Victorian Boy Names from the 1800s
- Bertram
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"bright raven"Description:
Last in fashion in the 1930s, Bertram might once have been firmly in the best left in the past category, but with sweet nickname Bertie and the cool option of Bram, Bertram might just be one to reconsider. Fitting in with other clunky vintage options like Chester, Sidney, Abram, Ebenenzer, and Wilfred, Bertram is a literary option, appearing as the full first name of P.G. Wodehouse's inimitable Bertie Wooster and on a character in Shakespeare's All's Well That Ends Well.
- Randolph
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"shield-wolf"Description:
Randolph is a timeworn classic that had its last hurrah in the 1940s, when Randolph (born George) Scott was starring in westerns, but then was probably done in by its tricky nickname Randy (which, strangely enough, was itself a Top 50 name in the fifties and sixties).
- Obadiah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"servant of God"Description:
For the seriously audacious biblical baby namer who wants to move beyond Elijah and Josiah, this name has considerable old-fangled charm. Obadiah, who gave his name to one of the shortest books in the Bible, was a rich man who had the gift of prophecy. There are several other men named Obadiah in the Bible, as well as a Saint Obadiah.
- Thompson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Tom"Description:
Thompson is not as popular as Jackson or Harrison, but a novel way to circumvent Junior for the son of a Thomas.
- Esau
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"hairy"Description:
A once neglected Biblical name, not seen in the US popularity charts since 1902, Esau has been seeing renewed interest in recent years. Appealing perhaps to those looking for alternatives to Elias, Ezra, and Ethan, it was the name of Jacob's twin brother, son of Isaac and Rebecca in the Bible.
- Absalom
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"father of peace"Description:
Absalom, because of its biblical and literary associations, just might appeal to the daring namegiver.
- Jarvis
Origin:
English variation of Gervase, meaning unknownDescription:
Jarvis, one of the original two-syllable nouveau boys' choices, is a saint's name with a certain retro charm and a nice quirky feel. Though Jarvis peaked in the late 1880s, he is beginning to sound fresh again.
- Charley
Origin:
Short form of Charles, FrenchMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Charley is, at this point, an old-fashioned spelling for the most popular short form of Charles, better known these days as Charlie. But Charley is a classic and relates more directly to Charles.
- Hartley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"stag meadow"Description:
Smart and sharp but with a touch of heart and charm, Hartley is a surname style name that could work as an alternative to Harley, Harvey, Artie, or Harry. Quietly used as a masculine name throughout the 20th century, the arrival of two celebrity-baby girl Hartleys in 2010 has meant the name has been used as a predominantly feminine one in recent years. However, since 2020, Hartley has doubled in use for boys too, and was give to a modest 30 in 2023. .
- Theophilus
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"loved by God; friend of God"Description:
This is a multi-syllabic New Testament relic that could be yet another fresh way to get to Theo. In the beginning of Luke's gospel, he dedicates his words to Theophilus.
- Ely
Origin:
Russian variation of EliMeaning:
"ascended, uplifted, high"Description:
Russian form of Eli mainly used today by families with Russian Jewish heritage.
- Cuthbert
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"famous, brilliant"Description:
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 becoming more wearable? Bertie is a cute (and very fashionable) nickname option for this grand old name, though Curt and Kit might work too.
- Rees
Description:
Rees is a Welsh masculine name derived from the Welsh word 'rhys,' meaning 'enthusiasm' or 'ardor.' This concise, strong name has deep Celtic roots and has been borne by several Welsh princes and nobility throughout history. While traditionally a surname, Rees has gained popularity as a first name in Wales and beyond. The single-syllable structure gives it a modern, streamlined quality despite its ancient origins. Rees offers a distinctive alternative to the more common spelling Rhys, while maintaining the same powerful meaning and Welsh heritage. Its simplicity, meaningful etymology, and cultural significance make it appealing to parents seeking a name with substance and brevity.
- Wright
Description:
Wright is a masculine name that originated as an English occupational surname referring to a craftsman or builder—specifically a woodworker or carpenter (from the Old English "wyrhta," meaning "worker"). As a first name, Wright carries strong traditional and artisanal connotations, suggesting skill, craftsmanship, and creation. It remains relatively uncommon as a given name, maintaining an air of distinction and uniqueness. The name has a strong, concise sound with its single syllable and consonant blend. Those named Wright might appreciate the name's connections to craftsmanship and its subtle suggestion that one can build or create their own path in life. Its surname-as-first-name style also reflects contemporary naming trends.
- Ewart
Origin:
English occupational surname or Norman variation of EdwardMeaning:
"shepherd; wealthy guardian"Description:
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."
- Rowland
Origin:
Spelling variation of Roland, GermanMeaning:
"famous throughout the land"Description:
Rowland is more usually the surname spelling of Roland, as in Kelly Rowland.
- Shadrach
Origin:
AkkadianMeaning:
"command of Aku"Description:
Derived from Aku, the name of the Babylonian god of the moon. In the Old Testament Shadrach is the Babylonian name of Hananiah, one of the three men cast into a furnace before being saved by God.
- Livingstone
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"Leofwine's settlement"Description:
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.
- Feodore
Origin:
Russian variation of Theodore, GreekMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
Feodore is a masculine name with noble Russian roots, serving as a variant of the more common Theodore. Derived from Greek elements meaning 'gift of God,' Feodore carries the same profound meaning but with a distinctly Slavic character. The name was borne by several Russian nobles and royals, including Grand Duke Feodor Alexandrovich of Russia. While Theodore remains widely used internationally, Feodore offers a more uncommon alternative with historical depth. The name experienced limited popularity in Imperial Russia but has remained rare elsewhere.
- Temple
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dweller near the temple"Description:
Rather formal word name that has been used occasionally over the years, most notably for the autism activist and animal expert Temple Grandin.
The Nameberry App Is Live
Find your perfect baby name together in our app, now available on the App Store and Google Play.
- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
