600 Best Old Names with Meanings: Vintage Choice Guide

My hands were actually shaking a little when I signed my first son’s birth certificate. It wasn’t just the caffeine or the sleep deprivation. It was the pen hitting the paper, making it permanent. You realize in that split second that you aren’t just tagging a baby with a label for daycare; you are handing him his first heirloom.

I’ve always been drawn to things that last. I drive a truck that’s older than most of the interns at my office. I shave with a safety razor. So, when it came time to name my kids, looking at the modern “Top 10” list felt like walking through an IKEA—everything looked shiny, but I wasn’t sure it would hold up in twenty years.

Walk through a playground today, and you’ll notice I’m not alone. The trend of inventing spellings is finally dying out. In its place, we are seeing a revival of the Best Old Names—names that sound like they belong on a brass plaque or the roster of a 1927 Yankees team. We are craving substance. We want names with dirt under their fingernails and history in their bones.

Also Read: Best French Names for Girls with Meanings and Best Girl Dog Names with Meanings

Key Takeaways

• Timelessness Beats Trends: A vintage name looks just as good on a muddy jersey as it does on a CEO’s business card.
• The “Grandpa” Factor: If a name sounds like an old man on a porch, it’s actually right on the cutting edge of cool for a baby.
• Natural Nicknames: You don’t have to force them. “Margaret” naturally becomes “Maggie” or “Peggy” without any extra paperwork.
• The 100-Year Cycle: Fashion moves in a century-long circle. Your great-grandfather’s name isn’t outdated anymore; it’s fresh.

Why are we suddenly dusting off these “Grandpa” names?

It’s the “100-Year Rule.” It’s a real thing. Names that our parents thought were stuffy—names like Arthur, Walter, or Florence—sound dignified to us because we didn’t grow up with them in our classrooms. They’ve rested long enough to shed the dust and regain their shine.

I remember sitting in a fishing boat with my grandfather, a man of few words named Silas. Growing up in the neon-soaked 80s, I thought “Silas” sounded ancient, like something out of a history book. But looking back? It was strong. It was distinct. Now, when I hear a mom call out “Silas!” at the park, I don’t think of an old man; I think of a kid who’s going to grow up to be interesting. In a digital world where everything feels disposable, giving your child a name like “Theodore” or “Silas” feels like planting an oak tree. It roots them.

Distinguished Gentlemen: The Top 100 Vintage Boy Names

These aren’t soft names. These are the names of men who built bridges, wrote constitutions, and stormed beaches. They carry weight.

1. Arthur: Bear man. The king. It doesn’t get more noble than this.
2. Theodore: Gift of God. “Teddy” is soft; Theodore is a statesman.
3. Henry: Home ruler. It has survived every trend for 500 years.
4. Oliver: Olive tree. Peace and dignity wrapped in one.
5. William: Resolute protector. A solid block of granite.
6. James: Supplanter. Cool, biblical, royal. It hits every mark.
7. Charles: Free man. From Charlie to Chuck, it grows with the boy.
8. George: Farmer. Salt of the earth.
9. Walter: Army ruler. It’s making a massive comeback for a reason.
10. Albert: Noble and bright. Serious, Victorian, and smart.
11. Louis: Renowned warrior. French style with a tough meaning.
12. Harry: Home ruler. Scrappy and full of life.
13. Frank: Free man. Direct. Honest. The guy you trust.
14. Joseph: Jehovah increases. You can’t go wrong here.
15. Edward: Wealthy guardian. Demands respect immediately.
16. Thomas: Twin. A cornerstone name.
17. Robert: Bright fame. Adaptable as hell.
18. Fredrick: Peaceful ruler. Freddie is charming; Fredrick is boss.
19. Samuel: Told by God. The judge and the friend.
20. David: Beloved. A classic that never quits.

