Like vintage cars, dresses, and wines, names also have a lasting appeal. However, selecting old-fashioned baby names can be tricky as you aren’t sure of their meaning. Yet, one thing you can’t deny is that these names are attractive and evergreen. Even the US Social Security Administration has revealed that many parents give their babies vintage names. If you want to ditch the suburban naming trend and go for a name that’s old yet fashionable, read our post. We bring a collection of adorable yet classy, old-fashioned baby names you may pick for your little prince or princess.
Key Pointers
- Old-fashioned names have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent times.
- By selecting an old-fashioned name for your little one, you can pay homage to your ancestors and promote their legacy.
- John, Noah, Minnie, and Effie are beautiful old-fashioned yet chic names for boys and girls.
- If you are looking for rare and unique names, Lula, Ignatius, Rufus, and Aurelius are great options.
100 Best Old Fashioned Baby Names
You don’t always have to aim for unique names to set your kids up for success and set them apart from the crowd. Old-fashioned baby names, better termed vintage names, are classic choices that will always remain relevant. So, read on to find our collection of the best traditional names for baby boys and girls and choose the right one for your kid.
Top 50 Old Fashioned Boy Names
Old-fashioned baby boy names have a sophisticated aura. Even though these names are considered dated, they are classics that never go out of style. Read on to find the best vintage name for your little boy.
1. Robert
They did not call 20’s the Roaring 20s for nothing. 1900s names were perfect and pretty, Robert being one of them. The meaning of Robert is ‘shining or bright’. Since 1900, Robert has been among the top 100 names in the US, often attaining the first rank, too (1). Award-winning actors such as Robert De Niro, Robert Downey Jr., and Robert Redford are popular celebrities with this name. Poet Robert Frost and Confederate general Robert Lee are famous historical figures.
Kate, a mother of seven, talks about how she chose Robert as her eldest son’s name as a tribute to her father-in-law. In her blog titled ‘How I named my kiddos,’ she writes, “My first son’s name, for example, was my father-in-law’s first name… It’s a fine name, a normal name, a traditional, masculine name, and the name of a great saint…I fiddled with all sorts of interesting (non-traditional) nicknames for his given name, but in the end we just ended up calling him the full name all the time, and it totally suits him (i).”
2. James
James was one of the rockabilly names of the 1950’s. Rockabilly was a form of rock and roll popularized by none other than Elvis Presley. James has been a very popular name in the US since 1900 and has often featured among the top 10 names (1). Several kings of Scotland and England were named James, including James I, during whose reign the Bible was translated into English (known as the King James Version or KJV) (2).
3. John
In the 1940’s, post World War 2, the baby boom began, causing births to skyrocket. John was the most famous name of those times. The old fashioned baby name John means ‘mercy or grace of Lord’. In the early 1900s, John ranked first among boy names in the US and, through the years, has maintained a high position (1).
4. Leo
Leo is a short and cute name that exudes strength. It’s a beautiful alternative to the popular and even common Luke and Jack. An association with Leonardo DiCaprio doesn’t hurt either. The meaning of Leo is ‘lion’. Leo has been among the top 1000 names in the US since 1900 (1). Russian author Leo Tolstoy is a popular figure with this name.
5. Jasper
Jasper is an old name with style, panache, and originality. The Georgia-born artist Jasper John popularized the name. Jasper is also a better alternative to Joshua, Jacob, and Jayden. This name means ‘treasurer’ in Hebrew and has been derived from Old Persian. It gained popularity when it appeared in the Twilight franchise. Some of Jasper’s variants include Casper, Caspar, and Kasper. Jasper is also one of the leading names in the US (1).
6. Noah
Derived from a Hebrew word, Noah is a male name meaning ‘rest and comfort’. This vintage boy name is as famous now as it was before and we don’t see it fading anytime soon. This name has Biblical connection, as it is associated with the prophet with whom God had entrusted the life of all life on earth before the flood. Noah built an ark and rescued the animals (3). In the US, Noah has been among the most popular names since 1900 and it entered the top 10 in 2009 (1).
