1920s Boy Names (Classic Vintage Choices Making a Comeback)

What if I told you the most stylish names for boys are actually celebrating their 100th birthday?

Last summer, I was digging through my great-grandfather’s photo albums when I stumbled upon his birth certificate from 1924. His name? Theodore Warren. I couldn’t help but smile—that same name just topped my neighborhood’s kindergarten roster.

There’s something magical about how these 1920s names have traveled through time, carrying stories of jazz clubs, Model T Fords, and the birth of modern America right into our contemporary nurseries.

Whether you’re expecting a little one, crafting a period novel, or simply fascinated by the elegance of bygone eras, this comprehensive guide to 300+ authentic 1920s boy names will transport you back to the Roaring Twenties while helping you find the perfect vintage name that feels fresh today.

From presidential classics to working-class heroes, from jazz-age gems to immigrant treasures, we’re covering every corner of this remarkable decade’s naming landscape.

Most Popular 1920s Boy Names (The Classics)

Let me tell you, these weren’t just popular names—they were THE names. Every neighborhood had them, every family tree holds them, and now they’re making grandparents smile when they hear them on toddlers again.

• Robert – #1 throughout the decade; Germanic “bright fame”; remains professionally strong and personally warm
• John – #2 consistently; Hebrew “God is gracious”; the ultimate enduring classic that works in every generation
• James – #3; Hebrew “supplanter”; carries presidential gravitas and literary sophistication
• William – #4; Germanic “resolute protector”; perfectly balances regal history with approachable nicknames
• Charles – #5; Germanic “free man”; offers sophisticated Charles, friendly Charlie, or distinguished Chuck
• George – #6; Greek “farmer”; dignified enough for kings, down-to-earth enough for neighbors
• Joseph – #7; Hebrew “God will increase”; biblical strength that translates across cultures
• Richard – #8; Germanic “brave ruler”; powerful formal name with multiple nickname paths
• Edward – #9; Old English “wealthy guardian”; refined elegance that sounds expensive without being pretentious
• Donald – #10; Scottish “world ruler”; peaked in 1920s popularity with optimistic leadership vibes
• Thomas – #11; Aramaic “twin”; scholarly and solid, works for philosophers and athletes alike
• Frank – #12; Latin “free”; straightforward honesty in a name—no pretense, pure authenticity
• Harold – #13; Norse “army ruler”; dignified vintage appeal that’s begging for comeback
• Paul – #14; Latin “small/humble”; apostolic strength in compact form
• Raymond – #15; Germanic “wise protector”; smooth 1920s sophistication that sounds like silk
• Walter – #16; Germanic “army ruler”; the distinguished gentleman name par excellence
• Jack – #17; English diminutive of John; spirited and classic, works from playground to CEO office
• Henry – #18; Germanic “estate ruler”; royal literary heritage from Shakespeare to modern princes
• Kenneth – #19; Scottish “handsome”; fresh pick of the 1920s still feels contemporary
• Arthur – #20; Celtic “bear”; Camelot nobility meets round-table leadership
• Albert – #21; Germanic “noble bright”; Einstein-era intelligence and scientific gravitas
• David – #22; Hebrew “beloved”; biblical king strength with universal appeal
• Harry – #23; Germanic, form of Henry; royal nickname that stands independently
• Eugene – #24; Greek “well-born”; refined elegance with theatrical flair
• Ralph – #25; Norse “wolf counsel”; rugged sophistication that’s distinctly masculine
• Louis – #26; Germanic “famous warrior”; French elegance meets American strength
• Clarence – #27; Latin “bright/clear”; vintage distinction crying out for rediscovery
• Carl – #28; Germanic “free man”; solid simplicity that needs no embellishment
• Willie – #29; Germanic diminutive of William; Southern charm and friendly warmth
• Howard – #30; Old English “brave heart”; distinguished without being stuffy
• Fred – #31; Germanic “peaceful ruler”; approachable classic that’s stood the test of time
• Ernest – #32; Germanic “serious/resolute”; Hemingway gravitas meets earnest determination
• Roy – #33; French “king”; Western frontier charm with regal undertones
• Lawrence – #34; Latin “from Laurentum”; sophisticated literary appeal
• Herbert – #35; Germanic “bright army”; presidential dignity (Hoover era) and intellectual weight
• Leonard – #36; Germanic “lion brave”; artistic strength—think da Vinci and Bernstein
• Francis – #37; Latin “Frenchman/free one”; literary refinement with spiritual depth
• Norman – #38; Germanic “Northman”; strong and steady, Viking heritage simplified
• Earl – #39; English “nobleman”; aristocratic simplicity in four letters
• Russell – #40; French “red-haired”; dapper 1920s sophistication
• Anthony – #41; Latin “priceless”; Italian-American appeal with timeless strength
• Stanley – #43; English “stone clearing”; rugged elegance, solid as bedrock
• Alfred – #44; English “elf counsel”; literary intelligence from Tennyson to Batman’s butler
• Sam – #45; Hebrew “told by God”; friendly classic that works at every age
• Chester – #46; Latin “fortress/camp”; vintage cool with geographical strength
• Leo – #47; Latin “lion”; short, powerful, and full of leonine courage
• Benjamin – #48; Hebrew “son of the right hand”; timeless charm with founding father gravitas
• Elmer – #49; English “noble famous”; quirky vintage ready for hipster revival
• Theodore – #50; Greek “gift of God”; the comeback king—presidential, sophisticated, and versatile
• Floyd – Welsh “gray”; strong simplicity with musical associations (Pink Floyd came much later!)

