100+ Old Fashioned Names for Baby Boys

With decades of hip and fancy names hitting a stagnation point, more people lately are drifting toward old fashioned names for their babies. While many vintage names have biblical origins, there are hundreds more from other cultures with references that go beyond religion. A deeply meaningful old-fashioned name can significantly influence a boy’s personality. Plus, you don’t hear much of these vintage names every day. So, isn’t it a better excuse to pick these dusty, old-fashioned names up from the shelves and start up conversations around the table? While these names are considered retro and vintage, some names are still running well in their prime. We have done the homework for you, so go through this handpicked list of old fashioned boy names and pick the best for your baby boy.

Unique Old Fashioned Boy Names

Here is a list of old fashioned names for boys that you can choose from. The names have both a great ring to them and a depth of meaning.

1. Aaron

Aaron is a Hebrew name which means ‘Mountain of Strength’. Aaron was Moses’s older brother and the first high priest of Israel.

2. Angelo

Angelo is a classic Italian name meaning “messenger of God.” It conveys a sense of divine purpose and spiritual guidance.

3. Byron

One of the country’s names derived from the Anglo-Saxon byre, meaning a hut. It means ‘man who lives in the hut’.

4. Cain

Cain is a unique name derived from the Biblical book of Genesis as the Brother of Abel. In Hebrew it means ‘full of beauty’.

5. DeWitt

DeWitt is an English name meaning “blood.” It often symbolises lineage, ancestry, or a deep connection to family heritage.

6. Duane

Duane is a voguish name with Scandinavian roots. It means ‘dak’ or ‘swarthy’.

7. Earl

Earl has been a name or title of nobility in English, which means ‘nobleman, warrior, and prince’. It has been in use since Anglo-Saxon times.

8. Eliot

Eliot has a Hebrew origin and means ‘the lord is my god’. It is also an English variant Elias.

9. Forrest

The name has Latin origins and means ‘he who works or lives in the forest’. The Name shot up in popularity after the movie Forrest Gump.

10. Garrett

Garrett is the English version of Gerald, which also means ‘spear ruler’.

11. Gordon

Gordon is a classy name with Gaelic origins. It means ‘large fortification’. The name is common with many celebrities.

12. Haden

Haden is an English name common in the countryside. It is a type of popular mango and also means ‘hedged valley’.

13. Hamilton

Hamilton is one of the old-fashioned male names associated with wealthy and famous men. It is an English name which means ‘crooked + dun’ hill.

14. Hank

If you are looking for a quirkier old-fashioned boy name, Hank could be an ideal choice. This German-origin name means ‘home ruler’.

15. Harley

Harley is an old English word which means ‘the hare meadow’. It has Anglo-Saxon origins from the words ‘ahare’ and ‘leah’.

16. Irvin

Irvin has Gaelic origins and means ‘green and fresh water’. It is a cool name for boys.

17. Jeremiah

Jeremiah is a traditional name with a punk-ish vibe. This Hebrew name means ‘God will exalt’.

18. Kirk

Kirk is a Scandinavian name meaning “church.” It symbolises faith, spirituality, and a connection to religious traditions.

19. Malcom

Malcom is an old name with Scottish origins. It means ‘Columba’s servant’. It can also mean a devotee of saint Columba.

20. Marco

Instantly reminded of Marco Polo? Well, that’s how old this name probably is. Marco is an Italian name meaning ‘warlike’.

21. Norman

Norman is an old German name based out of the words ‘norde’ (north) and ‘rnann’ (man). It means ‘the men from the north’.

22. Otis

Otis is a German name meaning “wealth” or “son of Otto.” It signifies prosperity, often associated with individuals who are fortunate, successful, or come from a noble lineage.

23. Preston

Preston is of English origin, meaning “priests’ town.” It represents a place of religious significance or a town historically linked with the clergy, symbolising spiritual leadership and guidance.

24. Quentin

Quentin is a name of Latin origin, meaning “fifth.” Historically, it was given to the fifth-born child, often reflecting a sense of order and family tradition in naming.

25. Sheldon

Sheldon is an English name that means “steep valley.” It symbolises a place of natural beauty and challenge.

