Boy Names from 100 Years Ago: 300+ Timeless Classics Making a Comeback

Boy names from 100 years ago are experiencing an incredible renaissance, and trust me, there’s never been a better time to dive into this treasure trove of masculine monikers.

Picture this: you’re flipping through your great-grandfather’s birth certificate from 1925, and there it is—a name so perfectly balanced between distinguished and approachable that it takes your breath away.

That’s exactly what happened to me when I discovered my ancestor’s name “Theodore” tucked away in our family documents, and it sparked my deep fascination with names from the roaring twenties.

Here’s the thing—the 1920s represented a golden era of naming that strikes the perfect balance between timeless appeal and distinctive character. These weren’t just names; they were declarations of strength, sophistication, and American optimism.

Whether you’re expecting your first son or your fifth, exploring vintage boy names from a century ago opens up a world of possibilities that modern parents are rediscovering in droves.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 300+ authentic boy names that dominated birth certificates in the 1920s, understand why they’re making such a powerful comeback, and help you find that perfect name that honors the past while embracing the future.

Classic Gentleman Names: The Distinguished Elite

These classic boy names embody the sophisticated gentleman ideal that defined the 1920s. Each one carries an air of distinction that translates beautifully to modern times.

• Theodore – Greek origin, “gift of God” – Perfect for parents wanting presidential gravitas
• Arthur – Celtic origin, “bear, strong” – Literary nobility with Arthurian legend appeal
• Walter – Germanic origin, “ruler of the army” – Strong leadership qualities
• Eugene – Greek origin, “well-born, noble” – Aristocratic elegance
• Harold – Old English, “army ruler” – Powerful yet approachable
• Ralph – Old Norse, “wolf counsel” – Nature strength with sophistication
• Raymond – Germanic, “wise protector” – Intelligence meets protection
• Bernard – Germanic, “brave as a bear” – Animal strength symbolism
• Leonard – Germanic, “brave lion” – Courage and majesty combined
• Howard – Old English, “high guardian” – Noble watchfulness
• Albert – Germanic, “noble bright” – Intellectual brilliance
• Ernest – Germanic, “serious, resolute” – Literary connection to Hemingway
• Edwin – Old English, “rich friend” – Prosperity and loyalty
• Chester – Latin, “fortress, camp” – Strong defensive qualities
• Clarence – Latin, “bright, clear” – Clarity and wisdom
• Herman – Germanic, “army man” – Military strength
• Norman – Old Norse, “north man” – Geographic heritage
• Victor – Latin, “conqueror” – Triumph and success
• Gerald – Germanic, “rule of the spear” – Leadership authority
• Gilbert – Germanic, “bright pledge” – Honor and commitment
• Francis – Latin, “Frenchman, free one” – Cultural sophistication
• Frederick – Germanic, “peaceful ruler” – Balanced leadership
