A List of Trendy Old Fashioned Names
- Matisse
Origin:
French surnameDescription:
Though it's close to the German and French form of Matthew, Mathis, this name of the great artist can work as well for girls.
- Sennett
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"bold in victory"Description:
New twist on Bennett. Mack Sennett was the early movie director known as the innovator of slapstick comedy.
- Doutzen
Origin:
Dutch, meaning unknownDescription:
Dutch supermodel Doutzen (pronounced doubt-son) Kroes has introduced us to a name from the Netherlands that might have a hard time in an American classroom and is nowhere near as glamorous as its bearer.
- Hansel
Origin:
German diminutive of HansMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Those "Where's Gretel?" jokes will get old pretty fast.
- Nashua
Origin:
Place name from PenacookMeaning:
"beautiful stream with a pebbly bottom"Description:
The name of a city in New Hampshire which takes its name from the Nashua River, named by the Indigenous Algonquian tribe the Nashuway or Nashua. A striking alternative to Joshua.
- Otilie
Description:
Otilie is a feminine name of German origin, derived from the medieval name Odilia, which comes from the Germanic elements 'odo' meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune' and 'hild' meaning 'battle.' Saint Odilia was a revered 7th-century abbess who became the patron saint of Alsace and is associated with healing eye afflictions. Otilie has variations across Europe including Ottilie (German), Odile (French), and Ottilia (Latin). Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name maintains popularity in Central Europe. With its vintage charm and elegant sound, Otilie appeals to parents seeking a traditional yet distinctive name. Its association with a saint gives it religious significance for some families.
- Sagen
Description:
Sagen is a masculine name with Nordic and Germanic influences, possibly derived from the German word 'sagen' meaning 'to say' or 'to tell,' suggesting someone wise or with stories to share. It may also be a variant of Sagan, a surname made notable by astronomer Carl Sagan. The name has a modern, distinctive sound while maintaining European roots. Sagen is uncommon in English-speaking countries, offering rarity without being completely unfamiliar in structure. Its balanced combination of strength and softness makes it versatile. The name might appeal to parents seeking something with scientific or intellectual associations, a connection to storytelling traditions, or simply a distinctive yet accessible option with European heritage.
- Denim
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"sturdy cotton"Description:
With Levi in vogue and country names on trend, Denim could fit in among the Waylons, Walkers, Coltons, and Rhetts. As a boys name, it brings to mind the qualities of the fabric: hardworking, cool and versatile. Singer Toni Braxton chose this name for her son in 2001, and parents have been using it for boys and girls ever since.
- Pomeroy
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dweller by the apple orchard"Description:
This is an English surname dating back to 1086, but we don't see it having much of a first name future in the twenty-first century.
- Seal
Origin:
English word and nature nameDescription:
Projects the sleek and playful image of the aquatic mammal, plus that of the striking British-born Brazilian/Nigerian/Afro-Caribbean singer (born Sealhenry).
- Tulla
Description:
Tulla is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, appearing in Scandinavian, German, and Irish naming traditions. In Scandinavian contexts, it may derive from the Old Norse name Þórhildr, meaning "Thor's battle." In Irish usage, it can be a diminutive of Seathrún (meaning "sea") or related to Tuile, meaning "flood." Tulla has a gentle, flowing quality with its soft consonants and open ending. Despite its long history, the name remains uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. Tulla carries an air of quiet strength and natural simplicity. The name's brevity and melodic sound make it accessible across languages while maintaining a touch of the exotic for English speakers. In some regions, Tulla may also appear as a surname or place name.
- Penley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"enclosed meadow"Description:
And if it's triplets: Pembroke, Pendleton, and Penley.
- Thames
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
This name of London's famous river (it's pronounced tehms) might be an evocative if confusing choice for a non-British child. But if you want an unmistakably British girl name, this would be a clear choice.
- Jetta
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"jet"Description:
Although this is a legitimate name, most people would associate it with a line of Volkswagens -- you'd be better off choosing a Mercedes.
- Noella
Origin:
Variation of Noelle and Noel, FrenchMeaning:
"Christmas"Description:
Noelle may be literally 15 times as popular, but Noella was given to more than 100 baby girls in the US last year, a not insignificant number. The growing popularity of Nola may increase the attraction to the rare variation on a classic Christmas name.
- Sax
Origin:
Diminutive of SaxonDescription:
Rhythmic and sensual -- maybe too sensual, in terms of playground teasing. Sax Rohmer was the nom de plume of the prolific English novelist who created Dr.Fu Manchu.
- Milady
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"my lady"
- Cashmere
Origin:
Word name, English from HindustaniMeaning:
"fine, downy wool"Description:
Cashmere is soft, luxurious — and way out of the ordinary. One of the unique names found in The Hunger Games series.
- Fitzroy
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of the king"Description:
An English surname originally given to the illegitimate sons of a monarch. It might be a nice middle name choice to honor an ancestral Roy, though as a first, it does have a cool meaning.
- Ninetta
Origin:
Italian and Spanish diminutive of NinaMeaning:
"little girl"Description:
Might be carrying things too far -- little little girl? -- though could freshen up this favorite.
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