200+ Classic Boy Names With Nicknames (Timeless Choices That Never Go Out of Style)

What if I told you that the perfect boy’s name has been waiting in your family tree all along, just needing the right nickname to make it feel fresh again?

When my sister was expecting her son three years ago, she spent months scrolling through trendy name apps before our grandmother pulled out an old photo album. There was great-grandfather Theodore—”Teddy” to everyone who loved him.

That moment changed everything. She realized classic names aren’t boring; they’re timelessly cool, especially when paired with the perfect nickname.

Here’s the thing: classic boy names with nicknames offer something modern names often can’t—versatility. Your son can be “Alexander” on his resume and “Xander” with his friends.

He gets the gravitas of tradition with the freedom to shape his own identity. Trust me, that flexibility matters more than you might think.

In this guide, you’ll discover 200+ classic boy names that have stood the test of time, each paired with nickname options that range from traditional to surprisingly modern.

Whether you’re drawn to William, Alexander, or Benjamin, you’ll find the perfect combination of formal elegance and everyday charm.

Traditional Classic Names

These are the heavy hitters—names with centuries of history and immediately recognizable formal appeal. Each one has weathered trends and remained beloved across generations.

  • AlexanderGreek origin meaning “defender of the people” | Nicknames: Alex, Xander, Lex, Alec, Sander
  • BenjaminHebrew meaning “son of the right hand” | Nicknames: Ben, Benji, Benny, Jamie
  • CharlesGermanic meaning “free man” | Nicknames: Charlie, Chuck, Chas, Chase
  • DanielHebrew meaning “God is my judge” | Nicknames: Dan, Danny, Dane
  • EdwardOld English meaning “wealthy guardian” | Nicknames: Ed, Eddie, Ned, Ted, Teddy
  • FrederickGermanic meaning “peaceful ruler” | Nicknames: Fred, Freddie, Rick, Fritz
  • GeorgeGreek meaning “farmer” | Nicknames: Georgie, Geo
  • HenryGermanic meaning “estate ruler” | Nicknames: Hank, Harry, Hal, Hen
  • IsaacHebrew meaning “laughter” | Nicknames: Ike, Zac, Izzy
  • JamesHebrew meaning “supplanter” | Nicknames: Jim, Jimmy, Jamie, Jay
  • JonathanHebrew meaning “God has given” | Nicknames: Jon, Johnny, Nathan, Jonny
  • KennethScottish meaning “handsome” | Nicknames: Ken, Kenny, Kent
  • LawrenceLatin meaning “from Laurentum” | Nicknames: Larry, Lance, Ren, Lor
  • MatthewHebrew meaning “gift of God” | Nicknames: Matt, Matty, Thew
  • NicholasGreek meaning “victory of the people” | Nicknames: Nick, Nicky, Cole, Nico
