Names from 2050

Names from the 1950's with a couple twists: some of their meanings are changed, some are combined, and almost all are spelled differently. Plus, with the world being the way it is, names with hope, strength, or nature-connected meanings are popular. Welcome to the retro-istic future. (Under construction)
  1. Acton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "village with oak trees"
    • Description:

      This name's buttoned-up British vibe is what makes it cool - that, and the fact that it was chosen by Anne Bronte as her pseudonym - Acton Bell. That's quite the literary - and may we add feminist - credential for a name. For those with an adventurous edge, Acton is one of the highest peaks in Antarctica.
  2. Adalrich
    • Description:

      Adalrich is a masculine name of Germanic origin, combining the elements 'adal' meaning 'noble' or 'aristocratic' and 'rich' meaning 'ruler' or 'powerful.' This ancient name was common among nobility in medieval Germany and the Frankish kingdoms. Adalrich embodies the concept of noble leadership and was often given to sons of aristocratic families. The name fell out of common usage after the Middle Ages but has occasionally been revived by those seeking a name with historical depth and regal associations. Though rare in modern times, Adalrich appeals to parents interested in Germanic heritage or seeking a strong, distinctive name with clear etymological meaning and historical significance.

  3. Ade
    • Origin:

      Yoruba
    • Meaning:

      "crown"
  4. Agate
    • Origin:

      French, a semiprecious stone, or variation of Agatha
    • Description:

      Though it's French, most Americans would pronounce it as the stone.
  5. Aleka
    • Description:

      Aleka is a feminine name with Greek roots, derived from Alexandra or Alexia, which ultimately come from the Greek "alexein" meaning "to defend" or "to help". As a diminutive form, Aleka carries the same protective connotations in a more endearing package. While not among the most common names in Western countries, it has maintained steady usage particularly in Greek communities and diaspora. Aleka offers a distinctive yet accessible alternative to more popular Alexandra derivatives. The name combines a melodic quality with strong historical connections, making it both distinctive and meaningful for parents seeking a name with depth and elegance.
  6. Alethea
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "truth"
    • Description:

      Alethea, the name of the Greek goddess of truth, came into fashion in England in the 16th century, in tandem with the virtue names. Alethea may find new favor now as one of the goddess names stylish for baby girls.
  7. Alienor
    • Origin:

      French, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Also seen as Alyenor and Eleonore, this is an old French name dating back to the Arthurian romances and still heard today.
  8. Alira
    • Origin:

      Aboriginal Australian
    • Meaning:

      "quartz stone"
    • Description:

      This Australian name can have other spellings such as Allira, Alirah and Aleara. We prefer this spelling which keeps confusion and mispronunciation to a minimum.
  9. Alis
    • Description:

      Alis is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. It can be considered a variant spelling of Alice, which derives from the Germanic name Adalheidis, meaning 'noble type.' Alis appears in Welsh tradition and also exists as a simplified spelling in various European cultures. In some Baltic contexts, it may be a masculine form. The name has a crisp, clean sound with its straightforward spelling, while maintaining the classic elegance associated with Alice. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Alis offers international appeal with its cross-cultural recognition. Parents might choose Alis for its subtle difference from the more common Alice, appreciating its simplified spelling and slight exotic quality while retaining familiar pronunciation and classical roots.

  10. Alma
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "nurturing, soul"
    • Description:

      Alma is a somewhat solemn, soulful name that had a burst of popularity a century ago, then faded into the flowered wallpaper, and is now finding its footing once more.
  11. Almond
    • Origin:

      English word name or variation of Almund or Aleman, German
    • Meaning:

      "almond; noble strength; German"
    • Description:

      Almond may seem like a hippy modern name, but its use for American boys goes right back to the mid-nineteenth century. In these cases, it was either a variation of Almund, meaning "noble strength," or the surname Aleman, meaning "German."
  12. Antha
    • Description:

      Antha is a rare feminine name with Greek origins, possibly derived from 'anthos' meaning 'flower.' It may also be considered a variant of the name Anthea, which refers to the Greek goddess of flowers and gardens. Antha carries a delicate, vintage quality that appeals to parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible. While never achieving widespread popularity in the United States or other English-speaking countries, it has maintained a quiet presence throughout the decades. The name conveys a sense of natural beauty and grace, with its soft sounds and floral associations making it an elegant choice for a daughter.
  13. Arbor
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      Arbor is an original unisex tree-related choice we're sure to hear more of. Highly unusual now, Arbor takes its place alongside other new arborial names ranging from the mighty Oak (or Oakley) to the more delicate Birch to the more flowery Juniper, Acacia, and Hazel.
  14. Aric
    • Origin:

      Norse variation of Eric
    • Description:

      This poor lad will spend his life saying, "No, it's Aric, not Eric. Aaric, Arick, Arik Arric, Arrick.
  15. Ashby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "ash tree farm"
    • Description:

      This Ashley-like surname name actually made the US Top 1000 around the turn of the 20th century. Used very quietly today in equal numbers -- about a dozen each -- for boys and girls. Ashby is a major thoroughfare in Berkeley, California.
  16. Aspen
    • Origin:

      Nature and place-name
    • Meaning:

      "a poplar tree that quakes in the breeze"
    • Description:

      As trendy as the chic Colorado ski resort, with a hint of whimsy from the shimmering trees, Aspen has been climbing the charts for boys since the early 90s. While it has always been more popular for girls, it could work for a boy too.
  17. Aster
    • Origin:

      English; Amharic
    • Meaning:

      "star"
    • Description:

      This is a fresh new addition to the botanical list; comedian Gilbert Gottfried made it a real bouquet when he named his daughter Lily Aster. And the name of the little girl on television's Dexter sounds like Aster, but is actually spelled Astor, which brings it more high society name. Aster relates to the Greek word for star. In Ethiopia, Aster is pronounced "ah-STAIR", and is the Amharic variation of Biblical Esther.
  18. Augustina
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Augustus, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "the exalted one"
    • Description:

      While Augusta is the more traditional feminine form of the name, tacking on the -ina ending makes Augustina more feminine and contemporary sounding.
  19. Aurora
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "dawn"
    • Description:

      The goddess name Aurora has consistently been on the US popularity list since the nineteenth century, but has really taken off in the past 30 years. Aurora also enjoys remarkable international popularity, ranking in the Top 100 throughout the English-speaking world as well as in Italy, Spain, Norway, Switzerland, and several other European and Latin American countries.
  20. Aviva
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "springlike, fresh, dewy"
    • Description:

      Aviva is vivacious and memorable, a fresh spin on the Vivian and Vivienne names that have been getting more popular since Angelina and Brad chose one for their twin daughter. Another A-beginning palindrome name: Aziza.