When you’re looking for a name for your baby boy, you need to be sure you’re going to love it forever, so choosing a classic old fashioned boys names is a great way to ensure that your boy's name will stand the test of time.
Whether you want something regal and royal, or something more poetic and cute, the chances are by choosing one of these traditional old fashioned names that are still popular to this day, your son will have a name that will suit him from the age of 1 to 101!
Popular Old fashioned boys names
1. John – Meaning ‘God is gracious’, John was one of the most popular boys names for over 400 years. Although nowadays it’s not as popular as nickname Jack, it’s still a classic choice.
2. William – Another classic boy’s name that has been fashionable for hundreds of years, thanks to Prince William, it now has regal connotations. Meaning ‘resolute protection’, nicknames Will and Billy are also pretty popular.
3. George – The Kings name for an incredible 116 years, George has been put back on the map after the birth of the country’s adorable croc-wearing Prince. Traditionally meaning ‘farmer’, other famous Georges’ include novelist George Orwell and expectant father himself, George Clooney.
4. Frank – A popular name in the 19th century, Frank is said to be a new ‘hipster’ favourite. Meaning ‘free man’, we love the classic feel to this cute name.
5. Henry – Another royal name, fifth inline to the throne Prince Henry (who goes by Harry) has helped keep both names in the popular lists. Meaning ‘estate ruler’, Henry is a popular celebrity name, Julia Roberts, Heidi Klum and Colin Farrell all having little Henrys!
6. Robert – The most popular name for the whole of the 20th century, we’ve seen Robert decline over the past few years. Meaning ‘bright fame’, cute nicknames include Rob, Robbie and Bobby.
7. Edward – Made popular by Twilight’s Edward Cullen and pop superstar Ed Sheeran, Edward is a classic. Meaning ‘wealthy guardian’, hopefully your little one will live up to his name! Cute nicknames include Ted, Ned and Eddie.
8. Walter – Although Breaking-Bad character Walter White might not be someone to name your child after, it could explain the names highest ranking since the nineties. Meaning ‘army ruler’, it can be adorably shortened to Walt.
9. Arthur– Meaning ‘bear’, this traditional name has been restored in recent years. A popular choice for fans of Arthur Miller, or the amazing film Arthur Christmas.
10. Albert – A traditional name that means ‘noble’ and ‘bright’, this unusual yet classic choice has made a comeback in recent years. Even if Albert isn’t your cup of tea, we absolutely love the adorable nickname Bertie.
11. Harry – Whether it was Harry Potter or Harry Styles that has put this traditional name back on the map, it’s been one of the most popular names for the past few years.
12. Louis – A classic name that has been making a comeback, Louis means ‘renowned warrior’.
13. Samuel – A biblical name that has been around for centuries, Samuel means ‘told by God’. What’s more, the nickname Sam is also now a popular name for girls as well as boys.
14. David – Meaning ‘beloved’, David is a classic, biblical name. A timeless choice for your little one, in the bible, David was the second king of Israel who took down the giant Goliath with his slingshot. Of course, we can also thank Mr Beckham for keeping this name on the popular lists.
15. Maxwell – Meaning ‘great stream’, Maxwell is a classic but adorable choice for your baby boy, often shortened to Max.
16. Oscar – He might not be the only Oscar in his class, but you’ll never fall out of love with this adorable, traditional name. Meaning ‘deer-lover’ and ‘champion warrior’, whether he goes on to become a world renowned fashion designer (Oscar de la Renta) or a writer (Oscar Wilde), we’re sure he’ll live up to his great name.
17. Sebastian – The hero of The Little Mermaid, this ancient name has a great deal of history. Meaning ‘person from ancient city of Sebasta’, Sebastian is often shortened to the much more laid-back nickname, Seb.
18. Jasper – Meaning ‘bringer of treasure’, Jasper is another traditional name revived by the popular Twilight trilogy.
19. Tobias – This traditional name looks set to become more popular. Meaning ‘God is good’, the shortened version, Toby is now a name in its own right.
