Choosing a name for your little one is no small feat, especially when you’re after something that stands the test of time. If you’re like me and find yourself drawn to names with a bit of history and a dash of classic charm, then you’re in the right place. Although I am also partial to metal names for boys, if I ever have another one that is!

Here’s a list of 100 old-fashioned boy names that are ripe for a revival. Whether you’re looking for something with a strong heritage or just want a name that’s not too common in the playground, this list has got you covered. But before we get started…

Why Are Old-Fashioned Baby Names Back in Style?

In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift towards old-fashioned baby names, and it’s not just a passing trend. Parents today are increasingly drawn to names that carry a sense of history and tradition. Maybe we yearn to go back to simpler times… before we were born?

Nevertheless, these names often evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of “the olden days” or of beloved family members from past generations. The resurgence of vintage names is also partly driven by the desire for individuality; in a world where many modern names have become quite common, or on the flip side, popular names are inundated with unnecessary extra letters to make them unique.

Choosing an old-fashioned name can make your child stand out. Moreover, classic names tend to have a timeless quality – they don’t fall out of favour quickly!

What Is an “Old-Fashioned Baby Name” Exactly?

An “old-fashioned baby name” typically refers to a name that was popular in past generations, your Winston’s and Reginald’s aren’t all that common anymore!

These names often have roots in historical, biblical, or literary contexts and carry with them a sense of tradition and gravitas. While many of these names might seem quaint or even a bit unusual today, they often have strong, sturdy meanings and are rich in cultural significance.

Names like Arthur, Percival, or Edith may have been more common in the early 20th century, but they are experiencing a revival as parents seek names that feel both classic and unique.

100 Old-Fashioned Baby Boy Names

A-E Baby Boy Names

1. Albert

A name of German origin meaning “noble and bright.” Albert was a popular name in the Victorian era and has been borne by many kings, princes, and saints.

2. Alfred

Meaning “wise counselor,” Alfred is of Old English origin. The name gained popularity due to Alfred the Great, the 9th-century king of Wessex.

3. Ambrose

Ambrose is of Latin origin and means “immortal.” It’s a name that has religious significance, having been borne by one of the four original doctors of the Christian Church.

4. Archibald

A strong and sturdy name, Archibald is of German origin and means “genuine and bold.” Often shortened to Archie, it’s a name with noble Scottish roots.

5. Arthur

Arthur, meaning “bear,” is of Celtic origin. It’s a legendary name thanks to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

6. Barnaby

Barnaby is an English name derived from the Hebrew name Barnabas, meaning “son of consolation.” It has a whimsical and old-world charm.

7. Basil

Basil is of Greek origin, meaning “royal” or “kingly.” It has a refined and aristocratic air, and it’s also a fragrant herb!

8. Benedict

Of Latin origin, Benedict means “blessed.” The name has been borne by 16 popes and a famous English saint, Benedict of Nursia.

9. Bernard

Bernard is of German origin and means “brave as a bear.” It was a common name in the Middle Ages and has a strong, classic feel.

10. Bertram

Bertram is a German name meaning “bright raven.” It has a medieval flair and brings to mind a sense of wisdom and knowledge.

11. Cecil

Cecil is of Welsh origin, meaning “blind.” It has a sophisticated and old-school charm, often associated with nobility and scholars.

12. Chester

Chester is an English name that means “fortress” or “camp.” It’s a name with a sturdy, reliable vibe, often associated with the American West.

13. Clarence

Meaning “bright” or “clear,” Clarence is of Latin origin. The name gained prominence in England after the title of Duke of Clarence was created for the English royal family.

14. Clifford

Clifford is of Old English origin, meaning “ford by a cliff.” It has a rugged, earthy appeal, reminiscent of the English countryside.

15. Clyde

Clyde is of Scottish origin, named after the River Clyde in Scotland. It carries a sense of strength and independence, often associated with the famous outlaw Clyde Barrow.

16. Cyril

Cyril is a Greek name meaning “lordly” or “masterful.” It’s a name with religious significance, borne by several saints and early Christian figures.

17. Desmond

Desmond is of Irish origin, meaning “one from South Munster.” It’s a name that carries a sense of nobility and is often associated with Irish heritage.

18. Douglas

Douglas is of Scottish origin, meaning “dark stream.” It’s a strong, traditional name often associated with Scottish clans.

19. Dudley

Dudley is of English origin, meaning “people’s field.” It has a quaint, old-fashioned charm, often associated with English aristocracy.

20. Edgar

Edgar is of Old English origin, meaning “wealthy spear.” It’s a classic name, borne by kings and literary figures like Edgar Allan Poe.

21. Edmund

Edmund is of Old English origin, meaning “fortunate protector.” It’s a name with royal associations, borne by kings and saints.