Did you know?7. Everett
Its cousins Elmer and Ernest may not be climbing the chart anytime soon, but Everett is definitely on the rise again. Everett has an upbeat vibe to it. And of course, a leading British association with actor Rupert Everett. Everett has Old German origins and means ‘brave boar.’ It has quite some popularity in the US (1). In Marvel Comics, Everett K. Ross is a prominent character who allies with Black Panther.
8. Silas
Silas, a serious and modern name, is an excellent substitute for Sidney and Samuel. It also has an eternal literary association with “Silas Marner,’ a novel by George Eliot. It is also the name of a companion of Saint Paul. The meaning of the Latin name Silas is ‘from the forest’. The popularity of Silas has seen some ups and downs in the US, though it has managed to hold on to its place among the top 1000 names since 1900 (1).
9. Oliver
The old-style baby name Oliver is sourced from the name Olive. It is a sweet, retro name for parents who give a stylish moniker to their child. The book ‘Oliver Twist’ by Charles Dickens’ gives it a literary influence, with a bookish vibe. Oliver has always been popular in the US since 1900, and it entered the top 10 in 2017 and has stayed there since (1).
10. Wallace
Despite being an old-fashioned baby name, Wallace has an effortlessly cool sound to it. Wallace has Germanic origins and means ‘foreigner’ and ‘Celt.’ It is commonly used as an English and Scottish surname.
11. Max
Max was once a common choice for boys. The name is pleasant, yet confident, making it a stylish choice for parents who are fond of short, one syllable names. Though it started off as a short form for lofty names such as Maximilian, Maxim, or Maxwell, it soon became a standalone name. This short name is also often used as a vocabulary short form for maximum. Since 1900, this name has been going strong in the US (1).
12. Owen
Owen is a sophisticated male name that’s gaining popularity with modern parents. It has a literary association with John Irving’s “A Prayer for Owen Meany”. It also has a pop culture namesake in actor Owen Wilson. The meaning of Owen is ‘young warrior’. Owen entered the list of top 100 names in the US in 2002 and has remained there since (1).
13. William
William is another classic old fashioned baby name of Germanic origin. The name William became one of the most popular names in England during the Medieval Period. Will or Willy will make a perfect nickname for this name. The meaning of William is ‘resolute protector’. William has consistently been highly popular in the US, rarely falling below the 20th rank since 1900 (1).
14. Alexander
Alexander is one of those names that can never fall out with traditional parents. The name’s popularity declined drastically during the first and second world wars but started improving steadily in the seventies. Alexander the Great was a Macedonian king who conquered a large part of several countries in a short period of time (4). Hence, his name is associated with unmatched bravery and strength. This Greek name has found a place in several languages including English, German, Dutch, Swedish, and Norwegian. It has a plethora of variants such as Aleksandr, Alejandro, Alekos, Sasha, Sikandar, Xande, and Iskandar in different languages. Since 1977, Alexander has been among the top 100 names in the US (1).
15. Benjamin
Benjamin is derived from ancient Hebrew and means ‘son of the right hand.’ This name has Biblical links, as it was the name of the youngest son of Jacob and the founder of one of the southern tribes of the Hebrew. American inventor and scientist Benjamin Franklin was a notable person with this name. Benjamin has managed to remain among the top 200 names in the US since 1900 (1).
16. Anthony
The meaning of this simple name is ‘priceless and praiseworthy’. It could also mean ‘flower.’ Most notably, it brings to mind the legendary general Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony in English). He was Julius Caesar’s friend and was a part of several famous battles (5). Hence, this name is often associated with bravery and loyalty.
17. Alfred
The British Prince Alfred and Poet Alfred Tennyson helped popularize this name in the Victorian Era. The meaning of Alfred is ‘wise’ or ‘elf counsel.’ It has Old English origins. Alfred has been among the top 1000 names in the US since 1900 (1).
18. Archie
Just like our generation, names ending ‘e’ were very popular in the 1950’s. Archie was the short version of the stuffy name Archibald. It means ‘pure,’ ‘holy,’ and ‘genuine’ and has Germanic origins. Later, Archibald was mixed with Greek names and the meaning changed to ‘master.’ Comic strip star Archie Andrews did a great deal to popularize this name.
