Names That Mean Old

Aldus

Variation of Aldous, English from German

"old"

The name Aldus gained some recognition through Aldus Manutius, a renowned 15th-century Italian printer and publisher who founded the Aldine Press. The name might be more familiar in its Aldous form,…

Ubbe

Swedish, Danish, Old Norse

"wolf; unfriendly"

Ubbe or Ubba was a 9th-century Viking and one of the commanders of the Great Heathen Army that invaded Anglo-Saxon England in the 9th century. It ultimately has its roots in either the Old Norse…

Alcott

English

"dweller at the old cottage"

Alcott evokes shades of nineteenth-century New England, and memories of the author of the books Little Women and Little Men . Louisa May Alcott was the daughter of Amos Bronson Alcott, noted…

Eldred

English

"old counsel"

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

Seanan

Modern form of Senán or elaboration of Sean, Irish

"little old one; God is gracious"

Seanan might be considered an Anglicized form of Seanán, itself a modern form of Senán, an Old Irish name meaning "little old one", giving it a wise and ancient feel. The name of a 6th century saint…

Terach

Hebrew

"wild goat, silly old fool"

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.

Bohan

Irish, anglicized form of Old Gaelic Buadhachain

"victorious"

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.

Jalmari

Finnish form of Old Norse Hjalmar

"helmet protector"

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

Skarde

Danish from Old Norse

"notch, hack"

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

Ingolf

Old Danish and Old Swedish

"Ing's wolf"

Aidric

Germanic

"old ruler"

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.

Thorkil

Old Danish and Old Swedish

"Thor's helmet"

Kalf

Old Danish and Old Swedish

"calf"