Male Historic Names:

Aldred

Aldred is a masculine name with Anglo-Saxon origins, derived from the Old English elements 'eald' meaning 'old' and 'ræd' meaning 'counsel' or 'wisdom.' Historically significant during the medieval…

Alfonso

Spanish and Italian

"noble, ready"

Alfonso was a royal name in Spain as far back as the 7th century, but it is rarely heard outside the Hispanic community in the US.

Amadeus

Latin

"lover of God"

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's middle name could make an interesting pick for music-loving parents, most easily in the middle place, ala Mozart. But today's more wide-ranging naming sensibility and love…

Anselme

Anselme is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from 'ans' meaning 'god' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection,' thus signifying 'divine helmet' or 'protected by God.' It's the French…

Arnold

English from German

"ruler, strong as an eagle"

Strange as it may now seem, the venerable St. Arnold was a Greek by birth, a musician who became a member of the court of Charlemagne. The name is said to have been introduced into Britain by the…

Aymer

Aymer is a masculine name with medieval Norman origins, derived from the Germanic elements 'haim' (home) and 'heri' (army). It was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest and appears in…

Baldwin

German

"brave friend"

One "bald" name we can get behind, thanks to pioneering African-American author James Baldwin – though the name is now also associated with the Baldwin brothers, particularly Alec.

Bartholomew

Aramaic

"son of the furrow"

Bartholomew is an apostle's name that's been out of favor for centuries but might appeal again to the parent in search of an old but rare choice. The challenge could be to avoid the Simpson-ish…