Ultimate Old Fashioned, Classic Names
- Klaus
Origin:
German variation of Claus, diminutive of Nicolas, GreekMeaning:
"people of victory"Description:
Two drawbacks: some unpleasant World War II associations, and the Santa clause.
- Norbert
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"bright or renowned north"Description:
A medieval German saint's name which remained popular in Germany until the middle of the 20th century. It is still in relatively wide use in other European countries, including Poland and Hungary. With other Bert names – like Robert and Albert and even Gilbert – appealing to lovers of strong, traditional boy names with a slightly clunky charm, Norbert could be one of those so-out-it's-in choices that everyone knows, but almost no one is using.
- Gerard
Origin:
English and Irish from GermanMeaning:
"spear strength"Description:
Gerard is currently in style limbo, after reaching peak popularity in the 1950s. With its strong meaning and gentle sound, it may be back in a generation or two. But for now, a boy called Gerard will likely be the only one in his class...unless you live in Catalonia, where it was recently in the Top 10.
- Arlie
Origin:
Spelling variation of Arley, EnglishMeaning:
"from the rabbit meadow"Description:
Arlie is a unisex name of Old English origin, with the Arley spelling used twice as often for boys in the US -- about 70 baby boys got the name last year, and 35 girls -- while Arlie is the more popular spelling for baby girls, used for about 60 girls last year versus 15 boys.
- 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).
- Dilbert
Description:
Dilbert is a masculine name of Germanic origin, combining elements meaning 'brilliant' and 'bright.' While historically a legitimate given name, it gained significant cultural recognition through Scott Adams' comic strip featuring the office worker Dilbert, which has influenced modern perceptions of the name. Before this association, Dilbert was simply an uncommon variation of names like Delbert or Gilbert. The name has a distinctive, somewhat quirky quality that sets it apart from more conventional options. Despite its authentic origins and pleasant meaning, the comic strip connection may give the name humorous or nerdy associations for many people. Dilbert offers the friendly nicknames Dil or Bert.
- Barnabus
Description:
Barnabus is a variant spelling of Barnabas, a name of Aramaic origin meaning 'son of consolation' or 'son of encouragement.' The name appears in the Christian New Testament, belonging to an early Christian disciple known for his missionary work with Paul. This biblical connection has made the name enduring across centuries, particularly in religious communities. The variation with 'u' instead of 'a' in the final syllable emerged through spelling evolution over time. Barnabus carries connotations of kindness, generosity, and supportive nature, reflecting the character of its biblical namesake. Despite its ancient roots, the name has never been extremely common, maintaining a dignified, scholarly air while avoiding overuse. It offers a substantial historical option with a distinctive sound.
- Claus
Origin:
Scandinavian and German variation of NicolasDescription:
A very Christmas-y Christmas baby name, that may avoid the Santa image by instead adopting the alternative spelling Klaus.
- Barton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from the barley settlement"Description:
More user-friendly, though less substantial, than Bartholomew.
- Blythe
- Hester
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