The Best Vintage Baby Names with Meaning

•Baby Names
The Best Vintage Baby Names with Meaning

Vintage baby names represent enduring classics that have remained relevant through the ages, frequently linked to sophistication, allure, and a deep historical resonance. These names, once favored in earlier generations, inspire feelings of nostalgia and often possess substantial cultural or familial importance. Spanning from names that originated in the early 1900s century to those with Victorian or biblical roots, vintage names provide a lovely bridge to history while still retaining a contemporary charm.

Why Are Vintage Names Perfect for Babies Today?

Vintage names have become increasingly appealing for contemporary parents seeking to instill a sense of individuality and heritage in their children. These names embody a harmonious blend of tradition and distinctiveness, allowing parents to select names that possess depth, character, and an enduring charm. Whether one is captivated by the lyrical elegance of names such as Eleanor and Arthur, or the charming simplicity of names like Ruby and Jack, vintage names offer a wealth of inspiration. Opting for a vintage name is akin to bestowing upon your child a fragment of history—a name that narrates a story, honors cultural heritage, and remains timeless across generations.

Table of Content

  • Forgotten Vintage baby names
  • Elegant vintage baby names
  • Uncommon Old-fashioned baby names
  • Old Fashioned baby names 1800s
  • Beautiful Old girls names
  • Unique Retro names
  • Vintage bible names and saints names
  • The best antique baby names

Forgotten Vintage Baby Names

Here’s a curated list of forgotten yet charming vintage baby names, complete with meanings. These names, once popular, are ready for a stylish comeback.

Vintage Baby Names for Girls

  1. Agnes – Pure, Holy (Greek)
  2. Beatrice – Bringer of Joy, Blessed (Latin)
  3. Clara – Bright, Clear (Latin)
  4. Dorothy – Gift of God (Greek)
  5. Edith – Prosperous in War (Old English)
  6. Esther – Star (Persian)
  7. Felicity – Happiness, Good Fortune (Latin)
  8. Harriet – Home Ruler (Germanic)
  9. Irene – Peace (Greek)
  10. Lavinia – Purity, Woman of Rome (Latin)
  11. Marguerite – Pearl (French)
  12. Miriam – Wished-for Child (Hebrew)
  13. Sylvia – Forest, Wooded (Latin)
  14. Winifred – Blessed Reconciliation (Welsh)

Vintage Baby Names for Boys

  1. Ambrose – Immortal, Divine (Greek)
  2. Barnabas – Son of Consolation (Aramaic)
  3. Clyde – Warm, Friendly (Scottish River Name)
  4. Edmund – Prosperity Protector (Old English)
  5. Ferdinand – Brave Journey (Germanic)
  6. Gilbert – Bright Pledge (Germanic)
  7. Hector – Steadfast, Hold Fast (Greek)
  8. Irving – Sea Friend (Scottish)
  9. Julius – Youthful, Downy (Latin)
  10. Leopold – Brave People (Germanic)
  11. Milton – Mill Town (Old English)
  12. Oswald – God’s Power (Old English)
  13. Percival – Pierces the Valley (Old French)
  14. Wilbur – Resolute, Brilliant (Old English)

Elegant Vintage Baby Names

Here’s a collection of elegant vintage baby names that exude sophistication and timeless charm.

For Girls

  1. Adelaide – Noble, Kind (German)
  2. Amelia – Work, Industrious (Latin)
  3. Arabella – Yielding to Prayer (Latin)
  4. Cecilia – Blind to One’s Own Beauty, Heavenly Lily (Latin)
  5. Daphne – Laurel Tree (Greek)
  6. Eleanor – Bright, Shining One (Greek)
  7. Emmeline – Work, Industrious (Germanic)
  8. Genevieve – Tribe Woman (Germanic)
  9. Josephine – God Will Increase (Hebrew)
  10. Lillian – Lily, Symbol of Purity (Latin)
  11. Margot – Pearl (French)
  12. Penelope – Weaver (Greek)
  13. Rosalind – Pretty Rose (Latin)
  14. Victoria – Victory (Latin)
  15. Vivienne – Alive, Lively (French)

