"Baby name trends are an interesting thing. Any name you choose for your family’s new addition will be the right name for you and your family—so who really cares if it’s trendy? But if you’re having a little one next year and aren’t set on a moniker just yet, it might be fun to turn to certain name themes for inspo. And what better than to consider the biggest baby-naming trend for 2025: vintage baby names.
Babylist recently published their list of 2025 baby name trends, with vintage baby names coming out on top. Old-fashioned names for girls and eclectic grandpa names for boys have both been popular in the last year, proving that retro names are here to stay. From your family tree to historical figures, this trend harkens back to the old adage of “everything old is new again.”
From Betty and Ruby for girls and Archie and Victor for boys, we’re always swooning over old-fashioned names with plenty of vintage charm. Want a timeless and unforgettable pick with plenty of staying power? Read on for some of our favorite vintage baby names, straight from the archives.
Vintage Names for Baby Girls
Betty
Origin: English | Meaning: Oath of God
A nickname for Elizabeth, Betty is a super-cute moniker on its own. It became a common nickname in the medieval period and transitioned to a popular given name in English-speaking countries in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Fern
Origin: English | Meaning: A connection to nature
Offering a botanical vibe, Fern is an offbeat name that tanked in popularity in the 1940s. We’d love to see this charming moniker regain its footing and think it’s a perfect fit for any nature-loving parent today. Looking for a name with a similar vibe? Consider Flora, Faye, or Willow.
Frida
Origin: German | Meaning: Peaceful
With an alternate spelling of Frieda and the name Freda (pronounced “Fred-ah”) sharing a close resemblance, this pretty German name has the sweetest meaning, “peaceful,” making it the perfect vintage moniker for your little girl.
Hazel
Origin: English | Meaning: From the hazelnut tree
This old-fashioned name topped the charts in the early 20th century. While most often given to baby girls, Hazel may also be a boys’ name (think: the tender-hearted assassin in Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy).
Inez
Origin: Spanish | Meaning: Pure, chaste, and innocent
This cool, sophisticated name is the Spanish play on the name Agnes and includes the alternate spellings Inés and Ines. Actors Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively named their daughter Ines in 2016, also making this moniker a Taylor Swift-inspired baby name.
Lottie
Origin: English | Meaning: Free
A potential nickname for our current boom of baby Charlottes, Lottie is also a charming given name in its own right. For naming options with similar old lady flair, consider Millie, Dottie, or Lettie.
Louisa
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Renowned warrior
Notes: For a little girl with a fighting spirit, Louisa may strike the perfect tone. While most popular in the late 1800s, Louisa is a sweet pick without being stuffy. For a similar feel, look to names like Louise and Eloise.
Ora
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Light and prayer
Short and sweet, this lovely girls’ name meaning “light” or “prayer” reached the peak of its popularity in 1901, when 400 babies were given the name. Similarly offbeat and adorable names include Cora and Orla.
Rosa
Origin: Spanish, Italian | Meaning: Rose
Rosa is a sweet, old-fashioned take on the ever-classic name Rose. For similar floral-inspired names, look to Rosalie, Lily, or Violet.
Ruby
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Deep red precious stone
Ruby was a popular choice for parents around the turn of the century, but it’s now seeing a resurgence. There are several famous Rubys throughout history, including 1960s soul singer Ruby Johnson and civil rights activist Ruby Bridges, both of whom your little girl would be proud to be named after.
More Vintage Baby Names for Girls
- Abigail (Abi, Abby)
- Alice
- Agatha (Aggie)
- Aster
- Bridget
- Celeste
- Clara
- Clementine (Clemmie)
- Delia
- Dorothy (Dottie)
- Dolores (Doro)
- Edith (Edie)
- Edna
- Eleanor (Elle, Ellie)
- Ethel
- Evelyn (Evie)
- Faye
- Gertrude (Gertie)
- Greta
- Ida
- Iris
- Linda (Lindy)
- Lois
- Nell
- Mabel
- Marjorie
- Mavis
- Matilda (Tilly)
- Mildred (Millie)
- Ruth (Ruthie)
- Susan (Sue, Susie)
- Sybil (Sibby)
- Sylvia (Sylvie)
- Tallulah (Tully, Lulu)
- Wilma
- Winifred (Winnie, Freddie)
Vintage Names for Baby Boys
Archie
Origin: German | Meaning: Genuine, bold
This vintage baby name shot back into the spotlight in 2019 when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle named their firstborn child Archie. The cute moniker was originally a nickname for the stately Archibald and has been rising in the UK as a given name throughout the last century.
