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A List of Trendy Old Fashioned Names

  1. Marble

    • Description:

      Marble is an unusual male given name derived from the English word for the smooth, hard metamorphic rock used in sculpture and architecture. As a name, it falls into the category of object or substance names that occasionally appear as given names. Marble has never been common as a first name, with virtually no presence in naming statistics or historical records for widespread use. It may be chosen for its associations with durability, smoothness, beauty, and value. The name also evokes classical art and architecture, perhaps suggesting refinement and timelessness. As with many uncommon object names, Marble might be seen as a distinctive, modern choice that stands out from traditional naming conventions, though its rarity means it lacks established naming traditions or cultural significance.
  2. Ophelie

    • Origin:

      French variation of Ophelia

    • Meaning:

      "help"

    • Description:

      Though this name properly takes an accent over the first e, most Americans would probably have trouble pronouncing it with French elan.
  3. Suzie

    • Origin:

      Short form of Suzanne, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "lily"

    • Description:

      Suzie (and Susie) was the one of the It Nicknames of midcentury America, right up there with Debbie and Kathy.
  4. 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.

  5. Lancaster

    • Origin:

      English place-name

    • Description:

      British place-name unlikely to evoke much passion in any baby namer.
  6. Merrill

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "sea-bright"

    • Description:

      Merrill, once fairly common for males, is rarely used for girls (or boys either, for that matter) with this spelling. Chef Emeril Lagasse dropped the initial E from his name and called his daughter Meril.
  7. Curran

    • Origin:

      Irish surname from O Corrain

    • Meaning:

      "descendant of Curran"

    • Description:

      Curran is a common surname in Ireland, but unusual even there as a first. With its savory feel, calling to mind curry and currants, Curran can make for an attractive update on Colin or Connor.
  8. Maurice

    • Origin:

      English and French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "dark-skinned"

    • Description:

      One of those old-mannish names that sounds a lot fresher for a girl.
  9. Ronn

    • Description:

      Ronn is a masculine name that serves as a shorter variant of Ronald, which comes from the Old Norse name Rögnvaldr, meaning 'ruler's advisor' or 'ruler with power.' The distinctive double 'n' spelling gives this traditional name a more modern, streamlined appearance compared to the more common 'Ron.' While never reaching widespread popularity, Ronn gained some recognition in the mid-20th century. The name carries associations of strength and decisiveness while maintaining a certain simplicity. Notable bearers include American actor Ronn Moss, which may have contributed to the name's recognition. Ronn offers parents a brief yet substantial name with historical roots.
  10. Moore

    • Origin:

      English place-name

    • Meaning:

      "the moors"

    • Description:

      Moore is recommended as a rich and satisfying middle name choice, whether it relates to your own family history or not. Of the numerous outstanding Moore-surnamed namesakes, count sculptor Henry, writers Clement, Marianne and Brian, entertainers Demi, Dudley, Garry, Roger, Julianne, Melba and Mary Tyler, and provocateur Michael.
  11. Gregor

    • Origin:

      Scottish form of Gregory

    • Meaning:

      "vigilant, a watchman"

    • Description:

      Two prominent literary namesakes make Gregor a somewhat risky choice. On the highbrow side, there's Gregor Samsa, the Kafka character who woke up one day to find himself turned into a cockroach. And then there's Gregor Clegane, one of the most feared and purely evil characters in the world of Game of Thrones.
  12. 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.
  13. Sax

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Saxon

    • Description:

      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.
  14. Cantrelle

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "song"

    • Description:

      Vocal name seldom heard, with most elle-ending names these days dropped in favor of the more straightforward Elle and Ella.
  15. Jonie

    • Description:

      Jonie is a feminine name typically considered a diminutive or variation of Joan or Joanna, which ultimately derive from Hebrew Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious.' This playful, affectionate form gained some popularity in mid-20th century America, partly influenced by country singer Jonie Mosby James and later by Joni Mitchell (though she spelled it differently). The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its two syllables and soft ending. While maintaining connections to traditional Joan/Joanna, Jonie has a more casual, youthful feel. Though never reaching high popularity rankings, it enjoyed modest usage during the 1940s-1960s. Jonie might appeal to parents seeking a vintage nickname-style name with a warm, unpretentious quality.

  16. Monet

    • Origin:

      French artist name, from diminutive of Simon

    • Description:

      A new favorite of the bohemian set, brought to light by actress Monet Mazur, daughter of the artist who designed the Rolling Stones' mouth logo.
  17. Ashby

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "ash tree farm"

    • Description:

      This Ashley-like surname name actually made the US Top 1000 around the turn of the 20th century. Used very quietly today in equal numbers -- about a dozen each -- for boys and girls. Ashby is a major thoroughfare in Berkeley, California.
  18. Etheline

    • Origin:

      Variation of Ethel, English

    • Meaning:

      "noble maiden"

    • Description:

      Ethel is one of those vintage names that will always will be out...or will it? A generation ago we might have said the same for now-fashionable names like Florence and Ida. Even if Ethel rises, Etheline might sound too much like a chemical compound.
  19. Cleveland

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "hilly land, from the cliff"

    • Description:

      A presidential and place-name that's not a stand-out in either category.
  20. Dulce

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "sweet"

    • Description:

      Popular Portuguese and Spanish name that refers to "dulce nombre de Maria" -- the sweet name of the Virgin Mary. English variant Dulcie has a different pronunciation, and is significantly less popular in the US, given to 8 babies compared to the 438 girls called Dulce in 2024.