Some names feel like a favorite quilt. They are warm and familiar, and they carry a bit of family history. That is why so many parents are looking back for baby names.
This guide shares 100 vintage baby names that are rising again. You will find 50 girl names and 50 boy names. Each one has a short meaning and a nickname idea. You will also see which names are already popular and which are still rare.
Direct answer: Vintage baby names making a comeback are old names from past generations that are rising in popularity again. Examples include Eloise, Maeve, Josephine, Hazel, Silas and Arthur. Some are already in the top 100, while others remain uncommon and stand out.
What counts as a vintage baby name?
A vintage baby name is a name that was popular long ago, then faded, and is now rising again. Many peaked between 1900 and 1950. Some are named after grandparents or great-grandparents.
A vintage name is not the same as a classic name. Classic names, like Elizabeth, never really left. Vintage names took a break first. That break is what makes them feel fresh today.
Why are vintage baby names coming back?
Parents want names with history, family ties and a soft, familiar sound. Nostalgia plays a large part. Many new parents also like names that feel warm but are not on every playground.
Pop culture helps too. Spokeo’s SSA-based review links Eloise to Kay Thompson’s children’s books. It ties Hazel to a bestselling novel and Mabel to the cartoon series Gravity Falls. It also suggests Taylor Swift’s song “Marjorie” may have boosted that name.
Social Security applications are the source of the SSA lists. They are drawn from card applications filed at birth. That makes the SSA data a reliable guide for US trends.
If you like names from a later era, see our list of nostalgic 80s baby girl names.
How to read the comeback tiers
Each list below is grouped into three tiers. The tiers help you see how common a name is today.
- Back in the spotlight: names that are already popular again.
- Gaining momentum: names that are rising and still feel distinctive.
- Hidden gems: names that are still uncommon.
Check any name you love on the SSA popular baby names page. Rankings change every year.
50 vintage girl names making a comeback
Back in the spotlight
- Eloise (Ellie, Lou): Old French and Germanic roots, often linked to “healthy.” It entered the top 100 in 2022.
- Maeve (Mae): Irish name meaning “intoxicating.” It rose from #452 in 2015 to #75 in 2024.
- Josephine (Josie, Posy): Hebrew for “God will add.” It is now in the top 100.
- Hazel (Haze): English, from the hazel tree. It ranked #19 in 2024.
- Ruby (Rubes): Latin, for the red gem. It has been in the top 100 since 2021.
- Eleanor (Nora, Ellie, Nell): Old French with debated roots. A graceful, long-loved choice.
- Violet (Vi, Vivi): Latin by way of French, for the flower and color.
Gaining momentum
- Mabel (Mae, Mabs): Latin, meaning “lovable.” It broke into the top 300 in 2024.
- Beatrice (Bea, Trixie): Latin, meaning “she who brings joy.”
- Clementine (Clem, Clemmie): Latin, meaning “merciful.”
- Matilda (Tilly, Mattie): Germanic, meaning “mighty in battle.”
- Edith (Edie): Old English, meaning “prosperous in war.”
- Ada (Addie): Germanic, meaning “noble.” Short and strong.
- Florence (Flora, Florrie): Latin, meaning “flourishing.”
- Imogen (Immy, Gen): Celtic, often read as “maiden.”
- Cecilia (Cece, Celia): Latin, from a Roman family name. Linked to the patron saint of music.
- Genevieve (Evie, Vivi): French name of a patron saint of Paris.
- Harriet (Hattie, Hetty): English, meaning “home ruler.”
- Louisa (Lou, Lulu): Germanic, meaning “famous warrior.”
- Adelaide (Addie, Ada): Germanic, meaning “noble kind.”
- Lillian (Lily, Lilly): From the lily flower.
- Daisy (Dee): English, meaning “day’s eye.”
- Pearl (Pearlie): From the gem. Simple and bright.
- Opal (Opie): Sanskrit, for the gemstone.
- Thea (Theo): Short for Dorothea or Theodora, meaning “gift of God.”
- Cordelia (Delia, Cordie): Shakespearean, often linked to “heart.”
- Iris (Izzy): Greek, meaning “rainbow.”
- Agnes (Aggie, Nessa): Greek, meaning “pure.”