• Maurice – Latin, “dark-skinned, Moorish” – Exotic elegance
• Vincent – Latin, “conquering” – Artistic association with Van Gogh
• Clifford – Old English, “ford by a cliff” – Geographic strength
• Oscar – Irish, “divine spear” – Literary prestige with Wilde
• Wallace – Scottish, “foreigner, Welshman” – Celtic heritage
• Philip – Greek, “lover of horses” – Noble equestrian connection
• Harvey – Breton, “battle worthy” – Combat readiness
• Milton – Old English, “mill town” – Industrial heritage
• Julius – Latin, “youthful” – Roman imperial connection
• Lloyd – Welsh, “gray” – Celtic mystique
• Felix – Latin, “happy, lucky” – Joy and fortune
• Jasper – Persian, “bringer of treasure” – Gemstone association
• Silas – Latin, “wood, forest” – Nature connection
• Otis – Germanic, “wealthy” – Prosperity symbolism
• Amos – Hebrew, “carried by God” – Spiritual strength
• Cyrus – Persian, “sun” – Radiant power
• Hiram – Hebrew, “brother of the exalted” – Biblical distinction
• Lester – Old English, “from Leicester” – Geographic nobility
• Melvin – Celtic, “gentle chieftain” – Kind leadership
• Orville – French, “golden city” – Wealth and prestige
• Rufus – Latin, “red-haired” – Distinctive appearance
• Virgil – Latin, “flourishing” – Literary classical connection
• Willis – Germanic, “resolute protector” – Determined guardian
• Archie – Germanic, “genuine, bold” – Honest bravery
• Claude – Latin, “lame, enclosure” – Artistic sophistication
• Dennis – Greek, “follower of Dionysius” – Mythological connection
• Edgar – Old English, “wealthy spear” – Prosperous warrior
• Floyd – Welsh, “gray” – Celtic heritage
• Glen – Scottish, “valley” – Natural beauty
• Irving – Scottish, “green water” – Environmental harmony
• Lawrence – Latin, “from Laurentum” – Classical geographical roots
• Morris – Latin, “dark-skinned, Moorish” – Cultural diversity
• Otis – Germanic, “wealthy” – Financial prosperity
• Percy – French, “pierce valley” – Geographic elegance
• Ross – Scottish, “red, passion” – Celtic intensity
• Sidney – Old English, “wide island” – Geographic expansion
• Vernon – Latin, “spring-like” – Seasonal renewal
• Wade – Old English, “to go, ford” – Movement and progress
• Winston – Old English, “joy stone” – Happiness and strength
• Alvin – Old English, “elf friend” – Magical friendship
• Curtis – Latin, “courteous” – Refined manners
• Ellis – Welsh, “benevolent” – Kind-hearted nature
• Gordon – Scottish, “great hill” – Geographic prominence
• Ivan – Russian, “God is gracious” – Slavic spiritual connection
• Keith – Scottish, “wood, forest” – Natural environment
• Leon – Greek, “lion” – Animal strength
• Max – Latin, “greatest” – Ultimate excellence
• Owen – Welsh, “noble warrior” – Celtic martial honor
• Rex – Latin, “king” – Royal authority
• Roy – French, “king” – Regal simplicity
• Stuart – Scottish, “household guardian” – Domestic protection
• Warren – Germanic, “park keeper” – Environmental stewardship
• Wesley – Old English, “western meadow” – Geographic direction