  • OliverLatin meaning “olive tree” | Nicknames: Ollie, Oli, Ver
  • PatrickLatin meaning “nobleman” | Nicknames: Pat, Paddy, Rick, Trick
  • RichardGermanic meaning “brave ruler” | Nicknames: Rick, Ricky, Rich, Dick, Dickie
  • SamuelHebrew meaning “heard by God” | Nicknames: Sam, Sammy, Sami
  • TheodoreGreek meaning “gift of God” | Nicknames: Theo, Ted, Teddy, Dory
  • VincentLatin meaning “conquering” | Nicknames: Vince, Vinny, Vin, Cent
  • WilliamGermanic meaning “resolute protector” | Nicknames: Will, Willy, Bill, Billy, Liam
  • AnthonyLatin meaning “priceless one” | Nicknames: Tony, Ant, Tonio
  • ChristopherGreek meaning “bearer of Christ” | Nicknames: Chris, Kit, Topher, Kris
  • DavidHebrew meaning “beloved” | Nicknames: Dave, Davy, Davo
  • GabrielHebrew meaning “God is my strength” | Nicknames: Gabe, Gabby, Riel
  • JosephHebrew meaning “God will increase” | Nicknames: Joe, Joey, Jojo, Seph
  • MichaelHebrew meaning “who is like God” | Nicknames: Mike, Mikey, Mick, Mickey
  • RobertGermanic meaning “bright fame” | Nicknames: Rob, Robbie, Bob, Bobby
  • ThomasAramaic meaning “twin” | Nicknames: Tom, Tommy, Thom
  • AndrewGreek meaning “manly” | Nicknames: Andy, Drew, Dre
  • ArthurCeltic meaning “bear” | Nicknames: Art, Artie, Archie
  • BenedictLatin meaning “blessed” | Nicknames: Ben, Benny, Dict, Ned
  • DominicLatin meaning “belonging to the Lord” | Nicknames: Dom, Nic, Minnie
  • EdmundOld English meaning “wealthy protector” | Nicknames: Ed, Eddie, Ned, Teddy
  • FrancisLatin meaning “Frenchman” | Nicknames: Frank, Frankie, Fran
  • GregoryGreek meaning “watchful” | Nicknames: Greg, Gregg, Ory
  • HaroldNorse meaning “army ruler” | Nicknames: Harry, Hal, Huck
  • LeonardGermanic meaning “brave lion” | Nicknames: Leo, Lenny, Len, Nard
  • MarcusLatin meaning “warlike” | Nicknames: Mark, Marc, Mars, Marco
  • NathanHebrew meaning “he gave” | Nicknames: Nate, Nat, Natie
  • PeterGreek meaning “rock” | Nicknames: Pete, Petey, Pierce
  • RaymondGermanic meaning “wise protector” | Nicknames: Ray, Raymo, Monty
  • SebastianGreek meaning “venerable” | Nicknames: Seb, Bas, Bastian, Ian
  • TimothyGreek meaning “honoring God” | Nicknames: Tim, Timmy, Timo
  • VictorLatin meaning “conqueror” | Nicknames: Vic, Vico, Tor
  • AlbertGermanic meaning “noble and bright” | Nicknames: Al, Albie, Bert, Bertie
  • BernardGermanic meaning “brave bear” | Nicknames: Bernie, Bear, Nard
  • DouglasScottish meaning “dark water” | Nicknames: Doug, Dougie, Dug
  • ErnestGermanic meaning “serious” | Nicknames: Ernie, Ern, Nest