19. Bernard
Bernard, meaning ‘strong as a bear’ was a popular baby name in Victorian times. You can soften this name by giving it the nickname ‘Bernie’. George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright and essayist, is a famous person with this name.
20. Bert
Bert is often used as a derivative of Robert, Albert, and Bertram. This short and sweet name packs a punch for a boy’s name. It comes from Old German and means ‘bright.’ And no, you don’t have to add an ‘Ernie’ to complete this name.
21. Clarence
Whether it is the powerhouse attorney Clarence Darrow or the lifesaving guardian from “It’s a Wonderful Life”, this name is full of masculine charm and vigor.
22. Claude
Claude is a delightfully short and sophisticated French name that has made a strong comeback in recent years. The name has roots in Emperor Claudius.
23. Edgar
Edgar Degas was an influential painter in the 1950’s. Even Edgar Allen Poe has been just as famous as his predecessor as Edgar Degas. No wonder this name has been so popular all these days. Edgar means ‘wealthy spear’ in Old English. As a name that connotes both strength and prosperity, unsurprisingly, it has been a popular choice in the US since 1900 (1).
24. Elmer
Elmer is a Teutonic name meaning ‘awe-inspiring’. If you like male names that have a delicate feel to it, then Elmer could be your pick. Elmer Fudd is a Looney Tunes character who is quite well-known.
25. Ernest
Ernest is the name that you should consider if you want your boy to follow the path of literature. It was popularized by the American author, Ernest Hemingway.
26. Enoch
Here’s a name for the “Boardwalk Empire” fans out there. Deriving from Hebrew origin, the name Enoch means ‘dedicated.’
27. Cassius
Cool and whimsical, Cassius is one of the names that can never go out of trend. It’s a playful name for your young boy. Cassius has Latin origins.
Did you know?28. Samson
A whole slew of historical figures have sported this moniker, and it still sounds as good as new. Samson is a Biblical hero who had exceptional strength. The name comes from Hebrew and means ‘sun.’ You can shorten it to Sam if you want.
29. Francis
Francis is one of the popular and evergreen old names. Even Brooke Shields used the name Francis as the middle name for her daughter. Saint Francis of Assissi was a well-known 13th-century saint of this name. Consequently, this name was borne by several people, including scientist and philosopher Francis Bacon and Pope Francis.
30. Frederick
Cool and dignified Fredrick is another name to consider for your little one. This name means ‘peaceful ruler’ and has several variants, including Fredrick and Federico. Frederick has been among the most popular names in the US since 1900 (1).
31. Augustine
Augustine, a unisex baby name will make a beautiful name, no matter the gender of your baby. You can go with Austin or Augustus for a more masculine version.
32. Ephraim
Here’s an unique old fashioned baby name for your little prince. Coming from a Hebrew word, Ephraim sounds refined and classy.
33. Abraham
Abraham, the first of the Old Testament patriarchs, was the founding father of the Jewish. It means ‘father of multitudes.’ Since 1900, this name has ruled the charts in the US (1). Former President of the US Abraham Lincoln is one of the most notable people with this name.
34. Albert
The name Albert remained in vogue for over a hundred years, but with a studious and serious image. Albert means ‘noble and bright.’
35. Calvin
Calvin is a retro, yet quirky name that’s been occupying a safe place on the top 100 list since the 20th century (1). The comic strip Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson has made this name a household choice.
36. Elijah
Elijah is a fashionable biblical choice for boys. Elijah was the prophet who went to heaven in a fire chariot. American actor Elijah Wood is one of the most well-known people with this name. Elijah has been a popular name in the US since the early 20th century (1).
37. Matthew
Matthew was the third most popular name for boys in the US in the 1980s and 1990s (1). Today, it’s the epitome of the fashionable classic name. It means ‘gift of God.’
38. Chester
Chester, meaning fortress or walled town, is a cute and cuddly name for your son. Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington brought the spotlight to this unique name.
39. Eli
Like its cousins Elijah and Elias, Eli is also a vintage name. Currently, it’s on a major upswing. We have seen a big-time growth in the name Eli over the last few decades.
40. Warren
We feel that there’s something tough and rugged about the name Warren. It will make a great name for your son.