- Henrietta (Etta, Hettie): The feminine form of Henry.
Hidden gems
- Winifred (Winnie, Freddie): Welsh and Old English, meaning “blessed reconciliation.”
- Mildred (Millie): Old English, meaning “gentle strength.”
- Gertrude (Trudy): Germanic, meaning “spear strength.”
- Ethel (Etty): Old English, meaning “noble.”
- Wilhelmina (Mina, Billie): Germanic, meaning “resolute protector.”
- Willa (Billie): A short, breezy form of Wilhelmina.
- Ramona (Mona): Spanish, from Raymond, meaning “wise protector.”
- Constance (Connie): Latin, meaning “steadfast.”
- Verity (Vera): Latin, meaning “truth.”
- Delphine (Del, Fina): French, meaning “from Delphi.”
- Fern: A plant name with a gentle sound.
- Marjorie (Margie, Marnie): A form of Margaret, meaning “pearl.” It peaked at #16 in 1922.
- Estelle (Stella, Elle): Latin, meaning “star.”
- Vera (Vee): Latin for “true” and Russian for “faith.”
- Dorothy (Dot, Dottie): Greek, meaning “gift of God.”
- Gwendolyn (Gwen): Welsh, meaning “blessed ring.”
- Lucille (Lucy, Lulu): Latin, meaning “light.”
- Rosalie (Rosie): Latin, meaning “rose garden.”
- Marigold (Goldie): A bright flower name.
- Edna (Eddie): Hebrew, meaning “pleasure.”
- Philippa (Pip, Pippa): Greek, meaning “lover of horses.”
For more refined, heritage-style picks, see our list of old money baby girl names.
50 vintage boy names making a comeback
Back in the spotlight
- Silas (Si): Latin, meaning “of the forest.” It ranked #81 in 2024.
- Ezra (Ez): Hebrew, meaning “help.”
- Milo (Mylo): Of uncertain origin, often linked to “soldier” or “merciful.”
Gaining momentum
- Arthur (Art, Artie): Celtic, often linked to “bear.” It rose from #388 in 2010 to #105 in 2024.
- Jasper (Jas): Persian, meaning “treasurer.” Also a gemstone name.
- Atticus (Atti): Latin, meaning “from Attica.”
- Otis (Ote): Germanic, meaning “wealth.”
- Rocky: Linked to “rock.” It jumped from #888 to #657 in 2024.
- Hugo (Hugs): Germanic, meaning “mind and spirit.”
- Felix (Fee): Latin, meaning “lucky” or “happy.”
- Ellis (El): English form of Elias, meaning “the Lord is my God.”
- Emmett (Em): Germanic, meaning “whole” or “universal.”
- Walter (Walt, Wally): Germanic, meaning “army ruler.”
- August (Gus): Latin, meaning “great” or “venerable.”
- Leonard (Leo, Len): Germanic, meaning “brave lion.”
- Hank: A nickname for Henry, meaning “ruler of the home.”
- Edmund (Ed, Ned): Old English, meaning “wealthy protector.”
- Louis (Lou): Germanic, meaning “famous warrior.”
- Oscar (Ozzie): Irish, meaning “deer lover.”
Hidden gems
- Alfred (Alf, Fred): Old English, meaning “elf counsel.”
- Otto: Germanic, meaning “prosperity.”
- Edgar (Eddie): Old English, meaning “wealthy spear.”
- Raymond (Ray): Germanic, meaning “wise protector.”
- Harold (Hal, Harry): Old English, meaning “army ruler.”
- Howard (Howie): An English name of debated origin.
- Leroy (Roy, Lee): French, meaning “the king.”
- Eugene (Gene): Greek, meaning “well born.”
- Hugh (Hughie): Germanic, meaning “mind and heart.”
- Earl: English, meaning “nobleman.”
- Ralph (Rafe): Old English, meaning “wolf counsel.”
- Clarence (Clay): Latin, meaning “illustrious.”
- Cornelius (Neil, Cory): Latin, meaning “horn.”
- Herbert (Bert, Herb): Germanic, meaning “bright army.”
- Virgil (Virg): A Roman name tied to the poet Virgil.
- Lloyd: Welsh, meaning “gray.”