The “Old Man” Cool List (21-100):

• 21. Alfred: Wise counselor.
  22. Archie: Truly brave.
  23. Oscar: God spear.
  24. Felix: Lucky, successful.
  25. Jasper: Bringer of treasure.
  26. Silas: Wood, forest.
  27. August: Great, magnificent.
  28. Ezra: Help.
  29. Milo: Soldier or merciful.
  30. Atticus: From Attica.
  31. Emmett: Universal.
  32. Otis: Wealthy.
  33. Harvey: Battle worthy.
  34. Percy: Pierces the valley.
  35. Ralph: Wolf counsel.
  36. Vincent: Conquering.
  37. Calvin: Bald. (Ignore the meaning; the vibe is pure cool).
  38. Warren: Park keeper.
  39. Victor: Conqueror.
  40. Raymond: Wise protector.
  41. Harold: Army ruler.
  42. Edwin: Rich friend.
  43. Chester: Fortress, walled town.
  44. Gus: Great.
  45. Otto: Wealthy.
  46. Barnaby: Son of consolation.
  47. Rupert: Bright fame.
  48. Hugh: Mind, intellect.
  49. Clarence: Bright.
  50. Ernest: Serious, resolute.
  51. Howard: High guardian.
  52. Stanley: Near the stony clearing.
  53. Leonard: Brave lion.
  54. Francis: Latin for Frenchman.
  55. Gilbert: Shiny pledge.
  56. Herbert: Bright army.
  57. Lawrence: From Laurentium.
  58. Maurice: Dark-skinned.
  59. Sidney: Saint Denis.
  60. Wallace: Welshman.
  61. Abraham: Father of multitudes.
  62. Amos: Carried by God.
  63. Gideon: Hewer.
  64. Solomon: Peace.
  65. Elijah: Yahweh is God.
  66. Jonah: Dove.
  67. Tobias: God is good.
  68. Abel: Breath.
  69. Levi: Joined, attached.
  70. Caleb: Devotion.
  71. Josiah: God supports.
  72. Seth: Appointed.
  73. Isaac: Laughter.
  74. Reuben: Behold, a son.
  75. Simeon: God has heard.
  76. Benedict: Blessed.
  77. Clement: Merciful.
  78. Cyrus: Sun.
  79. Leopold: Bold people.
  80. Magnus: Greatest.
  81. Maximilian: Greatest.
  82. Phineas: Nubian.
  83. Quentin: Fifth.
  84. Sebastian: Venerable.
  85. Thaddeus: Heart.
  86. Xavier: New house.
  87. Ambrose: Immortal.
  88. Basil: Royal.
  89. Cecil: Blind.
  90. Cyril: Lordly.
  91. Dorian: Of Doris.
  92. Fabian: Bean grower.
  93. Florian: Flowering.
  94. Horatio: Hour, time.
  95. Ignatius: Fiery.
  96. Julian: Youthful.
  97. Lucian: Light.
  98. Marius: Male.
  99. Octavius: Eighth.
  100. Valentin: Strong, healthy.

Is “Grandma Chic” actually the toughest style around?

If the boys are borrowing from the workbench, the girls are raiding the jewelry box. I found a stack of letters in my grandmother’s attic once, written to women named Mabel, Pearl, and Hattie. For a long time, those names felt fragile to me. But I was wrong.

Think about the women who bore these names. They lived through the Depression, ran households without electricity, and held families together with sheer will. A girl named Eleanor can run a boardroom. A girl named Hattie can run a marathon. These names are steel wrapped in lace.

Elegant & Timeless: The Top 100 Vintage Girl Names

1. Eleanor: Bright, shining one. Roosevelt gave it clout; your daughter will give it life.
2. Hazel: The hazelnut tree. Earthy, vintage, and incredibly cool.
3. Clara: Bright, clear. It cuts through the noise.
4. Violet: Purple flower. Soft, but with a vibrant punch.
5. Charlotte: Free man. Royalty loves it, and so do we.
6. Amelia: Work. Industrious. A name for a doer.
7. Evelyn: Desired. A powerhouse in the 20s, a powerhouse now.
8. Alice: Noble. No-nonsense and classic.
9. Florence: Flourishing. Like the city, it’s beautiful and enduring.
10. Lillian: Lily. Pure sophistication.
11. Adelaide: Noble type. Distinctive and strong.
12. Beatrice: She who brings happiness. “Bea” is the best nickname. Period.
13. Matilda: Battle-mighty. Don’t mess with a Matilda.
14. Josephine: Jehovah increases. Jo, Joey, Josie—it’s three names in one.
15. Penelope: Weaver. Smart and mythological.
16. Cora: Maiden. Short, punchy, and memorable.
17. Rose: The flower. Stop using it as a middle name; put it up front.
18. Iris: Rainbow. colorful and sharp.
19. Ivy: Faithfulness. Great for a climber.
20. Mabel: Lovable. It’s back, and it’s louder than ever.

