Classic Baby Names
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 25 pages
of 25
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…
Cornish saint's name
St. Neot was a Saxon saint in the Middle Ages, whose name is used for a town in Cornwall, England. Some sources say the little-known name is Hebrew and means "pleasant pasture," but there is really…
Dutch variation of Julia, Latin
"youthful or sky father"
This fairly obscure saint's name was chosen by Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden for one of her twins.
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…
Latin form of Albert, German
"noble, bright"
Albertus is the Latin form of Albert, a masculine name derived from the Germanic elements 'adal' (noble) and 'beraht' (bright), thus meaning 'noble and bright' or 'nobly famous.' This classical form…
Scottish nickname
"my pet"
Mungo is one of the most classic Scottish names but perhaps also among the most difficult names to carry. There is a St. Mungo whose proper name was Kentigern; he is the patron saint of Glasgow. It…
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 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…
French form of Eulalia, Greek
"sweetly speaking"
Eulalie hasn't ranked in the US Top 1000 since 1899, but its French roots might make it more appealing to modern ears than its sister Eulalia. "Eulalie" is a poem by Edgar Allan Poe, and the name…
Variation of Albert, German
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…
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…
"viable, survivor"
Zosimus is a quirky Z starting name with a long history. It has been the name of several early saints and a pope, as well as the Byzantine author of a history of the Roman Empire, published in the…
Latin
"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…
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.
Spelling variation of Gervaise, French
"skilled with a spear"
Gervais is a masculine name of French origin, derived from the Germanic elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'wis' meaning 'wise,' together translating to 'skilled with the spear.' The name was borne…
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…
French
Quitterie is a quirky saint’s name which is considered très chic in France at the moment. St Quiteria was a 5th century virgin martyr who was killed after refusing to renounce her Christian faith in…
Slavic variation of Christopher, Greek and Latin
"bearer of Christ"
Attractive attenuated form of the popular Christopher, well used throughout Europe, appearing as Christophe in France and Christoph in Germany.
Cornish, from English
"youth"
This rare sixth-century saint's name has a modern, merry feel.