41. Harold
The old baby name Harold was no less than a phenomenon in the 19th century. Even its derivative Harry was very popular those times. Harold was among the top 20 names in the early 1900s (1).
42. Samuel
With catchy nicknames like Sammy and Sam, Samuel is a great formal name without being too stuffy. There are several famous people with this name, including Samuel Clemens (pen name of Mark Twain), Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Samuel Pepys, Samuel Morse, and Samuel L. Jackson.
43. Raymond
During the Romantic period, Raymond was every mom’s most preferred name for their son. It means ‘wise protector.’
44. Grover
Is Grover one of your favorite characters from the “Sesame Street”? Well, then why don’t you opt for this name for your son? It was popular in the 18th century too! It recently appeared in the Percy Jackson series.
45. Floyd
The Celtic name Floyd meaning ‘gray,’ was popularized by the novel “Aurora Floyd” by Elizabeth Braddon. Today, the popular bearer of this name is the “Pink Floyd” brand.
46. Harvey
Harvey has something wonderfully vintage about it. This classic name evokes the simple times of the bygone eras.
47. Henry
Henry is another wonderful timeless name. It recalls all the famous Henrys including Henry Ford, Henry David Thoreau, and Henry Fonda.
48. Jack
Jack is one of those short names that pack a wallop in it. It is one of the most popular names of all time. Since 1900, this name has consistently featured among the top 1000 names in the US (1). Not bad for a vintage name, huh!
49. Luther
Luther, meaning ‘renowned warrior,’ brings up memories of the American civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. It was also the name of a popular crime drama in the United Kingdom.
50. Walter
Walter has seen a rise in popularity since the finale of the show “Breaking Bad.” Mr. Walter White was one of the prime characters of the show. Walter means ‘power of the army.’ It is one of the most coveted names in the US (1).
Top 50 Beautiful Old Fashioned Girl Names
Old-fashioned baby girl names have always been popular, occupying the top positions among baby name lists across English-speaking countries. If such names appeal to you, choose one of the following for your daughter.
51. Stella
Stella has seen an enormous surge in popularity since the last decade. It has a balance of sass and refinement. The most popular namesake of this name of our times is Stella McCartney, a British designer. The meaning of this Italian name is ‘star’.
52. Hazel
The name Hazel is an old take on evocative color names like Violet, Indigo, and Sienna. But it’s a serious name and does not give any scope for nicknames. Who needs a nickname when you have such a cute name already? The meaning of Hazel is ‘hazelnut tree’.
53. Adeline
This charming name has been a winner ever since it was introduced the first time. Modern parents love this less dowdy sounding name. Addie or Addy will make the best nicknames for this sprightly and sweet name.
54. Scarlet
Don’t you think that the fashion in the Victorian Era was simply amazing? So were the Victorian baby names. Scarlet is one of those names that have stood the test of time. Since 2006, Scarlet has been among the top 1000 names in the US (1). Its variant Scarlett appeared in the novel Gone With The Wind.
55. Lillian
Lillian is a matronly sounding name that has made a strong comeback to the baby name’s word. This antique, floral name means ‘lily flower.’ Even Mart McCormack named her daughter Lillian. This name has maintained its position among the top 1000 names in the US since 1900, often ranking among the top 100 (1).
56. Betsy
The moment we hear the name Betsy, a cute little girl, wearing big hoops and a fitted top comes to our mind. The meaning of this lovely name is ‘God is satisfaction’. It is a diminutive of Elizabeth.
57. Bernadette
Can you guess who made this name popular? It’s Howard’s girlfriend from the show “Big Bang Theory”.
Quick fact58. Clara
Unlike its early contemporaries, Clara is a name that has always found appeal with parents of all generations. This soft and sweet name is reminiscent of Claire. The meaning of Clara is ‘bright and clear’. This name has been among the top 1000 names in the US since 1900 (1).
59. Marjorie
Here’s a beautiful name for the little twinkle in your eye. It is a form of Marjorie and means the ‘child of light.’
Quick fact60. Amelia
This old-fashioned variation of the ever-popular Emily is far more distinctive than its source. It is the most sophisticated; a-ending that makes it sound so cool. This modern-sounding name has been among the top 1000 names in the US since 1900 (1). Amelia Earhart, an American aviator, was the first woman pilot to travel around the world.
