Some of today's most popular names are what we think of as old fashioned: Noah, Emma, Eva, and Henry were all favorites from the late 1800s. It's in that spirit that some parents have branched out in search of something not just stylishly old, but rare and retro.
If fanciful up and comers like August and Adelaide aren't boldly old fashioned enough for you, these names might be just right. They aren't shy. They are proudly, profoundly, over the hill names worn by generations past and now your little one. These names use a touch of frumpy to their advantage, balking at the lyrical modern choices that are mainstream. But they aren't altogether unattractive. We think some of them may just show more life in the next years as people dig for name relics that show creative spirit and wisdom beyond their years.
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Amos: What do you get when you mix biblical, old-fashioned, and questionable cultural associations? An enigma of a name that is waiting for a clean slate. It's possible that Amos is poised to break free from the nursing home and the reputation of a long-ago radio and TV show. It has strong roots, it's simple, easy to pronounce, and it's got an ever-popular "A" beginning. Amos is nowhere near the popularity of names like Aiden and Abel, but it has a sound worthy of consideration.
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Bernice: There's nothing modern about this name. But Bernice does have some unexpected glamour, in the form of an ancient Queen of Egypt (spelled Berenice), a famed Hawaiian princess, and a character from a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald (whose name may be a homage to the Egyptian queen). The name was at its most popular in 1921, and today it's very unusual. Some may consider Bernice's sound to be outdated, but between its royal heritage and the sweet nickname Bea, there's a certain charm to this antique choice.
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Clarence: Some of us would love this name if it was just a little bit, well, altogether different. Similarities to the feminine Claire could have helped this name (like Elliot and Ella), but instead we're just indifferent. The ending of this name adds a bit of a geeky feel, and without any obvious nicknames, Clarence is stuck in limbo. It does bring to mind the angel in It's a Wonderful Life, which adds some feel-good qualities to the name. Creative options for a nickname could include Clark, Larry, or Aren.
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Cordelia: We aren't sure why poor Cordelia has never moved past her antiquated image. She's Shakespearean and was used in the name-inspiring TV show Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and yet…she's still sitting in the rocking chair knitting. We love her multi-syllabic flow, and with nickname options like Cordie, Delia, and new favorite Cora, this not-so-shabby name should be a no-brainer.
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Clyde: Part outlaw, part grandpa, Clyde refuses to be properly categorized like a silvery old man sporting a fauxhawk. We're putting him in the frumpy column just for this post, and the numbers will back us up, as Clyde hit a peak in the 1890s. But Clyde's bad boy image, thanks to notorious American robber Clyde Barrow, combined with its so-out-it's-in sound is giving this name an edge. In 2013, Clyde made a sliver of an appearance in the top 1,000 at a triumphant rank of 999.
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Edith: In the 1800s, Edith was living large. An Old English name that means "wealth, fortune," Edith once lived up to its meaning with royal sophistication. But something happened along the way. In today's naming climate, Edith will strike most as either unfashionable and elderly, or hip and vintage. A Downton Abbey character is adding more appeal to this name, and the nickname Edie aims to please. Those who can't quite pull the trigger on Edith can go for Eden, but they may be missing out. Edith is on an upswing in England.
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Estelle: Are names like Esther, Stella, Esme, or Isabel on your favorites list? Take a second look at Estelle, a French import that hasn't had a good day since the roaring 20s. While Americans lost interest in this name quickly in the last century, we're just starting to take notice again after a few spunky grandmas have faded from pop culture, including actresses Estelle Getty of Golden Girls, and Estelle Harris of Seinfeld (who shared a first name with her character, Estelle Costanza). We think its only a matter of time before this name tosses the walker in favor of a tricycle.
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Frances: Over the past 20 years, the feminine name Frances had not been doing so well. Its unisex sound wasn't helped by one unfortunate nickname from the past: Fanny. But parents have started to see some charm in Fran and Frannie, and when Pope Francis was inaugurated in 2013, it gave the name Frances a bit of a boost. She may be the very definition of a lovably frumpy name, but that's part of her charm.
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Gertrude: With plenty of consonants to stumble over, Gertrude's sound is boldly archaic. After the second world war, Gertrude's strong German roots made it difficult for parents to love this name, and with short and peppy names coming into fashion, it disappeared from the top 1,000 girls' names altogether in 1966. Today, there's not much room for names with a decidedly clunky sound, even though this one does have saintly and literary namesakes. Nicknames Gertie and Trudy don't offer much solace, and your daughter might just insist on going by her middle name if you choose this one.