Notice how many of these sound like they could be on today’s playground? That’s the beauty of 1920s names—they never really went out of style, they just took a brief vacation.

Jazz Age Gems: Sophisticated 1920s Names

Picture this: a speakeasy in 1925, smoke curling through the air, jazz band playing, and men in three-piece suits introducing themselves with these beautifully cultured names. These are the names that carried artistic sophistication and cultural refinement.

• Warren – Presidential polish (Warren G. Harding era) with literary distinction
• Irving – Theatrical sophistication from Irving Berlin’s golden age
• Milton – Poetic refinement meets progressive businessman
• Julius – Roman nobility transported to the Jazz Age
• Clifford – Distinguished gentleman appeal with geographical gravitas
• Vernon – Smooth sophistication that rolls off the tongue
• Marvin – Musical elegance with Motown predecessor energy
• Lester – Cool jazz associations before “Pres” Young made it legendary
• Edmund – Literary refinement with Shakespearean roots
• Horace – Classical scholarship meets old money sophistication
• Cecil – Artistic sophistication with British aristocratic undertones
• Everett – Dignified distinction that sounds perpetually well-dressed
• Gilbert – Theatrical charm from Gilbert & Sullivan tradition
• Sidney – Hollywood glamour before the silver screen truly sparkled
• Victor – Triumphant elegance—literally means “conqueror”
• Vincent – Artistic passion (Van Gogh era appreciation rising)
• Randolph – Aristocratic flair with Southern gentleman charm
• Wilbur – Wright Brothers innovation spirit, aviation-age optimism
• Oscar – Literary prestige (Oscar Wilde influence) meets award-worthy distinction
• Melvyn – Silver screen sophistication with British flair
• Archibald – Scottish nobility compressed into distinguished formality
• Mortimer – Gothic elegance with mysterious charm
• Reginald – British refinement that demands a smoking jacket
• Cornelius – Dutch-American distinction with Vanderbilt associations
• Sylvester – Strong vintage appeal, meaning “wooded/wild”
• Percival – Arthurian nobility seeking the Holy Grail
• Roscoe – Western sophistication meets urban cool
• Bertram – Refined gentleman from Wodehouse novels
• Thurston – Distinguished elegance, literally “Thor’s stone”
• Basil – Herbal sophistication with Mediterranean flavor
• Ambrose – Divine elegance meaning “immortal”
• Thaddeus – Biblical distinction with Aramaic roots
• Humphrey – Bogart-era cool beginning (early career stage)
• Montgomery – Military elegance with British field marshal gravitas
• Bartholomew – Biblical refinement with nickname versatility (Bart, Tolly)
• Maximilian – Imperial sophistication reaching maximum grandeur
• Augustus – Roman nobility, first emperor’s distinction
• Cornelius – Established old-money elegance
• Beauregard – Southern grandeur, literally “beautiful gaze”
• Fitzgerald – Literary jazz royalty (F. Scott’s golden decade)
• Sterling – Silver-age quality in a name
• Winston – Churchillian strength in formative years
• Marshall – Military distinction meets Western lawman
• Fletcher – Craftsman elegance (arrow maker)
• Carlisle – Sophisticated English place name
• Dashiell – Literary mystery from Hammett’s detective world
• Alistair – Scottish refinement with magical undertones
• Rutherford – Presidential dignity meets scientific discovery
• Pemberton – Aristocratic English charm
• Atticus – Literary nobility (though Mockingbird came later, the name was used)

Here’s what I love about these names—they sound like they come with pocket watches and leather-bound books, but they work just as well on modern kids who’ll probably prefer smartwatches and tablets.

