Forgotten vintage boy names that were once very popular are now rarely used, making them unique and charming options when choosing a name for your son. Forgotten vintage boy names often have traditional roots and rich meanings behind them, even if they sound old-fashioned. By bringing some of these antique names back into modern use, parents can give their son a name with character that stands out from the crowd.
When considering lesser-known vintage names for your baby boy, look into names of your ancestors or names popular decades ago that have faded out of fashion. Names follow trends, falling in and out of common usage, so names that seem outdated now may sound fresh and new decades later. Do the research on the name meaning and origins before making a decision. Here are some delightful old-fashioned boy names to consider and a bit on the background of each:
Abner: This Biblical name meaning "father of light" offers antiquity. Its ties to the Old Testament give Abner gravitas and substance. This name peaked in the early 1900s but could make a comeback.
Amos: A prophetic Biblical name meaning "carried" or "burden," Amos has a stern yet romantic feel. It was most popular at the turn of the 20th century and captures vintage refinement.
Archie: An old Scottish name shortened from Archibald, lighthearted Archie signifies "truly brave." Its jaunty yet aristocratic British vibe gives retro appeal.
Bartholomew: An ancient Aramaic name pointing to a "son who suspends or makes the waters grow," bookish Bartholomew has gravitas and grandeur. Nicknames Bart or Tollie lend playfulness.
Bernard: This Old German name meaning "bold as a bear" has vintage charm. Bernard peaked early in the 20th century and carries an intelligent and literary air.
Clarence: A stately Latin name signifying "bright fame," Clarence fell out of favor in the mid-1900s but has aged well with gentlemenly substance.
Clifford: A traditional Old English name derived from words meaning "ford by a cliff," down-to-earth Clifford enjoys a natural, rugged spirit.
Clyde: From a Scottish river name, easygoing Clyde brings a laidback, countryside ambiance. It enjoyed its prime decades ago but deserves a comeback.
Desmond: An Irish name indicating "one from Munster," poetic Desmond has a romantic, quixotic adventurousness that inspires.
Edgar: From Old English meaning "fortunate and powerful," vintage Edgar carries smart sophistication and substance. It strikes the right balance between serious and cheerful.
Ernest: This vintage German name signifying "resolute" and "serious" has an underappreciated old-world charm. Nestled between classic and quirky, Ernest has rich potential.
Everett: A distinguished English surname name pointing to "brave as a wild boar," gentlemanly Everett peaked as a first name over a century ago but deserves rediscovery.
Francis: The Latin name meaning "Frenchman" offers old-fashioned gentility with Francis. Saintly ties give it depth.
Harold: A venerable Scandinavian name denoting "army ruler," stately Harold carries an upright, noble spirit.
Herman: With Germanic roots signifying "soldier," history-rich Herman brims with strength, valor and substance. It peaked in the early 1900s but has lasting appeal.
Horatio: Horatio traces to the Roman Horatius, pointing to "keeper of the hours." Literary ties give this name romantic dimension.
Irving: Celtic Irving signifies "green water" or "belonging to the sea." Vintage an quaint, yet rarely overused today. It's overdue for a comeback.
Leander: The valiant Greek mythological Leander swam perilous waters nightly to be with his love. A charming, daring old name rich in history.
Luther: From German roots conveying "renowned warrior," vintage Luther has poetic depth from religious reformer Martin Luther. Ruggedly romantic, it captures old-soul brilliance.
Manfred: Once a stately Germanic name among medieval kings, romantic Manfred signifies "man of peace." Oddly overlooked in modern times, it's a hidden gem.
Maxwell: From a Scottish surname derived from a place name meaning "Mack's stream," genial Maxwell carries substance and fortitude beneath its flowing, pleasant surface.
Murray: An appealing Scottish surname name indicating "seaman," unpretentious Murray has an approachable, mellow heartiness.
Roscoe: A quaint English name possibly meaning "doe wood" or "deer forest," folksy Roscoe has rustic, countryside warmth.
Thaddeus: A striking Aramaic name denoting "gift of God," bold Thaddeus offers old-fashioned gravitas and edge with endearing nickname possibilities.
Theodore: Greek Theodore meaning "gift of God" packs history as an early Christian name of saints and kings. Bookishly chic and offbeat.
Waldo: Old German Waldo derives from ruling power but carries literary fame through the beloved picture book figure. Quirky and bookish with substance.
Wallace: From Celtic roots for "foreigner" and "Welsh," bold yet quaint Wallace has an approachable, steadfast spirit.
Wilfred: Blending Germanic elements meaning "will," "desire" and "peace," gallant Wilfred has survived into modern use but retains its vintage edge and valor.
Willard: A classic English name stemming from resolution and bravery, scholarly Willard peaked decades ago but holds vintage credendum. Offbeat and substantial.
Alton: Old English "town at the source of the river" - sleepy hollow charm.
Amos: Hebrew "carried" or "burdened" - ties to the Biblical prophet give weight.
Ansel: English "noble protection" or German "of the gods" - saintly and divine.
Archibald: German "truly brave" - dashing and distinguished pedigree.
Arnold: German "eagle power" - strength with style.
Bartholomew: Aramaic "son who suspends waters" - scholarly and towering.
Bernard: German "bold as a bear" - ruggedly cute.
Bertram: German "bright raven" - quirky birdtie.
Blaze: English "one who stutters" - fiery and fumbling.
Bram: Hebrew "father of multitudes" - powerful and prolific.
Brock: English "badger" - tenacious little beast.
Buford: Old English "ford by the buffalo crossing" - rugged western ties.
Clement: Latin "merciful" - saintly and kind.
Cleveland: Old English "cliff land" - craggy and eminent domain.
Clovis: Frankish "famed warrior" - spearheading the classics.
Darius: Persian "possessing goodness" - benevolent aura.
Darrell: French "beloved" - buckets of charm.
Ebenezer: Hebrew "stone of help" - biblical gravitas.
Edmund: Old English "prosperity and protection" - lucky and plucky.
Elroy: Old French "the king" - once so kingly, now overlooked royalty.
Ferdinand: Gothic "daring voyage" - dreamy literature ties.
Francis: Latin "Frenchman" - refined and worldly.
Gardner: Old English "guardian" or "keeper of the gardens" - nourishing nature-linked name.
Gaylord: Old French "joyful" - sprightly and Lighthearted.
Hiram: Hebrew "exalted" or "high-born" - lofty leadership.
Hobart: Medieval "bright mind" - quirky pedigree.
Horatio: Roman "keeper of the hours" - ties to Shakespeare.
Isidore: Greek "gift of Isis" - mythological namesake.
Lamar: Old French "the sea" - dreamy poetics.
Leland: Old English "meadowland" - pastoral and peaceful.
Leopold: German "brave people" - daring do-gooder.
Linus: Greek "flax" - quaint botanicals.
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