50 Historical Baby Names

Historic names are perfect for parents who want to give their children a name related to the past. These names are unique, meaningful, and rooted in history, paying homage to the latest baby naming trends while also adding a touch of vintage charm.

Find baby names that will make people nod King Arthur and the Round Tablethe medieval period, or the Roaring 20s? Below you’ll find 50 matching names!

Historical Names for Baby Boys

albert

Albert evokes images of royalty and nobility – and rightly so, since it’s a common name for members of the royal family.

• origin:German
• significance: Noble, bright
• Alternative spellings and variations: Adalbert, Obert, Al, Albie, Bert, Bertie

Arthur

King Arthur fans rejoice! The name is still uncommon and harkens back to the bygone days of chivalry, when knights traveled and jousted.

• origin:Celtics
• significance: Bear, the noble one
• Alternative spellings and variations: Arthur, Artur, Arthur, Arthur, Art

Edgar

Edgar has a wonderful gothic feel to the name, with roots dating back to the early Middle Ages.

• origin: English
• significance: rich, happy, spear
• Alternative spellings and variations: Edgard, Edgardo, Eddie, Eddie

Dorian

Dorian is of Greek descent, making it a good choice for parents who want their name to evoke literature and libraries.

• origin:Greek
• significance: Ancient Greek tribe, Dorians
• Alternative spellings and variations:Theodore

Duncan

There’s something royal about Duncan – and rightly so, since it was the name of two kings of Scotland.

• origin: Scotland
• significance:Dark Warrior
• Alternative spellings and variations: Downer

frederick

The name is derived from Old German meaning “peace” and “ruler” and has long been common in German-speaking countries.

• origin:German
• significance: ruler of peace
• Alternative spellings and variations: Federico, Fred, Frederic, Frederic, Fred, Freddy, Frederic

Magnus

The name Magnus evokes greatness; in fact, it was borne by six kings of Norway and three kings of Sweden.

• origin:Latin
• significance: great
• Alternative spellings and variations: Mance, Magnar, Manus, Mike

Oscar

The French ruler Napoleon was a fan of the poet and it was he who made the name Oscar widely known. Napoleon even suggested that his nephew be named after the character. He later became King of Sweden.

• origin: English
• significance: deer friend
• Alternative spellings and variations: oscar, ossie, oscar

Rupert

Rupert was a common name in the 7th century, but was later proudly regarded as a German variant of the name Robert.

• origin:German
• significance: Brilliant fame
• Alternative spellings and variations: Ruprecht, Ruberto

winner

Victor, a historical name with a meaning of victory, is slowly becoming popular again in some South American countries.

• origin:Latin
• significance:conqueror
• Alternative spellings and variations: Vito, Victor, Vic

More Historical Names for Boys

• Alexander: This sonorous name brings to mind greats like Alexander the Great, but could easily be modernized to Xander or Alex.
• Arthur: A biblical name of Hebrew and Old English origin, this name is perfect for parents looking for a strong moniker associated with nature.
• August: The Roman Emperor Augustus etched this name into history, and it is now increasingly popular in the United States
• Benjamin: This title is both the name of a famous inventor and a biblical name, soaring in popularity.
• henry: The king’s name, Henry means “ruler of the fatherland”.
• leo: Leo is a nickname derived from Greek or Old French meaning “lion” and can give your baby a great start.
• Luke: Luke Skywalker and St. Luke in “Star Wars” both have the same name, which means “giver of light.”
• Otto: Otto is an old High German name that has been associated with emperors and inventors.
• Wyatt: Of Old English origin, this medieval name means “brave in war.”

Historical Names for Baby Girls

Ada

Ada is a three-letter name of German and Scandinavian origin that was popular in the early 1900s.

• origin:German
• significance:noble
• Alternative spellings and variations: Ada, Adelaide

Agatha

This retro name was originally popularized by novelist Agatha Christie and has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity.

• origin:Greek
• significance: good woman
• Alternative spellings and variations: Agata, Aji, Agathe

charlotte

Charlotte is beloved by members of the British royal family and has become increasingly popular in the United States and Britain over the past five years.

• origin: French
• significance: free man, petite
• Alternative spellings and variations: Carlotta, Charlie, Lottie

dorothy

although it evokes The Wizard of Ozthe name Dorothy has actually existed since the 16th century.

• origin: Greek and English
• significance: God’s gift
• Alternative spellings and variations: Dorothea, Dotty, Dot

Edith

The name Edith may bring to mind a classic 19th century vibe, but it was a common name among Anglo-Saxon royalty.