26. Silas

Silas is a stylish and vintage Latin name meaning “man of the forest.” It evokes a connection to nature, representing someone strong, grounded, and deeply in touch with the natural world.

27. Tobias

Tobias is a unique and charming Hebrew name meaning “God is good.” It conveys divine favour and blessings.

28. Vernon

Vernon has French origins and means “alder grove.” It represents strength, growth, and nature.

Popular Old Fashioned Names for Boys

Vintage names for boys are often connected to royalty, literature, or history, making them meaningful choices for modern-day families. Here’s a list of popular old-fashioned boy names that continue to stand the test of time.

1. Arthur

Made popular by King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. This is one of the strong boy names probably derived from ‘artos’, which means ‘bear’.

2. Alfred

Alfred means ‘wise’. The name became popular throughout the Victorian Era due to Alfred Tennyson and the British Prince Alfred.

3. Archie

Archie is the short version of the name Archibald. It is not too old-fashioned and falls somewhere close to the times of the 1950s. Its popularity escalated with the comic Archie.

4. Bruce

Derived from Latin, it means ‘man from brushwood’. The name became popular in Scotland because of Robert Bruce, who won its independence in the 14th century.

5. Bradley

Bradley is one of the popular English boy’s names that means a broad meadow.

6. Benjamin

One of the oldest and most popular names, Benjamin is Hebrew. It comes from Ben Yamin, which means a favourite son.

7. Cecil

Cecil was relatively popular in the early 90s but lost its charm in the 20s. It is a Welsh name meaning ‘blind’ or ‘sixth’.

8. Claude

Having its roots in Emperor Claudius, Claude is making a comeback as one of the most popular French boy names. It is a short and sophisticated name.

9. Desmond

Desmond, which means ‘From South Munster’ is an Irish place name that has shot up in popularity over the last couple of decades.

10. Daniel

Daniel is a Hebrew name which means ‘God is my judge’. It has been a popular name throughout history as Daniel was a prophet in the biblical era.

11. Dedric

Dedric is an old English name popular in movies and fairy tales involving royalty. It means a ‘gifted ruler’.

12. Donovan

Donovan is an old Irish name which means ‘darkened’. Its popularity has grown over the last few decades.

13. Edwin

Edwin was a highly popular English name that gradually declined in popularity over the last century. It means ‘wealthy friend’.

14. Edward

Edward is another old-fashioned name that has steadily declined in popularity over the decades. It is an English name which means ‘wealthy guard’.

15. Ethan

Ethan is a popular name in the movies. Its origins are Hebrew and mean ‘long lived’.

16. Evan

Evan is Welsh for John. It also means ‘God is merciful’ in Hebrew. Evan has been a fairly popular name throughout history.

17. Ernest

Ernest is the English variant of ‘Ernst’ the German name. It means ‘seriousness, vigour and firmness’. The name became popular after Ernest Hemingway, the American author.

18. Felix

Felix is an old name meaning ‘happy’ from Latin/Italian origins. It also grew in popularity after Felix the cat- a cartoon character.

19. Gabriel

Gabriel is a Hebrew name which means ‘hero of god’. In the biblical context, Gabriel is also an archangel. It has been a popular religious name throughout the centuries.

20. George

George is an old Latin name which means ’farmer’. The name is been popular throughout many cultures.

21. Harry

Harry has been a popular royal name throughout history. It has German origins and means ‘home ruler’. It is also popularised by the famous fantasy book series.

22. Isaac

Most popular worldwide as the name of Isaac Newton, it has a Hebrew origin. The name means ‘he will laugh’.

23. Leon

The name Leon was one of the most popular baby names a hundred years ago. It has Greek origins and means lion. The name saw a steady decline in the 1960s and now seeing an increasing trend.

24. Leonard

Leonard is an old name with German origins which means ‘lion strength’. Variants of the name include Leonardo, Lenny and more. The name is popularly associated with famous actors and Leonardo da Vinci.

25. Lewis

Lewis is the English derivative of the French name Louis. It also means ‘famous warrior’. Although the name is quite old-fashioned, it does have a modern ring to it. The name is popularised by notable celebrities such as Lewis Carroll and Lewis Hamilton.

