old-fashioned boy names

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    Old-fashioned boy names, led by Theodore

    Here the picker draws from the 56 vintage boy names in our list: names with the feel of a pocket watch, a tweed jacket or a grandfather’s signature. Press More names for a fresh set, or choose Top 10 to see which ones are already popular.

    Two giants and a lot of quiet names

    Theodore and Henry lead the way: 4th and 5th in the Social Security Administration ranking for 2025. Bennett (40th), Charles (48th), Wesley (52nd), Silas (71st), Everett (77th), August (81st), Arthur (87th) and Robert (92nd) are the other vintage names in the top 100. The remaining 46 are outside it, from Albert, Alfred and Walter to Ambrose, Barnaby, Rupert and Thaddeus.

    That makes this a good list if you like the style but not the crowd. Theodore’s success shows that parents are ready for long, gentlemanly names; most of its cousins are still waiting for their turn. Germanic roots lead here, with 22 names, several of them built on old words for army, rule or brightness: Walter, Harold, Herbert, Albert.

    Why vintage works for boys

    • The nickname ladder. A formal name gives a child options: Theodore can be Teddy at three, Theo at fifteen and Theodore on a business card. Barnaby gives Barney; Thaddeus gives Tad; Edmund traditionally gives Ned, which also stands on this page as a name of its own.
    • Built-in meaning. Many of these names have clear roots: Ambrose means “immortal”, Felix “happy, lucky” and Everett “brave as a wild boar”.
    • Short or long. The list runs from three-letter names like Gus, Ned, Ray and Roy to Frederick and Thaddeus, so you can match the length of your surname.

    Check the full name for rhythm: a three-syllable vintage name such as Thaddeus often sounds best with a shorter surname.

    All 56 names on the list

    In the 2025 top 100
    10
    Highest ranked (No. 4)
    Theodore
    Outside the top 100
    46
    Most common origin (22)
    Germanic
    NameRank 2025OriginMeaning
    TheodoreNo. 4GreekGift of God
    HenryNo. 5GermanicRuler of the home
    BennettNo. 40LatinBlessed
    CharlesNo. 48GermanicFree man
    WesleyNo. 52EnglishWestern meadow
    SilasNo. 71LatinOf the forest
    EverettNo. 77GermanicBrave as a wild boar
    AugustNo. 81LatinVenerable, majestic
    ArthurNo. 87Celtic
    RobertNo. 92GermanicBright fame
    Albertnot in top 100GermanicNoble and bright
    Alfrednot in top 100EnglishElf counsel
    Ambrosenot in top 100GreekImmortal
    Anselnot in top 100GermanicDivine helmet, god's protection
    Asanot in top 100HebrewHealer
    Barnabynot in top 100AramaicSon of consolation
    Basilnot in top 100GreekRoyal, kingly
    Chesternot in top 100EnglishFort, camp
    Clarencenot in top 100Latin
    Clydenot in top 100CelticFrom the River Clyde
    Conradnot in top 100GermanicBold counsel
    Cosmonot in top 100GreekOrder, universe
    Edmundnot in top 100EnglishWealthy protector
    Emilnot in top 100Latin
    Ephraimnot in top 100HebrewFruitful
    Ernestnot in top 100GermanicSerious, resolute
    Eugenenot in top 100GreekWell born
    Felixnot in top 100LatinHappy, lucky
    Francisnot in top 100LatinFrenchman
    Fredericknot in top 100GermanicPeaceful ruler
    Georgenot in top 100GreekFarmer
    Gusnot in top 100LatinShort form of August or Angus
    Haroldnot in top 100GermanicArmy ruler
    Harveynot in top 100CelticBattle worthy
    Herbertnot in top 100GermanicBright army
    Hollisnot in top 100EnglishNear the holly trees
    Howardnot in top 100English
    Hughnot in top 100GermanicMind, heart
    Jaspernot in top 100PersianTreasurer
    Leonardnot in top 100GermanicBrave as a lion
    Linusnot in top 100GreekFlax
    Lloydnot in top 100CelticGray
    Louisnot in top 100GermanicFamous warrior
    Nednot in top 100EnglishShort form of Edward
    Oscarnot in top 100
    Otisnot in top 100GermanicWealth
    Ottonot in top 100GermanicWealth
    Quentinnot in top 100LatinFifth
    Ralphnot in top 100GermanicWolf counsel
    Raynot in top 100GermanicShort form of Raymond
    Raymondnot in top 100GermanicWise protector
    Roynot in top 100CelticRed
    Rupertnot in top 100GermanicBright fame
    Thaddeusnot in top 100Aramaic
    Walternot in top 100GermanicRuler of the army
    Wendellnot in top 100GermanicWanderer

    Source: Social Security Administration, Popular Baby Names, births in 2025.

    How it works

    1. Choose how to search

      Pick Inspire me, Top 10, Hidden gems, 10 at random or Top 100. Then tap the filters to set girl or boy, the country and a first letter.

    2. Heart your favorites

      Tap the heart on a name you like. It goes into Your favorites, saved in this browser.

    3. Let the duel decide

      Open the Name duel and pick one of two favorites each time until one name wins. Or press Copy favorites to share your list.

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    Questions

    What is the most popular old-fashioned boy name?

    In our list, Theodore, 4th among boys born in the United States in 2025, just ahead of Henry (5th).

    Which vintage boy names are still rare?

    Ambrose, Barnaby, Clarence, Ernest, Herbert, Otis, Rupert, Thaddeus, Walter and Wendell are all outside the 2025 top 100, along with 36 other names on this page.

    Do vintage names suit siblings with modern names?

    Yes, as long as the sounds do not clash and the lengths feel balanced. For a matching set, the vintage girl names page gives the same era for a sister.

    Is the baby name generator free?

    Yes. It is free, funded by advertising, with no account and no app to install.

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