Names That Mean Old

Aldous has long been associated with British writer Huxley, author of Brave New World. So many of these rare British names are starting to be reconsidered by the literary or hipster crowds and this one, considering its pedigree, deserves the renewed interest.

The Dutch equivalent of Walt makes the Top 100 in Belgium, where Flemish parents love short, sweet names.

Seanan and its more-popular variation Senan are connected to the Latin word "senator" and are ancient saints' names, but may also be thought of as diminutives of Sean, the Irish form of John, given that the suffix "an" is an Irish diminutive meaning "little". Virtually unknown in the US, it might appeal as an update for the no-longer-stylish Sean.

A biblical name -- he was the father of Abraham -- but the father's name is much less appealing than the son's, in both sound and meaning.

Alda's brother name Aldo has been a mainstay of the U.S. popularity chart for decades now, and the related Alden is soaring up as well. This version has never really caught on. (Maybe it's the association with Alan Alda: great actor, unlikely namesake for a little girl.) However, there is possible hope now that Alba and Alma are on the rise. Aida and Arden are more familiar alternatives.

Nope, not Goldie. Oldie, as in, "an oldie but a goody" or "oldies music". Despite these neutral-to-positive associations, Oldie still has a musty, fusty quality.

Historically, this name derives from Aldric, the name of an early medieval saint. Today, parents are more likely to see it as a blend of elements from Aidan and Patrick, Frederick, etc.

In Swedish, Sölvi is a feminine name and variation of Solveig. The Icelandic masculine form evolved from Sǫlvi, an Old Norse name no longer in use.

Distinctive-sounding Scandinavian name. with deep roots. Short form is the attractive Jari.

The surname of influential French fashion designer Marc Bohan could make a modern-sounding two-syllable boy's name, though it might be confused with Bowen.

Unlike many other western city names, Tulsa has not proved attractive to parents. The name derives from Tallasi, meaning "old town" in the Creek language.

This marvelously medieval name had a moment in the 1910s and 1920s but has dropped completely off the radar now.

Sounds just like its cognate Estelle, but with a more streamlined spelling.

Eiro is to Eirik as Eero is to Eric.

The Old Norse god Óthinn was also known by the epithet Grímr — translated into Middle English as Grim.

Romani form of the Scandinavian name Vandill.

Tordis left Norway's popularity charts in 1948, placing it among the old lady name that could soon be up for revival.

Bardou is a holiday destination in France, known for its pictureque village nestled in mountains. It is also a region of Guinea. As a name, it is more commonly known from its English derivation, meaning axe-wielding wolf.

Skarde is ultimately derived from the Old Norse byname Skarði, which referred to someone with a cleft chin.