26. Peter

Peter is a Greek name which means ‘rock’. Peter is also popular from the Biblical character who was one of the disciples of Jesus.

27. Phillip

Phillip is quite a popular name originally from Greek. The name has several variants in several languages and means ‘horse lover’.

28. Zachariah

Zachariah is a retro name with a royal feel to it that is quietly gaining popularity. This Hebrew name means ‘the Lord recalled’.

Cute Old Fashioned Names for Boys

Old time boy names are full of charm and endearing qualities. These names often have soft, sweet sounds while still carrying strong historical roots, making them perfect for a baby boy with personality. Let’s look at a selection of cute old-fashioned boy names that are both adorable and timeless.

1. Amos

Amos is a cute and stylish name of Hebrew origin which stands for ‘borne by God’.

2. Beau

Well, this French name is as classy as its meaning. Beau in French, means ‘handsome’.

3. Casper

Casper has Persian origins and means ‘treasurer’. It is also became one of the popular cute names after the movie Casper – the friendly ghost.

4. Charlie

Charlie is a cuter and affectionate form of Charles. It is English in origin and means a free man.

5. Demetrius

This one is really old-fashioned and a bit in the unusual names category. Demetrius is a Greek name which means ‘harvest lover’.

6. Dudley

Dudley is an old English name which means ‘woods’. It is also one of the most popular cute names of all time.

7. Elliot

Elliot is the anglicised version of the name Elijah. It means ‘My God is Yahweh’ in English.

8. Fabian

Fabian has Latin origins and means ‘he who grows beans’. It gained popularity after the 1950’s teen pop star Fabian.

9. Fergus

Fergus is a baby name loosely bordering royalty and means ‘supreme man’. It has Gaelic origins and is popular in Northern Europe.

10. Floyd

Floyd has Welsh origins and means ‘grey-haired’. It is also a popular name in the entertainment industry.

11. Friedrich

Friedrich, which means ‘peaceful ruler’ has old German origins. The name is popular throughout Europe, with a variant of it in every language.

12. Gavin

Gavin is of Welsh origin and means ‘little falcon’. It is one of the cool boy names that is slowly gaining popularity in recent times.

13. Hansel

The name Hansel originates from German, where it means ‘the lord is gracious’. It was also popularised by the story of Hansel and Gretel.

14. Henry

Henry is another name associated with royalty. It is the English version of Heimirich, a German word that means ‘home ruler’.

15. Ignacio

Ignacio is a name more popular in Latin American countries. It means ‘burning’ and ‘ardent’.

16. Jacob

Jacob is also a popular name with Hebrew origins. It means ‘a supplanter’. The name has humbleness and religious undertones to it.

17. Jasper

Jasper fits well with both the sexes, but sounds masculine to the ears. This jaunty and friendly name of English origin means ‘treasurer’.

18. Johnny

Johnny is a popular English name throughout the world. It is derived from the name John which has Hebrew origins. Johnny or John means ‘God is gracious’.

19. Jonah

Jonah is one of the most popular vintage names throughout history. It has a biblical origin and means ‘dove’ in Hebrew.

20. Keith

Keith is a trendy name with Gaelic origins. It means ‘refreshing as the wind’. The name has been around for centuries but grew to peak popularity in the 1960s.

21. Leo

Leo belongs to ancient Latin means ‘lion’. It also represents the zodiac sign, featuring a lion as a symbol.

22. Leonardo

Leonardo is a popular and well-loved name of Italian origin which originated from the Latin name ‘Leo’. It means ‘brave lion’. Some of the notable mentions bearing this name include Leonardo Da Vinci, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Leonardo Messi.

23. Lucas

Lucas is a Latin derivative of the Greek word Loukas. It means ‘from Lucania’. Lucas shot up in popularity after Star Wars.

24. Randall

Randall is quite a choice for parents who are looking for a fierce or bold name. This German name means ‘wolf shield’.

25. Thomas

Thomas is also an old name with Greek origins, which means ‘twin’. It is also the name of several saints and an apostle in the Bible.

26. Timothy

Timothy means ‘honouring God’ in Greek. The name is quite common among English-speaking people.

27. Winston

Winston is a common boy’s name among English speakers. It stands for ‘joyful stone’.