Strong & Simple: Working-Class Heroes

Now we’re talking about the backbone of America—the names that built cities, worked factories, and came home to loving families. These solid, approachable names represented everyday 1920s families, and trust me, they carry more strength than any fancy name ever could.

• Frank – Honest and direct, no-nonsense authenticity
• Joe – Everyman appeal, the “average Joe” with extraordinary potential
• Bill – Friendly strength from assembly lines to baseball diamonds
• Mike – Approachable power, neighborhood guy with leadership
• Tom – Straightforward classic, works for farm or city
• Jim – All-American simplicity meets hard-work ethic
• Bob – Cheerful reliability, your dad’s dependable buddy
• Ed – Solid and steady as bedrock
• Dan – Dependable strength in three letters
• Sam – Friendly wisdom, Uncle Sam’s personal appeal
• Max – Maximum cool in minimum letters
• Gus – Rugged charm, factory floor foreman
• Hank – Country strength meets urban grit
• Pete – Rock-solid friend energy
• Vince – Working-class cool, Brooklyn corners
• Lou – Jazz club regular, boxing gym legend
• Bud – Brotherly appeal, best friend material
• Red – Nickname with character (hair color or personality)
• Dutch – Immigrant strength, melting pot pride
• Ace – Aviation-age cool, WWI flying ace legacy
• Cy – Baseball diamond legend (Cy Young precursor)
• Babe – Ruth-era sports hero (yes, legal first name)
• Ty – Ty Cobb-era athletic excellence
• Wally – Neighborhood friend, corner store regular
• Archie – Comic strip charm meets real-world friendliness
• Bernie – Friendly neighborhood presence
• Artie – Big band member cool
• Barney – Dependable pal, tavern regular
• Bennie – Musical friend with upbeat energy
• Burt – Rugged reliability, no frills needed
• Calvin – Presidential simplicity (Coolidge era)
• Clyde – Solid working name (Bonnie’s partner aside)
• Dale – Valley dweller strength, rural roots
• Dewey – Library system sophistication meets common man
• Duane – Dark strength, Irish-American working class
• Dwight – Eisenhower-era reliability (born 1890, rising 1920s)
• Eddie – Vaudeville charm, entertainment hustle
• Ernie – Friendly giant, neighborhood cornerstone
• Floyd – Welsh strength, barber shop regular
• Grover – Presidential solid (Cleveland legacy)
• Hal – Hollywood short form with everyman appeal
• Harvey – Theatrical dignity meets rabbit-sized heart
• Homer – Literary everyman, Greek epic grounded
• Jake – Frontier strength moved to factory
• Jesse – Outlaw romance (James legacy) reformed
• Lyle – Island strength, Scandinavian roots
• Merle – Blackbird uniqueness, French countryside
• Myron – Fragrant strength (means “myrrh”)
• Otto – German-American solid, immigrant success
• Otis – Elevator innovation namesake (Elisha Otis legacy)

I get it—these names might seem too simple at first glance. But here’s the thing: they carried their grandfathers through Prohibition, the Great Depression, and the building of modern America. That’s not simplicity—that’s substance.

Nickname Names: Spirited Short Forms

Here’s where the 1920s got really interesting—parents started giving nickname forms as legal first names. Why wait for formal-to-casual progression when you could just start with the friendly version? These standalone nicknames became official birth certificate entries.

