Vintage Baby Names That are Making a Comeback

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.