For more inspiration on strong traditional names, explore our guide to strong boy names.

Royal & Regal Classic Names

These names carry aristocratic heritage and distinguished presence. They’re the names of kings, emperors, and leaders throughout history—perfect for parents who want their son to carry himself with confidence.

  • AugustusLatin meaning “great, magnificent” | Nicknames: Gus, Augie, August
  • CasimirSlavic meaning “destroyer of peace” | Nicknames: Caz, Cas, Miro
  • ConstantineLatin meaning “steadfast” | Nicknames: Con, Connie, Stan
  • FerdinandGermanic meaning “bold voyager” | Nicknames: Ferdy, Nan, Nando
  • LeopoldGermanic meaning “brave people” | Nicknames: Leo, Poldi, Old
  • MaximilianLatin meaning “greatest” | Nicknames: Max, Maxi, Milian, Ian
  • ReginaldLatin meaning “counsel power” | Nicknames: Reg, Reggie, Rex, Naldo
  • RupertGermanic meaning “bright fame” | Nicknames: Rupe, Rudy, Bert
  • PercivalFrench meaning “pierce the vale” | Nicknames: Percy, Val, Perce
  • RoderickGermanic meaning “famous ruler” | Nicknames: Rod, Roddy, Rick, Derek
  • CorneliusLatin meaning “horn” | Nicknames: Neil, Corny, Leo, Connie
  • BartholomewAramaic meaning “son of furrows” | Nicknames: Bart, Tolly, Mew, Barry
  • AlastairScottish form of Alexander | Nicknames: Al, Ally, Stair
  • ArchibaldGermanic meaning “genuine, bold” | Nicknames: Archie, Arch, Baldy
  • IgnatiusLatin meaning “fiery one” | Nicknames: Iggy, Nate, Nash
  • HumphreyGermanic meaning “peaceful warrior” | Nicknames: Hump, Humph, Rey
  • ThaddeusAramaic meaning “heart” | Nicknames: Thad, Tad, Teddy
  • AmbroseGreek meaning “immortal” | Nicknames: Brose, Rosey, Amos
  • HoratioLatin meaning “timekeeper” | Nicknames: Harry, Ratio, Ace
  • CedricCeltic meaning “bounty” | Nicknames: Ced, Rick, Cede
  • LysanderGreek meaning “liberator” | Nicknames: Ly, Sandy, Sander
  • TheobaldGermanic meaning “people’s prince” | Nicknames: Theo, Bald, Tibby
  • AlgernonFrench meaning “with a mustache” | Nicknames: Algie, Al, Gerry
  • MortimerFrench meaning “dead sea” | Nicknames: Mort, Morty, Tim
  • PhineasHebrew meaning “oracle” | Nicknames: Finn, Phin
  • OctaviusLatin meaning “eighth” | Nicknames: Tav, Tavvy, Otto
  • BalthazarBabylonian meaning “protect the king” | Nicknames: Balt, Zar, Thaz
  • CrispinLatin meaning “curly-haired” | Nicknames: Cris, Pin, Crisp
  • DesmondIrish meaning “from South Munster” | Nicknames: Des, Dez, Mondo
  • EverettEnglish meaning “brave boar” | Nicknames: Ev, Rhett, Ever
  • GideonHebrew meaning “hewer” | Nicknames: Gid, Deon, Denny
  • HadrianLatin meaning “from Hadria” | Nicknames: Hade, Rian, Adrian
  • JasperPersian meaning “treasurer” | Nicknames: Jas, Jazz, Per
  • LeopoldGermanic meaning “bold people” | Nicknames: Leo, Poldi, Old
  • MatthiasHebrew meaning “gift of God” | Nicknames: Matt, Matty, Thias
  • NathanielHebrew meaning “gift of God” | Nicknames: Nate, Nathan, Nat, Thaniel
  • OswaldEnglish meaning “divine power” | Nicknames: Ozzie, Oz, Wally
  • QuincyFrench meaning “estate of the fifth son” | Nicknames: Quinn, Quin
  • RaphaelHebrew meaning “God heals” | Nicknames: Rafe, Raph, Raffie
  • SilasLatin meaning “of the forest” | Nicknames: Si, Sy, Las
  • TobiasHebrew meaning “God is good” | Nicknames: Toby, Tobi, Bias
  • UlyssesGreek meaning “wrathful” | Nicknames: Uly, Lee, Ses
  • WallaceScottish meaning “foreigner” | Nicknames: Wally, Ace, Lace
  • XavierBasque meaning “new house” | Nicknames: Xavi, Zay, X
  • ZachariahHebrew meaning “God remembers” | Nicknames: Zach, Zac, Riah
  • AdrianLatin meaning “from Hadria” | Nicknames: Ade, Adi, Drian
  • CalvinLatin meaning “bald” | Nicknames: Cal, Vin, Vinny
  • ElijahHebrew meaning “my God is Yahweh” | Nicknames: Eli, Lijah, Jah
  • JulianLatin meaning “youthful” | Nicknames: Jules, Julie, Ian
  • TristanCeltic meaning “sorrowful” | Nicknames: Tris, Tan, Stan

Looking for more distinguished options? Our traditional boy names collection offers even more timeless choices.

Biblical & Spiritual Classic Names

I get it—you want a name with deep meaning and spiritual significance. These biblical classics have been beloved for millennia, carrying stories of faith, courage, and redemption.