• Buddy – Friendship personified, legal name choice
• Billy – Wild West charm moved to city streets
• Bobby – Youthful energy that never grows old
• Charlie – Chaplin-era appeal, tramp to leading man
• Danny – Irish-American spirit, boxing ring to Broadway
• Davey – Slingshot hero (Crockett legacy continued)
• Dickie – Playful vintage with British flair
• Donnie – Scottish charm in diminutive form
• Eddy – Current of energy, forward momentum
• Ernie – Friendly warmth (Sesame Street decades away)
• Freddy – Friendly ghost appeal generations before Casper
• Georgie – Nursery rhyme charm (“Georgie Porgie”)
• Harry – Magical decades before Potter made it wizard
• Jackie – Jackie Coogan child star era (1920s sensation)
• Jerry – Mouse-and-man pairing not yet imagined
• Jimmy – Durante beginning his legendary career
• Johnny – Johnny Appleseed legend continuing
• Kenny – South Park progenitor by many decades
• Larry – Three Stooges era beginning to form
• Lenny – Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men character precursor
• Mickey – Mouse debut 1928 changed everything for this name
• Mikey – Life cereal kid decades in future
• Nicky – Dapper diminutive with Italian flair
• Ollie – Laurel and Hardy era comedy
• Paulie – Italian-American neighborhood charm
• Ralphie – Christmas Story ancestor by 50+ years
• Richie – Rich Little precursor, variety show future
• Robbie – Burns poetry spirit in youthful form
• Ronnie – Reagan youth era (born 1911)
• Sammy – Sammy Davis Jr. childhood, future legend
• Sonny – Sunshine boy, eternal optimism
• Stevie – Wonder years before Stevie was born
• Teddy – Roosevelt legacy continuing strong
• Terry – Gender-neutral classic before that was trendy
• Timmy – Lassie’s future friend lineage established
• Tommy – Doughboy returns from WWI
• Tony – Tough guy appeal, streetwise charm
• Vinny – Brooklyn roots, Italian neighborhood
• Wally – Leave it to Beaver ancestor by decades
• Willie – Nelson family tradition starting
• Alfie – British charm import to America
• Archie – Comic debut 1941, but name established earlier
• Barnie – Purple dinosaur decades in future
• Bertie – Wooster elegance in nickname form
• Chuckie – Doll horror distant future, innocent 1920s
• Donny – Osmond family tradition beginning
• Frankie – Crooner name origins (Sinatra born 1915)
• Joey – Tribbiani family lineage far in future
• Marty – McFly ancestor naming pattern
• Ricky – Ricardo precursor (I Love Lucy 30 years away)

You won’t believe this, but parents giving these nickname-names were actually revolutionaries. They were saying, “Why should my kid have to earn the friendly version? Let’s start there!”

Distinguished Doubles: Two-Syllable Treasures

Perfect rhythm and balance—these two-syllable names have a musical quality that makes them memorable without being overwhelming. They photograph beautifully on birth announcements and sound professional on business cards.

• Warren – Presidential distinction with investment appeal
• Morgan – Welsh wizard (Arthurian Morgan le Fay heritage)
• Barrett – Bear strength in refined package
• Bennett – Blessed one, ecclesiastical charm
• Emmett – Universal truth, English strength
• Garrett – Spear strength, Irish warrior
• Jarrett – Spear brave, Norman heritage
• Preston – Priest’s town, English geography
• Nelson – Champion son, victory inherent
• Wilson – Will’s son, presidential legacy
• Carson – Marsh dweller, Scottish roots
• Dawson – David’s son, patronymic tradition
• Lawson – Lawrence’s son, occupational tie
• Bryson – Bryce’s son, Celtic heritage
• Tyson – Firebrand, burning intensity
• Colton – Coal town, industrial America
• Dalton – Valley town, English countryside
• Milton – Mill town, literary genius
• Newton – New town, scientific innovation
• Paxton – Peace town, peaceful settlement
• Remington – Raven estate, typewriter association
• Sheldon – Steep valley, English protection
• Vernon – Alder grove, French nature
• Waylon – Land by road, wayfarer’s name
• Wesley – Western meadow, Methodist heritage
• Camden – Winding valley, English geography
• Hudson – Hugh’s son, river explorer
• Porter – Gatekeeper, occupational strength
• Booker – Scribe strength, book maker
• Cooper – Barrel maker, craft tradition
• Harper – Harp player, musical artistry
• Hunter – Game pursuer, frontier provider
• Parker – Park keeper, guardian role
• Sawyer – Wood cutter, frontier profession
• Spencer – Steward/dispenser, household manager
• Tucker – Fabric fuller, cloth finisher
• Walker – Cloth walker, textile worker
• Carter – Cart driver, transportation essential
• Mason – Stone worker, builder heritage
• Miller – Grain grinder, community essential
• Taylor – Tailor strength, clothes maker
• Archer – Bowman skill, medieval warrior
• Baker – Bread maker, village necessity
• Fisher – Fisherman, coastal provider
• Granger – Farm bailiff, agricultural overseer
• Thatcher – Roof thatcher, craftsman specialty
• Turner – Lathe worker, wood craftsman
• Webster – Weaver, cloth maker
• Wheeler – Wheel maker, essential craft
• Brewer – Beer maker, tavern tradition

Speaking of sophistication—these occupational surnames-as-first-names were cutting edge in the 1920s. Now they’re everywhere, but back then? Revolutionary naming choice.

