Historic and Vintage Names · Classic Baby Names
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 20 pages
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Variation of Sera, English, or Anglicization of Ciara, Irish
"princess; little dark one"
How can a strong simple name like Cera remain so uncommon? Only five baby girls were named Cera in the US last year. Cera is a respelling of Sera, which might be short for the angel name Seraphina or…
English, diminutive of Kimball
Kim is forever feminized, despite memories of the Rudyard Kipling character.
Latin, female form of Lucretius
"profit, wealth"
A pretty and plausible Latin name that's gotten a bad rap through the years via a link to Lucrezia Borgia, who, though long considered a demon poisoner, was actually a patron of learning and the…
Catalan form of Roderick, German
"famous ruler"
Saint Roderic was a priest in Spain who was persecuted by the Moors. Another form of this name is Ruderic.
Latin from Greek
"of Delphi; womb"
Delphina is another form of the sleek French Delphine, rising in popularity. The Blessed Delphina was a Provencal nun.
Latin and Dutch
"supplanter"
Latin form of Jacob, also used in Dutch and Afrikaans.
Norse
"ancestor's relic"
Olaf, though sainted and regal in Norway, is slightly oafish here. It is one of those names that has become completely familiar in the U.S. without ever becoming assimilated. Now that he's a comical…
Italian, feminine variation of Dominic
"belonging to the Lord"
Fashionably Continental and much fresher than Dominique, though it's been used since the Middle Ages. Dominica can be spelled any number of ways, from Dominika to Domenica, but we prefer this…
Feminine variation of Germain, French
"from Germany"
Linked to the early days of feminism via Germaine Greer, this saint's name feels neither French nor German enough -- which just might make it the perfect blend of the two cultures. All forms of…
Latin, Spanish
"cheerful"
Hilaria, the ancient Roman form of Hilary also given to joyous festivals, is still used in Spain and Poland, while the intriguing Italian version is Ilaria. A notable current bearer is fitness expert…
Feminine variation of Joaquin, Spanish
"God will judge"
As Joaquin enters the American mainstream, his sister might just follow.
Slavic
"beloved of the people"
This Slavic classic name might begin to make its mark with American parents, what with the growing popularity of the short form Mila. Borne by a tenth century saint who had been a princess from…
Czech
"more glory"
Saint Wenceslas (known as Vaclav in modern Czech) was a 10th-century duke of Bohemia murdered by his brother. He is the patron saint of the Czech Republic. The name has also belonged to several…
Spelling variation of Wilfred, English
"desires peace"
Wilfrid is a distinguished masculine name of Anglo-Saxon origin, combining the elements "will" (determination or desire) and "frid" (peace), creating the meaningful combination "desires peace" or…
Variation of Albert, German
"noble, bright"
Adelbert is a masculine name of Germanic origin combining the elements 'adal' meaning noble or aristocratic and 'beraht' meaning bright or famous. It's an antiquated form of Albert. Popular among…
Variation of Azenor, Breton
"light"
The origins of Senara, the name of a Cornish saint who is patron of the village of Zennor, are not so straightforward. Some say she was the same person as Azenor, a legendary Breton princess whose…
Spanish from German
"glowing"
Bráulio was a medieval bishop and saint whose name has an energetic, modern quality.
Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian variation of Viridiana, Latin
"green"
A rarer variant of Viridiana, this name is a frilly yet strong sounding choice that may appeal as verdant option for a spring or summer baby. It could also intrigue those who want a rarer alternative…
Latin form of Zephyrus, Greek mythology name
"west wind"
Zephyrinus is the form of the name of the Greek god of the west wind best known as the name of a pope and saint.
Latin
"beloved"
Amatus is an ancient Roman name in the "Ama" family of names whose meanings relate to love -- they range from Amy to Amity to Amias to Amoret and Amatus.