  • AbrahamHebrew meaning “father of multitudes” | Nicknames: Abe, Bram, Ham
  • AsherHebrew meaning “happy, blessed” | Nicknames: Ash, Ashy
  • CalebHebrew meaning “devotion to God” | Nicknames: Cal, Cale, Leb
  • EliasGreek form of Elijah | Nicknames: Eli, Lias, Lee
  • EzekielHebrew meaning “God strengthens” | Nicknames: Zeke, Ezzy, Kiel
  • EzraHebrew meaning “help” | Nicknames: Ez, Ezzie
  • FelixLatin meaning “happy, fortunate” | Nicknames: Lee, Lix
  • IsaiahHebrew meaning “salvation of the Lord” | Nicknames: Ike, Zay, Siah
  • JeremiahHebrew meaning “God will uplift” | Nicknames: Jeremy, Jerry, Miah
  • JoelHebrew meaning “Jehovah is God” | Nicknames: Joe, Jo
  • JonahHebrew meaning “dove” | Nicknames: Joe, Jo, Nah
  • JosiahHebrew meaning “God supports” | Nicknames: Joe, Siah, Josh
  • LeviHebrew meaning “joined, attached” | Nicknames: Lee, Levy
  • MalachiHebrew meaning “my messenger” | Nicknames: Mal, Chi, Kai
  • MicahHebrew meaning “who is like God” | Nicknames: Mike, Kai
  • MosesHebrew meaning “delivered from water” | Nicknames: Mo, Moe, Mosey
  • NoahHebrew meaning “rest, comfort” | Nicknames: No
  • ReubenHebrew meaning “behold, a son” | Nicknames: Rube, Ben, Benny
  • SimonHebrew meaning “he has heard” | Nicknames: Si, Sim, Mo
  • SolomonHebrew meaning “peace” | Nicknames: Sol, Solly, Mon
  • AaronHebrew meaning “exalted, strong” | Nicknames: Ari, Ron, Ronnie
  • AbelHebrew meaning “breath” | Nicknames: Abe, Belly
  • AdamHebrew meaning “man, earth” | Nicknames: Ad, Addie
  • AmosHebrew meaning “carried by God” | Nicknames: Ame, Mo
  • BarnabasAramaic meaning “son of encouragement” | Nicknames: Barney, Bas, Nabby
  • CyrusPersian meaning “sun” | Nicknames: Cy, Rus, Russ
  • EnochHebrew meaning “dedicated” | Nicknames: Eno, Noch
  • EphraimHebrew meaning “fruitful” | Nicknames: Eph, Raim, Frame
  • GideonHebrew meaning “mighty warrior” | Nicknames: Gid, Deon
  • HiramPhoenician meaning “exalted brother” | Nicknames: Hi, Ram
  • JesseHebrew meaning “gift” | Nicknames: Jess, Jessie
  • LazarusHebrew meaning “God has helped” | Nicknames: Laz, Russ, Aries
  • LukeGreek meaning “light-giving” | Nicknames: Lu, Lucky
  • MarkLatin meaning “warlike” | Nicknames: Marky, Marc
  • NathanaelHebrew meaning “gift of God” | Nicknames: Nate, Than, Ael
  • PaulLatin meaning “small, humble” | Nicknames: Paulie, Paolo
  • PhilipGreek meaning “lover of horses” | Nicknames: Phil, Pip, Flip
  • RufusLatin meaning “red-haired” | Nicknames: Rue, Ruf
  • SethHebrew meaning “appointed” | Nicknames: Sethy
  • StephenGreek meaning “crown” | Nicknames: Steve, Stevie, Stef
  • TitusLatin meaning “title of honor” | Nicknames: Ty, Ti, Tite
  • ZechariahHebrew meaning “God remembers” | Nicknames: Zach, Zeke, Riah
  • AsaHebrew meaning “healer” | Nicknames: Ace
  • BarakHebrew meaning “lightning” | Nicknames: Barry, Rack
  • BoazHebrew meaning “swiftness” | Nicknames: Bo, Boz
  • ElishaHebrew meaning “God is salvation” | Nicknames: Eli, Lisha, Lee
  • EmmanuelHebrew meaning “God with us” | Nicknames: Em, Manny, Manuel
  • HoseaHebrew meaning “salvation” | Nicknames: Hosa, Sea
  • JudeHebrew meaning “praised” | Nicknames: Jud, Judey
  • SimeonHebrew meaning “God has heard” | Nicknames: Sim, Simi, Meon

For more spiritually meaningful options, visit our biblical boy names guide.

Vintage Charm Classic Names

These names have that old-fashioned appeal that feels fresh again. Think of your great-grandfather’s generation—names that sound distinguished on a resume but friendly at a backyard barbecue.

