Boy Names Lists · Historic and Vintage Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated October 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
Hebrew
"to leap"
Zophar is a friend of Job in the Bible, the most impassioned of the three who visit him during his trials.
Word name
One Puritan virtue name unlikely to thrive in the 21st century.
"hot, warm"
Along with Shem and Japheth, a son of Noah with a name that's almost never used -- for more obvious reasons than those of his brothers.
English
"from the Iron One's estate"
A noble surname from northern England that has occasionally been used as a first name.
Diminutive of Phineas, English
"the Nubian"
These days Finney is most likely a pet form of Finn, but it was once a standard nickname for the biblical Phineas.
Short form of Lafayette, French, English word name
"faith; predestined, destiny, chance"
Briefly in the US Top 1000 in the late 19th century, Fate likely emerged as a short form for the old French name, Lafayette. In the contemporary landscape however, it may well be perceived as a word…
English word name
Experience is a word name used by the New England Puritans but probably too joke-worthy for a modern child...or teenager. It does not have as direct a biblical reference as most Puritan names.
"God has judged"
A bit too elephantine for a modern child.
"old bridge"
Elbridge is an uncommon last name used as first. It sounds rather forbidding, but Bridge would be a cute, modern nickname.
Diminutive of Robert, English from German
"bright fame"
Ancient nickname that sounds cuter than its modern alternatives -- but be aware that in the days of the horse and buggy, it was most often used for the horse.
"God is upright"
Jothan or Jotham was both a son of Gideon and a king of Judah in the Bible. One of the biblical boys' names that's still obscure -- though like so many others in this class, it could be rediscovered.
Diminutive of Robert, English
Along with Dobbin, Dob was medieval nickname for Robert.
Diminutive of Derrick, English
"the people's ruler"
An old-timey nickname for Derrick that has since been forgotten.
Short form of Hezekiah, Hebrew
"God gives strength"
Drawn from old record books, Kiah is an antiquated nickname that feels perfectly appropriate for modern times -- maybe more so than father name Hezekiah.
"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…
Diminutive of Cuthbert
Cuthbert is unlikely to make a comeback anytime soon, so Cuddy too may be lost to history.
French from Latin
"steadfast"
A traditional French male name that could, with American pronunciation, become an admirable word name.
Diminutive of Cornelius, Conrad, Latin, German
"horn; brave counsel"
Back in the day, Con was a nickname for Cornelius and Conrad. Today it feels like a pet form of Connor.
Diminutive of Elijah, Hebrew
"Yahweh is God"
If default nickname Eli is too common for your tastes, you may consider resuscitating the antique nickname Lige for your little Elijah. Lige Conley, born Elijah Crommie, was an American silent film…
This Puritan virtue name is unstylish, but sympathetic and appealing, in these largely uncomfortable times.
