Vintage baby names

Everything old is new again, or so the saying goes. Vintage baby names from the early 1900s are making a remarkable comeback in today's nurseries. Names like Eleanor, Arthur, Florence, and Theodore that once graced our great-grandparents' generation are now finding favor with modern parents seeking timeless elegance. These classic monikers offer both historical richness and the distinctive charm that many parents desire in an era of more contemporary naming trends. From the stately Violet to the distinguished Walter, these heritage names carry a sense of dignity while remaining surprisingly fresh to today's ears.

These are some of our favorite baby names that were in the top 100 more than 100 years ago. These vintage names carry timeless elegance and historical charm that modern parents are rediscovering. Names like Clara, Walter, Edith, and Theodore were popular in the early 1900s and are now experiencing a well-deserved resurgence. Other beautiful options include Florence, Arthur, Hazel, and Oscar. These distinguished names offer both nostalgic appeal and uniqueness in today's classrooms, making them perfect choices for parents seeking names with character and history. These gems from the past are long overdue for a comeback.

Vintage girl names

Alma: Timeless Elegance

Alma derives from Latin and means "kind" or "nourishing." This vintage gem has graced generations with its simple yet profound elegance. Those familiar with the HBO series Deadwood might recognize it from the character Alma Garret, who embodied strength and refinement. The beautiful children's picture book Alma and How She Got Her Name celebrates this classic name through the story of a curious little girl discovering her name's rich heritage. Beyond popular culture, Alma holds spiritual significance as the name of a prophet in the Bible. With its gentle sound and meaningful etymology, Alma offers timeless appeal that continues to charm modern parents seeking a name with historical depth and feminine grace.

Della: Victorian Charm

Della is a charming vintage name with Germanic origins, typically derived from names like Adelaide or Adele, meaning "noble" or "serene." Popular during the Victorian era, Della reached its peak in the 1880s and is now experiencing a delightful revival. It can also be a diminutive of Delilah or Delia, the latter connected to Greek mythology and the island of Delos. With its soft sounds and nostalgic feel, Della offers modern parents a name that's both sweetly old-fashioned and refreshingly distinctive in today's classrooms.

Etta: Classic Femininity

Etta is a name with rich historical roots across multiple cultures. In Scandinavian countries, it derives from an Old Norse name meaning "beautiful goddess," bestowing an ethereal quality to this vintage gem. Often used as a diminutive for the French name Antoinette (the feminine form of Anthony), Etta carries the meaning "priceless" or "praiseworthy." This versatile name also serves as a shortened form of classics like Loretta and Marietta. Popular in the early 20th century, Etta has been experiencing a well-deserved revival among parents seeking a name that combines timeless elegance with a melodic simplicity.

Flora: Nature-Inspired Beauty

The name Flora has Latin origins meaning "flower" or "blossom." Revered in Roman mythology as the goddess of fertility, flowering plants, and springtime, this elegant name embodies natural grace and vitality. Flora gained popularity in Victorian times, making it truly vintage. Literary and pop culture references include one of the three guardian fairies in Disney's classic Sleeping Beauty. With its botanical connections and melodic sound, Flora offers a timeless charm for parents seeking a name that's both traditional and connected to the natural world.

Hattie: Sweet Nostalgia

The charming name Hattie is traditionally a diminutive of Harriet or Henrietta, both feminine derivatives of Henry. Originating from Germanic roots, the name means "home ruler" or "estate ruler." Hattie carries a delightful vintage appeal that has seen a resurgence in popularity. Notable bearers include Hattie McDaniel, who made history as the first Black woman to win an Academy Award for her performance in Gone with the Wind, and Hattie Caraway, who broke barriers as the first woman to serve a full term in the United States Senate. With its sweet sound and rich historical connections, Hattie offers both charm and substance, making it a perfect choice for parents seeking a name with character and nostalgic flair.

Minnie: Endearing Simplicity

Of German origin, Minnie is the short form of Wilhelmina, a feminine form of Wilhelm, which means "strong-willed warrior." This charming diminutive name enjoyed widespread popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before fading from fashion. Minnie can also serve as a nickname for many other female names with an M sound – including Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, Mary, Margaret, or Hermione. The name carries a warm, nostalgic quality while maintaining a playful sweetness perfect for a modern child. British actress Minnie Driver has brought renewed attention to this endearing name in contemporary times – though many still associate it first with Disney's beloved Minnie Mouse, who has been delighting audiences since 1928.

Pearl: Precious Heritage

The name Pearl evokes images of timeless elegance and natural beauty. As June's birthstone, pearls symbolize purity, innocence, and wisdom. This precious gem name has graced notable figures throughout history, including Pearl Buck, the acclaimed American novelist and humanitarian who won the Pulitzer Prize for her masterpiece The Good Earth. With its classic charm and luxurious connotations, Pearl offers your daughter a name that combines vintage appeal with enduring sophistication—a perfect choice for parents seeking a name as rare and luminous as their little treasure.