20. James – Despite its rising popularity as a girl’s name in recent years, James, meaning ‘supplanter’ remains an ever popular boys name. Although he might not be the only James in the playground, cute nicknames include Jimmy, Jamie and Jimbo.
21. Oliver – Often shortened to Ollie or Oli, Oliver, meaning ‘olive tree’, is still as popular today as it was in medieval times.
22. Noah – Loved by fans of The Notebook Noah comes from the Hebrew Noach, which means "rest" or "repose."
24. Theodore – Stemming from the Greek words Theos, meaning "god-given", and dōron, meaning "gift”, Theodore stands as "a gift from God" and is often shortened to Theo. It's also popular with fans of Alvin and the Chipmunks.
25. Freddie – Can also be spelt as variants Freddi and Freddy and is a short form of Frederick, meaning "peaceful ruler."
26. Jack – This name came about in medieval England as a variation of John, meaning "God is gracious," and Jacob, meaning "supplanter," or "holder of the heel."
- Charlie – Charlie is a gender-neutral name of German origin that means “free man.” It is derived from the Germanic word karal, which translates to “free man” or kerle, meaning “warrior.” Charlie is often used as a nickname for the more formal name Charles.
28. Alfie – Meaning noble. Alfie is a male-given name derived from the Old English moniker Aelfraed, meaning "elf counsel."
29. Leonard – The name has come to mean "lion strength", "lion-strong", or "lion-hearted" making it ideal for your strong boy. Leonard was the name of a Saint in the Middle Ages period, known as the patron saint of prisoners.
30. Alexander – A popular Greek name meaning “man's defender” and “warrior.” It can sometimes be shortened to Alex or Xander.
Unique old fashioned boys names
Wistan
Wardell
Qued
Huxley
Kendal
Waldo
Thane
Randall
Ryley
Winton
Elmore
Erwin
Jarrett
Presley
Peyton
Lacy
Harland
Ellery
Preston
Virgile
Cute old fashioned boys names
Wilber
Wiley
Rolf
Rudolph
Lenny
Gus
Eric
Ralph
Norman
Hart
Elton
Mickey
Emile
Rodney
Rollie
Reid
Stanley
Neville
Wren
Elmer
Cool old fashioned boy names
Foster
Spencer
Pierce
Ferdinand
Manzi
Luther
Jagger
Xanthus
Felix
Lucas
Miles
Eli
Teddy
Orlando
Kimani
Jacob
Marshall
Winter
Maynard
Haydn
More old fashioned boys names
Gael
Humbert
Hoyt
Harmon
Wittan
Moses
Alaric
Whitney
Windsor
Gary
Gervase
Gert
Worcester
Vadim
Wilton
Othello
Roger
Ragnar
Orville
Piers
Lamont
Manfred
Humphrey
Hilton
Hadwin
Harvey
Garrett
Garfield
Ernest
Hamilton
Furman
Kelton
Wynn
Russell
Wright
Tony
Sherman
Sigmund
Wilkes
Norbert
Morton
Roland
Jeffrey
Kirk
Javier
Howard
Herman
Elon
Kelby
Francis
Richard
Kenelm
Karl
Hugh
Ewald
Everard
Geoffrey
Whitman
Tonneau
Werther
Troy
Rainer
Olaf
Kelvin
Houston
Kendon
Edison
Jarvis
Frederick
Reynold
Ogden
Oberon
Norris
Merton
Mohamed
Leopold
Lamar
Woodburn
Winthrop
Wilford
Willoughby
Hilliard
Hallam
Harold
Herbert
Gerald
Julian
Robin
Don’t worry if your due date is fast approaching and you still haven’t found a name that feels like the one. Head to our baby name generator where you’ll find thousands of names to fall in love with, from more traditional sounding names, to unique baby names from all around the world including old fashioned girls names.
Stephanie Spencer is the Hub Editor at Mother&Baby and auntie to four aged 8 to 6 months old. With a particular interest in health, she loves discovering products that make parent’s lives easier.