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Gus: Gus just can't get it together. So many of us seem to love this name, but parents are looking to names like August for a longer, formal sound with more options. So while the actual numbers are showing Gus to be an old-time dud, it's really an unexpected hit. If you're looking for a little encouragement to go for a short, old-fashioned name, you got it—use Gus and you'll delight and surprise the masses.
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Harold: It's been a century since Harold was last popular. The name literally has "old" in it, which is fitting with the image this name brings to mind for a lot of people. On the flip side, Harold has some classic and kingly qualities, and the nickname Harry is starting to sound cute to American ears once again. While most aren't looking for a name that's been declining in use (Harold is hanging out in the high 800s), this regal, antiquated name could be just the right kind of different for your son.
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Hubert: On the whole, Hubert strikes us as a dusty relic of a name. It's been missing from the top 1,000s since 1987 and it doesn't look good for this name to come back. That being said, Hugh has some potential and Bert isn't unheard of. If you want to thumb your nose at today's naming trends, Hubert will make the statement you're looking for.
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Iva: As Americans embrace Ivy, a charming nature name that is much more popular now than ever before, the truly vintage Iva has been left in the dusty name chronicles of the 1890s. Iva has the grace of Eva and Ava, but it hasn't experienced any of their modern day success. Its Slavic roots give this name a certain unexpected glamour, and parents who are looking for a more unique take on today's popular old-fashioned choices shouldn't be afraid to add this one to the list.
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Millicent: Millicent may be a bit off-beat, but it has a sound that's full of frills and charisma. It's a unique choice that feels boldly old-fashioned, enough for some parents to avoid it and go straight for the irresistible nickname Millie. If the similarity to the word innocent is throwing you off, think of it as a sweet coincidence that makes Millicent on par with virtue names like Felicity or Grace. This one is ready for more use!
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Myron: A name with ancient Greek roots, Myron has been around forever. In the US, this name reached a peak in the early 30s, and fell into oblivion by the 21st century. While Myron has some obstacles to overcome, like its grandpa image and a seemingly built-in southern drawl, its sound could be compared to names like Milo, Miles, and even Cameron. We think there could be some hope for this one yet.
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Myrtle: In theory, this name should be red-hot. It's a vintage nature name with appearances in books like The Great Gatsby and the Harry Potter series. It shares a name with a Carolina beach and comes from a flowering plant. So what's the problem? The biggest obstacle poor Myrtle has is its lack of flow, jamming one consonant after another together (and a sometimes-vowel), with no relief until a single silent e at the end. It also happens to rhyme with turtle. But Myrtle may be ideal if you're looking for a sturdy name that's a perfect picture of days gone by.
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Opal: With gem names like Pearl and Ruby on the rise, Opal is a throwback name worthy of consideration. Despite its "grandma" status, Opal is sophisticated and charming, and manages to carry a tasteful ring to it that more parents are bound to discover.
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Otis: This bygone moniker brings to mind an elderly man clad in suspenders, driving a golf cart around the retirement condos in Florida. But that's exactly why this dinosaur of a name is ready for a little excavating. Modern parents looking for freshly fossilized names can add this grandfatherly choice to their lists, alongside Silas, Cyrus, Augustus, and Elias. In case you sense a theme, it's the striking ending of this name that gives Otis potential.
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Walter: A cherished choice once considered a classic, Walter has tons of famous namesakes and a dapper sound. It's the most popular choice on this list by far, but it still has a small town soda-fountain feel that makes us think of the good ol' days. Its popularity was at an all-time high in 1892, giving it an antique feel. The nickname Walt feels stylish, while Wally seems fit for a big box discount retailer.
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Wilbur: It's the fictional namesakes that make this name a lock for a hopelessly rural old-man name, including the owner of famed talking horse "Mister Ed" and the pig from Charlotte's Web. But even without those characters, the sound of this name would still be pretty frumpy to our ears. Perhaps the most famous Wilbur is inventor and aviator Wright, who was born in 1867. So if you're looking for a name that is so old it's new again, Wilbur will express your sense of humor if not your style.
This article originally appeared on Baby Name Wizard.
For more great baby name ideas, visit Baby Name Wizard.
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