Old Boy and Girl Names for Babies and Children

Choosing a baby name is no easy task. Some parents look for unique names that will set their child apart, while others seek names with deep historical roots. For those who appreciate timeless elegance, old names have a charm that never fades. Many of these names are steeped in history, having been passed down through generations across the globe. They carry with them the weight of tradition, wisdom, and a sense of timelessness that makes them enduringly popular. 

Old names have a certain classic appeal. They often reflect values such as strength, beauty, and grace—qualities that parents hope their children will embody. Whether you’re looking for a name with royal lineage, biblical significance, or simply one that has stood the test of time, you’ll find inspiration in this list of old names that are recognized and cherished around the world. 

In this article, we’ll explore names that have a rich history and universal appeal. These names have transcended borders and cultures, making them perfect for families looking for a name with both global recognition and a sense of legacy. 

Girl names

When considering names for daughters, many parents are drawn to names that exude strength, beauty, and heritage. The following list features old girl names that have stood the test of time, each carrying its own unique charm and meaning. 

1. Adelaide – A name of German origin meaning "noble," often associated with royalty.
2. Adeline – A French name meaning "noble," often associated with classic literature.
3. Agatha – Greek in origin, meaning "good" or "kind," linked to St. Agatha, a popular figure in history.
4. Agnes – Meaning "pure," this name has historical roots and a classic charm.
5. Alice – A name of Old French origin meaning "noble," popularized by Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
6. Beatrice – Derived from Latin, meaning "bringer of joy," often associated with noblewomen.
7. Beatrix – Of Latin origin meaning "she who brings happiness," a classic name with a royal history.
8. Cecilia – Of Latin origin, meaning "blind," linked to St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians.
9. Clara – A name of Latin origin meaning "bright" or "clear," historically linked to notable figures in literature and history.
10. Cora – A Greek name meaning "maiden," known for its use in literature.
11. Delilah – Of Hebrew origin meaning "delicate," linked to the biblical figure.
12. Dorothy – Greek in origin, meaning "gift of God," made famous by The Wizard of Oz.
13. Edith – Of Old English origin, meaning "riches" or "blessed," associated with literary and historical figures.
14. Eleanor – A name of Old French origin meaning "bright, shining one," often linked to queens and noblewomen.
15. Emmeline – A name of French origin meaning "hardworking," popular in historical literature.
16. Esther – A name of Persian origin meaning "star," famous for its biblical roots and historical significance.
17. Felicity – Latin in origin, meaning "happiness" or "good fortune," often used in literature.
18. Fiona – A Scottish name meaning "fair," known for its literary roots.
19. Genevieve – A name of French origin meaning "woman of the race," associated with strong historical figures.
20. Guinevere – Of Welsh origin meaning "white phantom," linked to Arthurian legends.
21. Hattie – A diminutive of Harriet, meaning "estate ruler," popular in the early 20th century.
22. Ida – A name of Old German origin meaning "industrious one," popular in the 19th century.
23. Isadora – A name of Greek origin meaning "gift of Isis," representing strength and creativity.
24. Josephine – Of French origin, meaning "God will increase," historically associated with strong women.
25. Laurel – A name of Latin origin meaning "laurel tree," symbolizing victory and honor.
26. Lavinia – A name of Latin origin linked to ancient Rome, meaning "purity."
27. Mabel – Of Latin origin meaning "lovable," popular in the Victorian era.
28. Matilda – A name of German origin meaning "battle-mighty," historically linked to strong women and warriors.
29. Millicent – Of Old French origin meaning "strong in work," historically linked to strong women.
30. Nina – A name of Spanish origin meaning "little girl," known for its global appeal.
31. Nora – Derived from Eleanor, meaning "light," a name with historical roots in literature.
32. Opal – A gemstone name of Sanskrit origin meaning "precious stone," symbolizing beauty.
33. Ophelia – Of Greek origin meaning "help," known from Shakespeare's Hamlet.
34. Paulette – A French diminutive of Pauline, meaning "small," often associated with classic literature.
35. Penelope – A name of Greek origin meaning "weaver," linked to the clever wife of Odysseus in mythology.
36. Rosalind – A name of Old German origin meaning "pretty rose," popular in literature.
37. Rosamund – Of Old German origin meaning "pure rose," linked to historical figures.
38. Sabina – Of Latin origin meaning "from the Sabine tribe," linked to ancient Rome.
39. Selma – A name of Arabic origin meaning "peaceful," historically linked to strong women.
40. Sylvia – A Latin name meaning "from the forest," popularized in literature and poetry.
41. Tabitha – Of Aramaic origin meaning "gazelle," known from the New Testament.
42. Tamsin – An Old English name meaning "twin," historically associated with strong characters.
43. Uma – A Sanskrit name meaning "splendor," often linked to cultural history.
44. Valentina – A Latin name meaning "strong" or "healthy," linked to historical figures.
45. Vera – A name of Russian origin meaning "faith," popularized in the 20th century.
46. Wilhelmina – A name of German origin meaning "will helmet," often associated with royalty.
47. Winifred – Of Welsh origin meaning "blessed peacemaking," historically linked to strong women.
48. Yvette – Of French origin meaning "yew," linked to strong historical figures.
49. Yvonne – A name of French origin meaning "yew," symbolizing resilience.
50. Zelda – A name of Yiddish origin meaning "blessed," made popular in the early 20th century.