Heritage Names: Immigrant Influences

Ellis Island records show that the 1920s was when America truly became a melting pot of naming traditions. Many immigrant families “Americanized” their traditional names—Giuseppe became Joseph, Giovanni became John—but plenty kept their beautiful heritage names, creating this rich tapestry. Here are authentic ethnic names that were given to 1920s American boys:

• Giovanni – Italian John, elegant and romantic
• Antonio – Italian Anthony, saint and strength
• Giuseppe – Italian Joseph, biblical Italian
• Marco – Italian Mark, Polo explorer spirit
• Vincenzo – Italian Vincent, conquering charm
• Salvatore – Italian savior, protective strength
• Rocco – Italian rest, saint’s fortress
• Enzo – Italian ruler, shortened Lorenzo/Vincenzo
• Carlo – Italian Charles, royal Italian
• Sergio – Italian attendant, Roman heritage
• Seamus – Irish James, Gaelic authenticity
• Padraig – Irish Patrick, patron saint
• Eamon – Irish Edmund, wealthy protector
• Declan – Irish man of prayer, saint’s name
• Ciaran – Irish dark one, ancient Irish
• Brendan – Irish prince, navigator saint
• Finnegan – Irish fair one, literary appeal
• Sullivan – Irish dark-eyed one, surname-first
• Callahan – Irish bright-headed one, clan name
• Donal – Irish world ruler, Gaelic Donald
• Klaus – German Nicholas, Santa Claus heritage
• Wilhelm – German William, kaiser legacy
• Friedrich – German Frederick, peaceful ruler
• Heinrich – German Henry, home ruler
• Gunther – German warrior, bold strength
• Werner – German defending army, protector
• Dieter – German people’s ruler, warrior
• Rolf – German wolf, animal strength
• Helmut – German brave protector, helmet
• Ludwig – German famous warrior, Beethoven namesake
• Stanislaw – Polish glory stands, national pride
• Tadeusz – Polish Thaddeus, courage heart
• Kazimierz – Polish peace proclaimer, royal name
• Wojciech – Polish war joy, warrior name
• Janusz – Polish Janus, two-faced god
• Piotr – Polish Peter, rock foundation
• Mikolaj – Polish Nicholas, gift bringer
• Tomasz – Polish Thomas, twin strength
• Marek – Polish Mark, warlike defender
• Andrzej – Polish Andrew, manly warrior
• Lars – Scandinavian Lawrence, laurel crowned
• Sven – Scandinavian young man/warrior, Viking strength
• Nils – Scandinavian Nicholas, people’s victory
• Anders – Scandinavian Andrew, masculine
• Erik – Scandinavian eternal ruler, Viking king
• Olaf – Scandinavian ancestor’s relic, Norwegian royal
• Magnus – Scandinavian great one, Latin borrowed
• Bjorn – Scandinavian bear, animal totem
• Gunnar – Scandinavian warrior, bold soldier
• Thor – Scandinavian thunder god, hammer wielder

Listen, this is my favorite section because these names represent something beautiful—families keeping their heritage alive while building American dreams. That Giuseppe who became a factory foreman? That Seamus who became a police officer? That Lars who opened a bakery? Their names carried the old country into the new world.

Why 1920s Boy Names Are Dominating

Here’s what’s wild about this vintage name comeback—it’s not just a passing trend. The numbers tell an incredible story.

According to the Social Security Administration’s historical data, names like Theodore, Henry, and Walter have surged 150-300% in popularity since 2020. Theodore alone jumped from #44 to #10 in just five years. That’s not a gradual climb—that’s a revolution. Pinterest reports a 412% increase in searches for “vintage boy names 1920s” between 2023-2025, while Instagram’s #VintageBabyNames hashtag has accumulated over 2.8 million posts. Parents aren’t just dabbling in vintage—they’re diving in headfirst.

But here’s the thing—the 1920s wasn’t just any decade. It represented America’s first truly modern era. The Jazz Age brought cultural revolution, women’s suffrage, economic prosperity, and a brand-new optimism about the future. All of that got reflected in the confident, sophisticated names parents chose. These weren’t the stuffy, overwrought Victorian names of the previous generation. They were accessible yet distinguished, strong yet friendly—exactly what today’s parents are seeking.

The 1920s naming landscape was shaped by massive immigration waves bringing Italian, Irish, German, and Polish influences. Hollywood’s golden age was just beginning, and families were shifting away from overly formal names toward choices that could work for both the farm and the city, the factory and the office. Get this—between 1920-1929, nearly 1 in 20 American boys was named Robert.

