Classic Baby Names
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 25 pages
of 25
Slavic
"glorious rule"
Ladislas is a masculine name of Slavic origin, derived from the elements 'vlad' meaning 'to rule' and 'slava' meaning 'glory' or 'fame.' This regal name has been borne by several kings and nobles…
English, feminine variation of Thomas, Aramaic
"twin"
Though rarely used now that many parents would rather appropriate men's names than sweeten them with feminine endings, Thomasina does have some vintage appeal. Thomasina Coverly plays a large part in…
English variation of Yves
"yew wood"
Smooth and sleek one-syllable name, sometimes suggested for Sagittarius boys.
Short form of Bardolph or Aboriginal
"water"
Bardo has a poetic beginning and upbeat ending, with roots in several diverse cultures. It may be most familiar today via George Saunders' novel Lincoln in the Bardo , which refers to the Tibetan…
Irish mythology name, variation of Angus
"one choice"
Oengus is the old Irish form of the name most commonly found in the modern world as Angus, typically Scottish. In Irish mythology, Oengus is the god of youth, love, and poetry.
Irish
"man from Ulster"
This name of eighteen Irish saints of the past is relatively popular in Ireland, though little known outside it.
German
"wealthy"
Odo is an ancient Germanic masculine name with rich historical connections. The more modern form is the new fashionable Otto. Most famously associated with Odo of Bayeux, the medieval bishop who…
"bright or renowned north"
A medieval German saint's name which remained popular in Germany until the middle of the 20th century. It is still in relatively wide use in other European countries, including Poland and Hungary.…
Cornish place and saint's name
This Cornish place name comes from the name of a Breton saint who came to Cornwall. It could be an interesting alternative to Austin. The spelling has also been recorded as Austol.
Polish variation of Hedvig, German
"war"
A sweet but spiky form of Hedwig, Jadwiga recently ranked in the Top 100 in Poland. Its popularity may owe something to Jadwiga, a 14th century ruler of Poland, who was crowned "king", not queen. The…
Scottish and Irish, meaning unknown
Ancient Irish saint's name that's unlikely, because of its similarity to "ninny," to join cousin Finian in popularity.
Feminine form of Justus, Latin
"just"
Justa is an ancient saints' name. Saints Justa and Rufina were martyred sisters who are today the patron saints of Seville in Spain. While Justice and Justus have caught on as names, Justa remains…
Greek
"gift of Artemis, goddess of the hunt"
This name has a nice mythological, historical, Three Musketeers-ish ring.
"masculine, virile"
St. Arsenius (or Arsenios) the Great was a 5th-century Roman saint remembered for his influence on asceticism.
Feminine variation of Aquilo, Latin
"eagle"
A lot of parents claim to want a name that's different, but if you really do, Aquilina, modern-feeling but based on an ancient favorite, would be one good choice.
Catalan and Russian variation of Neil, Irish
"cloud"
Better to stick with the Neil spelling in the US, where the word "nil" also means "zero." But this is a Top Ten name in Catalonia.
Latin
"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:…
Feminine variation of Virgil, Latin
"staff bearer"
This Shakespearean name is even more out of step than its male counterpart, but it may possibly be so far out it could make its way back in.
"doorway"
Januarius is a masculine name of ancient Roman origin, derived from Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, gates, transitions, and endings. Historically significant as the name of an early Christian…
French variation of Fabia
"bean grower"
Instead of the usual French suspects -- Danielle, Isabelle, Gabrielle -- why not consider Fabienne, which is less common and just as pretty.