The “Needlepoint” Collection (21-100):

• 21. Agnes: Pure.
  22. Edith: Prosperous in war.
  23. Elsie: Pledged to God.
  24. Esther: Star.
  25. Hattie: Home ruler.
  26. Ida: Industrious one.
  27. Martha: Lady.
  28. Maude: Battle-mighty.
  29. Nellie: Bright, shining one.
  30. Pearl: Gem of the sea.
  31. Ruth: Compassionate friend.
  32. Vera: Faith, truth.
  33. Ada: Noble.
  34. Alma: Nourishing, soul.
  35. Bessie: Pledged to God.
  36. Blanche: White.
  37. Celia: Heavenly.
  38. Dora: Gift.
  39. Effie: Well-spoken.
  40. Etta: Estate ruler.
  41. Faye: Loyalty, belief.
  42. Flora: Flower.
  43. Greta: Pearl.
  44. Jane: God is gracious.
  45. Louise: Renowned warrior.
  46. Mae: Bitter or pearl.
  47. Minnie: Of the sea.
  48. Nora: Light.
  49. Opal: Jewel.
  50. Polly: Bitter.
  51. Ruby: Deep red precious stone.
  52. Sadie: Princess.
  53. Stella: Star.
  54. Sylvia: From the forest.
  55. Thea: Goddess.
  56. Viola: Violet.
  57. Willa: Resolute protection.
  58. Agatha: Good woman.
  59. Bernadette: Brave as a bear.
  60. Camilla: Young ceremonial attendant.
  61. Cecilia: Blind.
  62. Cordelia: Heart.
  63. Daphne: Laurel tree.
  64. Dorothy: Gift of God.
  65. Eleanora: Bright shining one.
  66. Felicity: Good fortune.
  67. Genevieve: Tribe woman.
  68. Gwendolyn: White ring.
  69. Harriet: Estate ruler.
  70. Helena: Bright, shining light.
  71. Imogen: Maiden.
  72. Isadora: Gift of Isis.
  73. Lavinia: From Lavinium.
  74. Loretta: Laurel.
  75. Lucille: Light.
  76. Lydia: Woman from Lydia.
  77. Margot: Pearl.
  78. Marian: Drop of the sea.
  79. Millicent: Strong in work.
  80. Miranda: Marvelous.
  81. Muriel: Sparkling sea.
  82. Octavia: Eighth.
  83. Odette: Wealthy.
  84. Ophelia: Help.
  85. Philippa: Lover of horses.
  86. Priscilla: Ancient.
  87. Rosalind: Pretty rose.
  88. Rosemary: Dew of the sea.
  89. Susannah: Lily.
  90. Tabitha: Gazelle.
  91. Ursula: Little female bear.
  92. Veronica: She who brings victory.
  93. Victoria: Victory.
  94. Virginia: Virginal, pure.
  95. Vivian: Life.
  96. Winifred: Blessed peacemaking.
  97. Zelma: Protector.
  98. Zora: Dawn.
  99. Antonia: Priceless one.
  100. Augusta: Majestic.

Are biblical names the ultimate “Old School” flex?

You can’t talk about the Best Old Names without opening the Good Book. I grew up in a small town church where the hymnals were falling apart and every other kid was named Matthew or Sarah. For a while, the world drifted away from these. We got lost in a sea of “Aiden” rhymes.