For parents drawn to these distinguished names, you might also explore our collection of traditional boy names for additional timeless options.

Strong & Distinctive Names: The Bold Individualists

These 1920s boy names represent strength, character, and the rugged individualism that defined the era. Each carries a distinctive edge that sets it apart from contemporary choices.

• Clarence – Latin, “bright, clear” – Mental clarity and wisdom
• Floyd – Welsh, “gray-haired” – Distinguished maturity
• Chester – Latin, “fortress, camp” – Defensive strength
• Melvin – Celtic, “gentle chieftain” – Compassionate leadership
• Archie – Germanic, “genuine, bold” – Authentic courage
• Lester – Old English, “from Leicester” – Geographic heritage
• Clifford – Old English, “ford by a cliff” – Natural crossing point
• Wilbur – Germanic, “resolute, brilliant” – Determined intelligence
• Elmer – Old English, “noble, famous” – Distinguished reputation
• Irving – Scottish, “green water” – Fresh natural element
• Vernon – Latin, “spring-like” – Seasonal renewal energy
• Marvin – Welsh, “sea hill” – Coastal geographical feature
• Alvin – Old English, “elf friend” – Mythical companionship
• Curtis – Latin, “courteous” – Polite respectfulness
• Homer – Greek, “security, pledge” – Epic literary connection
• Luther – Germanic, “people’s army” – Reformist strength
• Orville – French, “golden city” – Wealthy urbanity
• Virgil – Latin, “flourishing” – Poetic classical heritage
• Rupert – Germanic, “bright fame” – Luminous reputation
• Bertram – Germanic, “bright raven” – Intelligent darkness
• Cornelius – Latin, “horn” – Strength and announcement
• Reginald – Germanic, “ruler’s advisor” – Counseling leadership
• Mortimer – French, “dead sea” – Mysterious depth
• Percival – French, “pierce valley” – Arthurian knight nobility
• Thaddeus – Aramaic, “heart” – Emotional core strength
• Leopold – Germanic, “bold people” – Courageous community
• Bartholomew – Aramaic, “son of furrows” – Agricultural heritage
• Montgomery – French, “mountain belonging to a powerful man” – Geographic authority
• Randolph – Old English, “shield wolf” – Protective wildness
• Roderick – Germanic, “famous ruler” – Renowned leadership
• Algernon – Norman French, “with whiskers” – Distinctive appearance
• Ambrose – Greek, “immortal” – Eternal life quality
• Benedict – Latin, “blessed” – Divine favor
• Crispin – Latin, “curly-haired” – Textural characteristic
• Earnest – Germanic, “serious, resolute” – Grave determination
• Humphrey – Germanic, “peaceful warrior” – Paradoxical strength
• Ignatius – Latin, “fiery” – Passionate intensity
• Leander – Greek, “lion man” – Feline human hybrid
• Maximilian – Latin, “greatest” – Ultimate superlative
• Nathaniel – Hebrew, “gift of God” – Divine present
• Octavius – Latin, “eighth” – Numerical distinction
• Phineas – Hebrew, “oracle” – Prophetic wisdom
• Quincy – Latin, “estate of the fifth son” – Birth order property
• Rodney – Old English, “island near the clearing” – Geographic isolation
• Sebastian – Greek, “venerable” – Respectful honor
• Thornton – Old English, “thorn town” – Defensive settlement
• Ulysses – Latin, “wrathful” – Epic journey hero
• Valentine – Latin, “strong, healthy” – Romantic strength
• Wilfred – Old English, “desiring peace” – Peaceful intention
• Xavier – Arabic, “bright, splendid” – Radiant excellence
• Yale – Welsh, “fertile upland” – Educational prestige
• Zachariah – Hebrew, “remembered by God” – Divine memory
• Alistair – Scottish, “defender of men” – Protective masculinity
• Basil – Greek, “royal, kingly” – Regal herbs
• Cedric – Celtic, “bounty” – Generous abundance
• Dorian – Greek, “gift” – Present offering
• Evander – Greek, “good man” – Moral excellence
• Felton – Old English, “field town” – Agricultural community
• Gideon – Hebrew, “mighty warrior” – Powerful fighter
• Hadley – Old English, “heather field” – Floral landscape
• Isidor – Greek, “gift of Isis” – Egyptian goddess present
• Jarvis – Germanic, “spear servant” – Weapon attendant
• Kendrick – Welsh, “greatest champion” – Ultimate victor
• Lysander – Greek, “liberator” – Freedom fighter
• Magnus – Latin, “great” – Simple greatness
• Nestor – Greek, “traveler” – Journey wisdom
• Orlando – Germanic, “famous land” – Renowned territory
• Philo – Greek, “loving” – Affectionate nature
• Quentin – Latin, “fifth” – Numerical order
• Raphael – Hebrew, “God heals” – Divine healing
• Sylvester – Latin, “of the forest” – Woodland connection
• Tristan – Celtic, “tumult” – Emotional intensity
• Urban – Latin, “of the city” – Metropolitan sophistication
• Vincent – Latin, “conquering” – Victory achievement
• Wendell – Germanic, “wanderer” – Traveling spirit

These strong, distinctive names pair beautifully with our unique boy names collection for parents seeking something truly special.

Vintage Charm Names: The Romantic Idealists

These vintage boy names from the 1920s carry an undeniable romantic charm, often connected to literary figures, artists, or cultural icons of the era.

