New parents are tasked with many decisions as they prepare for their baby. Choosing the perfect name is one of the most important decisions. There are plenty of excellent names to choose from, which can make the decision difficult. At the top of the list, favored baby names like Liam, Oliver, Olivia, and Emma have firmly claimed their spots as the most popular names over the last several years. While modern names ruled during the early 2000s, vintage baby names are currently making a comeback.
Several names on this list have been part of culture since biblical and medieval times. Their popularity has risen and dipped over centuries. Now, they have inched their way up on the baby name list, making remarkable comebacks.
To create a list of the vintage baby names that are making a comeback, Moms Who Think consulted baby websites like Baby Center and The Bump. Here, we looked at the top 300 baby names of 2024. If you are looking for that perfect vintage baby name to give your little one, see the list below because these names are solid, strong, and classic.
Charlotte
Meaning : Free man
Origin: Roman and French
Era of Popularity : 18th Century
Charlotte is a name that continues to stay at the top of popularity, reappearing every several decades.
This sweet name is strong and feminine, making it perfect for your little one. It is a variation of Charles and became popular after the reign of Charles the Great during the Medieval times and Queen Charlotte of England’s reign.
Today, Charlotte has regained traction and popularity, ranking number six on the U.S. birth charts. Popular faces that have the name include Princess Charlotte (the child of Prince William and Princess Kate), Charlotte Bronte, and Charlotte Cooper.
Eleanor
Meaning : The Other Aenor; Sunray; Shining light
Origin: French, Greek
The Era of Popularity: Early 20th Century
One vintage baby name making a comeback is Eleanor. It grew in popularity in the early 20th Century, and in the 1930s, the straightforward Eleanor Roosevelt wore the name well.
The name derives from the French name Alienor and is related to Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine . Her mother’s name was Aenor, and she became known as “The other Aenor.” Additionally, Eleanor can also be another variation of the name Helen.
Grace
Meaning : Blessing; Favor
Origin: Latin
The Era of Popularity: The Victorian Era
Many people think of Grace Kelly, the Princess of Monaco, when they hear the name Grace. It is a timeless name that dates back to the Victorian Era.
Even before then, Puritans used the name as a “virtue” name. Its charm has remained one of the reasons it keeps making a comeback in popularity.
Betty
Meaning : Oath of God
Origin : Hebrew
Era of Popularity: 18th Century
Betty is a solid and short name that has repeatedly appeared in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Throughout the 20th Century, Betty White gained popularity in Hollywood, keeping the name front and center.
Betty resurfaced after Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively named their third daughter. Betty also makes a cute nickname of the longer form Elizabeth, giving your child multiple choices.
Florence
Meaning : Blossoming; Flourishing; Prosperous
Origin: Latin
The Era of Popularity: Early 20th Century
In the 19th Century, Florence Nightingale founded modern nursing, helping save countless lives. By the early 20th Century, Florence became a popular feminine name.
Additionally, Florence is a beautiful town in Italy. This vintage girl’s name reminds one of beauty, history, and art, making it a classic yet strong name ready for its comeback.
Everett
Meaning : Strong as a boar; Wild boar; Brave; Granite
Origin: German, Gaelic, Irish
Era of Popularity: 20th Century
Starting as a surname in the 1800s, Everett gained popularity in the early 20th Century. This name is both unique and classic. Famous faces with the name Everett include Everett McGill, Clark Everett, and Rupert Everett.
Henry
Meaning : House Ruler
Origin: German
Era of Popularity: Middle Ages
Although Henry has been around enough in the 20th and 21st centuries, it may be surprising to hear it’s originally from the Middle Ages.
Henry is an Old German name and it gives off sturdy and classic vibes, making it perfect for your newest addition.
Theodore
Meaning : God’s gift
Origin: Greek
The Era of Popularity: Middle Ages and 20th Century
Theodore derives from the Greek words Theos and Doron, meaning “God’s gift.” It is a Masculine name, and one famous face is Theodore Roosevelt .