22. Edwin

Edwin, meaning “rich friend,” is of Old English origin. It has a noble, timeless quality and was popular in the early Middle Ages.

23. Egbert

Egbert is of Old English origin, meaning “bright edge” or “sword.” It’s a name with historical significance, borne by an early king of England.

24. Elmer

Elmer is of Old English origin, meaning “noble and famous.” It has a quaint, old-world charm and was popular in the early 20th century.

25. Emmett

Emmett is of English origin, meaning “universal.” It’s a name with a friendly, approachable vibe, often associated with the American frontier.

26. Ernest

Ernest is of German origin, meaning “serious” or “resolute.” It’s a name with a strong, dependable feel, popularised by the literary figure Ernest Hemingway.

27. Eugene

Eugene is of Greek origin, meaning “well-born” or “noble.” It’s a name with a refined, classical feel, borne by several saints and historical figures.

28. Everett

Everett is of English origin, meaning “brave as a wild boar.” It has a dashing, adventurous quality, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

F-I Baby Boy Names

29. Fergus

Fergus is of Scottish origin, meaning “man of force.” It’s a strong, rugged name with roots in Celtic mythology and history.

30. Fletcher

Fletcher is of English origin, meaning “arrow-maker.” It has a cool, occupational vibe, often associated with skilled craftsmen.

31. Franklin

Franklin is of English origin, meaning “free landowner.” It’s a name with a strong American association, thanks to Benjamin Franklin.

32. Frederick

Frederick is of German origin, meaning “peaceful ruler.” It’s a name with a royal pedigree, popular in many European countries.

33. Geoffrey

Geoffrey is of German origin, meaning “peaceful pledge.” It’s a name with a medieval charm, often associated with knights and nobility.

34. Gerald

Gerald is of German origin, meaning “rule of the spear.” It’s a sturdy, traditional name with a long history in Europe.

35. Gilbert

Gilbert is of German origin, meaning “bright pledge.” It has a scholarly, old-fashioned appeal, often associated with poets and writers.

36. Giles

Giles is of Greek origin, meaning “young goat.” It’s a name with a gentle, pastoral feel, often associated with medieval saints.

37. Gordon

Gordon is of Scottish origin, meaning “great hill.” It’s a name with a strong, rugged vibe, often associated with Scottish clans.

38. Graham

Graham is of Scottish origin, meaning “gravelly homestead.” It’s a classic name with a refined, upper-class feel.

39. Harold

Harold is of Old English origin, meaning “army ruler.” It’s a strong, traditional name borne by kings and warriors.

40. Herbert

Herbert is of German origin, meaning “bright army.” It has a scholarly, old-fashioned charm, often associated with intellectuals.

41. Hiram

Hiram is of Hebrew origin, meaning “exalted brother.” It’s a name with a biblical pedigree, often associated with wisdom and leadership.

42. Horace

Horace is of Latin origin, meaning “timekeeper.” It’s a name with a classical feel, often associated with the Roman poet Horace.

43. Howard

Howard is of German origin, meaning “brave heart.” It’s a strong, traditional name with roots in English and American history.

44. Hubert

Hubert is of German origin, meaning “bright heart.” It’s a name with a noble, old-world charm, often associated with saints and knights.

45. Hugh

Hugh is of German origin, meaning “heart, mind, spirit.” It’s a strong, classic name, often associated with nobility and intellectuals.

46. Humphrey

Humphrey is of German origin, meaning “peaceful warrior.” It’s a name with a quirky, old-fashioned appeal, often associated with English aristocracy.

47. Ivor

Ivor is of Scandinavian origin, meaning “archer’s bow.” It’s a strong, distinctive name with a Viking heritage.

J-N Baby Boy Names

48. Jasper

Jasper is of Persian origin, meaning “bringer of treasure.” It has a vintage, slightly exotic feel, popular in the Victorian era.

49. Jeremiah

Jeremiah is of Hebrew origin, meaning “God will uplift.” It’s a name with a strong biblical heritage, often associated with prophets and leaders.

50. Laurence

Laurence is of Latin origin, meaning “from Laurentum.” It’s a classic name with a refined, scholarly feel, often associated with saints and poets.

51. Leonard

Leonard is of German origin, meaning “brave lion.” It’s a strong, traditional name, often associated with strength and nobility.

52. Lionel

Lionel is of Latin origin, meaning “young lion.” It’s a name with a noble, slightly exotic feel, often associated with chivalry and knights.

53. Louis

Louis is of French origin, meaning “famous warrior.” It’s a royal name, borne by many kings of France and popular in European aristocracy.

54. Luther

Luther is of German origin, meaning “people’s army.” It’s a strong, historical name, often associated with Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation.

55. Malcolm

Malcolm is of Scottish origin, meaning “devotee of Saint Columba.” It’s a strong, traditional name, often associated with Scottish kings.