  • AlvinEnglish meaning “noble friend” | Nicknames: Al, Vinny, Vin
  • ArnoldGermanic meaning “eagle power” | Nicknames: Arnie, Arn, Oldy
  • BasilGreek meaning “kingly” | Nicknames: Baz, Bas, Sil
  • CecilLatin meaning “blind” | Nicknames: Cece, Sil
  • ChesterEnglish meaning “fortress” | Nicknames: Chet, Chess
  • ClarenceLatin meaning “bright” | Nicknames: Clare, Larry, Lance
  • CliffordEnglish meaning “ford by a cliff” | Nicknames: Cliff, Ford
  • ClydeScottish river name | Nicknames: Cly, Clydey
  • CurtisFrench meaning “courteous” | Nicknames: Curt, Curtis
  • CyrilGreek meaning “lordly” | Nicknames: Cy, Cyr, Ril
  • DudleyEnglish meaning “people’s field” | Nicknames: Dud, Lee
  • EdgarEnglish meaning “wealthy spear” | Nicknames: Ed, Eddie, Gar
  • EdwinEnglish meaning “rich friend” | Nicknames: Ed, Eddie, Win, Neddy
  • ElmerEnglish meaning “noble, famous” | Nicknames: El, Ellie, Mer
  • EmmettHebrew meaning “truth” | Nicknames: Em, Emmy, Met
  • FloydWelsh meaning “gray” | Nicknames: Floy, Flo
  • FranklinEnglish meaning “free landholder” | Nicknames: Frank, Frankie, Lin
  • GeraldGermanic meaning “spear ruler” | Nicknames: Gerry, Jerry, Ald
  • GilbertGermanic meaning “bright pledge” | Nicknames: Gil, Bert, Bertie
  • HarveyFrench meaning “battle worthy” | Nicknames: Harv, Vey
  • HerbertGermanic meaning “bright army” | Nicknames: Herb, Herbie, Bert
  • HomerGreek meaning “security, pledge” | Nicknames: Home, Homey
  • HowardEnglish meaning “high guardian” | Nicknames: Howie, Ward
  • HubertGermanic meaning “bright heart” | Nicknames: Hugh, Bert, Bertie
  • IrvingScottish meaning “green river” | Nicknames: Irv, Vin
  • JeromeGreek meaning “sacred name” | Nicknames: Jerry, Rome, Jay
  • JuliusLatin meaning “youthful” | Nicknames: Jules, Julie, Jay
  • LeroyFrench meaning “the king” | Nicknames: Lee, Roy, Royce
  • LesterEnglish meaning “from Leicester” | Nicknames: Les, Lester
  • LewisGermanic meaning “famous warrior” | Nicknames: Lou, Louie, Lew
  • LloydWelsh meaning “gray” | Nicknames: Loy, Loyd
  • LutherGermanic meaning “army of the people” | Nicknames: Luke, Lou
  • MarvinWelsh meaning “sea hill” | Nicknames: Marv, Vin, Vinny
  • MauriceLatin meaning “dark-skinned” | Nicknames: Moe, Maury, Reece
  • MelvinEnglish meaning “council protector” | Nicknames: Mel, Vin, Vinny
  • MiltonEnglish meaning “mill town” | Nicknames: Milt, Milty, Ton
  • NorbertGermanic meaning “bright north” | Nicknames: Norb, Bert, Bertie
  • NormanGermanic meaning “northman” | Nicknames: Norm, Normy, Manny
  • OrvilleFrench meaning “gold town” | Nicknames: Orv, Ville
  • OtisGermanic meaning “wealthy” | Nicknames: Oti, Tis
  • RalphNorse meaning “wolf counsel” | Nicknames: Rafe, Ralphie
  • RolandGermanic meaning “famous throughout land” | Nicknames: Roly, Rollie, Lando
  • RoscoeNorse meaning “deer forest” | Nicknames: Ross, Rosco, Coe
  • SylvesterLatin meaning “wooded” | Nicknames: Sly, Vest, Sully
  • VernonFrench meaning “alder grove” | Nicknames: Vern, Vernie, Ron
  • VirgilLatin meaning “staff bearer” | Nicknames: Virg, Gil
  • WalterGermanic meaning “army ruler” | Nicknames: Walt, Wally, Wat
  • WarrenGermanic meaning “park keeper” | Nicknames: Ren, War, Warry
  • WilburGermanic meaning “resolute, brilliant” | Nicknames: Will, Wil, Bur
  • WillisGermanic meaning “resolute protector” | Nicknames: Will, Willy, Lis

Explore more vintage-inspired choices in our vintage boy names collection.

Why Classic Boy Names Are Making a Comeback

Picture this: royal weddings, vintage fashion, and grandmother’s recipes all trending at the same time. We’re living in an era that values authenticity and heritage, and baby names are no exception.

The numbers tell a compelling story. According to Social Security Administration data, 40% of the top 50 boy names in 2024 were traditional names that have ranked consistently for over 100 years. Parents aren’t just dipping their toes into classic territory—they’re diving in headfirst.