Boy names

As you consider names for sons, you may find that old names evoke a sense of strength and character. The following list includes old boy names that are recognized worldwide, each with a rich history and timeless appeal. 

1. Alfred – An Old English name meaning "elf counsel," linked to historical kings and scholars.
2. Alistair – A Scottish name meaning "defender of mankind," linked to historical figures.
3. Archibald – Of German origin meaning "genuine," associated with nobility and history.
4. Arthur – A name of Celtic origin meaning "bear," linked to legendary kings and folklore.
5. Augustus – A Latin name meaning "great" or "magnificent," historically associated with Roman emperors.
6. Balthazar – Of Babylonian origin meaning "Baal protects the king," linked to the biblical Magi.
7. Bartholomew – Of Aramaic origin meaning "son of the furrow," known from the Bible.
8. Benedict – A Latin name meaning "blessed," linked to saints and historical figures.
9. Cecil – Of Latin origin meaning "blind," historically associated with nobility and literature.
10. Clement – A Latin name meaning "merciful," associated with popes and saints.
11. Cyrus – A name of Persian origin meaning "sun" or "throne," linked to historical kings.
12. Desmond – An Irish name meaning "one from South Munster," historically significant.
13. Dorian – A Greek name linked to the ancient Dorian people, associated with literature.
14. Edgar – Of Old English origin meaning "wealthy spear," linked to royal figures.
15. Edmund – An Old English name meaning "wealthy protector," linked to royal figures.
16. Eugene – A Greek name meaning "well-born," associated with nobility and literature.
17. Felix – Of Latin origin meaning "happy" or "fortunate," historically linked to saints.
18. Gabriel – A Hebrew name meaning "God is my strength," known from biblical figures.
19. Gerald – Of German origin meaning "rule of the spear," associated with strong historical figures.
20. Gideon – A Hebrew name meaning "hewer," known from biblical tales.
21. Harold – An Old English name meaning "army ruler," linked to historical kings.
22. Harrison – Of English origin meaning "son of Harry," historically significant.
23. Hugo – Of German origin meaning "mind" or "intellect," associated with scholars and writers.
24. Ignatius – A Latin name meaning "fiery," linked to early Christian saints.
25. Jasper – Of Persian origin meaning "treasurer," historically associated with royalty.
26. Jeremiah – A Hebrew name meaning "exalted of the Lord," known from the Bible.
27. Kendrick – Of Scottish origin meaning "royal ruler," linked to strong historical figures.
28. Leonard – A name of German origin meaning "brave lion," linked to strong historical figures.
29. Malcolm – A name of Scottish origin meaning "devotee of Saint Columba," associated with royalty.
30. Martin – A Latin name meaning "of Mars," linked to saints and historical figures.
31. Maximilian – Of Latin origin meaning "greatest," associated with emperors and leaders.
32. Nicolas – A Greek name meaning "victory of the people," linked to saints and historical figures.
33. Oliver – Of Latin origin meaning "olive tree," symbolizing peace and wisdom.
34. Oscar – A name of Irish origin meaning "deer lover," associated with literary figures.
35. Percival – Of Old French origin meaning "pierce the vale," linked to Arthurian legends.
36. Quentin – A Latin name meaning "fifth," historically significant in various cultures.
37. Raymond – Of German origin meaning "wise protector," linked to strong figures.
38. Rayner – Of German origin meaning "counselor," linked to noble history.
39. Roland – A name of German origin meaning "famous land," linked to heroic tales.
40. Sebastian – A Greek name meaning "venerable" or "revered," linked to saints.
41. Silas – A Latin name meaning "wood" or "forest," known from biblical figures.
42. Simon – Of Hebrew origin meaning "he has heard," known from biblical figures.
43. Solomon – A Hebrew name meaning "peace," associated with wisdom and royalty.
44. Theodore – Of Greek origin meaning "gift of God," historically linked to strong leaders.
45. Victor – A Latin name meaning "conqueror," symbolizing strength and victory.
46. Vincent – Of Latin origin meaning "to conquer," linked to strong historical figures.
47. Walter – A German name meaning "ruler of the army," associated with nobility.
48. Wilbur – Of Old German origin meaning "resolute," historically linked to strong men.
49. Winston – A name of Old English origin meaning "joyful stone," associated with leaders.
50. Zachary – A Hebrew name meaning "the Lord has remembered," known from biblical figures.

