50 Historical Baby Names
Fact checked by Nicole HarrisFact checked by Nicole HarrisHistorical names are perfect for parents who want to name their child something connected to the past. Unique, meaningful, and rooted in history, these names offer a touch of vintage appeal while nodding to latest baby naming trends. Looking for baby names that give a nod to King Arthur and the Round Table, the medieval period, or the roaring '20s? Below you’ll find 50 names that fit the bill! Although many baby names are often separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in selecting names. It's important to choose a name you feel fits your child best.
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Historical Names for Baby BoysAlbertAlbert evokes kingship and nobility–and rightly so, since it was a common name among royalty.Origin: GermanMeaning: Noble and brightAlternative Spellings & Variations: Adalbert, Aubert, Al, Albie, Bert, BertieArthurKing Arthur fans rejoice! This name, still uncommon, recalls chivalrous days of yore, when knights journeyed and jousted.Origin: CelticMeaning: Bear, noble oneAlternative Spellings & Variations: Art, Artúur, Arth, Artair, ArteEdgarEdgar has a wonderfully gothic name feel to it, and has deep roots dating back to the early Medieval period.Origin: EnglishMeaning: Rich, happy, spearAlternative Spellings & Variations: Edgard, Edgardo, Eddie, EddyDorianDorian has Greek roots, and is a solid choice for parents wishing to evoke literature and libraries with their name pick.Origin: GreekMeaning: The ancient Greek tribe, the DoriansAlternative Spellings & Variations: TheodoreDuncanDuncan has a royal vibe to it—and rightly so, since it was the name of two kings of Scotland.Origin: ScottishMeaning: Dark warriorAlternative Spellings & Variations: DonnaghFrederickDerived from Old German words meaning “peace” and “ruler,” this name has long been common in German-speaking countries. Origin: GermanMeaning: Peaceful rulerAlternative Spellings & Variations: Federico, Fred, Frederic, Fredric, Fred, Freddie, FrederickMagnusThe name Magnus brings to mind greatness; in fact, it was borne by six kings of Norway and three kings of Sweden.Origin: LatinMeaning: GreatAlternative Spellings & Variations: Måns, Magne, Manus, MackOscarFrench ruler Napoleon was a fan of the poet who popularized the name Oscar; Napoleon even suggested his nephew be named after the character. He went on to become the king of Sweden.Origin: EnglishMeaning: Deer friendAlternative Spellings & Variations: Osgar, Ossie, OskarRupertRupert was a common name in the 7th century, but has been borne proudly as a German variant to the name Robert.Origin: GermanMeaning: Bright fameAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ruprecht, RupertoVictorVictor, a historical name that carries triumph in its meaning, is slowly regaining popularity in some South American countries.Origin: LatinMeaning: ConquerorAlternative Spellings & Variations: Vitor, Viktor, VicMore Historical Names for BoysAlexander: This strong name recalls greats like Alexander the Great, but is easy to modernize to Xander or Alex.Asher: A Biblical name derived from Hebrew and Old English, this name is great for parents looking for a strong moniker connected to nature.August: Roman Emperor Augustus solidified this name in the annals of history, now picking up in popularity in the U.S.Benjamin: Both the name of a famed inventor and a Biblical name, this title is surging in popularity.Henry: The name of kings, Henry means “ruler of the homeland.”Leo: A Greek or Old French derived moniker, Leo means “lion” and gives your baby a strong start.Luke: Luke Skywalker of Star Wars and Saint Luke both share this name that means “light giving.”Otto: An Old High German name, Otto has been the name of emperors and inventors.Wyatt: Derived from Old English, this Medieval name means “brave at war.”Historical Names for Baby GirlsAdaA three-letter name with German and Scandinavian roots, Ada was popular in the early 1900s.Origin: GermanMeaning: NobleAlternative Spellings & Variations: Aada, AdelaideAgathaThis retro name was initially popularized by the novelist Agatha Christie, and it has seen a recent resurgence in popularity.Origin: GreekMeaning: Good womanAlternative Spellings & Variations: Agata, Aggie, AgatheCharlotteA favorite among British royals, Charlotte has gained popularity in the last five years in the United States and Britain. Origin: FrenchMeaning: Free man, petiteAlternative Spellings & Variations: Carlotta, Charlie, LottieDorothyWhile it evokes The Wizard of Oz, the name Dorothy has actually existed since the 16th century.Origin: Greek and EnglishMeaning: Gift from GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Dorothea, Dotty, DotEdithThe