• origin: English
• significance: Battle of Luck
• Alternative spellings and variations: Dorothea, Dotty, Dot

Eleanor

Two queens and two first ladies were named Eleanor.

• origin: French, Spanish, Hebrew
• significance: shining light
• Alternative spellings and variations: Eleanor, Ellie, Nora

Lucille

Lucille’s popularity peaked in the early 1920s, but it was also the name of a 3rd century saint.

• origin: Latin, French
• significance: Light
• Alternative spellings and variations: Lucia, Lucilla, Lucy

Margaret

Margaret’s popularity may have peaked in the early 1900s, but it has been used since the Middle Ages.

• origin:Greek
• significance: pearl
• Alternative spellings and variations:Margarita, Maggie, May, Peggy

Isabel

The medieval Occitan form of Elizabeth spread throughout Spain, Portugal and France, where it became a common royal name.

• origin:Latin
• significance: My God is an oath
• Alternative spellings and variations: Izzy, Isabella, Isabella, Isabella

simple

Jane was a medieval form of John that was very popular in the 17th century.

• origin: English
• significance: cordial
• Alternative spellings and variations: Jehan, Jane, Jenny

More historical names for girls

• Alice: Alice was briefly popular in the early 1900s, but became popular again in 2010.
• Aurelia: Ancient Roman name meaning “gold”.
• beatrice: A beautiful name that dates back to 4th century Rome and means “blessed”.
• Clara: Clara is an English name that has been used since the Middle Ages and is an alternative to Claire.
• daphne: has been used as a first name since the 19th century and is also part of Greek mythology.
• Helen: Helen of Troy, said to be the woman who launched a thousand ships, remains at the heart of the name, which means “light.”
• Dear: This name means “honor” and was brought to England by the Normans in the 9th century.

Gender-neutral historical names

therefore

Aldus is a medieval variant of the name Aldous, which has been used as a first name since the Middle Ages.

• origin: English
• significance: old
• Alternative spellings and variations: Aldwin, Aldous, Aldwin

Arden

Arden is a classic name reminiscent of nature.

• origin: English
• significance: high, valley
• Alternative spellings and variations: Adin, Ali, Adin

beverly

This retro name was once used exclusively for boys, but became popular for girls in the late 1930s; now, it is available for all genders.

• origin: English
• significance: British surname originating from a Yorkshire city
• Alternative spellings and variations：Beverley, Bev

Cassidy

The name became popular in the 1990s.

• origin:Irish
• significance: curly hair or smart
• Alternative spellings and variations: Cass, Cassie

Charlie

Although Charlie is a diminutive of Charles, Charlie is increasingly popular as a unisex name.

• origin: French, English
• significance: free man
• Alternative spellings and variations:Chuck, Charles, Charlie

Meredith

Although a masculine name in Wales, in other English-speaking countries the name is usually given to girls.

• origin: Welsh
• significance: great, great
• Alternative spellings and variations: Meredith, Mel, Meredith

Mel

Merle, a name that appeared in the 1880 book, portrait of a lady Designed by Henry James, this is a fantastic nickname that is sure to satisfy nature lovers who want a name rooted in history and literature.

• origin: English, French, Estonian
• significance: blackbird
• Alternative spellings and variations: Mela, Meletta, Merel

Rory

Rory’s nickname is derived from Ruaidhrí, the name of the last high king of Ireland in the 12th century, and the name is becoming increasingly popular as a unisex name in the United States.

• origin:Irish
• significance: Red King
• Alternative spellings and variations: Lorelai, Rory, Roy, Roger

Reagan

A cute unisex name that recalls American presidents and Irish roots, Reagan became popular in the 1990s.

• origin:Irish
• significance: Xiao Wang
• Alternative spellings and variations: Regan, Regan, Regan

Vivian

Vivian was the name of a fifth-century bishop, but the name has evolved into a lively choice for boys and girls.

• origin:Latin
• significance: alive
• Alternative spellings and variations: Vivian, Vivian, Vivian, Vivian, Vivi

More Unisex Names from History

• Aubrey: A name for fantasy lovers, this name means “Elven Ruler” and is of Norman French origin.
• Bellamy:A name of Old French origin, this name means “handsome or beautiful friend”.
• Evelyn: Originally used as a boy’s name and later popular as a girls’ name, Evelyn means “lake”.
• Harlow: This name is of Old English origin meaning “Army Mountain” and may also be spelled “Arlo”.