Gender-neutral names

In an increasingly inclusive world, gender-neutral names are becoming more popular. The following list highlights old gender-neutral names that carry a timeless quality and can be used for any child, reflecting a sense of equality and versatility. 

1. Adrian – Of Latin origin, meaning "from Hadria."
2. Alexis – A Greek name meaning "helper" or "defender."
3. Avery – Of Old English origin, meaning "ruler of the elves."
4. Bailey – Of Old French origin, meaning "bailiff" or "steward."
5. Casey – An Irish name meaning "brave" or "vigilant."
6. Charlie – A diminutive of Charles or Charlotte, meaning "free man."
7. Finley – Of Scottish origin, meaning "fair-haired hero."
8. Jordan – Of Hebrew origin, meaning "to descend."
9. Morgan – A Welsh name meaning "sea-born" or "sea circle."
10. Reese – Of Welsh origin, meaning "enthusiasm."
11. Riley – Of Irish origin, meaning "courageous" or "valiant."
12. Sasha – A Russian diminutive of Alexander or Alexandra, meaning "defender of mankind."
13. Skylar – Of Dutch origin, meaning "scholar."
14. Taylor – Of Old French origin, meaning "cutter of cloth."
15. Quinn – Of Irish origin, meaning "wise" or "intelligent."

Choosing a name for your child is a significant and personal decision. Old names offer a unique blend of history, culture, and timelessness, making them perfect for parents seeking meaningful names. Each name carries with it stories and legacies that have shaped our world, allowing you to connect your child's identity to something greater than themselves.  

Whether you lean toward traditional girl names, classic boy names, or unisex options, these old names serve as a beautiful reminder of the past while remaining relevant today. By selecting one of these timeless names, you are honoring generations of heritage and storytelling, giving your child a name that is both meaningful and memorable.

If you're interested in broader naming choices, be sure to check out our article on gender-neutral names, highlighting options that embrace individuality while crossing cultural boundaries.