The Rebirth of Retro: 13 Old-Fashioned Baby Names Making a Comeback
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards reviving old-fashioned and vintage names for newborn babies. From classic names like Emma and William to more unique choices like Olive and Silas, parents are increasingly turning to the past for inspiration when it comes to naming their children. This rebirth of retro names can be seen as a rejection of modern and trendy names, and a return to traditional and timeless options. In this blog post, we will explore 13 old-fashioned baby names that are making a comeback and the reasons behind this trend.
1. Evelyn
Evelyn is a name with English origins meaning “wished for child” or “beautiful bird”. It was a popular name in the early 20th century, but fell out of favor in the mid-1900s. However, in recent years, Evelyn has seen a resurgence in popularity, ranking in the top 20 names for baby girls in the United States.
2. Theodore
Theodore is a Greek name meaning “gift of God” and has a long history of use, dating back to ancient times. It was a popular name in the early 1900s, but lost its popularity in the mid-20th century. However, in recent years, Theodore has been steadily climbing the popularity charts and is now a top 100 name for boys.
3. Beatrice
Beatrice is a Latin name meaning “bringer of joy” and was a popular choice in the early 1900s. It saw a decline in popularity in the mid-20th century but has been making a comeback in recent years. This classic name has a timeless charm and has been chosen by many celebrity parents, further contributing to its revival.
4. Arthur
Arthur is a name with Celtic origins meaning “bear”. It has a long history of use, dating back to ancient times, and was a popular name in the early 1900s. However, it saw a decline in popularity in the mid-20th century. In recent years, Arthur has been steadily rising in popularity, and its strong and noble connotations make it a popular choice for parents.
5. Hazel
Hazel is a name of Old English origin, meaning “hazelnut tree”. It was a popular name in the early 1900s, but declined in popularity in the mid-20th century. However, in recent years, Hazel has been steadily climbing the charts and has become a top 50 name for baby girls. Its sweet and nature-inspired sound has made it a favorite among parents.
6. Felix
Felix is a Latin name meaning “happy” or “fortunate”. It has a long history of use and was a popular name in the early 1900s. However, in the mid-20th century, it fell out of favor. In recent years, Felix has been making a comeback, and its cheerful and upbeat meaning makes it an appealing choice for parents.
The Rebirth of Retro: 13 Old-Fashioned Baby Names Making a Comeback
7. Olive
Olive is a name with English and Latin origins, meaning “olive tree”. It was a popular name in the early 1900s but declined in popularity in the mid-20th century. However, in recent years, Olive has been steadily rising in popularity, and its vintage charm and nature-inspired meaning have made it a top choice for many parents.
8. Silas
Silas is a name with Greek and Latin origins, meaning “wood” or “forest”. It has a long history of use and was a popular name in the early 1900s. However, it fell out of favor in the mid-20th century. In recent years, Silas has been making a comeback, and its strong and rugged sound has made it a popular choice for boys.
9. Matilda
Matilda is a name of German origin, meaning “strength in battle”. It was a popular name in the early 1900s, but saw a decline in popularity in the mid-20th century. However, in recent years, Matilda has been making a comeback, and its vintage charm and powerful meaning have made it a top choice for many parents.
10. Chester
Chester is an English name meaning “fortress” or “walled town”. It was a popular name in the early 1900s, but fell out of favor in the mid-20th century. In recent years, Chester has been steadily rising in popularity, and its strong and distinguished sound has made it a top choice for parents looking for a unique name with a vintage feel.
11. Florence
Florence is a name of Latin origin, meaning “flourishing” or “prosperous”. It was a popular name in the early 1900s, but declined in popularity in the mid-20th century. In recent years, Florence has been making a comeback, and its elegant and feminine sound has made it a top choice for baby girls.
12. Harvey
Harvey is an English name meaning “battle worthy”. It has a long history of use and was a popular name in the early 1900s. However, it saw a decline in popularity in the mid-20th century. In recent years, Harvey has been steadily rising in popularity, and its strong and masculine sound has made it a top choice for parents.
13. Pearl
Pearl is a name of Latin origin, meaning “precious”. It was a popular name in the early 1900s, but declined in popularity in the mid-20th century. However, in recent years, Pearl has been making a comeback, and its vintage charm and connection to the sea have made it a top choice for many parents.
So why are these old-fashioned names making a comeback? There are a few reasons for this trend. Firstly, many parents are looking for unique names that are not too popular or trendy. These vintage names offer a balance between being familiar and unusual, making them an appealing choice. Additionally, parents may choose these names as a way to honor family members or their own heritage. These names have stood the test of time and have a sense of history and tradition attached to them. Furthermore, the popularity of vintage and retro styles in fashion and home decor may also be influencing this trend in baby names.
In conclusion, the rebirth of retro names is a trend that is here to stay. These old-fashioned names have a timeless charm and a sense of history attached to them, making them a popular choice for many parents. From classic names like Evelyn and Theodore to more unique options like Olive and Silas, these names are making a comeback and adding a touch of nostalgia to the modern world of baby names.