Neglected in recent years, the names of our ancestors are gradually making a comeback—so much so that some of these old names are now enjoying great success. If you’re looking for the perfect name for the newest member of your little tribe and want to choose an old-fashioned name, we have just what you need! In this article, you’ll find our list of favorite vintage names. We also provide you with the origin and meaning of these names from yesteryear.

Our selection of old-fashioned boy names

Joseph

From the Hebrew « yôsep », meaning « God will add », the first name Joseph was extremely popular during the first half of the 20th century.

George

George originates from the Greek « gheorghios », meaning « tiller of the soil ». At the time, the term referred to « farmers ».

Henri

The Germanic first name Henri is derived from the terms « haim » and « ric », which literally mean « master of the house ».

Emile

The first name Emile was very popular until the early 20th century. It originates from the Latin « aemelus », which means « rival ». It can also be associated with the Germanic term « aemulus », which means « hardworking ».

Marcel

A relatively old first name, Marcel derives from the Latin word « marcus », meaning « dedicated to Mars », the « Roman god of war ».

Charles

Of Germanic origin, the name Charles , derived from « karl », is a symbol of strength and virility.

Fernand

Used well before the 20th century, Fernand is a given name of Germanic origin. Derived from the terms « fried » and « nant », it translates to « protector » and « courageous ».

Célestin

Célestin is an ancient first name derived from the Latin « caelestis », which means « of celestial origin » or « from the sky ».

Lucien

Popular until the 1950s, Lucien comes from the Latin term « lux », meaning « light ».

Alphonse

A classic first name derived from the Germanic terms « adal » and « funs », meaning « noble » and « swift ».

Our selection of old-fashioned girl names

Augustine

Augustine finds its origin in the Latin word « augustus », meaning « majestic » or « venerable ». It was one of the most common names for little girls born before the 1950s.

Suzanne

Of Hebrew origin, the first name Suzanne literally means "lily" or "rose". Very popular in the 1920s, it has since become a classic name.

Rose

Of Latin origin, Rose is a symbol of beauty and love.

Jeanne

Jeanne derives from the Hebrew « Yehohanan », whose two roots, « yo » and « hanan », mean « God » and « mercy », respectively.

Victory

Introduced in Europe during the Renaissance, the name Victory , of Latin origin and derived from « victoria », means « victorious ».

Madeleine

The first name Madeleine has multiple origins. In Greek, it is derived from « magdalênê », which means « high tower ». It appeared in the French name registry before the year 1900.

Josephine

Very popular at the beginning of the last century, Josephine , the feminine version of Joseph , comes from the Hebrew "yôsep", which means "God will add".

Gabrielle

Of Hebrew origin, the first name Gabrielle consists of two roots, « gabri » and « el », meaning « hero of God ». The name was especially popular until the 1930s.

White

Often associated with the Germanic term « blank », meaning « bright » or « clear », the name White is a classic name that was very popular in the early 1900s.

Zélie

Appearing during the 15th century, Zélie is a rare first name and an abbreviated form of Solène , which was formerly written Zéline . It comes from the Latin « solemnis », meaning « solemn ».

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