In addition, many nicknames can be associated with the name Theodore, including Ted, Theo, and Teddy.
Nora
Meaning : shining light, honor
Origin: Latin
Era of Popularity: 19th Century
Nora is a quaint and rich name that comes from Irish culture. It originally began as a nickname of Honora, meaning “honor.”
Hazel
Meaning : The hazel tree
Era: British
The Era of Popularity: 19th and 20th Centuries
A classic and vintage name that fluctuates in popularity, Hazel quite literally means “hazel tree.” Simple and short, it is of Old English roots and reminds us of sweet and sturdy.
Arthur
Meaning : Bear; Strong man; The eagle; Thor
Era: Latin, Celtic, Welsh
Era of Popularity: The Middle Ages
King Arthur of 6th-century England made the name popular during the Middle Ages. It is a distinguished name that suggests strength and courage.
In addition, in the 1700s, the Irishman Arthur Guinness, who started the popular stout brewery, once again popularized the name Arthur.
Leon
Meaning : Lion
Era: Latin, Spanish, Greek
Era of Popularity: Middle Ages
Leon is not only connected to one of the 12 astrological signs but also has Spanish roots and Greek origins.
Additionally, Leon means “Lion,” and it is connected to the name Leo. Both of these short names are strong and symbolize pride and strength. This is a great name to choose if you want your child to walk through life feeling proud.
Penelope
Meaning : Weaver; Duck
Origin: Greek
The Era of Popularity: Ancient Greece, Early 20th Century
Penelope is a name that has weaved its way in and out of popularity over several centuries. Its origins begin in Ancient Greece, where it cemented its roots as a classic and elegant name.
In “Homer’s Odyssey,” Penelope is portrayed as a strong woman and wife. Today, the show “Bridgerton” has brought Penelope back into the spotlight.
Theo
Meaning : God’s gift; Bold people; Brave people
Origin: Greek:
The Era of Popularity: Early 20th Century
Theo is a gender-neutral name that dates back to Ancient Greece. It means “God’s gift” and derives from the name Theodore.
Theo also has German roots, giving the name a rich historical connection.
Aurelia
Meaning : Golden
Origin: Latin, Roman
Era of Popularity: Roman Empire
Aurelia means “the golden one” and comes from the surname Aurelius.
Aurelius has roots in the Roman Empire and connections to Marcus Aurelius, a philosopher.
Furthermore, Aurelia is a gender-neutral name, and if you enjoy history, it can be perfect for a little one.
Rhea
Meaning : Flowing
Origin: Greek
The Era of Popularity: Early 20th Century
The name Rhea means “flowing” and has a motherly vibe. This is because it is derived from Titan Rhea, the mother of the Olympian Gods. In mythology, she was able to ease childbirth, so she was worshipped for her ability to bestow fruitfulness and fertility.
The name Rhea is graceful and maternal and is now making a comeback.
Ira
Meaning : Wind; Watchful
Origin: Hebrew, Sanskrit
The Era of Popularity: 19th Century
The name Ira has roots in Biblical times. The Torah and the Bible mention Ira as one of King David’s warriors.
The name means “wind” and “watchful” and also has a Greek meaning of “peace” and “tranquility.”
Ophelia
Meaning : Aid; Help
Origin: Greek
Era of Popularity: Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries
Ophelia is a name that is most associated with Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” The name means “help” and is simultaneous with selflessness and loveliness.
Rhys
Meaning : Ardent; Enthusiasm
Origin: Welsh
Era of Popularity: Middle Ages
Rhys has been a solid masculine name since the Middle Ages. It began as a surname and eventually became popular among Welsh kings and noblemen.
In Conclusion
A name is a deeply personal choice that parents make for their child. Some enjoy giving unique or modern names. On the other hand, others prefer a more classic and vintage name. If you want a solid or sweet vintage name to give your child, try one of these vintage baby names that are making a comeback.
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