The Return of Tradition: 13 Old-Fashioned Baby Names Making a Comeback

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In recent years, there has been a growing trend in parents choosing old-fashioned or traditional names for their babies. These names, often associated with a bygone era, hold a nostalgic charm and a sense of timelessness. They also often have strong meanings behind them, making them a meaningful choice for parents. In this blog post, we will explore 13 old-fashioned baby names that are making a comeback in popularity.

1. Amelia

Amelia, a name of German origin meaning “work,” was popular in the late 19th and early 20th century. It was the name of the first female aviator, Amelia Earhart, and also the name of a character in Jane Austen’s novel, “Sense and Sensibility.” After a decline in popularity in the mid-20th century, Amelia has seen a resurgence in recent years, ranking in the top 10 most popular names for girls.

2. Arthur

Arthur, a name of Celtic origin meaning “bear,” was a popular choice in medieval times and among British royalty. It is also the name of the legendary King Arthur and the title character in the popular children’s book series, “Arthur.” After a dip in popularity in the late 20th century, Arthur is now making a comeback as a strong and classic name for boys.

3. Clara

Clara, a name of Latin origin meaning “bright” or “clear,” was a popular choice in the late 19th and early 20th century. It is the name of the famous ballet, “The Nutcracker,” and the character in the novel “The Time Traveler’s Wife.” After a decline in the mid-20th century, Clara has been steadily climbing in popularity, ranking in the top 100 names for girls.

4. Calvin

Calvin, a name of French origin meaning “bald” or “hairless,” was a popular name in the 19th century. It is the name of the famous theologian, John Calvin, and also the name of the beloved comic strip character, Calvin from “Calvin and Hobbes.” After a decline in the late 20th century, Calvin has seen a recent resurgence in popularity, ranking in the top 200 names for boys.

5. Beatrice

Beatrice, a name of Latin origin meaning “voyager” or “traveler,” was a popular choice in the late 19th and early 20th century. It is the name of the character in Shakespeare’s play, “Much Ado About Nothing,” and also the name of famous author, Beatrice Potter. After a decline in the mid-20th century, Beatrice has been steadily rising in popularity, ranking in the top 200 names for girls.

6. Theodore

Theodore, a name of Greek origin meaning “gift of God,” has been a popular choice for centuries, but saw a decline in the mid-20th century. It is the name of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt and also the name of the beloved children’s book character, Theodore “Teddy” Bear. In recent years, Theodore has been making a comeback, ranking in the top 100 names for boys.

7. Florence

two smiling women holding an ultrasound photo, celebrating their pregnancy together in a cozy setting

The Return of Tradition: 13 Old-Fashioned Baby Names Making a Comeback

Florence, a name of Latin origin meaning “flourishing” or “prosperous,” was a popular choice in the late 19th and early 20th century. It is the name of the city in Italy known for its art and culture, and also the name of famous nurse and humanitarian, Florence Nightingale. After a decline in the mid-20th century, Florence is now seeing a resurgence in popularity, ranking in the top 100 names for girls.

8. Frederick

Frederick, a name of German origin meaning “peaceful ruler,” was a popular choice in the 19th century. It is the name of the King of Prussia who united Germany and also the name of the famous composer, Frederick Chopin. After a decline in the late 20th century, Frederick is now making a comeback, ranking in the top 500 names for boys.

9. Olive

Olive, a name of Latin origin meaning “olive tree,” was a popular choice in the early 20th century. It is also the name of the main character in the beloved children’s book, “Olive, the Other Reindeer.” After a decline in the mid-20th century, Olive is now seeing a resurgence in popularity, ranking in the top 300 names for girls.

10. Edmund

Edmund, a name of English origin meaning “prosperous protector,” was a popular choice in the late 19th and early 20th century. It is the name of a character in Shakespeare’s play, “King Lear,” and also the name of the main character in the novel “The Chronicles of Narnia.” After a decline in the mid-20th century, Edmund is now making a comeback, ranking in the top 500 names for boys.

11. Matilda

Matilda, a name of German origin meaning “mighty in battle,” was a popular choice in the late 19th and early 20th century. It is also the name of the famous children’s book character, Matilda from Roald Dahl’s novel. After a decline in the mid-20th century, Matilda is now seeing a resurgence in popularity, ranking in the top 200 names for girls.

12. Henry

Henry, a name of German origin meaning “ruler of the home,” has been a popular choice for centuries, but saw a decline in the mid-20th century. It is also the name of several kings of England and the name of the famous writer, Henry David Thoreau. In recent years, Henry has been making a comeback, ranking in the top 20 names for boys.

13. Adelaide

Adelaide, a name of German origin meaning “noble” or “of noble birth,” was a popular choice in the late 19th and early 20th century. It is also the name of the capital city of South Australia. After a decline in the mid-20th century, Adelaide is now seeing a resurgence in popularity, ranking in the top 100 names for girls.

In conclusion, traditional or old-fashioned names are making a comeback in popularity as parents seek to give their children meaningful and timeless names. These 13 names are just a few examples of the many choices available for parents looking for a classic and nostalgic name for their baby.

Summary:

Traditional or old-fashioned baby names are making a comeback in popularity as parents seek to give their children meaningful and timeless names. In this blog post, we explore 13 old-fashioned baby names that are making a resurgence in popularity, including Amelia, Arthur, Clara, Calvin, Beatrice, Theodore, Florence, Frederick, Olive, Edmund, Matilda, Henry, and Adelaide.