​
​
Advanced Search

Forgotten Vintage Gems For Modern Baby Boys

  1. Connie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Conrad or Constantine

    • Description:

      One of those Old World nicknames -- think Sally and Patsy -- that long ago crossed over to the girls' side.
  2. Coolidge

    • Description:

      Coolidge is a masculine name that originated as an English surname before occasionally transitioning to first-name usage. Most famously associated with Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States (1923-1929), the name carries political and historical significance. The surname derives from the Old English phrase 'cūl ecg' meaning 'cool edge' or 'cool ridge,' likely referring to a topographical feature near where early bearers lived. As a given name, Coolidge projects strength, dignity, and American heritage. It follows the trend of using distinguished surnames as first names, appealing to parents seeking unusual names with historical weight. Though rare as a first name, it offers the distinctive nickname option 'Cool' while maintaining formal gravitas in its full form.
  3. Council

    • Description:

      Council is an uncommon male name with English origins that functions as a word name. It derives from the Latin 'concilium,' meaning 'assembly' or 'meeting.' In everyday usage, a council refers to a group of people who come together to consult, deliberate, or make decisions. As a personal name, Council evokes associations with wisdom, leadership, and community governance. While extremely rare as a first name in contemporary usage, it has occasionally appeared historically, particularly in American naming records. Council might appeal to parents seeking a distinctively unusual name with connotations of authority and thoughtful deliberation. The name carries a formal, dignified quality that sets it apart from more conventional choices.

  4. Curt

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Curtis

    • Meaning:

      "courteous, polite"

    • Description:

      Short and to the point, muscular and strong.
  5. Cleo
    • Davey

      • Origin:

        Short form of David, Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "beloved"

      • Description:

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

      • Origin:

        English

      • Meaning:

        "day-bright"

      • Description:

        Problematic, even if not for Dilbert.
    • Dewey

      • Origin:

        Anglicized variation of Welsh Dewi, nickname of Dafydd

      • Meaning:

        "beloved"

      • Description:

        Not heard since the 1980s, Dewey shot into the Top 20 in 1898 thanks to the popularity of Spanish-American War naval hero Admiral George Dewey. Dewey has subtle links to his Welsh roots and relation to father name David . The name was borne by the fifth century St. Dewi, patron saint of Wales. Later references include the namesake of the library Dewey Decimal System, a Donald Duck nephew, the younger brother on Malcolm in the Middle and Lemony Snicket character Dewey Denouement. It has a strong but dewy feel and is appealing enough to be ripe for a modern revival.
    • Dewitt

      • Origin:

        Flemish

      • Meaning:

        "blond"

      • Description:

        Vintage surname that's fallen out of use, but perhaps deserves a revival.
    • Doc

      • Origin:

        English word name

      • Description:

        A boy with this name is certain to be bombarded with "What's up, doc?" every day of his life. Even Doctor would be preferable.
    • Doyle

      • Origin:

        Irish

      • Meaning:

        "black stranger"

      • Description:

        Dark horse Irish surname.
    • Dudley

      • Origin:

        English

      • Meaning:

        "Dudda's meadow"

      • Description:

        It's easy to love a name that rhymes with "cuddly" and is also attached to the surname Do-Right -- once you ignore the "dud" connection.
    • Dee
      • Early

        • Origin:

          Word name

        • Description:

          Early is a word-turned-name, pleasantly suggesting the start of a bright new day. Of the new word and day names, Early is one of the best. Early James is the stage name of singer-songwriter Fredrick James Mullis Jr.
      • Ed

        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Edward et al

        • Meaning:

          "wealthy"

        • Description:

          The most minimalist of names, Ed is decidedly out -- though that usually means it's due to swing back in. More stylish these days: Ned or even Ted.
      • Elbert

        • Origin:

          English variation of Albert

        • Description:

          Rocking out on the porch with buddies Hubert, Norbert, and Osbert.
      • Eldridge

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "old, wise leader"

        • Description:

          Name long associated with eloquent Black Panther activist Eldridge Cleaver and jazz great Roy Eldridge.
      • Ellery

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "descendant of Hilary"

        • Description:

          Ellery is a rhythmic three-syllable boy's name that is familiar and yet rarely used--and just waiting to be discovered. It's long been identified with Ellery Queen--which was both the pen name of two cousins, Frederic Dannay and Manfred B. Lee, and the detective they created.
      • Ellsworth

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "nobleman's estate"

        • Description:

          One of the many El- names for boys that boomed in the 1910s and 1920s, but has long been out of fashion. This surname/place name has an aristocratic flavor, and a creative namesake in the artist Ellsworth Kelly. Polar explorer Lincoln Ellsworth also gives it an adventurous connection.
      • Ellwood

        • Description:

          Ellwood is a masculine name of Old English origin, composed of the elements 'ell' (old, elder, or foreign) and 'wood' (forest). This surname-turned-first-name literally means 'elder forest' or 'old forest.' Ellwood had modest popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1910s-1930s, but has since become quite rare as a given name. It carries a vintage, distinguished quality that evokes images of wooded estates and English countryside. The name has seen occasional revival interest among parents drawn to its nature associations and vintage character. Ellwood shares similarities with other woodland-inspired names like Woodrow and Forrest while offering the friendly nickname options of Ellie or Woody. Its uncommon status makes it distinctive without being difficult to spell or pronounce.