Rosa: Romantic Tradition

Rosa is a timeless name derived from the Latin word rosa, meaning "rose," symbolizing beauty and love throughout the centuries. While beautiful as a standalone name, Rosa also serves as a diminutive for elegant longer forms like Rosamund, Rosalie, and Rosalind. The name carries significant historical weight through figures like civil rights icon Rosa Parks, whose courage transformed American society. Popular throughout Europe, particularly in Spanish and Italian cultures, Rosa offers a perfect balance of feminine charm and quiet strength. This vintage gem has maintained its appeal across generations, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a name with both historical depth and floral romance.

Viola: Musical Elegance

Viola is a beautiful vintage name rich with cultural significance. As a word name, it refers to a stringed musical instrument played with a bow, slightly larger than a violin. The name also connects to nature, being an alternate version of violet, both the flower and the delicate purple color. Viola gained literary prestige as the name of the heroine in Shakespeare's beloved play Twelfth Night, and more recently has been brought to prominence by Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis. With its melodious sound and classical roots, Viola makes a timeless choice for parents seeking a name that balances vintage charm with artistic flair for their daughter.

Vintage boy names

Alfred: Noble Heritage

Originally derived from the Old English name 'Aelfraed,' Alfred combines the elements 'aelf' meaning 'elf' and 'raed' meaning 'counsel' - literally translating to 'elf counselor.' This noble name has historically been associated with wisdom and guidance. Notable bearers include film director Alfred Hitchcock, poet Alfred Lord Tennyson, and actor Al Pacino (born Alfredo). The name enjoyed tremendous popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is now experiencing a resurgence as parents seek distinguished vintage names with rich historical significance.

Francis: Dignified Legacy

The name Francis derives from Latin origins, meaning "Frenchman" or "free man." This distinguished name has maintained its appeal across generations, carried by notable figures such as filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and Pope Francis. Originally from the Latin name Franciscus, it has a rich literary presence as well, including Sergeant Francis Troy in Thomas Hardy's classic novel Far From the Madding Crowd. With its dignified sound and historical gravitas, Francis offers parents a name that balances traditional masculinity with refined elegance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a vintage name with lasting character.

Frederick: Regal Strength

Frederick is a Germanic name with royal connotations, meaning "peaceful ruler" or "mighty ruler." This distinguished name has been carried by kings, emperors, and notable historical figures throughout history, including Frederick Douglass, the renowned abolitionist and social reformer. The name projects an image of dignity and leadership while offering friendly nicknames like Fred, Freddie, or Rick. After a period of decline, this classic name is experiencing a revival among parents seeking traditional names with historical weight and timeless appeal.

Julius: Classical Distinction

Julius is a venerable Latin name with distinguished classical roots. Its origins remain somewhat debated among scholars - it may derive from a Greek word meaning "bearded," or possibly signify "devoted to Jove," referring to Jupiter, the supreme deity in Roman mythology. The name gained immense prestige through Julius Caesar, the legendary Roman general and statesman whose legacy endures in history. Throughout the centuries, Julius has maintained its dignified appeal, being chosen by several popes and remaining a favorite among families seeking a name with gravitas and historical significance. With its strong consonants and melodic quality, Julius offers the perfect balance of classical heritage and contemporary sophistication for modern boys.

Lee: Timeless Simplicity

The name Lee embodies classic elegance with its straightforward, single-syllable charm. Derived from Old English leah, meaning "clearing" or "meadow," it has maintained popularity throughout generations. While primarily used for boys in Western cultures, it also serves as a unisex option in many families. Lee appears frequently in Chinese culture as well, where it functions as a common surname meaning "plum tree." Its versatility extends to being both a standalone name and a popular middle name choice, pairing harmoniously with longer first names. Parents appreciate Lee for its unpretentious nature and timeless appeal that transitions effortlessly from childhood to adulthood.

Luther: Historic Character

Luther is a distinguished vintage name with complex etymological roots. Depending on the linguistic tradition, it may signify "famous in battle," "soldier of the people," or even "lute player." Originally common as a German surname, Americans transformed it into a popular first name, largely in homage to Martin Luther, the influential 16th-century theologian who sparked the Protestant Reformation. The name carries a sense of gravitas and historical significance, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a traditional masculine name with strong character associations. Though its popularity waned in the mid-20th century, Luther has been experiencing a quiet revival among families drawn to authentic vintage names with substance.

Otto: Germanic Tradition

Otto derives from Old Germanic origins, serving as a nickname for names beginning with the element 'aud,' which signifies 'wealth' or 'fortune.' The name carries a distinguished royal legacy, having been borne by four German kings throughout history. With its strong, concise sound and noble heritage, Otto represents prosperity and tradition, making it a dignified choice for parents seeking a vintage name with historical significance. Recently experiencing a revival among parents drawn to classic, distinguished names, Otto offers the perfect balance of uniqueness and familiarity in today's naming landscape.

Rufus: Distinguished Revival

Rufus is a distinguished Roman family name with ancient roots, meaning "red-haired" or "ruddy" in Latin. This vintage gem combines uniqueness with classical appeal, having been bestowed upon one of William the Conqueror's sons, securing its place in royal English history. The name has enjoyed periodic popularity throughout centuries and has been carried by notable figures including musician Rufus Wainwright. With its strong yet approachable sound and rich historical connections, Rufus offers parents a distinctive choice that stands out while maintaining timeless appeal. As vintage names continue their resurgence, this charming moniker presents the perfect balance of tradition and individuality for the modern boy.