Forgotten Vintage Gems For Modern Baby Boys

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…

Admiral

English

"a high rank in the navy"

This title name definitely makes a statement. Will Admiral fit in with the Saints, Kings, and Knights joining the playground?

Alto

Latin

"high"

With its musical allusions, a harmonious possibility.

Alva

Hebrew

"his highness"

Edison's middle name is a fabulous option for parents looking for something with history and a soft sound. This could be the name you're looking for if you like Tesla's scientific pedigree but think…

Alwin

German

"noble friend, friend of the elves"

Softer, milder, and sans chipmunk references, Alwin is a likable alternative to Alvin. Win makes a nice nickname.

Anatole

Greek

"from the east, rising sun"

Anatole is one of the unique boys' names with an unusual-ish feel but an uncertain provenance, with a meaning related to sunrise and thus to fire. While it's Greek in origin, it is associated more…

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.

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.,…

Ashby

English

"ash tree farm"

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…

Baldwin

German

"brave friend"

One "bald" name we can get behind, thanks to pioneering African-American author James Baldwin – though the name is now also associated with the Baldwin brothers, particularly Alec.

Ballard

Ballard is a masculine name of English origin functioning primarily as a surname before its adoption as a given name. Derived from the Old English 'bal' (ball) and 'heard' (hard), it historically…

Barney

Variation of Barnabas

"son of comfort"

The name Barney is hot among hip Londoners and it has been above the Top 500 in the UK since 2012. You can see why - it's got a friendly happy sound and a lovely meaning and is more easily worn than…

Bart

Diminutive of Bartholomew, Hebrew

"son of the earth"

Permanent property of that devilish little Simpson kid.

Bernie

Diminutive of Bernard, English

"strong; brave as a bear"

It's been shown that notable political figures often impact the use of their names, and the same can — sort of — be said about Bernie Sanders. His name increased in use by 47% between 2015 and 2016…

Bert

English, diminutive of Albert and Bertram

A once-popular nickname for Albert and Bertram now being polished up by hip Brits, but still hibernating in the Land of Nerd over here.

Bertrand

French from German

"magnificent crow"

This name of famed philosopher, mathematician and Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell becomes slightly more plausible with the French pronunciation, bare-TRAHN. Another noted bearer is French director…

Billie

Billie as a masculine name originated as a diminutive form of William, derived from Germanic elements meaning "will" or "determination" and "helmet" or "protection." While more commonly recognized as…

Bird

Nature name

A name that's unusual in that changing the i to a y -- as in Byrd -- makes it more masculine.

Blanchard

French surname

"white deer"

This name is usually seen as a surname, but could be used as a first in the tradition of Cooper, Sawyer etc.

Bliss

English word name

"great happiness"

Bliss might once have seemed a far-out choice, but it has been on the rise for girls in recent years, alongside similar options such as Dream, Heaven, Halo, and Blessing. Associated with a state of…