56. Marmaduke

Marmaduke is of Irish origin, meaning “follower of Saint Máedóc.” It’s a quirky, old-fashioned name with a strong, noble feel.

57. Maurice

Maurice is of Latin origin, meaning “dark-skinned.” It’s a classic name with a sophisticated, continental feel.

58. Miles

Miles is of German origin, meaning “soldier” or “merciful.” It’s a classic name with a gentle, approachable feel.

59. Montgomery

Montgomery is of Norman origin, meaning “manpower” or “mountain of the powerful man.” It’s a strong, aristocratic name with roots in medieval Europe.

60. Morris

Morris is of Latin origin, meaning “dark-skinned” or “Moorish.” It has a classic, slightly quirky feel, often associated with English folk tradition.

61. Neville

Neville is of French origin, meaning “new town.” It’s a name with a noble, old-world charm, often associated with English aristocracy.

62. Nigel

Nigel is of Latin origin, meaning “champion.” It’s a classic name with a distinguished, upper-class feel.

63. Norman

Norman is of German origin, meaning “northerner” or “man from the north.” It’s a strong, traditional name with roots in medieval Europe.

O-S Baby Boy Names

64. Orville

Orville is of French origin, meaning “gold town.” It’s a quirky, old-fashioned name with a vintage, almost whimsical feel.

65. Oswald

Oswald is of Old English origin, meaning “God’s power.” It’s a strong, traditional name with royal and saintly associations.

66. Percival

Percival is of French origin, meaning “pierce the valley.” It’s a name with a noble, chivalrous feel, often associated with the Arthurian legend.

67. Percy

Percy is a diminutive of Percival, meaning “pierce the valley.” It has a charming, old-fashioned vibe, often associated with English nobility.

68. Phineas

Phineas is of Hebrew origin, meaning “oracle.” It’s a name with a strong, distinctive feel, often associated with biblical and historical figures.

69. Quentin

Quentin is of Latin origin, meaning “fifth.” It’s a classic name with a refined, slightly quirky feel, often associated with intellectuals.

70. Randolph

Randolph is of German origin, meaning “shield wolf.” It’s a strong, traditional name with a noble, almost regal feel.

71. Raymond

Raymond is of German origin, meaning “wise protector.” It’s a classic name with a strong, dependable vibe.

72. Reggie

Reggie is a diminutive of Reginald, meaning “ruler’s advisor.” It has a friendly, approachable vibe, often associated with old-fashioned charm.

73. Reginald

Reginald is of German origin, meaning “ruler’s advisor.” It’s a name with a strong, noble feel, often associated with English aristocracy.

74. Roderick

Roderick is of German origin, meaning “famous ruler.” It’s a strong, traditional name with a noble, almost regal feel.

75. Roland

Roland is of German origin, meaning “famous throughout the land.” It’s a name with a strong, heroic feel, often associated with knights and warriors.

76. Rufus

Rufus is of Latin origin, meaning “red-haired.” It’s a quirky, old-fashioned name with a charming, almost whimsical feel.

77. Rupert

Rupert is of German origin, meaning “bright fame.” It’s a classic name with a noble, upper-class feel.

78. Sidney

Sidney is of Old English origin, meaning “wide meadow.” It has a classic, old-fashioned charm, often associated with the English countryside.

79. Silas

Silas is of Latin origin, meaning “wood” or “forest.” It’s a name with a gentle, pastoral feel, often associated with the natural world.

80. Stanley

Stanley is of Old English origin, meaning “stone clearing.” It has a classic, sturdy feel, often associated with the English countryside.

81. Stuart

Stuart is of Scottish origin, meaning “steward” or “keeper of the estate.” It’s a classic name with a noble, almost regal feel.

T-Z Baby Boy Names

82. Terrence

Terrence is of Latin origin, meaning “tender” or “gracious.” It’s a classic name with a gentle, approachable feel.

83. Theodore

Theodore is of Greek origin, meaning “gift of God.” It’s a classic name with a strong, noble feel, often associated with intellectuals and leaders.

84. Thurston

Thurston is of Norse origin, meaning “Thor’s stone.” It’s a strong, distinctive name with a Viking heritage.

85. Timothy

Timothy is of Greek origin, meaning “honoring God.” It’s a classic name with a gentle, approachable feel, often associated with saints and scholars.

86. Tobias

Tobias is of Hebrew origin, meaning “God is good.” It’s a classic name with a strong, noble feel, often associated with biblical figures.

87. Tristan

Tristan is of Celtic origin, meaning “sorrowful.” It’s a name with a romantic, almost tragic feel, often associated with Arthurian legend.

88. Vernon

Vernon is of French origin, meaning “alder tree.” It’s a classic name with a gentle, pastoral feel, often associated with the English countryside.

