Old Fashioned Boy Names: A Fresh Take on Tradition

What’s old always becomes new again — and the same can be said about old-fashioned boy names. Parents worldwide have opted to name their little guys classics steeped in history and tradition. Of course, in keeping with today’s flair for unique monikers, some options stand out more than others. Here are 10 old-fashioned names you should consider giving your son. 

1. Archie

Archie is the kind of name fit for a prince, having fallen off people’s radar until the Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave it to their first-born son in 2019. Thanks to its latest royal spotlight, the name has regained popularity like never before. It comes from Germany, means “truly brave,” and is a shortened version of Archibald. 

Nicknames: Arch, Art

Potential middle names: Harrison, William, Callum, Graham

2. Atlas

Travel enthusiasts might give their son — or daughter — the name Atlas. A gender-neutral name, Atlas comes from Greece and means “enduring.” You might recognize the name from Greek mythology, the mythical god who wore the world’s weight on his shoulders. In recent years, this unique old-fashioned name has gotten a boost in popularity from celebrity moms Shay Mitchell and Anne Heche.

Meanwhile, as you sift through old-fashioned boy names like Atlas, why not take a babymoon to soak up as much intimate and quality time with your partner before the baby arrives? Montana’s Great Northern Whitewater Resort and Pennsylvania’s Omni Bedford Springs Resort are some of the most relaxing destinations for adventurers.

Nicknames: Attie, Atley

Potential middle names: Finn, Reid, Jude, Cade

3. Caleb

Caleb is a Hebrew name meaning “faithful, “bold,” and “whole-hearted.” It also has biblical roots, with Caleb appearing alongside Moses and Joshua. As such, it is a common name for Christians to give their son. 

Caleb gained popularity in the 1970s in the United States, remaining in the top 100 name list for boys since 1989.

Nicknames: Cal, Caye, Cale

Potential middle names: James, Michael, Joseph

4. Henry

Henry comes from the Germanic Heimrich, meaning “home-ruler.” Eventually, the spelling changed to Heinrich with an “n” instead. Like Archie, Henry has been bestowed on several royal members, including 10th-century Henry I — the first Saxon king — and four monarchs in France. The name was also given to eight kings in England.

You might recognize some modern-age men with the same name, including auto manufacturer Henry Ford, actor Henry Winkler, and novelist Henry James.

Nicknames: Hank, Hal

Potential middle names: Patrick, Lewis, Issac, Jack

5. Jack

Jack is an English name meaning “God is gracious.” It is usually used to describe working-class men — think of the expression “a jack of all trades.” In fact, Jack was so common in the Middle Ages that people used the name generically to describe a man. 

The name is common in media — Jack Sparrow, Jack and the Beanstalk and Jack Black — reaching a peak in the late 1990s. Since then, it dipped in popularity. Nevertheless, people still love this old-fashioned name for a boy. 

Nicknames: Originally, “Jack” was a nickname for John and James.

Potential middle names: Charles, Mason, Edward, Alexander

6. Josiah

Josiah is a Hebrew name meaning “God heals.” Although several people have been named Josiah throughout history — such as poet Josiah Gilbert Holland and potter Josiah Wedgwood — it has risen in popularity over the last few decades. Today, several teen influencers, such as Josiah Reyes and Josiah Young, share the name.

In 2016, it became one of the 10th most popular “J” names for boys in the U.S. Of course, it’ll always remain among the most popular old-fashioned boy names. 

Nicknames: Joe, Jed, Si/Sy

Potential middle names: Caleb, Daniel, Russell, Knox

7. Oliver

Oliver is associated with the terms “olive planter” and “olive tree” and has Latin and French roots. Although it is common in the U.S., United Kingdom and Australia today, its true popularity was during medieval times in England.

An olive tree represents friendships, reconciliation, healing, light, abundance and peace, making it one of the most beautiful and revered names for a little boy. 

Nicknames: Ollie

Potential middle names: Charles, David, Blake, Andrew

8. Owen

Although it has Welsh origins, Owen also has Greek, Irish and Celtic roots. It means “noble-born” and is a variation of Eugene and the Anglicized Welsh name Owain. The name carries a playful sound, which makes it fitting for a bubbly personality.

Owen ranks No. 23 in the top 100 list for baby names overall, and No. 19 among boy names in the U.S. Famous people who share the moniker include Owen Wilson and Owen Fielding. 

Nicknames: N/A

Potential middle names: Taylor, Clark, Dean

9. Samuel

Samuel is a Hebrew name meaning “name of God.” In the Old Testament, Samuel was the last ruling judge, having led the Israelites through the Philistines era. It has always been a relatively popular name abroad, ranking in the top 100 names annually in the U.S. since 1880. 

If you name your baby boy Samuel, he’ll join the ranks of some famous bearers, including actor Samuel L. Jackson, politician Samuel Adams and author Samuel Clemens, who is most recognized as Mark Twain.

Nicknames: Sam, Sammy

Potential middle names: David, James, Aidan, Greyson

10. Xavier

Xavier is a Spanish name meaning “new house” or “castle.” Considering there aren’t too many “X” names, Xavier is a cool pick with an even neater spelling. Historically, the name was used by Saint Francis Xavier — patron saint of missionaries — who devoted his life to giving back to people in need and sharing god. 

The name reached peak popularity from 2006 to 2009 and has remained a favorable option for parents interested in old-fashioned names for boys. Of course, there’s something contemporary and trendy about Xavier, too. Some people even style it as “Zavier” or Xzavier.”

Nicknames: X, Z, Zaye

Potential middle names: Alexander, Vincent, John

Rediscover the Charm of Old-Fashioned Boy Names

Choosing the right name for your baby boy is no easy feat. After all, they’ll need to carry it with them throughout their life. Fortunately, they’ll grow to appreciate you giving them one of these old-fashioned boy names that have stood the test of time.