One of the most popular lists on nameberry is the Old Lady Cool Names: names that have been in retirement for several decades now but just might be ready for a comeback.

Antique names for both sexes are popular too, as parents search for names that are out of the ordinary yet have the backing of tradition.

Of course, not every neglected name deserves to be revived.  Gertrude, Ethel, Melvin: These may be best left in the time capsule, at least for now.

Some of the quirkier old-school names — Olive, Rufus, Hazel, Edwin — have already been resuscitated by hipster parents.  But what are the less obvious old gems worthy of a fresh look?  We wouldn’t necessarily stake the farm (or the loft) on the comeback of the following, but parents who are both adventurous and tradition-minded may want to consider these choices:

girls

ADELIA

AGATHA

AUGUSTA

ESTHER

FAY

FLORENCE

GLORIA

HARRIET

HELEN

HENRIETTA

LENORE

MILDRED

MURIEL

RUTH

SYLVIA

boys

ALBERT

ALFRED

ARTHUR

BERNARD

CLYDE

FLOYD

FRANK

GEORGE

HAROLD/HAL

HOWARD

MARTIN

RALPH

VICTOR

VINCENT

WALTER

Anybody else predict some other unlikely old-fashioned names we’ll be hearing more of?

The first message board ever in nameberry’s illustrious three-week-long history asked: To V or Not To V?  A mom was trying to decide whether to name her about-to-be-born daughter Vera.

What did everyone think?, she asked.  Was Vera fresh and appealing?  Or did it still sound too old-ladyish?  Did people have other V names they might suggest?

The nameberry community pitched in, and we are proud to introduce the first-ever baby named with the help of nameberry: Vera Adelaide Kingston.

Vera Adelaide was born to Melody and Richard on October 27. Her mom, Melody, found out about the name on this website and fell in love with the meaning and sound. She’ll be called Vera. Her siblings are Elizabeth Rae and Elliot Gray. They got their names from Beyond Jennifer & Jason, Madison and Montana. They are called Lizzie and Elliot.

Vera was in the Top 100 from 1890 to 1930 when it started a long downward slide, now not in the Top 1000.  But it’s recently started to be reappreciated by a new generation of parents taking a second look at such antique names as Ada, Iris, and Josephine.  With the wonderful meaning “truth,” Vera also connects with a range of V names newly in fashion, from those with V beginnings such as Vivienne, Violet, and Victor to such favorites as Ava, Olivia, and Evan.

Welcome, Vera, and all our warmest wishes for a long and wonderful life with your beautiful name.