August
Origin: German | Meaning: Great, magnificent
Don’t feel penned in by the calendar! August is a charming name for babies born in any month of the year. For a regal-sounding take, try Augustus. And when it comes to nicknames, there’s nothing cuter than the tried-and-true Gus.
Calvin
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Bald
Don’t let this name’s meaning dissuade you from using this handsome name for a little boy joining your family. From fashion designer Calvin Klein to U.S. president Calvin Coolidge to the fictional character from Calvin and Hobbes, examples of this name in action abound.
Clayton
Origin: English | Meaning: Clay
Perhaps a little on-the-nose, this stylish yet traditional name simply means “clay” or “from the clay land.” Clay makes for an adorable nickname and good alternatives include Peyton, Carson, and Clinton.
Edmund
Origin: English | Meaning: Fortunate land protector
For a less popular and more regal take on Edward, Edmund offers the same range of nickname possibilities like Ed and Eddie. Plus, from Saint Edmund to the kings of England, Edmund offers inspiration from some pretty lofty places.
Franklin
Origin: English | Meaning: Free man
Undoubtedly adorable, Franklin brings built-in versatility in nicknames like Frank and Frankie. Close alternatives to this name include Francis and Frederick. For presidential inspiration, look to both Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States, and Franklin Pierce, the 14th U.S. president.
Isaac
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Laughter
A strong name with biblical ties and a cheerful meaning, Isaac has wide appeal when it comes to naming little ones. If you love the feel of this name, consider Ivan and Levi, too. Sir Isaac Newton and science fiction writer Isaac Asimov are both noteworthy bearers of the name.
Lucien
Origin: French | Meaning: From the light
For a name choice that feels both stylish and hopeful, try out the beautiful Lucien. Pronounced either “Loo-see-uhn” or “Loo-shun,” the name sweetly means “from the light.”
Silas
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Wood or forest
If you want to capture the peacefulness of nature, consider the name Silas—one that means “of the forest.” Pronounced “Sigh-less,” this sweet name shares a similar vibe with Cyrus, Everett, and Ezra. The unique name has recently grown in popularity again after Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel named their son named Silas in 2015.
Victor
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Conqueror or winner
Notes: Truly, there can be no name quite as triumphant-sounding as the strong and stately Victor. For nickname options, consider Vic and Tory, and for similar-sounding alternatives, there’s always Ricardo, Lucas, and Alexander.
More Vintage Baby Names for Boys
- Arthur (Art, Artie)
- Albert (Albie)
- Atticus (Attie)
- Asher
- Beau
- Benjamin (Ben, Benji)
- Cedric
- Charles (Charlie)
- Barnaby
- Elias (Eli)
- Everett
- Ezra (Ezzie)
- Felix
- Finn
- Flynn
- George (Georgie)
- Guy
- Harvey
- Henry
- Hector
- Hugh
- Hugo
- Jack
- James
- Jasper
- Jude
- Linus
- Milo
- Miles
- Ned
- Oliver (Ollie)
- Oscar
- Peter
- Ralph (Ralphie)
- Rufus
- Theodore (Theo, Teddy)
- Wilbur
- William (Will, Willy)
Lizzie Goodman, Contributing Writer
Lizzie is an editor and writer specializing in pregnancy, child development, and parenting. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two young daughters in a funny old house filled with books.
Julia Poulter, Senior Managing Editor
With more than 10 years of editorial experience, Julia is passionate about bringing motherhood stories to life and providing moms with interesting and informative parenting content. Prior to joining The Everygirl Media Group in 2019, she served as Executive Editor at Closer Weekly. As The Everymom’s Senior Managing Editor, Julia helps manage the brand’s editorial calendar and content strategy.