89. Victor

Victor is of Latin origin, meaning “conqueror.” It’s a strong, traditional name with a noble, almost regal feel.

90. Vincent

Vincent is of Latin origin, meaning “to conquer.” It’s a classic name with a strong, noble feel, often associated with saints and leaders.

91. Walter

Walter is of German origin, meaning “ruler of the army.” It’s a strong, traditional name with a noble, almost regal feel.

92. Wilfred

Wilfred is of Old English origin, meaning “desiring peace.” It’s a classic name with a gentle, approachable feel, often associated with saints and poets.

93. Wilkinson

Wilkinson is of Old English origin, meaning “son of William.” It’s a classic name with a strong, traditional feel.

94. Willard

Willard is of German origin, meaning “resolute and brave.” It’s a classic name with a strong, dependable feel.

95. William

William is of German origin, meaning “resolute protector.” It’s a classic name with a noble, almost regal feel, often associated with royalty.

96. Winston

Winston is of Old English origin, meaning “joyful stone.” It’s a classic name with a strong, noble feel, often associated with Winston Churchill.

97. Woodrow

Woodrow is of Old English origin, meaning “row of houses by the wood.” It’s a classic name with a gentle, pastoral feel, often associated with the American president Woodrow Wilson.

98. Wycliffe

Wycliffe is of Old English origin, meaning “white cliff.” It’s a classic name with a strong, distinctive feel, often associated with the English countryside.

99. Xavier

Xavier is of Basque origin, meaning “new house.” It’s a classic name with a strong, distinctive feel, often associated with Saint Francis Xavier.

100. Yorick

Yorick is of Scandinavian origin, meaning “farmer.” It’s a classic name with a strong, old-fashioned feel, often associated with Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”

10 Bonus Popular Old-Fashioned Boy Names in the UK (Past 5 Years):

Not quite found the name you’re looking for? No worries! Here’s a final bonus selection of old-fashioned names, complete with a little info on their popularity to help you make the perfect choice.

1. Arthur

• Popularity: Arthur has seen a significant rise in popularity, consistently ranking in the top 10 boy names in the UK over the past five years.
• Trend: Arthur’s resurgence can be attributed to its strong, classic roots and the ongoing trend of vintage names. It was the 4th most popular boys’ name in England and Wales in 2023.

2. George

• Popularity: George has remained a top choice for parents, consistently ranking in the top 5 names for boys in the UK.
• Trend: The name has been steadily popular, partly due to the influence of the British royal family, with Prince George being a notable bearer. It ranked 2nd in 2023.

3. Henry

• Popularity: Henry has been a favourite, often appearing in the top 15 names in the UK.
• Trend: This name is celebrated for its regal and traditional charm, maintaining a steady presence in baby name charts. In 2023, Henry was among the top 15 names.

4. James

• Popularity: James has consistently been a popular choice, often ranking in the top 20 names in the UK.
• Trend: James is a timeless classic, appreciated for its strong, enduring appeal. It has consistently ranked high, though slightly lower in recent years compared to earlier decades.

5. Thomas

• Popularity: Thomas has remained a steady favourite, frequently appearing in the top 20 names.
• Trend: Despite a slight dip in popularity in recent years, Thomas remains a solid choice for parents seeking a traditional and reliable name.

6. Frederick

• Popularity: Frederick has climbed in popularity, often ranking in the top 50 names.
• Trend: The name has seen a resurgence, especially with the more modern and casual nickname “Freddie” becoming increasingly popular. In 2023, Freddie ranked higher than Frederick itself, both collectively making the name very popular.

7. Albert

• Popularity: Albert has experienced a revival, moving up the ranks and often appearing in the top 60 names.
• Trend: Once considered old-fashioned, Albert has made a strong comeback, particularly with parents seeking a vintage yet distinguished name. The nickname “Bertie” has also gained popularity.

8. Edward

• Popularity: Edward remains a popular choice, consistently appearing in the top 50 names.
• Trend: Edward is another name with royal connotations, contributing to its enduring appeal. Its classic nature ensures it remains a preferred option for many parents.

9. William

• Popularity: William has been a strong contender, frequently ranking in the top 10 names.
• Trend: Like George, William’s popularity is bolstered by its royal connections and its reputation as a strong, traditional name. It remains a consistent favourite.

10. Alfred

• Popularity: Alfred has seen a gradual increase in popularity, often ranking in the top 70 names.
• Trend: The name Alfred, along with its nickname “Alfie,” has become increasingly popular as parents turn to vintage names with a modern twist. “Alfie” has particularly boosted the name’s overall popularity.

Well that’s a wrap on our list of timeless boy names for today. Which ones stood out to you, and did I miss any favourites? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your thoughts!