For Boys

  1. Alexander – Defender of the People (Greek)
  2. Benedict – Blessed (Latin)
  3. Charles – Free Man (Germanic)
  4. Dominic – Belonging to the Lord (Latin)
  5. Edward – Wealthy Guardian (Old English)
  6. Everett – Brave as a Wild Boar (Germanic)
  7. Frederick – Peaceful Ruler (Germanic)
  8. Harrison – Son of Harry (English)
  9. Julian – Youthful, Downy (Latin)
  10. Laurence – Crowned with Laurel (Latin)
  11. Nathaniel – Gift of God (Hebrew)
  12. Sebastian – Revered, Venerable (Greek)
  13. Theodore – Gift of God (Greek)
  14. Vincent – Conquering (Latin)
  15. William – Resolute Protector (Germanic)

Uncommon Old-Fashioned Baby Names

Here’s a list of uncommon old-fashioned baby names that are unique, yet brimming with charm and history.

For Girls

  1. Althea – Healer (Greek)
  2. Blythe – Happy, Carefree (Old English)
  3. Constance – Steadfast (Latin)
  4. Dorothea – Gift of God (Greek)
  5. Eulalia – Well-spoken (Greek)
  6. Freda – Peaceful Ruler (Germanic)
  7. Gwendolyn – White Ring, Blessed (Welsh)
  8. Honora – Honor, Dignity (Latin)
  9. Isadora – Gift of Isis (Greek)
  10. Lenora – Light (Greek)
  11. Millicent – Strong in Work (Germanic)
  12. Opal – Precious Gem (Sanskrit)
  13. Theodora – Gift of God (Greek)
  14. Viola – Violet Flower (Latin)
  15. Wilhelmina – Resolute Protector (Germanic)

For Boys

  1. Archibald – Bold and True (Germanic)
  2. Bertram – Bright Raven (Germanic)
  3. Cecil – Blind, Wise (Latin)
  4. Ernest – Serious, Resolute (Germanic)
  5. Fergus – Man of Strength (Scottish)
  6. Grover – From the Grove (Old English)
  7. Hiram – Exalted Brother (Hebrew)
  8. Linus – Flax; Soft, Gentle (Greek)
  9. Orson – Bear Cub (Latin)
  10. Percy – Pierces the Valley (Old French)
  11. Reuben – Behold, A Son (Hebrew)
  12. Rupert – Bright Fame (Germanic)
  13. Simeon – God has Heard (Hebrew)
  14. Thaddeus – Courageous Heart (Aramaic)
  15. Wallace – Foreigner, Stranger (Old French)

Old-Fashioned Baby Names from the 1800s

Here’s a collection of baby names popular in the 19th century, offering timeless elegance and historical charm.

For Girls

  1. Adeline – Noble, Kind (German)
  2. Agatha – Good, Virtuous (Greek)
  3. Alice – Noble, Exalted (German)
  4. Clementine – Merciful, Gentle (Latin)
  5. Eleanor – Bright, Shining One (Greek)
  6. Florence – Blossoming, Flourishing (Latin)
  7. Gertrude – Spear of Strength (Germanic)
  8. Harriet – Home Ruler (Germanic)
  9. Ida – Industrious, Prosperous (Germanic)
  10. Josephine – God Will Increase (Hebrew)
  11. Louisa – Famous Warrior (Germanic)
  12. Matilda – Battle Strength (Germanic)
  13. Nellie – Shining Light (Greek/Latin)
  14. Rosemary – Dew of the Sea (Latin)
  15. Susannah – Lily, Pure (Hebrew)

For Boys

  1. Abraham – Father of Many (Hebrew)
  2. Albert – Noble, Bright (Germanic)
  3. Alfred – Wise Counselor (Old English)
  4. Arthur – Bear, Courageous (Celtic)
  5. Clarence – Bright, Clear (Latin)
  6. Edgar – Wealthy Spearman (Old English)
  7. Francis – Free Man (Latin)
  8. George – Farmer, Earthworker (Greek)
  9. Harvey – Battle Worthy (Old Breton)
  10. Henry – Ruler of the Home (Germanic)
  11. Jasper – Treasurer (Persian)
  12. Leonard – Brave Lion (Germanic)
  13. Oscar – Spear of the Gods (Old Norse)
  14. Samuel – God Has Heard (Hebrew)
  15. Walter – Ruler of the Army (Germanic)

Beautiful Old Girls' Names

Here’s a selection of elegant, timeless names for girls that evoke grace and charm from past eras:

Timeless and Beautiful Old Girls’ Names

  1. Amabel – Lovable (Latin)
  2. Adelaide – Noble, Kind (German)
  3. Beatrice – Bringer of Joy, Blessed (Latin)
  4. Cecilia – Blind to One’s Own Beauty (Latin)
  5. Clara – Bright, Clear (Latin)
  6. Cordelia – Heart, Daughter of the Sea (Latin/Celtic)
  7. Eloise – Healthy, Wide (Germanic)
  8. Estella – Star (Latin)
  9. Evangeline – Good News, Bearer of Joy (Greek)
  10. Florence – Blossoming, Flourishing (Latin)
  11. Genevieve – Tribe Woman (Germanic)
  12. Gwendolyn – White Ring, Blessed (Welsh)
  13. Helena – Bright, Shining Light (Greek)
  14. Iris – Rainbow (Greek)
  15. Isadora – Gift of Isis (Greek)
  16. Josephine – God Will Increase (Hebrew)
  17. Lavinia – Purity, Woman of Rome (Latin)
  18. Lilian – Lily, Symbol of Purity (Latin)
  19. Marguerite – Pearl (French)
  20. Nora – Honor, Light (Latin)
  21. Ophelia – Help, Serpentine Stream (Greek)
  22. Rosalind – Gentle Rose (Latin)
  23. Sylvia – Forest, Wooded (Latin)
  24. Theodora – Gift of God (Greek)
  25. Victoria – Victory (Latin)

Unique Retro Baby Names

Here’s a collection of unique retro names for boys and girls that exude vintage charm while standing out in today’s world.

Retro Names for Girls

  1. Alma – Nourishing, Kind (Latin)
  2. Blanche – White, Fair (French)
  3. Cleo – Pride, Glory (Greek)
  4. Dottie – Gift of God (Greek)
  5. Effie – Well-spoken (Greek)
  6. Fern – Bold Voyager (English, Nature-Inspired)
  7. Goldie – Made of Gold (Yiddish)
  8. Hester – Star (Persian)
  9. Ina – Pure, Mother (Latin/Old English)
  10. Josie – God Will Increase (Hebrew)
  11. Kitty – Pure (Greek)
  12. Lula – Famous Warrior (Germanic)
  13. Mamie – Pearl (Hebrew)
  14. Nola – White Shoulder (Irish)
  15. Tilda – Battle Strength (Germanic)

Retro Names for Boys

  1. Archie – Bold, Brave (Germanic)
  2. Baxter – Baker (Old English)
  3. Clyde – Warm, Friendly (Scottish River Name)
  4. Dewey – Beloved (Welsh)
  5. Ernie – Serious, Resolute (Germanic)
  6. Floyd – Gray-Haired (Welsh)
  7. Grover – From the Grove (Old English)
  8. Hank – Home Ruler (Germanic)
  9. Ike – Laughter, He Will Laugh (Hebrew)
  10. Judd – Flowing Down (Hebrew)
  11. Monty – Mountain (French)
  12. Otis – Wealth, Fortune (Germanic)
  13. Rudy – Famous Wolf (Germanic)
  14. Walt – Ruler of the Army (Germanic)
  15. Zeke – God Strengthens (Hebrew)

Vintage Bible and Saint Names

Here’s a list of timeless and meaningful vintage Bible and Saint names that evoke spiritual depth and historical significance.

For Girls

  1. Abigail – My Father’s Joy (Hebrew, Biblical)
  2. Agatha – Good, Virtuous (Greek, Saint)
  3. Anastasia – Resurrection (Greek, Saint)
  4. Bernadette – Brave as a Bear (Germanic, Saint)
  5. Claudia – Lame, Enclosure (Latin, Biblical)
  6. Cecilia – Blind to One’s Own Beauty (Latin, Saint)
  7. Delilah – Delicate, Weakened (Hebrew, Biblical)
  8. Esther – Star (Persian, Biblical)
  9. Euphemia – Well-Spoken (Greek, Saint)
  10. Helena – Bright, Shining Light (Greek, Saint)
  11. Judith – Woman of Judea (Hebrew, Biblical)
  12. Lydia – Woman from Lydia (Greek, Biblical)
  13. Marcella – Warlike (Latin, Saint)
  14. Philomena – Lover of Strength (Greek, Saint)
  15. Susanna – Lily, Pure (Hebrew, Biblical)