But here’s what really caught my attention: a 2024 BabyCenter survey found that 67% of millennial and Gen Z parents prefer names with built-in nickname options. Modern families want choices. They want their child to have the option of being “Theodore” in the boardroom and “Teddy” on the soccer field. That kind of flexibility? It’s priceless.

Classic names carry something else too—meaning. These aren’t names created to sound trendy; they’re rooted in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Germanic languages, often carrying powerful meanings related to strength, wisdom, and leadership. When you name your son Alexander, you’re not just choosing a name that sounds good—you’re connecting him to centuries of “defenders of the people.”

And let’s talk about the royal influence. Every time Prince William appears with his children George, Louis, and even Charlotte, searches for these traditional names spike. Royal families worldwide continue to prove that classic never goes out of style.

If you’re looking for more traditional options, check out our collection of classic boy names for additional inspiration.

How to Choose the Perfect Classic Name and Nickname Combination

Choosing from 200+ options can feel overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve been there, sitting with friends at baby showers watching them agonize over every possibility. Let me share what actually helps.

Say It Out Loud—A Lot

You’ll be saying this name thousands of times. Say the full name. Say the nickname. Say it when you’re calling them for dinner. Say it when you’re introducing them to strangers. Does it flow? Does it feel natural coming off your tongue? Your instinct here matters more than any name book.

Consider the Initials

This sounds minor until you realize your son’s initials spell something unfortunate. Write out the full name with your last name. Check those initials. Benjamin Otto Young sounds lovely until you see “BOY” on every monogrammed item. Not necessarily a dealbreaker, but worth noting.

Think About Nickname Evolution

Kids will create their own nicknames regardless of your plans. But classic names give you options. Theodore can be Teddy as a toddler, Theo as a teenager, and Ted as an adult. That flexibility lets your son shape his identity as he grows.

Test the Resume Test

Picture the name on a resume, a business card, or a book cover. Classic names pass this test effortlessly. “William Harrison” or “Benjamin Ross” sound professional and trustworthy without trying too hard.

Honor Heritage Without Being Bound By It

Maybe your grandfather was Ernest, but you’re not crazy about “Ernie.” Here’s the secret: you can use Ernest as a middle name and call your son by a first name you love. The honor is still there, but you have naming freedom.

Don’t Overthink the Nickname

Sometimes the best nicknames happen organically. You might plan to call him “Alexander,” but he becomes “Xander” naturally. Or you choose “Benjamin” planning on “Ben,” but somehow “Benji” sticks. Stay open to evolution.

Looking for more guidance? Check out our comprehensive boy names with nicknames resource for additional tips.

Why Nicknames Matter More Than You Think

Here’s something that surprised me: nicknames aren’t just cute—they’re psychologically important.

Research shows that children with nickname options develop stronger identity formation skills. They learn early that they can present different versions of themselves in different contexts. “Christopher” in the principal’s office becomes “Chris” with friends. That kind of social flexibility? It’s valuable.

Nicknames also create intimacy. When my nephew Jonathan became “Johnny” only to his grandparents, it created a special bond. That version of his name belonged to them. It was their thing together.

And let’s be honest—nicknames make long, formal names accessible. Not every teacher wants to tackle “Bartholomew” during roll call, but everyone can handle “Bart.” You give your son the gravitas of the full name with the everyday usability of the nickname.

Plus, nicknames grow with your child. The same name that sounds adorable on a toddler—”Teddy”—can mature into something more sophisticated as he ages—”Ted.” That built-in evolution is brilliant.

Classic Names in Modern Times: The Best of Both Worlds

We’re living in a time when classic names feel fresh again. Walk into any kindergarten classroom, and you’ll find little Henrys, Theodores, and Olivers playing alongside Aidens and Jaxons. The difference? The classic names will never feel dated.

That’s the beauty of these 200+ names—they’re immune to trends. Your son won’t be one of five “Liams” in his class (unless you choose William and call him Liam, which is totally valid). He gets a name that’s recognizable without being overused.

Classic names also travel well. Whether your son ends up living in London, Sydney, or Singapore, names like Alexander, Benjamin, and James translate across cultures. They’re internationally recognized without losing their character.

And here’s something I find fascinating: vintage names are now considered cool. Names that seemed too “old man” twenty years ago—Theodore, Arthur, Oscar—are now topping baby name charts. We’ve come full circle, appreciating the strength and history these names carry.

For more timeless options that work across generations, explore our timeless baby names.