But parents are waking up. They want gravity. These names have survived thousands of years, crossed deserts, and founded nations. When you name a son “Asher” or a daughter “Naomi,” you aren’t just following a trend; you are tapping into a lineage.

50 Enduring Biblical Classics for Boys

1. Abraham: Father of many.
2. Asher: Happy, blessed.
3. Bartholomew: Son of Talmai.
4. Benjamin: Son of the right hand.
5. Boaz: Swiftness.
6. Cain: Acquired.
7. Cyrus: Sun.
8. Dan: He judged.
9. Daniel: God is my judge.
10. Ebenezer: Stone of help.
11. Eden: Place of pleasure.
12. Ephraim: Fruitful.
13. Ezekiel: God strengthens.
14. Gabriel: God is my strength.
15. Hiram: Exalted brother.
16. Isaiah: Salvation of the Lord.
17. Jacob: Supplanter.
18. Jared: He descends.
19. Jedidiah: Beloved of the Lord.
20. Jeremiah: Appointed by God.
21. Jesse: Gift.
22. Jethro: Excellence.
23. Joel: Yahweh is God.
24. John: God is gracious.
25. Jonas: Dove.
26. Jonathan: Yahweh has given.
27. Jordan: Flowing down.
28. Jude: Praised.
29. Lazarus: God has helped.
30. Lemuel: Devoted to God.
31. Luke: Light giving.
32. Malachi: My messenger.
33. Mark: Warlike.
34. Matthew: Gift of God.
35. Micah: Who is like the Lord?
36. Moses: Delivered from the water.
37. Nathan: He gave.
38. Noah: Rest, wandering.
39. Obadiah: Servant of God.
40. Paul: Small, humble.
41. Peter: Rock.
42. Philip: Lover of horses.
43. Raphael: God has healed.
44. Samson: Sun.
45. Saul: Prayed for.
46. Simon: He has heard.
47. Solomon: Peace.
48. Stephen: Crown.
49. Timothy: Honoring God.
50. Zachariah: The Lord has remembered.

50 Enduring Biblical Classics for Girls

1. Abigail: My father is joy.
2. Ada: Noble.
3. Anna: Grace.
4. Bethany: House of figs.
5. Candace: Queen mother.
6. Chloe: Blooming.
7. Damaris: Calf.
8. Deborah: Bee.
9. Delilah: Delicate.
10. Dinah: Judged.
11. Drusilla: Fruitful.
12. Elizabeth: Pledged to God.
13. Esther: Star.
14. Eunice: Good victory.
15. Eva: Life.
16. Eve: Life.
17. Hannah: Grace.
18. Hulda: Weasel or mole. (Prophetess).
19. Jael: Mountain goat. (Fierce warrior).
20. Jemima: Dove.
21. Joanna: God is gracious.
22. Judith: Woman of Judea.
23. Julia: Youthful.
24. Keziah: Cassia tree.
25. Leah: Weary.
26. Lois: Most desirable.
27. Lydia: Woman from Lydia.
28. Magdalena: Of Magdala.
29. Mara: Bitter.
30. Martha: Lady.
31. Mary: Beloved.
32. Miriam: Drop of the sea.
33. Naomi: Pleasantness.
34. Noa: Motion.
35. Orpah: Fawn.
36. Phoebe: Radiant.
37. Prisca: Ancient.
38. Rachel: Ewe.
39. Rebecca: To bind.
40. Rhoda: Rose.
41. Ruth: Compassionate friend.
42. Salome: Peace.
43. Sarah: Princess.
44. Sarai: Princess.
45. Selah: Praise, pause.
46. Shiloh: Peace.
47. Susanna: Lily.
48. Tabitha: Gazelle.
49. Tamar: Date palm.
50. Zipporah: Bird.

What about the “Lost Generation” names from the 1920s?

Some names didn’t just get old; they partied too hard in the Jazz Age and passed out. But now they are waking up, rubbing their eyes, and looking fantastic. These are the spunky, high-energy names. They remind me of flapper dresses, Model T Fords, and speakeasies.

I had a great-aunt named Zelda. She was eccentric, painted landscapes, and drove a convertible well into her 80s. Her name matched her spirit perfectly. If you want a child with personality, look to the Roaring Twenties.