name Edith might remind you of the 19th century with its classic vibes, but it was a common name among Anglo Saxon royalty.Origin: EnglishMeaning: Fortunate battleAlternative Spellings & Variations: Dorothea, Dotty, DotEleanorTwo queens and two First Ladies have borne the name Eleanor.Origin: French, Spanish, HebrewMeaning: Shining lightAlternative Spellings & Variations: Elinor, Ellie, NoraLucilleLucille’s popularity peaked just before the roaring '20s, but was also a name of a saint in the third century.Origin: Latin, FrenchMeaning: LightAlternative Spellings & Variations: Lucia, Lucilla, LucyMargaretMargaret’s popularity might have peaked in the early 1900s, but it’s been in use since the Middle Ages.Origin: GreekMeaning: PearlAlternative Spellings & Variations: Margaretta, Maggie, Mae, PeggyIsabelThe medieval Occitan form of Elizabeth, it spread throughout Spain, Portugal, and France and became a common name for royalty. Origin: LatinMeaning: My God is an oathAlternative Spellings & Variations: Izzy, Isabella, IsaJaneA Medieval form of John, Jane became quite popular in the 17th century.Origin: EnglishMeaning: GraciousAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jehanne, Jan, JaneyMore Historical Names for GirlsAlice: Once popular in the early 1900s, Alice is on the rise again as of 2010.Aurelia: An ancient Roman name that means “golden.” Beatrice: A beautiful name that dates back to 4th century Rome meaning “blessed.”Clara: An English name in use since the Middle Ages, Clara is a lovely choice as an alternative to Claire.Daphne: Used as a given name since the 19th century, this name is also part of Greek mythology.Helen: Helen of Troy, said to be the woman who launched a thousand ships, remains at the heart of this name, which means “light.”Honora: This name that means “honor” was brought to England by the Normans in the 9th century.Gender-Neutral Historical NamesAldusA Medieval variant of the name Aldous, Aldus has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages.Origin: EnglishMeaning: OldAlternative Spellings & Variations: Aldwin, Aldous, AldwinArdenArden is a classic name that evokes nature.Origin: EnglishMeaning: High, valleyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ardin, Ari, ArdynBeverlyThis retro name was once used exclusively for boys, but then served in popularity in the late 30s for girls; now, it works for all genders.Origin: EnglishMeaning: An English surname derived from a Yorkshire cityAlternative Spellings & Variations: Beverley, BevCassidyThis name surged in popularity in the 1990s.Origin: IrishMeaning: Curly-haired or cleverAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cass, CassieCharlieThough a diminutive form of Charles, Charlie has ticked up in popularity as a gender-neutral name.Origin: French, EnglishMeaning: Free manAlternative Spellings & Variations: Chuck, Charles, CharleyMeredithWhile a masculine name in Wales, in other English-speaking countries, this name is typically given to girls. Origin: WelshMeaning: Greatness, magnificence Alternative Spellings & Variations: Meredydd, Mere, MeridithMerleMerle, a name borne in the 1880 book, Portrait of a Lady by Henry James, is a fantastic moniker sure to satisfy nature-lovers who want to have a name rooted in both history and literature. Origin: English, French, EstonianMeaning: BlackbirdAlternative Spellings & Variations: Merla, Merletta, MerelRoryA moniker derived from Ruaidhrí, the name of the last high king of Ireland in the 12th century, Rory is a name that has been steadily gaining popularity in the United States as a gender-neutral name.Origin: IrishMeaning: Red kingAlternative Spellings & Variations: Lorelai, Rorie, Ruaidhrí, RogerReaganA lovely gender-neutral name calling to mind both an American president and Irish historical roots, Reagan took off in popularity in the 1990s.Origin: IrishMeaning: Little kingAlternative Spellings & Variations: Regan, Riagán, RaeganVivianVivian was the name of a bishop in the 5th century, but the name has evolved into a vivacious choice for both boys and girls.Origin: LatinMeaning: AliveAlternative Spellings & Variations: Viv, Vivyan, Vivien, Viviane, Vivi More Historical Gender-Neutral NamesAubry: A name for fantasy lovers, this name means “elf ruler” and is derived from Norman French.Bellamy: A name of Old French origin, this name means “handsome or beautiful friend.”Evelyn: Initially used as a boy name and then popularized as a girl name, Evelyn means “lake.” Harlow: With roots in Old English, this name that means “army hill” can also be spelled “Arlo.” For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! 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