Ultimate Old Fashioned, Classic Names
- Monroe
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"mouth of the Roe river"Description:
Monroe is a presidential surname which feels fresher than Jackson, Lincoln and Taylor. Marilyn Monroe is a famous female namesake, but her smart Scottish surname feels equally usable for either sex. Plus, we think old man nickname Moe would sound both cool and adorable on a baby boy today!
- 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.
- 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.
- Abram
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"father of multitudes"Description:
Abram was Abraham's original name in the Bible; it's more user-friendly but with a bit less gravitas. And it does offer that cool nickname Bram, as well as the friendly Abe. After some early American usage, in 1936 Abram completely disappeared for nearly forty years, until its return in the 1970s.
- Rodney
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"island near the clearing"Description:
Rodney peaked at Number 33 in 1965 and has been on a steady decline ever since. As its popularity history indicates, this name is more fitting for someone born in the mid-twentieth century instead of the twenty-first century. It's likely this name will continue trending downward for another generation or two before it has its chance to turn back around.
- 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.
- Brigham
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"little village near the bridge"Description:
A distinguished sounding place and surname borne by religious leader Brigham Young, second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Hyrum
Description:
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.
- Blythe
- Hester
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