A List of Trendy Old Fashioned Names

  1. Evenie
    • Description:

      Evenie is an uncommon feminine name with obscure origins, possibly serving as a variant of Evonne, Yvonne, or Eugenia. It may also derive from the Greek 'eugenes' meaning 'well-born' or 'noble,' or potentially function as a diminutive form of Eve, which means 'life' or 'living one' in Hebrew. The name has never achieved widespread popularity, remaining a rare choice across English-speaking countries. With its soft sounds and vowel-rich pronunciation, Evenie carries a gentle, lyrical quality that fits with contemporary naming trends favoring melodic feminine names ending in '-ie' or '-y.' The name's rarity gives it a distinctive quality, while its phonetic similarity to more familiar names like Evelyn or Evangeline makes it accessible. For families seeking an uncommon yet melodious name, Evenie offers uniqueness without being entirely unfamiliar.

  2. Major
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "greater; or, a military rank"
    • Description:

      This bold choice soared in popularity from 2008 to 2013, and now seems to have plateaued. But watch out—the character Major Major Major Major in the classic absurdist novel Catch-22 had a terrible time.
  3. Bromley
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "broom meadow"
    • Description:

      Bromley is an English surname-name that's more possible as a first name now than ever before. The -ley suffix has been adopted for many names, and surnames such as Bromley are fashionable.
  4. Simonetta
    • Origin:

      Italian, variation of Simona
    • Meaning:

      "harkening"
    • Description:

      An elaborate Italian name associated with fashion designer Simonetta Colonna, a key figure in the emergence of Italian haute couture.
  5. Audio
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      When actress Shannyn Sossamon dubbed her newborn Audio Science, it sent out some definite shock waves. We don't recommend Audio or Video for even the most intrepid baby namer.
  6. Bette
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elizabeth
    • Description:

      Pronounced a la Bette (Betty) Davis or Bette (Bet) Midler, a twentieth-century relic. Though if the equally vintage Betty comes back, Bette may be close behind.
  7. 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.
  8. Thames
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      Actress Jaime King gave her son Leo the middle name Thames, for the famous London river where she and her husband Kyle Newman were married. Thames is pronounced tehms, not necessarily common knowledge in the US. The etymology of the word Thames is uncertain, and may mean dark but more likely stems from an ancient word for river.
  9. Marice
    • Description:

      Marice is a feminine name of Latin origin, considered a variation of Maurice, ultimately derived from the Roman name Mauritius, meaning 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish.' This elegant name has a melodic quality with its two syllables and soft ending. While Maurice is traditionally masculine, Marice emerged as its feminine counterpart, though it remains relatively uncommon. The name shares similarities with Marissa, Maris, and Marie, but with a distinctive feel of its own. Marice has never been among the most popular names in English-speaking countries, giving it a sense of uniqueness and individuality. The name carries a subtle vintage charm while maintaining contemporary appeal. Parents might choose Marice for its refined sound, meaningful etymology, and the balance it strikes between familiarity and rarity.

  10. Minda
    • Origin:

      Short form of Melinda or Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "knowledge, wisdom"
    • Description:

      Minda is a simle, even familiar-sounding name that is nevertheless completely unknown. It might be a contraction of Melinda but it is a genuine Indian name with an appealing meaning.
  11. Arnie
    • Origin:

      Short form of Arnold, English from German
    • Meaning:

      "ruler, strong as an eagle"
    • Description:

      Arnie is a nerdy-tipping-into-cute nickname that may rise again, if not for this generation of babies then for their babies. Look for it in the nurseries of 2050.
  12. Glenn
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "a narrow valley"
    • Description:

      While actress Glenn Close didn't inspire many parents to give their daughters her name in particular, she did help launch a general trend toward boy names for girls.
  13. Thandie
    • Origin:

      South African, Xhosa
    • Meaning:

      "beloved"
    • Description:

      A captivating and sprightly name brought into the limelight by actress Thandiwe Newton.
  14. Elba
    • Origin:

      Place-name
    • Description:

      The site of Napoleon's exile became the great-great-aunt in the purple hat.
  15. Crane
    • Origin:

      English surname
    • Meaning:

      "crane"
    • Description:

      This elegant surname has great potential to turn into an unusual first name, especially with its literary associations to both Stephen and Hart Crane.
  16. Sandie
    • Description:

      Sandie is a charming feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Sandra, which itself is a shortened form of Alexandra (meaning 'defender of mankind'). With Scottish and English roots, Sandie peaked in popularity in the 1960s and 70s but has since become less common, giving it a vintage appeal. The name is often associated with warmth and friendliness, partly due to its connection to sandy beaches and sunshine. The spelling with 'ie' rather than 'y' adds a distinctive touch while maintaining its approachable character. Sandie works well as both a full name and nickname, offering versatility with its casual, unpretentious feel combined with historical depth.
  17. Valetta
    • Origin:

      Latin place and surname
    • Description:

      This name of the major Maltese city takes on an air of attractiveness via model Amber Valletta, making it an appealing alternative to the overexposed Valerie and Vanessa.
  18. Paulie
    • Origin:

      Variation of Paul, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "small"
    • Description:

      Paulie is one short form that never caught on the way Stevie and Danny did, except for the sadistic mama's boy on The Sopranos. Pauley buttons it up and turns it into a surname.
  19. Morwyn
    • Description:

      Morwyn is a feminine name with Welsh origins. It combines 'mor' meaning 'sea' and 'gwyn' meaning 'white' or 'blessed,' sometimes interpreted as 'maiden of the sea' or 'fair sea.' This poetic name evokes imagery of coastal beauty and purity. While relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, Morwyn has maintained a steady presence in Wales and among families celebrating their Welsh heritage. The name carries a mystical quality, sometimes associated with folklore about sea spirits or mermaids in Celtic traditions. Morwyn offers a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with authentic Celtic roots and natural symbolism.
  20. Iwan
    • Description:

      Iwan is a masculine name that serves as the Welsh, Polish, and Belarusian variant of John, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' This version maintains the original name's spiritual significance while offering a distinctive cultural flavor. Pronounced roughly as 'EE-vahn' (though this varies by culture), Iwan has been used for centuries across different parts of Europe. In Wales, it represents one of the traditional forms of John, while in Eastern European contexts it stands as a respected traditional name with deep historical roots. Though not frequently encountered in English-speaking countries outside of Welsh communities, Iwan offers a strong yet accessible option for parents seeking an international variation of a classic name with religious significance.

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