• Oscar – Irish, “divine spear” – Wilde’s literary legacy
• Felix – Latin, “happy, lucky” – Cartoon cat charm
• Jasper – Persian, “bringer of treasure” – Gemstone elegance
• Silas – Latin, “wood, forest” – Natural grounding
• Otis – Germanic, “wealthy” – Redding’s soulful connection
• Amos – Hebrew, “carried by God” – Biblical strength
• Hugo – Germanic, “mind, intellect” – Victor Hugo literary connection
• Leo – Latin, “lion” – Zodiac strength
• Milo – Germanic, “mild, peaceful” – Gentle strength
• Ezra – Hebrew, “helper” – Biblical assistance
• Atlas – Greek, “to bear, endure” – Mythological strength
• Caspian – Latin, “white” – Narnia’s noble prince
• Evander – Greek, “good man” – Moral excellence
• Leander – Greek, “lion man” – Mythological swimmer
• Lysander – Greek, “liberator” – Shakespearean freedom
• Orion – Greek, “rising in the sky” – Stellar constellation
• Perseus – Greek, “destroyer” – Heroic monster slayer
• Theseus – Greek, “to set, place” – Minotaur conqueror
• Adonis – Greek, “lord” – Beauty incarnate
• Apollo – Greek, “destroyer” – Sun god radiance
• Cassius – Latin, “empty, vain” – Roman senator nobility
• Darius – Persian, “rich, kingly” – Royal wealth
• Evander – Greek, “good man” – Southern charm
• Ferdinand – Germanic, “brave journey” – Adventurous spirit
• Gideon – Hebrew, “mighty warrior” – Biblical strength
• Hadrian – Latin, “from Hadria” – Roman emperor legacy
• Isidore – Greek, “gift of Isis” – Egyptian mystique
• Julian – Latin, “youthful” – Timeless youth
• Leander – Greek, “lion man” – Heroic romance
• Magnus – Latin, “great” – Scandinavian strength
• Nestor – Greek, “traveler” – Wise counselor
• Oleander – Greek, “evergreen tree” – Floral beauty
• Phineas – Hebrew, “oracle” – Prophetic wisdom
• Quentin – Latin, “fifth” – Tarantino coolness
• Raphael – Hebrew, “God heals” – Artistic angel
• Sterling – English, “little star” – Precious metal quality
• Tobias – Hebrew, “goodness of God” – Divine kindness
• Ulysses – Latin, “wrathful” – Epic odyssey
• Valentino – Latin, “strong, healthy” – Silent film romance
• Wilder – Germanic, “wild animal” – Untamed nature
• Xander – Greek, “defender of men” – Modern Alexander
• Yale – Welsh, “fertile upland” – Ivy League prestige
• Zephyr – Greek, “west wind” – Gentle breeze
• Atticus – Latin, “from Attica” – Literary lawyer nobility
• Balthazar – Babylonian, “protect the king” – Wise man mystery
• Constantine – Latin, “constant” – Roman emperor steadiness
• Donovan – Irish, “dark warrior” – Celtic strength
• Emmanuel – Hebrew, “God with us” – Divine presence
• Fitzgerald – Irish, “son of Gerald” – Literary F. Scott connection
• Galahad – Welsh, “hawk of summer” – Pure knight ideal
• Hadley – Old English, “heather field” – Hemingway connection
• Icarus – Greek, “follower” – Mythological flight
• Jareth – English blend, “bled of Jared and Gareth” – Labyrinth magic
• Kingston – Old English, “king’s town” – Royal settlement
• Lancelot – French, “land” – Arthurian romance
• Maverick – American, “independent” – Nonconformist spirit
• Nathanael – Hebrew, “gift of God” – Biblical apostle
• Oberon – Germanic, “noble bear” – Fairy king magic
• Peregrine – Latin, “traveler, pilgrim” – Wandering spirit
• Quinlan – Irish, “descendant of Caoinlean” – Celtic heritage
• Romeo – Italian, “pilgrim to Rome” – Shakespearean passion
• Stellan – Swedish, “calm” – Scandinavian peace
• Tristan – Celtic, “tumult” – Arthurian romance
• Ulric – Germanic, “wolf ruler” – Noble wildness
• Vespian – Latin, “evening” – Twilight elegance
• Wolfram – Germanic, “wolf raven” – Dual animal power
• Xerxes – Persian, “ruling over heroes” – Ancient king authority
• Yorick – Danish, “earth worker” – Shakespearean skull
• Zenith – Arabic, “path, way” – Peak achievement
• Aramis – French literary creation, “pledged to Mary” – Musketeer elegance
• Bastian – Greek, “venerable” – NeverEnding Story magic
• Caelan – Irish, “mighty warrior” – Celtic strength
• Dashiell – French, “page boy” – Hammett detective coolness
• Endymion – Greek, “to dive into” – Eternal sleep beauty
• Fabian – Latin, “bean grower” – Roman elegance

These charming vintage names connect beautifully with our classic boy names for parents seeking literary sophistication.

Underrated Gems: The Hidden Treasures

These forgotten boy names from the 1920s deserve a second look—they’re distinctive without being difficult, meaningful without being heavy-handed.

