Historic Name News

Historic names drawn from a range of periods of the past, from Ancient Rome to the late 20th century, are the focus of the news stories and analysis here. If you're interested in finding historic names for your baby or in expanding your knowledge about names throughout history, this is the category for you. You can also search Historic Names by list.

Mon Jul 21 2025

The Lost Boy Names of 1880

Lum, Lyman, Lawyer: Hundreds of boy names popular in 1880 have been forgotten, except by us.

Thu Jul 03 2025

All-American Boy Names

American baby names feel rugged and individualistic. They also capture the American spirit in a way that more traditional names might not.

Sun Jun 01 2025

Vintage Baby Names: Testing the 100-year rule

Isabel and Oliver have come back, but what about Lula and Lyle?

Sun May 11 2025

Mom Names: the New Generation

Today's Mom Names are the Cool Girl Names of the 1980s and 90s. Is yours one?

Thu May 08 2025

Papal Names: A Modern Name for a Modern Pope

Of the 80 names that have been chosen by Popes, here are our picks for a modern baby.

Fri Feb 07 2025

African-American Naming History: The evolution of Black names

The earliest African American names included day names, place names, and word names that sound very 21st century.

Thu Feb 06 2025

A Brief History of Black Names

Scholars have long considered distinctively Black names to be a product of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, but recent research shows that Black names have been around for centuries.

Fri Jan 24 2025

Quirky Saint Names to Spice Up Your List

Exploring some of the most obscure and eccentric saintly names plucked from history and legend.

Thu Sep 12 2024

Back to School Names

School is back in session, and here are the names filling today's classrooms...and yesterday's.

Wed Sep 11 2024

Truly Unique Names You’ll Never Meet IRL

Truly unique baby names we can (almost) guarantee you'll never hear in the wild! From Antioch to Wildrose, these 20 cool choices have never charted in the US.

Mon Sep 09 2024

Vintage Surname Names Come Back Around

Vintage surname names? Yes, this modern trend isn't so modern after all. See the top surname names from a century ago, along with unique choices from our secret source.

Sat Aug 17 2024

Victorian Baby Names Revive an Era

Victorian baby names feel fresh and strong, even as other vintage names rise up the charts. We round up the best popular and unique Victorian picks.

Tue Aug 13 2024

The Reddest and Bluest Baby Names

Analysis of the Reddest and Bluest baby names reveals unexpected trends that challenge the usual political stereotypes of Democrats and Republicans. The Reddest names buck convention with a nod to Americana, while the Bluest names embrace global traditions.

Wed Jul 31 2024

Ancient Names for Babies

Ancient Greek and Roman baby names are rising in popularity for modern babies.

Fri Jul 26 2024

Vintage British Nicknames

A fascinating compilation of lively, almost-forgotten old diminutives that deserve a new look, by Eleanor Nickerson aka Elea of the blog British Baby Names.

Wed Jul 10 2024

Doll Names: The History of Doll Names Through the Decades

Through the years, from Barbara Lou to Barbie, dolls' ID tags have said a lot about name trends.

Mon Jun 17 2024

Unusual Bible Names Feel Fresh Again

Unusual Bible names that are ready to make it in the modern world! From Ashbel to Zillah, these cool Biblical baby names feel unique, but totally on-trend.

Tue Jun 11 2024

Ann Alternatives: Updating a Classic

Looking for alternatives to Ann or fresh routes to Annie? We take a look all of her variations, from elaborations to combination names to international imports.

Mon May 27 2024

Vintage 1920s Names Sound New Again

Vintage names popular a century ago are coming back into style. Discover which names are already back, which are up-and-coming, and a few we don't think will ever return.

Fri May 03 2024

Flower Name Meanings Hold Secrets

Flower name meanings hold secrets related to sentiments and relationships that Victorians used to convey hidden messages. Discover the secret meanings of your favorite popular and uncommon flower names.

Wed Apr 17 2024

Updating Popular 1950s Names

If you’re looking for ways to update popular 1950s names for a modern baby, the good news is that there is plenty of scope for creativity! You might choose a fresher version of the name or look to meaning or key sounds to find clever ways to reinvent important honor names.

Mon Apr 15 2024