That means if you walked into a 1925 classroom, you’d probably find at least two Roberts. Wild, right? That kind of naming confidence and consensus feels refreshing in our modern era of infinite choice overload.

How to Choose the Perfect 1920s Name for Your Boy

After swimming through 300+ names, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed. Trust me, I get it. Here’s how to narrow down your perfect vintage choice:

1. Test the Playground Test

Imagine calling this name across a crowded park. Does it feel natural rolling off your tongue?

Can it be easily heard and understood? Names like Walter and Henry pass this test beautifully—they’re strong enough to project, classic enough to fit any age from toddler to grandpa.

I learned this the hard way when a friend chose an obscure 1920s name that nobody could pronounce at the pediatrician’s office. Don’t be that parent.

2. Consider Nickname Flexibility

Most 1920s names offer multiple nickname options, which is honestly genius. Theodore becomes Teddy, Theo, or Ted. James shifts to Jim, Jimmy, or Jamie.

This versatility lets your child choose their own identity as they grow.

Maybe he’s Teddy in preschool, Theodore in high school debate team, and Theo when he starts his tech company. The name grows with him.

3. Honor Family Heritage Authentically

Here’s the thing—digging through your family tree is like discovering treasure. Research your genealogy on websites like Ancestry.com or FamilySearch. Using a great-grandfather’s authentic 1920s name creates meaningful connection.

Bonus: you’ll have real family stories to share about the name’s history. “You’re named after your great-great-grandfather Walter, who built houses during the day and played trumpet in speakeasies at night.” Now that’s a legacy.

4. Check the Initials and Full Name Flow

Picture this: you’ve chosen the perfect 1920s name, and then you write out the full name with your surname and realize the initials spell something unfortunate. Write out the complete name. Say it aloud multiple times.

Avoid unfortunate acronyms (example: Andrew Samuel Smith = A.S.S.). Ensure good rhythm—typically, different syllable counts work best. A two-syllable first name paired with a three-syllable surname sounds more balanced than matching syllables.

5. Research Modern Associations

While vintage names are trendy, you need to check current pop culture. A quick Google search ensures your chosen 1920s name hasn’t been claimed by a recent villain, scandal, or meme that might cause childhood teasing.

Oscar is lovely, but if there’s currently an Oscar trending for terrible reasons, maybe bookmark it for later. The name will outlast the scandal, but why deal with kindergarten questions?

6. Future-Proof the Professional Test

Close your eyes and picture “Dr. [Name]” or “Professor [Name]” or “[Name], CEO” on a business card. Does it command respect? The beauty of 1920s names is they typically excel here—they carry gravitas and professionalism across all career paths.

Whether your son becomes a tradesman, teacher, tech founder, or trauma surgeon, names like Theodore, Walter, or Vincent work beautifully. That’s not true of every naming trend (looking at you, 1990s creative spellings).

Final Thoughts: The Timeless Appeal of Jazz Age Names

So here’s the beautiful thing about 1920s names—they’ve already proven their staying power. They survived the Depression, World War II, the Space Age, the Digital Revolution, and they’re still here, still stylish, still sophisticated.

The Social Security Administration reports that 23 of the top 50 boys’ names from 1920 have returned to the top 200 in 2024-2025. That’s not coincidence—that’s collective recognition of quality. These names carry the optimism of the Jazz Age, the strength of immigrant determination, the sophistication of America’s first modern decade. They work equally well on birth announcements and law firm letterhead, on kindergarten cubbies and college applications.

What I love most is how these names connect generations. Every time I hear a toddler named Theodore or Walter or Vincent, I think about the original bearers of those names—men who witnessed the birth of aviation, the rise of cinema, the transformation of America from agricultural to industrial. Now their names grace a new generation who’ll witness equally transformative changes we can’t even imagine yet.

Whether you’re choosing a name for your son, crafting a character for your period novel, or simply appreciating the artistry of vintage naming, the 1920s offers an embarrassment of riches. From presidential Theodore to everyman Joe, from sophisticated Fitzgerald to working-class Frank, from Italian Giovanni to Irish Seamus—this decade gave us naming gold.

Which 1920s name made your shortlist? Drop a comment with your favorite—I love hearing which vintage gems resonate with today’s parents! And if you’re still exploring, check out our collections of vintage boy names or old money boy names for more timeless inspiration. For broader classic options, explore our traditional boy names and classic boy names collections.

The Roaring Twenties are roaring back, and honestly? I’m here for every sophisticated, time-tested moment of this vintage revival.