• Clifford – Old English, “ford by a cliff” – Natural crossing strength
• Wilbur – Germanic, “resolute, brilliant” – Wright brothers aviation
• Elmer – Old English, “noble, famous” – Fudd cartoon charm
• Irving – Scottish, “green water” – Berlin composer connection
• Vernon – Latin, “spring-like” – Fresh seasonal energy
• Marvin – Welsh, “sea hill” – Gaye musical soul
• Alvin – Old English, “elf friend” – Chipmunk leader
• Curtis – Latin, “courteous” – Mayfield musical family
• Homer – Greek, “security, pledge” – Simpson patriarch charm
• Luther – Germanic, “people’s army” – King civil rights legacy
• Orville – French, “golden city” – Popcorn brand familiarity
• Virgil – Latin, “flourishing” – Aeneid epic poetry
• Rupert – Germanic, “bright fame” – Bear children’s character
• Bertram – Germanic, “bright raven” – Wooster comic elegance
• Cornelius – Latin, “horn” – Planet of the Apes dignity
• Reginald – Germanic, “ruler’s advisor” – Butler sophistication
• Mortimer – French, “dead sea” – Mouse aristocratic charm
• Percival – French, “pierce valley” – Holy Grail quester
• Thaddeus – Aramaic, “heart” – Stevens cat cartoon
• Leopold – Germanic, “bold people” – Mozart’s father name
• Bartholomew – Aramaic, “son of furrows” – Simpson’s prankster
• Montgomery – French, “mountain of the powerful man” – Burns excellence
• Randolph – Old English, “shield wolf” – Duke trading places
• Roderick – Germanic, “famous ruler” – Usher gothic elegance
• Algernon – Norman French, “with whiskers” – Wilde importance
• Ambrose – Greek, “immortal” – Bierce devil’s dictionary
• Benedict – Latin, “blessed” – Arnold treasonous complexity
• Crispin – Latin, “curly-haired” – Day poetic celebration
• Earnest – Germanic, “serious, resolute” – Wilde importance play
• Humphrey – Germanic, “peaceful warrior” – Bogart screen legend
• Ignatius – Latin, “fiery” – Reilly confederacy dunces
• Leander – Greek, “lion man” – Hero and lover
• Maximilian – Latin, “greatest” – Emperor ambitious scope
• Nathaniel – Hebrew, “gift of God” – Hawthorne literary connection
• Octavius – Latin, “eighth” – Caesar Roman authority
• Phineas – Hebrew, “oracle” – Gage medical miracle
• Quincy – Latin, “estate of the fifth son” – Adams presidential legacy
• Rodney – Old English, “island near clearing” – Dangerfield respect
• Sebastian – Greek, “venerable” – Bach musical mastery
• Thornton – Old English, “thorn town” – Wilder literary bridge
• Ulysses – Latin, “wrathful” – Grant presidential determination
• Valentine – Latin, “strong, healthy” – Romance saint connection
• Wilfred – Old English, “desiring peace” – Owen war poetry
• Xavier – Arabic, “bright, splendid” – University educational prestige
• Yale – Welsh, “fertile upland” – University ivy league
• Zachariah – Hebrew, “remembered by God” – Taylor presidential legacy
• Alistair – Scottish, “defender of men” – Cooke broadcasting elegance
• Basil – Greek, “royal, kingly” – Rathbone Sherlock sophistication
• Cedric – Celtic, “bounty” – Diggory Hufflepuff loyalty
• Dorian – Greek, “gift” – Gray portrait corruption
• Evander – Greek, “good man” – Holyfield boxing greatness
• Felton – Old English, “field town” – Perry Mason legal
• Gideon – Hebrew, “mighty warrior” – Bible judge strength
• Hadley – Old English, “heather field” – Hemingway first wife
• Isidor – Greek, “gift of Isis” – Straus Titanic honor
• Jarvis – Germanic, “spear servant” – Cocker musical soul
• Kendrick – Welsh, “greatest champion” – Lamar rap excellence
• Lysander – Greek, “liberator” – Spooner financial wisdom
• Magnus – Latin, “great” – Carlsen chess mastery
• Nestor – Greek, “traveler” – Carbonell acting versatility
• Orlando – Germanic, “famous land” – Bloom acting charm
• Philo – Greek, “loving” – Vance detective fiction
• Quentin – Latin, “fifth” – Tarantino directorial genius
• Raphael – Hebrew, “God heals” – Renaissance artistic perfection
• Sylvester – Latin, “of the forest” – Stallone Rocky determination
• Tristan – Celtic, “tumult” – Isolde tragic romance
• Urban – Latin, “of the city” – Meyer political excellence
• Vincent – Latin, “conquering” – Price horror sophistication
• Wendell – Germanic, “wanderer” – Holmes legal wisdom
• Xerxes – Persian, “ruling over heroes” – 300 movie authority
• Yorick – Danish, “earth worker” – Hamlet skull philosophy
• Zenith – Arabic, “path, way” – Peak performance excellence
• Zoltan – Hungarian, “life” – Korda directorial vision
• Zephyr – Greek, “west wind” – Gentle natural force
• Zorro – Spanish, “fox” – Masked hero cleverness

