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A List of Trendy Old Fashioned Names

  1. Lancaster

    • Origin:

      English place-name

    • Description:

      British place-name unlikely to evoke much passion in any baby namer.
  2. Lance

    • Origin:

      English word name or English variation of Lanzo, German "long, pointed, medieval weapon; land"

    • Meaning:

      "long, pointed, medieval weapon; land"

    • Description:

      Though the fuller Lancelot has for the most part been shunned as a 'too-much-name' name, the short form Lance has been consistently in or around the Top 500 since 1938, climbing as high as Number 76 in 1970. It was used as a character name by Walter Scott as far back as 1823. Lance is also the name of a medieval weapon, making this name all boy.
  3. Lancelot

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "servant"

    • Description:

      In Arthurian legend, Lancelot was one of the most dashing of the Knights of the Round Table who eventually had an affair with Queen Guinevere: it makes for a romantic story-- but perhaps overly romantic-- name.
  4. Landon

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "long hill"

    • Description:

      Landon is a popular surname name; it's been dropping slightly in recent years but has surpassed its once more popular rhyming cousin Brandon. For some it may bring back nostalgic memories of Little House on the Prairie 's understanding Pa, played by Michael Landon.
  5. Lane

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "a small roadway or path"

    • Description:

      Lane is a recent hit name, that could be used for either gender, but is much more popular for boys. It's a surname that projects the pleasant picture of narrow, tree-lined country roads.
  6. Laney

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elaine

    • Meaning:

      "bright shining one"

    • Description:

      A kind of old-fashioned nickname name that's enjoying some fresh life thanks to trendy brother Lane. Lainie is a more old-school spelling.
  7. Langley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "long meadow"

    • Description:

      This somewhat snobby-sounding surname popped onto the name map when Mariel Hemingway used it for one of her daughters.
  8. Laurella

    • Description:

      Laurella is a delicate feminine name that serves as a diminutive form of Laura, which derives from the Latin 'laurus' meaning 'laurel tree' or 'sweet bay tree.' In ancient Rome, laurel wreaths symbolized victory and achievement. Laurella adds a romantic, flowing quality to the classic Laura, with the '-ella' suffix lending sweetness and femininity. While never reaching widespread popularity, Laurella has appeared occasionally throughout history, particularly in Italian and Spanish-speaking regions. The name carries connotations of victory, honor, and natural beauty. Its melodious sound and classical roots make it an elegant yet uncommon choice for parents seeking a name with both substance and grace.

  9. Lautrec

    • Description:

      Lautrec is a masculine name of French origin, derived from a place name in southern France. It gained recognition primarily through the famous French post-impressionist painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who came from the noble family of this region. The name likely has Occitan linguistic roots, possibly relating to 'altu' (high) and 'rectu' (straight or right), possibly describing a geographic feature. As a given name, Lautrec is extremely rare, chosen primarily by parents with an appreciation for French culture, art history, or the aristocratic connotation. The name carries a sophisticated, artistic quality and evokes the bohemian spirit of late 19th century Paris, offering a distinctive choice that balances historical depth with artistic associations.
  10. Lavender

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "purple flower"

    • Description:

      Lavender lags far behind sweet-smelling purple-hued sister names Violet and Lila, but is starting to get some enthusiastic attention from cutting-edge namers along with other adventurous nature names like Clementine and Marigold.
  11. Laverne

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "springlike"

    • Description:

      Although it has a sweet meaning, this name feels dated nowadays, like a fifties poodle skirt. Lavender may be a fresher alternative.
  12. Lawson

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of Lawrence"

    • Description:

      Appealing way, à la Dawson, to honor an ancestral Lawrence. Lawson is also an English pop rock band. Lawson has history or use that dates far back, but it fell off of the charts in 1950. The name resurfaced in 2001 and has been climbing since. Lawson has that surname feel and -son suffix that parents are loving in recent years.
  13. Leah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "weary"

    • Description:

      Strong but sweet, Leah is a classic name that doesn’t feel dull or dusty. It’s got plenty of dignity, grace, and pluck, making it a solid choice in the 21st century.
  14. Lennox

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "elm grove"

    • Description:

      Lennox is an aristocratic and powerful Scottish surname name made truly special by that final x. The worldwide fame of British boxer--World and Olympic champion--Lennox Claudius Lewis brought the name into the spotlight as a first name, while as a last it's tied to Eurythmics singer Annie L.
  15. Leo

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lion"

    • Description:

      Leo is a strong-yet-friendly name that was common among the Romans, used for thirteen popes, and is now at its highest point ever in the US thanks in part to Leonardo "Leo" DiCaprio.
  16. Leola

    • Description:

      Leola is a feminine name of Latin and German origins. It can be a variant of Leola, meaning 'lioness,' derived from 'leo' (lion), or an elaboration of Leah or Lee. It was most popular in the United States during the early 20th century, peaking between 1890-1920 when it ranked in the top 300 names. The name conveys strength and grace, resonating with the powerful imagery of a lioness. Though less common today, Leola maintains a classic, vintage charm that appeals to parents seeking something both traditional and distinctive. Its soft sound contrasts with its strong meaning, creating a name with balance and character.

  17. Leon

    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Leo

    • Meaning:

      "lion"

    • Description:

      Currently overshadowed by the bright and lively Leo, Leon feels a slightly more serious, more quietly confident than its short and trending counterpart.
  18. Leonie

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lion"

    • Description:

      Leonie is a chic French and German form of a name that exists in a range of variations from Leona to Leonia to Leon to Leo to Lionel, all newly fashionable after a couple of generations in style limbo.
  19. Letta

    • Description:

      Letta is a feminine name with multiple origins. It can be a diminutive of names ending in '-letta' such as Violetta or Carletta, or it may derive from the Greek 'Alethea' meaning 'truth.' In some cases, it's considered a variant of Letitia, meaning 'joy' or 'happiness.' This short, sweet name has a vintage charm that feels both dainty and approachable. Though never widely popular in the United States, Letta enjoyed modest usage in the early 20th century before declining. It carries a melodic quality with its soft consonants and ending vowel sound, making it appealing for parents seeking something feminine yet uncommon. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel despite its traditional roots.
  20. Lettie

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Letitia, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "joy, gladness"

    • Description:

      Lettie, also spelled Letty, is a nickname name not heard in over a century, giving it the patina of a treasured antique. Lettie's style currency is rising with the trend for old-fashioned, down-to-earth nickname, such as Lottie, Hettie, Hattie, Josie, and Maisie.