalone given name, But is not a standard traditional Christian name in the 19th-century sources provided. The excerpts only show the word as ordinary English text and do not supply a specific etymology for a personal name; in practice, it is most likely a shortened form or nickname-style adoption rather than an inherited saint name. Because of that, its meaning as a given name is not securely established from the excerpts.
Origin
Englishvaries by culture
Fun fact
The excerpts emphasize how naming books often drew from surnames, nicknames, and abbreviations—exactly the kind of process that can produce very uncommon forms like this.