One of the most important decisions a parent makes for their baby is their name. Whether it’s a super trendy name or something more traditional, we want it to fit our babies and be something they will love as they grow older.
But what about “old lady” names? They are gaining popularity among new parents for their classic charm and timelessness. You could say the old is becoming new again.
Baby naming expert Jenn Ficarra, @nomdebloomnaming, has gone viral on TikTok for her take on making old baby names new again.
She offers modern takes on vintage monikers and people are obsessed. Here’s why she says old lady names for babies are coming back and what to know about the trend.
Jenn is a wealth of information when it comes to baby naming.
Her TikTok is comprised of videos chock-full of baby name choices for expecting parents or, even those who hope to have a baby someday. Her TikTok account has something for everyone, and right now, old lady names are trending.
“There is this trend of ‘vintage maximalism,’ almost, where you see a lot of these vintage [names that] once were considered ‘old-man’ or ‘old-lady’ names that are really just delicious, juicy and long,” she told Fox News Digital in 2023.
While she loves those old names, she wants a modern twist.
Jenn offers two separate old lady names videos with some pretty great names.
“I love a grandma name with a modern nickname. They’re classic, they’re effortless, they’re timeless, they’re chic, they’re fun, and they’re trendy,” she says in her TikTok. Beatrice is her top suggestion, with Bea as a perfect nickname. She also likes Franny for Frances and Winnie for Winifred.
They may be old lady names, but Jenn thinks they are becoming new again.
For old lady names that were on trend a long time ago but have kind of disappeared, they definitely have a new feel to them. They are uncommon, and although they are gaining popularity, there probably won’t be many Cordelias and Henriettas in your child’s classroom.
“I think this whole vintage trend is about people wanting something bright and bold and fun and not being as muted anymore, coupled with — it still offers a singular identity because people are really interested in their kids being one-of-one in a class,” she told Fox News Digital.
Family names are a great place to start.
People looking for a classic name may not have to look much further than their family trees. Our own grandmothers and great-grandmothers probably had pretty traditional names.
“Legacy to me is [at] the root of all this … These names, just by being around for so long, feel way more luxurious and rich. They maybe have more sophistication or clout,” she told the news outlet.
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Her followers love the idea of making old names new again.
There are lots of parents who have hopped on the old lady trend and have daughters with names that were common a century ago.
“My girls are Harriet and Philippa They get called Hazzy and Pippy,” one mom wrote.
“My niece is Edith and we call her Dede,” another comment reads.
“I have a Darlene – Dolly, you could also do Darla or Lene and I have a Eleanor – Elie or Nelly, Lea, Ella,” a mom commented about her daughters.
Of course some people aren’t on board. Like this woman whose husband is hesitant. “I love Philippa/Pippa as a way to honor my maiden name, but my husband swears she’d get made fun of,” she commented.
But for the most part, there was nothing but love for little grannies.
“Girl I’m going to need you to gatekeep these, five of them are literally in my notes app from the last two years,” someone laughed.
Yep, we are here for the old lady names. We might even have a few little old ladies of our own. They are classic and timeless and will grow with your daughter. Don’t be afraid to pick something pretty and unique, just like your sweet girl.
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