50 Spunky Jazz-Age Gems

1. Arlo: Barberry tree.
2. Buster: Friendly fellow.
3. Bessie: Pledged to God.
4. Buddy: Friend.
5. Coco: Chocolate bean.
6. Daisy: Day’s eye.
7. Dixie: Tenth.
8. Dolly: Gift of God.
9. Duke: Leader.
10. Earl: Nobleman.
11. Elsie: Pledged to God.
12. Etta: Estate ruler.
13. Fritz: Peaceful ruler.
14. Gatsby: (Literary mystery).
15. Ginger: Pure, chaste.
16. Goldie: Made of gold.
17. Grover: Grove of trees.
18. Guy: Guide.
19. Hank: Home ruler.
20. Hattie: Home ruler.
21. Ike: Laughter.
22. Jack: God is gracious.
23. Jean: God is gracious.
24. June: Young.
25. Kit: Carrier of Christ.
26. Lola: Sorrows.
27. Lou: Renowned warrior.
28. Lulu: Pearl.
29. Mack: Son of.
30. Mamie: Star of the sea.
31. Max: Greatest.
32. Millie: Gentle strength.
33. Minnie: Of the sea.
34. Moe: Delivered.
35. Monty: Mountain.
36. Ned: Wealthy guardian.
37. Otis: Wealthy.
38. Peggy: Pearl.
39. Percy: Pierce valley.
40. Rex: King.
41. Rosie: Rose.
42. Roxy: Dawn.
43. Roy: King.
44. Rudy: Famous wolf.
45. Sadie: Princess.
46. Sally: Princess.
47. Sonny: Son.
48. Tillie: Battle mighty.
49. Vinnie: Conquering.
50. Zelda: Grey fighting maid.

Can a name sound too Aristocratic?

Sometimes you don’t want spunky. You want a name that sounds like it owns the library, not the dance floor. These are the “Old Money” names—the choices that sound sophisticated on a university diploma. They are polysyllabic, rhythmically pleasing, and undeniably high-class.

50 Sophisticated & Aristocratic Choices

1. Alistair: Defending men.
2. Anastasia: Resurrection.
3. Angelica: Angelic.
4. Archibald: Truly brave.
5. Augustin: Great, magnificent.
6. Aurelia: The golden one.
7. Barnaby: Son of consolation.
8. Balthazar: Baal protects.
9. Beauregard: Beautiful gaze.
10. Braphne: Laurel.
11. Calliope: Beautiful voice.
12. Caspian: White.
13. Cassius: Hollow.
14. Constantine: Constant.
15. Cornelius: Horn.
16. Clementina: Merciful.
17. Demetrius: Follower of Demeter.
18. Desmond: Gracious defender.
19. Dominic: Of the Lord.
20. Edmund: Wealthy protector.
21. Evangeline: Bearer of good news.
22. Ferdinand: Bold voyager.
23. Fitzwilliam: Son of William.
24. Francesca: From France.
25. Guinevere: White phantom.
26. Gwendolyn: White ring.
27. Hamilton: Flat-topped hill.
28. Harrison: Son of Harry.
29. Henrietta: Estate ruler.
30. Isabella: Pledged to God.
31. Julius: Youthful.
32. Kingsley: King’s meadow.
33. Leopold: Bold people.
34. Lysander: Liberator.
35. Magnolia: Magnol’s flower.
36. Margaret: Pearl.
37. Maximilian: Greatest.
38. Montgomery: Man power.
39. Octavius: Eighth.
40. Ophelia: Help.
41. Percival: Pierces the valley.
42. Peregrine: Traveler.
43. Phineas: Oracle.
44. Reginald: Counsel power.
45. Remington: Place on a riverbank.
46. Seraphina: Fiery ones.
47. Theadora: Gift of God.
48. Valentina: Strong, healthy.
49. Wilhelmina: Resolute protection.
50. Zachariah: The Lord has remembered.

What about the “Forgotten” Occupational Names?

