Victorian Boy Names from the 1800s

Possible (and offbeat) middle name twist when honoring a familial John.

Livingstone is a masculine name of English origin, functioning primarily as a surname before occasional adoption as a first name. It derives from a place name meaning 'settlement of Leofwine's people,' combining the Old English personal name Leofwine with 'tūn' (settlement). The name gained considerable recognition through Dr. David Livingstone, the famous 19th-century Scottish missionary and explorer of Africa. As a first name, Livingstone projects qualities of adventure, discovery, and humanitarian values. While uncommon as a given name, it appeals to parents drawn to its historical significance and substantial, distinguished character. The name carries connotations of intellect, courage, and pioneering spirit.

It's easy to love a name that rhymes with "cuddly" and is also attached to the surname Do-Right -- once you ignore the "dud" connection.

A lively English surname that was popularly given as a male first name in the Victorian period, and is ripe for revival today.

Thompson is not as popular as Jackson or Harrison, but a novel way to circumvent Junior for the son of a Thomas.

Ewart has long been extinct as a first name, and the prominent placement of "ew" and "wart" probably has something to do with it. Ewart originated as a Norman form of Edward and an occupational surname name. The surname was related to the Middle English word ewehirde, from the Old English components meaning "ewe" and "herdsman."

Conjures up a tweedy English country gentleman with a large paunch.

Palmerston is a masculine name of English origin, derived from the occupational surname meaning 'one who lives near or tends palm trees' or possibly from a place name combining 'palmer' (a pilgrim who carried a palm branch) and 'ton' (town). The name gained historical significance through Lord Palmerston, a prominent 19th-century British Prime Minister. As a first name, Palmerston is exceedingly rare, giving it a distinctive aristocratic and British quality. It carries echoes of Victorian-era dignity and statesmanship. The name might appeal to parents drawn to uncommon historical surnames as first names or those seeking to honor British heritage with a name that suggests refinement and educational pedigree.