While extremely unique and modern-sounding baby names have risen to popularity in recent years, especially among celebrities, more moms and dads are going against the status quo. In fact, "old-fashioned" baby names are making a comeback, and to some, it might be a bit shocking. The resurgence has, in part, been furthered by TikTok, with trends like "old person baby names" and "old money baby names" going viral. But it's a bandwagon that might be worth jumping on.
Classic baby names have an undoubted strength to them. Those who came before us and survived difficult events in history, from world wars to the great depression, had a certain resourcefulness and grit that might feel less prevalent nowadays. So, whether you're currently expecting or just hoping to stockpile some adorable baby names for future additions, here are eight old-fashioned baby names that are still going strong in 2025.
These are the old-fashioned baby names people can't get enough of right now!
1. Hazel
Tatiana Syrikova
According to the Social Security Administration, Hazel was the eighteenth most popular girl's name in 1897. Over a century later, this name is exploding in popularity again. It was even the twenty-fourth most popular girl's name in 2024.
Hazel, which means "from the hazelnut tree," is of English origin. It's beautiful, vintage, and can be used for boys, too.
2. Ruby
Anastasiya Gepp
Fans of luxurious red gems may love the baby name Ruby. It's Latin in origin and means "deep red precious stone."
It was especially favored during the early twentieth century, peaking as the twenty-second most popular baby name in 1911. But aside from evoking images of strong, rare stones, Ruby is also a name that's been carried by many notable figures, including Ruby Bridges, a civil rights pioneer, and Ruby Johnson, a 1960s soul singer.
3. Edith
Natalie Bond
The name Edith means "prosperous in strife" and is British in origin. It was quite popular from the late 1800s to early 1900s and, like Ruby, has been held by various influential women in history.
For instance, Edith Roosevelt was the First Lady of the United States from 1901 to 1909, and Edith Wharton was an American writer who penned numerous influential works and became the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction with her novel, "The Age of Innocence."
4. Fern
William Fortunato
With English roots and a meaning tied to nature, Fern is a charming botanical name that once flourished before witnessing a decline in popularity during the 1940s.
It has an undeniable vintage appeal and earthy simplicity that makes it a go-to choice for parents who love the great outdoors. Other classic names with a similar vibe include Willow and Faye.
5. August
Vika Glitter
Moving on to boys, August is a strong name of German origin that means "great" and "magnificent." Your baby doesn't have to be born in the month of August to take on this name, either.
It soared in popularity in the United States during the 1890s, and today, it's still considered stylish and sophisticated. Not to mention, August has plenty of cute nickname options, like "Gus" or "Auggie."
6. Franklin
Louis LIM
Franklin is another iconic, old-fashioned name that lends itself to plenty of nickname variations. It's English, means "free man," and was actually held by two different United States presidents: Franklin Pierce and Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
For short, babies named Franklin can be called "Frank" or "Frankie," the latter of which is sometimes used as a baby girl's name as well.
7. Edmund
Ksenia Chernaya
Those who love "Bridgerton" might be especially fond of the name Edmund due to the Bridgerton family's charming patriarch, Lord Bridgerton.
This English name means "fortunate land protector" and represents a more unique option than Edward. It has a timeless charm and carries historical significance while still offering plenty of opportunities for nicknames like Ed or Eddie.
8. Archie
Helena Lopes
Finally, after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their first child into the world in 2019, they chose the name Archie. This news catapulted Archie back to popularity.
With German origins and the meaning of "genuine" and "bold," this boy baby name is a nickname for the even more old-fashioned name "Archibald."
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