We all know Mason, Carter, and Cooper. Those are everywhere. But the Victorians had jobs, too, and some of those job titles make for incredible names. These offer a rugged, working-class charm that feels grounded and honest. They smell like sawdust and leather.

50 Vintage Occupational Names

1. Abbott: Father, priest.
2. Bailey: Bailiff.
3. Baker: Baker.
4. Baxter: Baker.
5. Booker: Scribe.
6. Brewster: Brewer.
7. Carter: Cart driver.
8. Chandler: Candle maker.
9. Clark: Scribe.
10. Coleman: Charcoal burner.
11. Colier: Coal miner.
12. Cooper: Barrel maker.
13. Deacon: Servant.
14. Dexter: Dyer of clothes.
15. Draper: Cloth merchant.
16. Dudley: People’s field.
17. Fletcher: Arrow maker.
18. Foster: Forester.
19. Gardener: Keeper of the garden.
20. Grover: Grove dweller.
21. Hayward: Guardian.
22. Homer: Pledge.
23. Hunter: One who hunts.
24. Luther: Lute player.
25. Marshall: Horse servant.
26. Mason: Stone worker.
27. Mercer: Merchant.
28. Miller: Grinder of grain.
29. Parker: Park keeper.
30. Porter: Gatekeeper.
31. Ranger: Forest guardian.
32. Redford: Red ford crossing.
33. Ryder: Mounted warrior.
34. Sawyer: Woodcutter.
35. Sherman: Shearer.
36. Smith: Metal worker.
37. Spencer: Steward.
38. Stewart: Steward.
39. Tanner: Leather worker.
40. Taylor: Tailor.
41. Thatcher: Roof thatcher.
42. Travis: Toll collector.
43. Tucker: Fabric pleater.
44. Turner: Lathe worker.
45. Tyler: Tile maker.
46. Walker: Cloth walker.
47. Ward: Guard.
48. Wayne: Wagon driver.
49. Webster: Weaver.
50. Wright: Carpenter.

150 More Hidden Treasures (The Deep Cut)

We are nearing the end of our crate digging. If you haven’t found the one yet, these are the deep cuts. These are names that might appear once in a 1910 census and then vanish. They are rare, interesting, and waiting for a comeback.

Boys:

1. Abner: Father of light.
2. Adolphus: Noble wolf.
3. Alonzo: Noble, ready.
4. Alton: Old town.
5. Alvis: All wise.
6. Ansel: With divine protection.
7. Arvid: Eagle tree.
8. Barney: Son of comfort.
9. Bertram: Bright raven.
10. Buford: Ford near the aviary.
11. Burton: Fortified town.
12. Carroll: Champion.
13. Casper: Treasurer.
14. Cedric: Kindly.
15. Chauncey: Chancellor.
16. Cleveland: Hilly land.
17. Clifford: Ford by a cliff.
18. Clyde: The river Clyde.
19. Conrad: Brave counsel.
20. Cornelius: Horn.
21. Curtis: Polite.
22. Cyril: Lordly.
23. Dale: Valley.
24. Dallas: Meadow dwelling.
25. Delbert: Bright day.
26. Dewey: Beloved.
27. Douglas: Dark water.
28. Doyle: Dark stranger.
29. Dwight: White, blond.
30. Earl: Nobleman.
31. Edgar: Wealthy spear.
32. Edison: Son of Edward.
33. Elbert: Noble and bright.
34. Eldridge: Old counsel.
35. Elmer: Noble and famous.
36. Elroy: The king.
37. Elton: From the old town.
38. Emerson: Son of Emery.
39. Emery: Brave power.
40. Emil: Rival.
41. Ervin: Boar friend.
42. Everett: Brave as a wild boar.
43. Ewing: Law friend.
44. Floyd: Gray-haired.
45. Forrest: Dweller near the woods.
46. Freeman: Free man.
47. Garland: Wreath.
48. Garrett: Spear strength.
49. Glen: Valley.
50. Gordon: Spacious fort.
51. Grady: Noble.
52. Grant: Large.
53. Gustave: Staff of the Goths.
54. Harley: Hare’s meadow.
55. Harris: Son of Harry.
56. Herman: Soldier.
57. Hollis: Holly tree.
58. Houston: Hugh’s town.
59. Hubert: Bright heart.
60. Irvin: Green water.
61. Ivan: God is gracious.
62. Jesse: Gift.
63. Jimmie: Supplanter.
64. Julius: Youthful.
65. Junior: Young.
66. Kenneth: Born of fire.
67. Kermit: Free man.
68. Leland: Meadow land.
69. Leslie: Garden of holly.
70. Lester: From Leicester.
71. Lloyd: Grey.
72. Lonnie: Noble, ready.
73. Lowell: Wolf cub.
74. Luther: Soldier of the people.
75. Lyle: From the island.