61. Naomi
Naomi is one of the few names that give a sense of determination and strength when you call it out. It has associations with some of the most beautiful women, Naomi Campbell, and Naomi Watts being a few of them. Naomi means ‘pleasant.’
62. Elizabeth
Popular decades ago, Elizabeth disappeared for a while, but made a strong comeback last year. It is sophisticated, elegant and has a timeless appeal to it. The meaning of Elizabeth is ‘my God is abundance’. In the US, Elizabeth has rarely dropped below the 25th rank since 1900 (1).
63. Charlie
In the olden days, parents would use Charlie for their boys, but today, the name is more common in girls than boys. The name has a sort of playfulness, something that you won’t find in many old fashioned names. The meaning of Charlie is ‘strong.’ Since 2005, this name has been among the top 1000 choices for girls in the US (1).
64. Alice
Alice does sound old-fashioned, but has a dainty vibe to it. And even after several decades of being out of favor, it is on an upswing with the parents. The meaning of Alice is ‘noble’. Alice in Wonderland is a popular book with an eponymous lead character.
65. Olive
The name Olive had completely fallen out of style but is now on the rise (1). Currently, it is one of the top ten classic names. Olive has an appeal, a style of its own. The meaning of Olive is ‘olive tree’.
66. Rose
Rose is one of those names that straddles between old and new effortlessly. And with nature and floral names gaining popularity, we bet more of an upsurge in store for this name. Rose is among the most popular names in the US (1).
67. Nora
This retro name got a boost from the popular singer Norah Jones. Nora has more gravitas than most of the a-ending retro names. In 2013, Nora cracked the top 100 names list and has remained there since (1).
Trivia68. Sophia
The vintage girl name Sophia was very popular amongst the European royals in the middle ages. Its popularity increased manifolds with the arrival of the German Hanover monarchy. This name is a Greek word for virtue. In the mid-1900s, the popularity of Sophia dropped, but it soon picked up. In 2006, it reached the top 10 names and has managed to maintain its position (1).
69. Emma
Emma is a quintessential feminine name with a Germanic origin. It’s believed to be a derivative for Emily, Emmeline and Emily. The name Emma dropped in popularity during the 40s, but bounced back in the late 90s. Several actresses including Emma Thompson, Emma Stone, and Emma Watson are popular people with this name.
70. Charlotte
Charlotte, meaning free woman, was one of the royal names of the bygone era. You can shorten the name Charlotte in a number of ways like Charlie, Char or Lotta. Since 2010, Charlotte has been among the top 10 names in the US (1). The popular children’s book Charlotte’s Web has one of the lead characters with this name.
71. Aubrey
Aubrey is a unisex retro name, but we’d suggest you to use it for your baby girl as it has a feminine appeal to it. The meaning of Aubrey is ‘Elf ruler. Since 1973, Aubrey has been among the top 1000 names in the US for girls (1).
72. Alma
This lovely Victorian name has many positive meanings in different languages. It means ‘good’ in Celtic, ‘apple’ in Persian and ‘loving’ in Swedish. In Spanish, the name means ‘soul,’ while in Latin, it means ‘nourishing.’ Alma also means ‘young woman’ in Hebrew. With so many meanings and interpretations, this name is indeed a universal choice. Unsurprisingly, Alma has been among the top 1000 names for girls in the US since 1900 (1).
73. Blanche
This French, retro name is anything but boring. Meaning ‘white’, Blanche has a sophistical Victorian flair.
74. Abigail
Abigail is the English variant of the Hebrew name Avigayil, which means ‘my father is joy.’ In the Old Testament, Abigail was the name of Nabal’s wife and later the third wife of King David. In 1994, Abigail entered the list of top 50 most popular names in the US and has remained there since (1).
75. Cora
Just like its cousin Nora, even Cora is on the rise. It reminds us of Lady Cora Grantham from the DDC series “Downtown Abbey”. The meaning of this Greek name is ‘light’. This short name has been among the top 1000 names in the US since 1900, and in 2015, it entered the top 100 names’ list (1).
