Historic and Vintage Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 17 pages
of 17
English
"freezing"
Long heard as a last name, as in venerable poet Robert, U.K. talk show host David, British actress Sadie and old Jack Frost, Frost has suddenly entered the scene as a possible first, along with other…
"divine protection"
Once too tightly tied to the aging musical clan featuring Donny and Marie, Osmond may now be able to escape that association and join the cooler group of Os and Oz names, which include Osgood, Ozias,…
French and German
"famous throughout the land"
Rollin is a masculine name with related to the more familiar Roland. It might also be derived from an Old French surname meaning 'little roll' or 'small land.' Used in English-speaking countries…
Thorsten is a Germanic masculine name variation of Torsten, derived from the Old Norse name Þórsteinn (Thor's stone). It combines the elements 'Thor' (the Norse god of thunder) and 'stein' (stone),…
Greek
"young goat"
One of those names that most Americans find just too too tea-sippingly British to consider; its meaning has led to occasional use for Capricorn boys.
Germanic, Slavic
"yew wood, archer; God is gracious"
Succinct, stylish, and catchy, Ivo has the energetic impact of other names ending in -o . It is a multicultural choice with two distinct origins, and, as such, is familiar across a variety of…
German
"comrade in arms; battle enclosure, battle ground"
Hildegard is an ancient name that sounds it, but it does have sweet short forms Hildie and Hilda to recommend it, as well as several illustrious historical bearers. Strong and striking, it would make…
"God's peace"
Godfrey was very popular in the Middle Ages, but today you're more likely to hear it as a surname than a first name. It has a solid, old-man charm, but a couple of possible deal-breakers: the first…
Aldin is a masculine name with Germanic roots, likely derived from the elements 'ald' meaning 'old' or 'wise' and 'win' meaning 'friend.' This creates a meaning along the lines of 'old or wise…
Scottish short form of Mary, Hebrew or Egyptian,"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"
"drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"
Mally actually has several possible derivations beyond being a medieval nickname, ala Molly, for Mary . It might be a diminutive of names like Mallory, derived from French meaning "unfortunate" or…
Latin form of Rolf
"wolf"
Rollo is a livelier, roly-poly, o-ending version of Roland. Although it sounds modern, Rollo actually was seen regularly on Latin documents in the Middle Ages, though not heard in everyday speech.…
"ruler of all"
Common in Sweden, Alric is part of the family of medieval sounding names, like Alaric, Casimir and Leopold that are increasing gaining a fanbase, perhaps as an antidote to the modern inventions that…
"powerful and gentle"
An ancient Germanic name that's so clunky and contrarian it's actually cool. One famous Hermelinda was a medieval queen of the Lombards; another was a Belgian saint. Though neither Herman nor Linda…
"descendant of Hilary"
Ellery is a rhythmic three-syllable boy's name that is familiar and yet rarely used--and just waiting to be discovered. It's long been identified with Ellery Queen--which was both the pen name of two…
"handsome servant"
Faron, a soft and gentle name, has a diverse group of references. There was the medieval Saint Faron, Bishop of Meaux (who has given his name to a cheese); Faron Young, a colorful midcentury country…
Welsh
"white breast"
Bronwen is widespread in Wales, but still rare enough here to sound somewhat international — we think Bronwen is a real winner. (Note: the Bronwyn spelling is an Anglicization, since the -wyn ending…
"graceful protection"
Though slightly haughtier and less accessible than cousin Edmond, Esmond could appeal to some parents seeing a distinguished appellation. It began being used (albeit sparingly) in England in the…
French feminine variation of Clement
"mild, merciful"
Calm, composed, and chic. Often seen with an accent in France, as Clémence.
English from German
"powerful counsel"
Serious surname choices, the latter form known via award-winning author Reynolds Price.
Place name, various meanings
Most Africas today would be named for the continent, but the name actually existed in Scotland in medieval times, where there was a Celtic queen named Affrica. Africa has also been a Spanish name for…