- Wilbur (Will): Germanic, meaning “resolute and bright.”
- Chester (Chet): Latin, meaning “fortress.”
- Elmer (Elm): Old English, meaning “noble and famous.”
- Percival (Percy): An Arthurian knight’s name.
- Barnaby (Barney): Aramaic, meaning “son of encouragement.”
- Winston (Win): From an English place name.
- Roscoe (Ro): Old Norse, meaning “deer forest.”
- Stanley (Stan): Old English, meaning “stony clearing.”
- Sylvester (Syl, Vester): Latin, meaning “of the forest.”
- Orson: Old French, meaning “little bear.”
- Lionel (Leo): French, meaning “little lion.”
- Archibald (Archie): Germanic, meaning “bold and genuine.”
- Cecil (Cece): Latin, from a Roman family name.
- Maurice (Morrie): Latin, from Maurus.
- Rufus (Ruf): Latin, meaning “red-haired.”
Looking for faith-based boy names? See our list of Christian baby boy names.
How to choose a vintage name that still feels fresh
The best vintage name sounds natural in your daily life. Test it before you commit. These steps keep the process simple.
- Say the full name aloud. Try it with your last name. Listen for awkward rhythm or repeated sounds.
- Check the nicknames. A formal name with a modern nickname often works well. Winifred becomes Winnie. Theodore becomes Theo.
- Look at the initials. Make sure they do not spell an unfortunate word.
- Match your sibling names. A vintage name can sit well beside a modern one. Aim for similar length or feel.
- Check the popularity. Use the SSA lookup so you know how common the name is in the US.
- Use a middle name. A vintage middle name is a gentle way to honor a relative.
- Think about a spelling and pronunciation. Pick the version people will say correctly.
Common mistakes with vintage names
Skipping a popularity check is the most common mistake. A name that feels rare may already be in the top 100. Another mistake is ignoring the nickname. Your child will likely use it more than the full name.
Parents also forget how a name sounds today. Some old names have changed in meaning or tone. Say the name out loud with family members to catch this early.
Finally, avoid choosing a name only because it trends. Pop culture can lift a name quickly and drop it just as fast. Spokeo noted that a name like Marjorie may rise and fall quickly, while Theodore has stayed strong.
How to check how popular a name is
The SSA website lists the top 1000 names by birth year. It shows how a name has moved over time. The SSA says those top names cover about 72 percent of 2025 births, so names outside the list are uncommon.
You can find the lists and a name search on the SSA popular baby names page. The SSA also published its 2025 name announcement, which names Olivia and Liam as the top picks.
Frequently asked questions
What are vintage baby names?
Vintage baby names are names that were popular in past generations, faded and are now rising again. Many peaked in the early 1900s. They differ from classic names, which stayed popular for centuries. A vintage name often feels familiar and fresh at the same time.
Which vintage baby names are rising fastest?
Names such as Eloise, Maeve, Josephine, Hazel and Silas have climbed in recent SSA data. Maeve rose from #452 in 2015 to #75 in 2024. Arthur moved from #388 in 2010 to #105 in 2024. Check the SSA site for the latest yearly changes.
Are vintage baby names too common once they reach the top 100?
Not necessarily. A top-100 name still covers a small share of babies. If you want a rarer name, pick from the gaining momentum or hidden gem tiers. Always check the current SSA rank before you decide.
What are some rare vintage baby names?
Names like Winifred, Wilhelmina, Verity, Barnaby, Roscoe and Rufus remain uncommon in most years. Rarity changes, so verify any name you love on the SSA lookup. Pair a rare first name with a familiar middle name for balance.
How can I make a vintage name feel modern?
Use a short, friendly nickname. Theodore becomes Theo. Winifred becomes Winnie. A vintage name also feels modern when it pairs with a simple middle name and a sibling name of similar style.
Do vintage names have the same meaning today?
Most keep their original meaning, but tone shifts over time. Some names also have debated origins. Look up a name’s roots before you commit, and talk it over with family.
Final thoughts
Vintage names offer warmth, history and a little surprise. Pick one that sounds good with your family name and fits your style. Test the nickname, check the rank and trust your gut.
If a name on this list caught your eye, save it to your shortlist. Then browse our other Baby Names lists to keep exploring.