76. Della
The name Della has a literary charm to it. It is a derivative of the names Adele and Adeline. You can use it as a nickname too.
77. Edith
Edith was another incredibly popular name in the past eras. It currently sees a revival, all thanks to the drama “Downtown Abbey”. Since 1900, Edith has consistently been among the top 1000 names in the US (1). Edith Wharton, American author and designer, is one of the most popular women with this name. She was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for her novel The Age of Innocence in 1921 (6).
78. Effie
Effie is the short form Euphemia, a name popular in the Victorian era. The name Effie has become famous again, all because of the “Hunger Games” series of books and film.
79. Fannie
People in the past centuries were obsessed with names ending with ‘ie’, Fannie being one of them. We think it’s one of the sweetest retro names you can bestow on your princess. One of the most common variants of this name is Fanny, though other variants including Frannie and Cissy are also used.
80. Florence
Whether you are inspired by the modern rock ballad of the “Florence and the Machine” or the beautiful city of Italy, Florence would make a perfect artsy name. The name is much-loved thanks to Florence Nightingale, the mother of modern nursing (7). In recent years, actress Florence Pugh has made this name popular again.
81. Harriet
The name Harriet carries a vintage charm with itself. It sounds pleasing to the ears too.
82. Hattie
Hattie is a derivative of the name Henrietta, which means ‘ruler of the home’. The name is full of whimsy and nostalgic charm.
83. Ida
Ida is a German name meaning ‘diligent and hardworking’. You can even lengthen to the elegant Idabelle or demure Idabel.
84. Josephine
Josephine, the feminine form of Joseph, will make an excellent name for your baby. The name captures the purity and innocence of the Romantic era. It is spelled as Josephina, Josefin, and Jozefien in different languages.
85. Lula
Lula started off as a diminutive of Louise in English and became a standalone name later. It will make quite an uncommon name if you consider it for your baby. In Portuguese, Lula is used as a boy’s name.
86. Lizzie
Lizzie is a wonderful shortened version of the formal name Elizabeth. How can you forget Lizzie from “Pride and Prejudice”? Later, too, this name made its presence known with Lizzie McGuire on Disney Channel.
87. Mabel
Mabel, meaning ‘lovable’ is the cutest and the perfect name for your little princess. It is spelled in different ways, such as Mabelle, Mable, Maybelle, and Maybelline.
88. Maggie
Maggie is the short form of the ever-popular name Margaret. This short and sweet name was a favorite in the Victorian Era. Dame Maggie Smith was a popular British actress with this name. She was known as one of the most recognizable actresses across the world and appeared in the highly popular Downton Abbey and Harry Potter series. Maggie has been a popular name in the US since 1900 (1).
89. Minnie
Minnie was long famous even before the appearance of your favorite mouse, Minnie. Minnie was one of the fastest-rising names at the turn of the century. It started off as a diminutive of Wilhelmina, which means ‘strong helmet.’
90. Nelly
Nelly was a household name in America in the 19th century. Nelly Furtado, the famous singer is the most popular bearer of this name.
91. Pearl
Short and delicate Pearl is reminiscent of the treasured riches from the sea. It will make an excellent middle or first name for your little gem. Author and Nobel Prize winner Pearl S. Buck is a notable person with this name (8).
92. Ruth
Ruth is a short and powerful name to select for your young girl. It comes from Hebrew and means ‘female friend.’ It was the name of a prominent figure in the Old Testament and the author of the Book of Ruth.
93. Sadie
Sadie was an extremely popular name at the end of the 19th century. This name is a variant of Sarah and means ‘lady,’ ‘princess,’ or ‘noblewoman.’ It has been among the top 100 names for girls in the US since 2013 (1).
94. Violet
This retro name is perfect for a spring baby. Even your girl won’t feel shy bearing a name like Violet. In recent years, this name saw increasing popularity as it appeared in the Bridgerton series of books and TV shows. Since 2016, Violet has been among the top 50 names in the US (1).
95. Leona
Your delicate little girl will be fearless like a lioness with the name Leona, the female variant of the name Leo.