Rare Old Fashioned Boy Names

Old names for boys stand out due to their uniqueness and vintage flair. These names, though less common, carry a distinctive elegance and are a perfect choice for parents seeking something special and meaningful. Below is a list of rare old-fashioned boy names that offer both originality and history.

1. Albert

Albert means ‘bright, noble and famous. In the 1800’s it was commonly associated with Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert.

2. Benedict

Benedict is a vintage Italian name meaning “blessed.” It signifies a person who is favoured, fortunate, and graced with divine blessings.

3. Bernard

Bernard is an old-fashioned name from Germanic origins which means ‘strong, brave bear’.

4. Charles

Charles is a classy and sophisticated name of German origin which means ‘free man’.

5. Darrell

Darrel is a name that comes out of d’Airelle, which is a Norman French surname. In old English, it means ‘open’.

6. Edric

Edric is a name that borders on royalty in old English. It means ‘rich and powerful’.

7. Elijah

Elijah certainly oozes vintage, bad-boy vibes, but doesn’t mean it has to be reserved as a bad-boy name only, right? This classy name means ‘My God is Yahweh’ in Hebrew.

8. Elmer

Elmer is a name with Teutonic origins. It has a delicate and sophisticated feel to it. It means ‘awe-inspiring’.

9. Francis

Francis is a habitational name of French origin, referring to ‘Frenchman’ or ‘free man’.

10. Frank

Frank is a name of Old French origin, originally used to refer to a “Frenchman” or a member of the Germanic tribe, the Franks.

11. Franklin

Franklin is derived from the Latin word Francus which means a free man. Franklin particularly means ‘a landowner of free birth’.

12. Gerald

Gerald is an old German name of royal descent. It means ‘spear ruler’. Gerald is also one of the vintage names associated with politicians such as Gerald Ford, the former United States President.

13. Gilbert

Gilbert is a French name, also commonly used as a surname, meaning “bright promise.” It symbolises hope, potential, and the assurance of a successful and radiant future.

14. Grady

Grady is one of the old-fashioned cool names with Irish ancestry. It means ‘descendent of nobility’.

15. Gregory

Gregory is a humble-sounding boy’s name of Greek origin. It means ‘watchful’.

16. Harland

Harland is an old English name with Germanic origins. It comes from the words ‘har’ (army) and ‘land’. It means ‘Land of warriors’.

17. Hudson

Hudson is an English name meaning “son of Hudd.” It signifies a familial connection, often symbolising strength and lineage.

18. Hugo

Hugo is a fancy name for boys, which is derived from the Germanic name ‘Hugu’. The meaning of the name is ‘the mind’ or ‘intellectual’.

19. Ira

Ira is an Instagrammish name perfect for parents looking for a vintage name. Ira in Hebrew means ‘watchful’ or ‘full-grown’.

20. Jaden

Jaden has been a common name for boys for centuries. Like many others, it shares a Hebrew origin and is a religious name. Jaden means ‘Jehovah has heard’.

21. Louis

The name Louis has a French origin. It means famous warrior. It was also made famous by the French biologist Louis Pasteur.

22. Marshall

Marshall is an English name that means “caretaker of horses.” It originally referred to someone who managed horses or stables.

23. Martin

The name Martin is a derivative of Martinus. In Latin, the name is associated with the planet Mars. It can also mean ‘dedicated to Mars’.

24. Newton

Newton is a well-known name, thanks to Sir Issac Newton. It is an English name meaning ‘new town’.

25. Oliver

Oliver is another old-fashioned name of Latin origin. It is a derivative of the word Oliva which means Olive tree. It is both a male name and an English surname.

26. Oscar

This vintage name is derived from Old English, which means ‘God’s spear’. It also means ‘friend of deer’ in Gaelic.

27. Wyatt

Wyatt is an English name quietly climbing up the charts. The meaning of this name is ‘brave in battle’.

Short Old Fashioned Boy Names

Short old fashioned male names offer simplicity while maintaining a classic feel. These concise names are easy to pronounce yet still have an elegant, timeless charm that suits any personality. Here’s a list of short old-fashioned boy names that are both classic and easy to remember.