For Boys

  1. Ambrose – Immortal (Greek, Saint)
  2. Barnabas – Son of Encouragement (Aramaic, Biblical)
  3. Clement – Merciful, Gentle (Latin, Saint)
  4. Cornelius – Horn (Latin, Biblical/Saint)
  5. Elijah – My God is Yahweh (Hebrew, Biblical)
  6. Ephraim – Fruitful (Hebrew, Biblical)
  7. Felix – Happy, Fortunate (Latin, Saint)
  8. Gideon – Feller of Trees (Hebrew, Biblical)
  9. Ignatius – Fiery One (Latin, Saint)
  10. Jeremiah – Exalted by the Lord (Hebrew, Biblical)
  11. Levi – Joined, Attached (Hebrew, Biblical)
  12. Matthias – Gift of God (Greek, Biblical/Saint)
  13. Nicholas – Victory of the People (Greek, Saint)
  14. Silas – Man of the Forest (Latin, Biblical)

The Best Antique Baby Names

Here’s a list of antique baby names that are timeless, elegant, and ready to make a stylish comeback. These names carry historical charm and unique meanings, perfect for parents seeking something classic yet distinctive.

For Girls

  1. Adelaide – Noble, Kind (German)
  2. Agnes – Pure, Holy (Greek)
  3. Beatrice – Bringer of Joy, Blessed (Latin)
  4. Clara – Bright, Clear (Latin)
  5. Dorothy – Gift of God (Greek)
  6. Eleanor – Bright, Shining One (Greek)
  7. Estelle – Star (Latin)
  8. Florence – Blossoming, Flourishing (Latin)
  9. Harriet – Home Ruler (Germanic)
  10. Josephine – God Will Increase (Hebrew)
  11. Lavinia – Purity, Woman of Rome (Latin)
  12. Margaret – Pearl (Greek)
  13. Matilda – Battle Strength (Germanic)
  14. Ophelia – Help (Greek)
  15. Viola – Violet Flower (Latin)

For Boys

  1. Alfred – Wise Counselor (Old English)
  2. Arthur – Bear, Courageous (Celtic)
  3. Benedict – Blessed (Latin)
  4. Clement – Merciful, Gentle (Latin)
  5. Edmund – Prosperity Protector (Old English)
  6. Ephraim – Fruitful (Hebrew)
  7. Frederick – Peaceful Ruler (Germanic)
  8. George – Farmer, Earthworker (Greek)
  9. Harvey – Battle Worthy (Old Breton)
  10. Jasper – Treasurer (Persian)
  11. Leonard – Brave Lion (Germanic)
  12. Oscar – Spear of the Gods (Old Norse)
  13. Rupert – Bright Fame (Germanic)
  14. Theodore – Gift of God (Greek)
  15. Walter – Ruler of the Army (Germanic)

Why Antique Names Are Special

Antique names combine classic sophistication with a sense of history. They’re often associated with strength, virtue, and beauty, making them ideal for parents who want a name that’s both meaningful and timeless.

Why Are Vintage Names Distinctive and Significant?

Timeless Quality: Vintage names possess a timeless essence, rendering them as pertinent today as they were in previous decades or even centuries. They rise above transient naming fashions, providing a sense of permanence and lasting elegance.

Intriguing History and Significance: Numerous vintage names are accompanied by captivating histories, frequently linked to prominent individuals, literary figures, or significant historical occurrences. This association endows them with profound meaning and character.

Nostalgic Resonance: These names often evoke the warmth of familial customs, conjuring memories of cherished grandparents, great-grandparents, or other ancestors. They embody a sense of continuity and connection.

Distinctiveness in Contemporary Society: Although some vintage names have experienced a revival, many remain relatively rare, allowing them to stand out in today’s landscape of modern and fashionable names. This distinctiveness can render your child's name both timeless and unique.

Refinement and Grace: Vintage names frequently radiate an old-world allure and sophistication. Whether it is the noble resonance of names such as Charlotte or Henry, or the gentle refinement of names like Clara or Theodore, these names carry an inherent elegance.

Opting for an antique baby name is akin to bestowing upon your child a fragment of history, imbued with elegance and significance. These names, steeped in timeless allure and cultural importance, forge a connection to previous generations while simultaneously offering a distinctive identity for the future. Whether you are captivated by their classic allure, their robust and virtuous meanings, or their scarcity in contemporary society, antique names present an ideal fusion of tradition and individuality. By choosing one of these names, you are granting your child a legacy of refinement, strength, and enduring charm—an everlasting gift that will withstand the passage of time.



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