Ultimate Old Fashioned, Classic Names

More user-friendly, though less substantial, than Bartholomew.

Arlie is a unisex name of Old English origin, though traditionally more common for males. It derives from the English surname that referred to someone who lived in a clearing among alders (a type of tree). Alternatively, it may be a diminutive of the Germanic name Arnold, meaning 'eagle power.' Popular during the early 1900s in America, Arlie saw modest usage before declining through the mid-century. The name has experienced a small revival in recent decades as parents seek vintage names with a friendly, approachable quality. With its short, crisp sound and rural associations, Arlie projects a down-to-earth, unpretentious character. The name's folksy charm and simplicity have contributed to its continued, if limited, use in contemporary naming, particularly in rural communities.

Medieval name without much of a future.

A distinguished sounding place and surname borne by religious leader Brigham Young, second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This buoyant name has the same bouncy rhythm as Rafferty and Barnaby, but is virtually unused. It has plenty of literary cred, too: characters in The Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter and Thomas Hardy’s The Return of the Native have all borne the name.

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.

Quin is a concise, gender-neutral name with multiple origins. Most commonly, it's considered a shortened form of Quincy, Quinton, or Quintus, all deriving from the Latin 'quintus' meaning 'fifth.' It can also be an anglicized version of the Irish name Conn or Cuinn, meaning 'wisdom' or 'intelligence.' For boys, Quin presents a strong, straightforward option with a modern feel despite its ancient roots. The name has gained modest popularity in recent decades as parents gravitate toward brief, gender-flexible names. Quin's simplicity gives it cross-cultural appeal and easy pronunciation. The distinctive initial 'Q' adds character while the overall name remains unfussy and clean. It works well independently or as a nickname for longer Q-names, offering versatility that appeals to contemporary naming preferences.

Hyrum is a distinctive masculine name with Mormon heritage, most famously associated with Hyrum Smith, the older brother of Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The name is a variant of Hiram, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'exalted brother' or 'my brother is exalted.' Due to the significant role Hyrum Smith played in early Mormon history, the name has maintained steady popularity among Latter-day Saint communities, particularly in Utah and Idaho. Outside these communities, it remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. Hyrum combines historical gravitas with biblical connections, making it meaningful for families valuing religious heritage while seeking a name that stands apart from more common biblical choices.