1. Amis

Amis is of Old French origin, meaning “friend.” It symbolises someone who is loyal, supportive, and trustworthy, embodying the qualities of true companionship and friendship.

2. Edgar

Edgar comes from Old English, meaning “fortunate warrior.” The name signifies strength, prosperity, and the qualities of a successful, victorious warrior or ruler.

3. Eli

Eli is a Hebrew name meaning “my God.” It conveys a sense of spiritual elevation and divine connection, representing someone with deep faith and wisdom.

4. Finn

Finn is an Irish name meaning “fair” or “white.” It is often associated with purity, nobility, and heroic strength, evoking qualities of courage and moral integrity.

5. Gael

Gael originates from Gaelic, meaning “a person from Gaul”. It symbolises cultural heritage, strength, and a connection to Celtic traditions and values.

6. Gil

Gil is a Hebrew name meaning “joy” or “happiness.” It represents a person who brings cheer, positivity, and a sense of joy to those around them.

7. Guy

Guy is of Old French origin, meaning “guide” or “leader.” The name signifies a person who leads others with wisdom, offering guidance and direction in times of uncertainty.

8. Hugh

Hugh is derived from Old Germanic, meaning “heart,” “mind,” or “spirit.” It represents intellect, deep understanding, and a person with a strong, thoughtful, and compassionate nature.

English Old Fashioned Names for Boys

Classic baby boy names have deep roots in British history and culture, often linked to noble or royal figures. Below is a list of old English names for males that carry both charm and history.

1. Clement

Clement is of Latin origin, meaning “merciful” or “gentle.” It symbolises a person known for kindness, compassion, and a forgiving, patient nature toward others.

2. Dexter

Dexter comes from Latin, meaning “skilled.” It represents a person with exceptional skill, dexterity, and an aptitude for achieving success through practical talent and ability.

3. Frederick

Frederick is of Old German origin, meaning “powerful leader.” It reflects strength, leadership, and a wise ruler who brings peace and stability to others.

4. Laurence

Laurence is derived from Latin, meaning “laurelled” or “crowned with laurels.” It symbolises honour, victory, and achievement, often associated with someone celebrated for their accomplishments.

5. Lloyd

Lloyd comes from Welsh origin, meaning “grey”. It represents a person with a calm demeanour or someone distinguished by their fair and composed nature.

6. Orson

Orson is of Latin origin, meaning “bear cub.” It symbolises strength, courage, and a connection to nature, often reflecting a person with a powerful and nurturing presence.

7. Tristan

Tristan comes from Old French and Welsh, meaning “sorrowful”. It signifies a person of deep emotion, often associated with romantic or tragic qualities in literature.

8. Ivan

Ivan is a Slavic name meaning “God is gracious.” It represents someone blessed with divine favour, often associated with strength, nobility, and a sense of spiritual goodness.

FAQs

1. How do I choose an old-fashioned name for my Boy?

To choose an old-fashioned name for your boy, consider names that have stood the test of time, often passed down through generations. Look for names with historical or familial significance, or explore vintage lists from the early 20th century or earlier.

2. Do old-fashioned boy names have any cultural or historical significance?

Yes, old-fashioned boy names often carry significant cultural or historical meanings, reflecting the values, traditions, or notable figures of past eras. Many of these names are derived from classic literature, royalty, or prominent historical events, providing a deep sense of heritage and connection to the past.

3. What are some old-fashioned boy names that were popular across different cultures?

Some old-fashioned boy names that were popular across different cultures include “William,” “James,” “George,” and “Henry,” all of which have historical roots in European royalty. Other timeless names like “Louis,” “Victor,” “Alexander,” and “Arthur” have resonated across various cultures for their regal and strong connotations.

These are some of the top old fashioned names that have been around for centuries. They often have religious/ Biblical roots and even have names of heroes, nicknames or surnames associated with them. Many of the retro names that went out of trend a long time ago are now seeing a resurgence as people are looking back to the past for names that were once unique. Apart from their depth of history, these names have a great sound to them, along with the appeal of a classical character. So, go ahead, and choose one of these old-fashioned and interesting names for your baby boy!

Also Read:

Long Names for Boys
Classic Names for Boys
Edgy and Rugged Names for Boys
Badass boy Names with Meanings

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