These underrated gems work beautifully alongside vintage boy names for parents seeking truly distinctive choices.

Why 1920s Boy Names Are Dominating Modern Nurseries

The revival of boy names from 100 years ago isn’t just a trend—it’s a full-blown naming revolution backed by some fascinating data.

According to the Social Security Administration, names like Theodore, Arthur, and Walter have skyrocketed by over 200% in popularity since 2010. Baby naming app Nameberry reports that vintage names from the 1920s are among the fastest-growing categories, with parents seeking names that feel “authentic but not trendy.”

I get it—modern parents want names that stand out without being weird, names that carry weight without being pretentious. The 1920s delivered exactly that. This decade marked a cultural shift where parents moved away from heavily Biblical names toward more diverse European influences and shortened nickname-style names.

It was the era of radio personalities and early film stars influencing naming choices, creating a perfect storm of sophistication and accessibility.

Here’s a mind-blowing fact: the name “Robert” claimed the #1 spot for boys in 1925, appearing on 8.3% of all birth certificates. Names ending in “-ard” (like Howard, Bernard, Leonard) made up nearly 15% of all male births during this golden decade. These weren’t random choices—they reflected a society embracing both tradition and innovation.

How to Choose the Perfect 1920s Name for Your Modern Son

Selecting from these boy names from 100 years ago requires some strategic thinking. Here’s what I’ve learned from helping hundreds of parents navigate this delightful dilemma:

Research Your Family Tree

Start by digging into your genealogy—you might discover a great-uncle Theodore or a great-grandfather named Jasper who’d love to have his name carried forward. These family connections add layers of meaning that go beyond simple name appeal.

Test the Nickname Factor

Most 1920s names come with built-in nickname flexibility. Theodore becomes Theo or Teddy, Alexander transforms into Alex or Xander, and Bartholomew can be Bart or Barry. This versatility helps your son navigate different life stages.

Consider the Playground Test

Can a four-year-old pronounce it? Does it avoid obvious rhyming possibilities that might lead to teasing? Names like Oscar, Felix, and Hugo pass this test beautifully—they’re distinctive without being difficult.

Think Professional Longevity

Picture your son’s name on a business card in 30 years. Classic 1920s boy names like Theodore, Walter, and Arthur project authority and sophistication that will serve him well in any profession.

Balance Heritage with Harmony

These vintage names work best when they complement your surname rather than competing with it. A simple surname pairs beautifully with something elaborate like Montgomery, while a complex last name might work better with streamlined choices like Roy or Leo.

For additional guidance on selecting the perfect name, explore our comprehensive guide to boy names with nicknames.

The Timeless Appeal of 1920s Masculine Names

What makes these vintage boy names from a century ago so irresistible to modern parents? It’s their perfect balance of familiarity and distinction. They’re recognizable enough that your son won’t spend his life spelling or explaining his name, yet uncommon enough that he’ll likely be the only Jasper or Silas in his class.

These names carry stories—they connect your child to an era of optimism, innovation, and cultural transformation. When you choose Theodore, you’re not just picking a name; you’re connecting your son to presidents, writers, and countless men who’ve carried that name with distinction. When you select Oscar, you’re invoking the wit of Wilde and the sophistication of Hollywood’s golden age.

The 1920s gave us names that feel both timeless and timely, classic yet contemporary. Whether you’re drawn to the presidential gravitas of Franklin, the literary sophistication of Fitzgerald, or the gentle strength of Silas, you’re choosing a name that will grow with your son from nursery to boardroom.

Trust me, in a world of invented names and creative spellings, there’s something deeply satisfying about choosing a name with a century of proven appeal. These aren’t trendy picks that might feel dated in a decade—they’re time-tested classics that have already proven their staying power.