Historic and Vintage Names · Classic Baby Names
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 20 pages
of 20
Irish
"virtue"
Fursey is an ancient Irish saint's name little-used in modern times. St. Fursey was born in the seventh century a noble in Ireland but traveled to England and France to found monasteries and spread…
German
"the descendents of Fulbeorht, bright people"
Fulbert comes from the same root as Fulbright, as in the prestigious fellowship. A unique name not prized by 21st century parents.
Latin
"yellow hair"
A Latin clan name that may rise again along with other things Roman.
Spanish
"the red one"
St Quiteria was a second-century virgin martyr who was killed after refusing to renounce her Christian faith in order to marry. She was born in what is now Portugual, and her name is sometimes used…
"fortunate one"
Faustus is a masculine name with ancient Roman origins, derived from the Latin word 'faustus' meaning 'lucky' or 'favorable.' It shares roots with the word 'auspicious' and was used during the…
"fortunate"
Though often heard in the Hispanic and Italian communities, it hasn't made an impact here, perhaps because of the connection to the character of Faust and his pact with the devil. Variations:…
English from Greek
"stable"
Eustace was originally popularized by St. Eustace, who was born a Norman nobleman and is said to have been converted to Christianity by seeing a crucifix between the antlers of the deer he was…
Latin form of Eugene, Greek
"well-born, noble"
The yoo sound at the beginning of a name has not typically been attractive to the modern ear. Probably the most appealing form of this ancient name has been the feminized Eugenie, thanks to the…
Greek
"beloved, desired"
Erasmus has long retained the image of the bearded and bespectacled Dutch philosopher, but could be one that the audacious baby namer just might dare to dust off. The fourth century Saint Erasmus was…
French and Polish form of Rocco
"rest"
Saint Roch -- pronounced like rock -- is the patron saint of dogs. Roch is definitely one of the coolest saints' names, but many Americans will say it like roach and not rock. You will have to…
Anglicized form of Irish Damhnait
"fawn"
Dymphna – also spelled Dympna – is the distinctive name of an Irish virgin martyr. According to the legend, she was a Celtic princess who fled to Belgium to escape the abusive attentions of her…
English
"dark stone"
A two-syllable surname feel puts this name of an important English saint in the running -- though it could sound like a confused cross between Duncan and Dustin.
Greek mythology name
"god of Nysa"
Dionysius derives from Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, revelry and fertility. This Romanized spelling has been used for poets, soldiers, and saints throughout the centuries, but is hardly ever seen…
"famous, brilliant"
Years ago we might have said that this name was unthinkable, but with clunky, old-fashioned names being so popular right now — consider Augustus, Stanley, Wilfred, etc — what's to stop Cuthbert from…
"curly-haired"
Unfortunately, everyone will hear Crispina, the feminine form of Crispin, as Christina.
Latin, a Roman clan name
Rarely heard in modern times, it was used by Norman Mailer for the hero of his book The Deer Park .
"dove"
Columba is an early saint's name that rhumbas to a modern beat. While the original St. Columba is male, the name sounds more appropriate for a girl in the modern world. Leave variations Colm and…
Latin from Greek
"sixth born"
The name of several popes and saints, Sixtus is certainly unusual but would have trouble making it in the modern world outside the Vatican. Even worse is its brother Sextus. Try making it through…
Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese
"famous in battle"
A romantic rarity, derived from the Old German name Chlotichilda, meaning "famous in battle." Saint Clotilde was a Frankish queen, wife of Clovis I, who played a role in the spread of Christianity.
Slavic
"someone who achieves glory or fame"
Stanislaus is a masculine name with Slavic origins, particularly common in Polish culture where it's spelled Stanisław or Stanislav. The name combines two elements meaning 'to become' and 'glory,'…