96. Mercy
Despite being a classic name, Mercy still feels original. It will make a unique name for your little one. It’s also a shortened version of Mercedes.
97. Millie
Millie was once used as a nickname for Mildred or Millicent. You can use it now as a nickname for names like Camille. English actress Millie Bobby Brown is a popular person with this name.
98. Beatrice
Beatrice is the perfect old traditional baby name for your little princess. It has been the name of royalty for generations. It means ‘she who blesses’.
99. Anastasia
Anastasia is one of the most elegant and classy retro names of Greek origin. Anna or Anne would be the perfect nickname for it. It means ‘resurrection.’ This name is revered among Christians and has been among the top 1000 names in the US since 1900 (1).
100. Vera
Vera, meaning ‘summer’ will make a breezy and shiny name for a girl. Vera could also mean ‘faith’ in Russian and ‘true’ in Latin. Either way, this short name has some deep meanings that appeal to parents.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some unique old-fashioned baby boy names that are not commonly heard today?
Masculine names such as Aurelius, Aloysius, Ignatius, and Rufus are not commonly heard in the US today.
2. How do old-fashioned baby boy names contribute to a child’s sense of identity and connection to the past?
Some old-fashioned names have a religious significance, which helps a child feel connected to their traditions. For instance, the name Abraham is important to Abrahamic religions and helps a child develop a sense of belonging to that religion. Similarly, some names are considered royal names of a certain era, which again connects a child to their culture and traditions.
3. What are some characteristics of old-fashioned baby boy names that make them timeless and enduring?
Old-fashioned names are rare and have unique pronunciations that make them stand out. These names are deeply rooted in history and tradition. Some of them also belong to famous personalities who have gone down in history, which adds to their appeal.
4. How can old-fashioned baby boy names honor family heritage and traditions?
An old-fashioned baby boy name that belongs to an ancestor is a good way to honor a family’s heritage and promote its legacy.
5. What are some potential drawbacks to choosing old-fashioned baby boy names for your child?
In most cases, when people hear an old-fashioned name, it is assumed that the name bearer must be an old person.
6. What are some factors to consider when choosing an old-fashioned baby boy’s name?
Avoid names that are associated with negative history, such as those of dictators or tyrant kings. Ensure the name has a good meaning even in different languages.
7. What are some examples of old-fashioned baby boy names that have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years?
Vintage and old-fashioned names have always held a place of importance in parents’ hearts despite changing times. While some parents have started to adopt modern and creative names, old-fashioned names have quietly made a comeback through popular culture. For instance, antiquated boy names like Archie, Walter, Floyd, James, and Chester, and girl names like Anastasia, Emma, Alice, Bernadette, and Florence have been steadily climbing the charts thanks to their presence in popular fiction and media. We’re sure you will fancy several names on the list. So why wait? Grab a pen and paper and start jotting down your favorites. These evergreen names exude charm and aura and will make your baby stand out in the crowd.
Infographic: Classic Baby Names For Your Babies
While it is said that we should update ourselves with current trends, some customs, beliefs, and traditions are too impactful to let go of. The same goes for some names. So we bring you this infographic with some old-fashioned yet evergreen names that are still popular to name a baby. Keep reading! Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Amazing Old Fashioned Baby Names For Boys And Girls
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Traditional names are timeless symbols of culture and heritage. This video lists 20 iconic names from the 1950s, offering a perfect blend of nostalgic inspiration for expecting parents.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. How I named my kiddos.https://sanctanomina.net/2014/08/27/how-i-named-my-kiddos
References
- Popularity of a name.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ - Seda Gasparyan; (2020); The Historical Background of the King James Bible.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347104712_The_Historical_Background_of_the_King_James_Bible - Genesis 6.
https://web.mit.edu/jywang/www/cef/Bible/NIV/NIV_Bible/GEN+6.html - Alexander the Great.
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/alexander-great/ - Mark Antony.
https://www.worldhistory.org/Mark_Antony/ - Edith Wharton.
https://www.edithwharton.org/discover/edith-wharton/ - Florence Nightingale: The Mother of Nursing.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4557413/ - Brief Biography of Pearl S. Buck.
https://www.english.upenn.edu/projects/buck/biography.html
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