Girls:

76. Adeline: Noble.
77. Alberta: Noble and bright.
78. Althea: Healer.
79. Amabel: Lovable.
80. Anita: Grace.
81. Annabelle: Lovable grace.
82. Arlene: Pledge.
83. Audrey: Noble strength.
84. Avis: Bird.
85. Barbara: Foreign woman.
86. Bernice: Bringer of victory.
87. Bertha: Bright.
88. Beulah: Married.
89. Birdie: Bird.
90. Bonnie: Pretty.
91. Carlotta: Free man.
92. Carrie: Free man.
93. Cecily: Blind.
94. Celeste: Heavenly.
95. Christine: Follower of Christ.
96. Clarice: Bright, clear.
97. Claudette: Lame. (French chic overcomes the meaning).
98. Cleo: Glory.
99. Constance: Steadfastness.
100. Corinne: Maiden.
101. Delia: From Delos.
102. Della: Noble.
103. Delores: Sorrows.
104. Dixie: Tenth.
105. Doris: Dorian woman.
106. Edna: Pleasure.
107. Eileen: Bright, shining one.
108. Elaine: Bright, shining one.
109. Eleanora: Sun ray.
110. Eliza: Pledged to God.
111. Ellen: Bright, shining one.
112. Eloise: Healthy.
113. Elvira: Truth.
114. Enid: Soul, life.
115. Ethel: Noble.
116. Eudora: Good gift.
117. Eugenia: Well born.
118. Eula: Sweet spoken.
119. Fern: Fern.
120. Flossie: Flourishing.
121. Frieda: Peace.
122. Geneva: Juniper tree.
123. Georgia: Farmer.
124. Geraldine: Ruler with a spear.
125. Gertrude: Spear of strength.
126. Gladys: Princess.
127. Glenda: Valley.
128. Gloria: Glory.
129. Goldie: Gold.
130. Grace: Grace.
131. Gretchen: Pearl.
132. Helen: Bright, shining one.
133. Hilda: Battle woman.
134. Hope: Hope.
135. Inez: Pure.
136. Irene: Peace.
137. Irma: Universal.
138. Jeanette: God is gracious.
139. Joan: God is gracious.
140. Joyce: Lord.
141. Juanita: God is gracious.
142. Judith: Woman of Judea.
143. Kathleen: Pure.
144. Laura: Laurel.
145. Lena: Bright, shining one.
146. Leona: Lioness.
147. Lila: Night.
148. Lillian: Lily.
149. Lorene: Laurel.
150. Lorraine: From Lorraine.

Naming a child is an act of hope. It’s the ultimate optimism. By choosing one of these Best Old Names, you are anchoring that hope in history. You are giving your child a name that has weathered storms, fought wars, written poetry, and built nations. Whether you choose the quiet strength of Silas, the floral beauty of Hazel, or the biblical weight of Ezra, you are choosing a name that will stand the test of time.

If you want to dig deeper into the history—and trust me, it’s a fascinating rabbit hole—check out the Social Security Administration’s Baby Names database. You can see exactly when “Walter” peaked and when it started its comeback.

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Šinko Jurica

With a passion for community and storytelling, Šinko Jurica creates content that resonates deeply with readers. From faith and family to hobbies and humor, he covers the moments that define us, offering practical advice and encouragement for every season of life.

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