Forgotten Vintage Gems For Modern Baby Boys

June

June is a masculine name derived from the month of June, which was itself named for the Roman goddess Juno, the protector of women and marriage. While predominantly used for girls since the early…

Zeno

Anglicized form of Greek Zenon, related to Zeus, king of the gods

Zeno, the name of two ancient philosophers, has a muscular dynamism that's lightened by its cheerful final vowel, resulting in a kind of offbeat sci-fi feel. Zeno of Citium was the founder of the…

Henderson

English

"son of Henry"

Bulky surname honoring Grandpa Henry or Saul Bellow's Rain King.

Arch

Diminutive of Archibald, Teutonic

"truly brave"

Arch can be used as a nickname for Archibald or a stand-alone word name — perhaps for the child of an architect.

Mills

Feels akin to Brooks and Rivers, two other boys' names that double as plural nouns. It's been used as a first name for centuries, including by a two time governor of Virginia.

Silvio

Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese form of Silvius

"wood, forest"

A shiny and sylvan choice, this sleek yet spirited name feels familiar yet is rarely used.

Cliff

Topographical name or short form of Clifford or Clifton

Cliff is a familiar, timeless short form -- never too popular, yet widely known -- that you might also think of as a geographical name ala Vale or Field.

Reason

English word name

"a statement offered in explanation or justification"

A provocative word name that may strike the right chord for an adventurous baby namer, Reason has begun to sound, well, more reasonable as a name in recent years. While it did first feature in the US…

Geo

Greek

"earth"

Geo is of ancient origin but cutting-edge modern sound. It is starting to rise in popularity, partly for its cool science vibe, and partly as a soundalike for popular Italian diminutive Gio. Geo is…

Hal

Diminutive of Harold or Henry, English, Scandinavian, German

"army ruler or estate ruler"

Could Hal be the Jack, Max, or Gus of the future? It just might happen in the new nickname environment, especially with Cal and Cy feeling cool, and with the interest in vintage, cowboy-esque…

Art

Diminutive of Arthur

"noble one; bear man"

Though short and brisk, no nickname name could have a more creative image. Comic actor Chris O'Dowd named his son Art, as in his native Ireland it's used as a name on its own, separate from Arthur.,…

Davey

Short form of David, Hebrew

"beloved"

Davey and Davy are frequently used for little boys but rarely appear on the birth certificate, Davy Crockett exempted.

Herschel

Herschel is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, derived from 'Hirsch' meaning 'deer' or 'stag,' symbolizing gentleness and swiftness. It was traditionally used as a diminutive of the Hebrew name…

Adams

Adams originated as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Adam,' derived from the Hebrew name Adam ('man' or 'earth'). As a given name, Adams represents a modern trend of using surnames as first…

Merle

French

"blackbird"

Originally a nickname for someone who loved to sing or whistle, Merle is sleek but gentle, with a hint of great grandpa about it..

Prosper

Latin

"favorable, prosperous"

In France, pronounced PRO-spare, Prosper is a fairly common name; here it presents a worthy aspirational message for a child. Prosper was the name of several early saints, including a noted fifth…

Wheeler

English occupational name

"wheel maker"

Wheeler is one of the most energetic of the newly stylish occupational names, all those 'e's giving it a friendly, freewheeling sound. Wheeler has some historical cred via the nineteenth Vice…

Gustav

Teutonic

"staff of the Goths"

Gray-bearded name heard primarily in Sweden and Germany.

Rupert

German variation of Robert

"bright fame"

Rupert is a charming-yet-manly name long more popular in Britain (where it's attached to a beloved cartoon bear) than in the U.S. Yet we can see Rupert as a more stylish, modern way to honor an…

Wilfred

English

"desires peace"

Wilfred is one of those Old Man Names that still sounds fusty in the US but is fashionable in the UK. It comes with readymade short forms Will, Wilf, or Fred and might make an adventurous alternative…