A List of Trendy Old Fashioned Names
- Marcheline
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"warrior"Description:
Marcheline was the first name of Angelina Jolie's late mother, who was part French-Canadian, which Jolie and Brad Pitt used as the middle name for their twin daughter Vivienne. The name is related to the Latin Marcellus and Marcus, which come from Mars, the name of the God of War, and is often spelled Marceline. Jolie's mother's birth name was Marcia Lynne.
- Costello
Origin:
Irish surnameMeaning:
"from England"Description:
The fashion for using surnames as firsts has extended beyond the familiar Morgan and Parker to choices such as Cohen and O'Brien to -- why not? -- this quintessentially Irish name with the friendly o ending.
- Grantham
Description:
Grantham is a masculine name derived from an English place name and surname, originating from the town of Grantham in Lincolnshire. The place name comes from Old English elements possibly meaning 'gravel homestead' or 'Granta's homestead.' As a first name, Grantham has remained exceptionally rare throughout history, primarily used by families with connections to the location or surname. The name carries aristocratic associations in Britain, particularly due to Downton Abbey's fictional Grantham estate. With its strong consonants and distinguished two-syllable structure, Grantham projects an air of tradition and English heritage. The name's rarity gives it distinction while its surname origins place it alongside other surname-as-firstname trends in contemporary naming.
- Eydie
Description:
Eydie is a feminine name that emerged primarily as a distinctive spelling variation of Edie, itself a diminutive form of names beginning with 'Ed-' such as Edith or Edwina. This particular spelling gained recognition through American singer Eydie Gormé, who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. The 'y' spelling creates a more visually distinctive version of the name while maintaining the same pronunciation. Eydie carries a certain mid-century charm and sophistication, evoking the glamour of the era when it gained its most prominent exposure. Though never widely common, the name has maintained a stylish, vintage appeal. Eydie offers the friendly, approachable quality of nickname forms while standing as a complete name in its own right, appealing to parents drawn to distinctive retro names.
- 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).
- Coren
Description:
Coren is a masculine name with roots possibly connecting to the Latin 'Quirinus' or as a variant of Corin, which derives from the Greek name 'Korinna' meaning 'maiden.' It may also have evolved as a patronymic surname before becoming used as a first name. While not widely common, Coren has maintained a subtle presence in English-speaking countries. The name carries an intellectual and distinguished quality, occasionally associated with literary references. With its short, strong sound and uncommon nature, Coren appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name for their son. Its simplicity makes it cross-cultural while still feeling unique in most settings.
- Margery
Origin:
Medieval variation of Margaret, GreekMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
An old royal name in England and Scotland that's also spelled Marjorie. Popular in the Middle Ages and Tudor period, it was revived at the end of the 19th century, peaked in 1921 and dropped off the list in 1958, enough time to be reconsidered as a Margaret alternative. The name Margery Daw is familiar via the seesaw nursery rhyme and Margery Williams wrote the children's classic The Velveteen Rabbit..
- Frazier
Origin:
Variation of FraserMeaning:
"strawberry"Description:
Stylish way to name your son after basketball great Walt -- though Walt is sounding fresh again too.
- Mellie
Origin:
Short form of Melissa, Amelia, Melanie and related namesDescription:
Mellie is not Millie and it's not Nellie, though it will forever be confused with those too more familiar nicknames. It's cute, too, and while some of the names it's usually short for may be sailing into the sunset (so long, Melody!), others like Amelia are rising through the ranks and may give Mellie a new chance to shine as a cute girls' nickname. Just be prepared for endless confusion.
- Wyclef
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dweller at the white cliff"Description:
Haitian-born rap superstar and humanitarian Wyclef ("Fugees") Jean has lent this name a powerful musical beat.
- Polo
Origin:
TibetanMeaning:
"brave wanderer"Description:
If Portia can become Porsche, then Apollo can morph into Polo -- the imprint of designer Ralph Lauren.
- Coretta
Origin:
English, elaborated form of CoraDescription:
Famous as the name of the widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Burne
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"the brook"Description:
Has a certain fiery charm.
- Herrick
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"war ruler"Description:
When you like Eric, but wish it were longer; also the name of a great early English poet.
- Jiminy
Description:
Jiminy is a masculine name that gained recognition primarily through the character Jiminy Cricket in Disney's 'Pinocchio.' Rather than having ancient roots, this whimsical name evolved from the euphemistic exclamation 'Jiminy Cricket!' (a substitute for 'Jesus Christ'). As a given name, Jiminy remains extremely rare, carrying a playful, storybook quality that evokes childlike wonder and imagination. Parents who choose this name may appreciate its literary connections and cheerful sound. The association with Jiminy Cricket—a conscience personified—gives the name connotations of moral guidance, wisdom, and friendly counsel. Its uniqueness ensures it stands out, though the strong fictional association may be its defining characteristic for most people.
- Audio
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
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.
- 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.
- Harlie
Description:
Harlie is a masculine name that represents a modern variation of the more traditional Charlie or Harley. It likely originated as a diminutive of Charles or Harold, with roots in Old English and Germanic languages. The name Charlie means 'free man,' while Harley translates to 'meadow of hares' or 'long field.' Harlie combines the friendly, approachable quality of these names with a distinctive spelling that sets it apart. Though traditionally used for boys, Harlie has seen some use as a unisex name in recent decades, part of the trend toward names with a soft sound but strong image. In popularity, Harlie remains relatively uncommon, giving children with this name a sense of individuality while still being recognizable and easy to pronounce.
- Bleu
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"blue"Description:
The middle name of the Travoltas' Ella is used twice as often -- 36 to 18 babies in the US last year -- for boys as for girls, leaning even more to the male side than the traditional Blue.
- Cleveland
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"hilly land, from the cliff"Description:
A presidential and place-name that's not a stand-out in either category.
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