Are you looking for a vintage name for your baby boy? This list of old fashioned boy names from the 1800s will help you find the perfect name for your new son!
Old Fashioned Names for Boys
Vintage baby names are all the rage these days, for both boys and girls. Many parents love the idea of a ‘grandfather name’ which simple means an old fashioned name, like one your grandfather would have had. Some vintage names like Oliver, have become so common they are overused. However, there are tons of other great old fashioned names that have yet to become insanely popular again. But which names are really vintage?
So I did the legwork for you. I researched the 200 most popular names from the 1880’s, the first decade Social Security kept stats on baby names. These names were old standards. Some are classics like John, while others are throwbacks to a classic age, like Clinton, Felix or Levi.
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Boy Names from the 19th Century
So without further ado, here is the list of most common boy names from the 1800s.
Aaron
Originally a Hebrew or Egyptian name meaning ‘highest mountain’ or ‘exhaulted’. Aaron was the older brother of Moses in the Bible.
Abraham
This Hebrew name means ‘father of many’. Abraham was a biblical figure in the Old Testament.
Adam
Adam comes from the Hebrew word for ‘man’. In the Bible, Adam was the first man God created. For more four letter boy names, click here!
Albert
Meaning ‘noble’ and ‘bright’, Albert is a Germanic name that became especially popular in the Victorian era, as Queen Victoria’s husband was named Albert.
Alexander
Alexander is a Greek baby name which means ‘defender of men’ Alexander the Great was a famous Greek king. Alexander is a common name of numerous monarchs and popes.
Alfred
Alfred is an English baby name stemming from the old English Aelfraed. It means ‘elf and counsel’.
Allen
Allen is a Celtic name meaning ‘noble’ or ‘fair.
Alonzo
Alonzo is a super unique boy names from the 1800s. It’s an Italian and Spanish variant of the Germanic name, Alfonso. Alfonso means ‘noble’ and ‘ready’.
Alvin
Alvin is an English name meaning ‘wise friend’.
Amos
Amos means ‘load’ or ‘burden’. Amos was one of the 12 minor prophets in the Old Testament.
Andrew
Andrew is the English form of a Greek name, meaning ‘manly’ or ‘masculine’.
Anthony
Anthony comes from the Roman family name, Antonius.
Anton
Anton is an English boy name which means ‘highly praiseworthy’.
Archie
A shortened form of Archibald, meaning ‘genuine’ and ‘bold’. Archie is a super cute Scottish boy name.
Arthur
The meaning of the name Arthur is unknown, but is perhaps from the Celtic meaning ‘bear’ and ‘man’ or ‘king’. Arthur is the mythic king of Britain renown in legend.
August
August comes from the Latin and literally means ‘to increase’. As a name, it mans ‘venerable’ or ‘esteemed’ and was given to emperors.
Bernard
Bernard comes from Germanic and combines the elements ‘bear’ and ‘brave’.
Benjamin
Benjamin comes from a Hebrew name meaning ‘son of the south’.
Bert
Shortened form of Albert, meaning ‘noble’ and ‘bright’.
Calvin
Calvin comes from the French surname Cauvin.
Carl
The German form of Charles, meaning ‘man’.
Cecil
Cecil is an English baby name that means ‘blind’. It comes from the Roman clan name, Caecilius.
Charles
Charles is a derivative of the Germanic name, Carl, which means ‘man’.
Charlie
Charlie is a nickname for Charles, which means ‘man’.
Chester
Chester originally was a last name which referred to a Roman town in Britain, and means ‘camp, fortress’.
Christopher
Christopher comes from a Greek name, meaning ‘bearing Christ’.
Clarence
Clarence was derived from a Latin title for members of the British family.
Claude
Clause is a French baby name that originates from the Latin name, Claudius. It means ‘stuttering’ or ‘limping’.
Clayton
Clayton was originally a surname meaning ‘clay settlement’ in Old English.
Cleveland
Cleveland is a name that originated as a surname, loosley translating from ‘clif lane’.
Clifford
Clifford was originally a surname and means ‘a ford near a slope’.
Clinton
Clinton is a name that originated as an English surname. It means a settlement on a hill.
Clyde
The name Clyde is Gaelic in origin and comes from the Clyde river, in Scotland.
Cornelius
Cornelius originally means ‘horn’. It is a Latin baby name.
Curtis
Curtis is an English baby name which originally came from Norman French. It means ‘courteous’.
Daniel
Daniel is a Hebrew baby name and means ‘God is my judge’.
David
Hebrew name meaning ‘beloved’ or ‘uncle’.
Denis
Denis is the medieval French form of Dionysius, a common name for early saints in the Bible.
Earl
Originally an aristocratic title meaning ‘nobleman’ or ‘warrior’.
Edgar
Edgar is an English baby name which means ‘fortunate and powerful’.
Edmund
Edmund can be a given name or surname. It comes from Old English and means ‘prosperous’.
Edward
Edward means ‘rich guard’ and was the name of many kings.
Edwin
Edwin means ‘rich friend’ and comes from Old English.
Elbert
Elbert means ‘noble’ and ‘bright’. It is a variation of Albert and comes from Old English.
Eli
In Hebrew, Eli means ‘ascension’.
Elijah
Elijah is a Hebrew name (the Latin form is Elias). It means ‘God is my Yahweh’.
Ellis
Ellis is the English version of Elias/Elijah. It means ‘God is my Yahweh’.
Elmer
Elmer is an Old English name that means ‘noble, famous’.
Emil
Emil comes from the Latin and means ‘excellent’. It’s a super unique boy name from the 1800s.
Emmett
Emmett was originally an English surname. This is one of my favorite old fashioned boy names!
Ernest
Ernest from from the Germanic name and means ‘serious’.
Eugene
Eugene means ‘well born’. It is the English version of an old Greek name.
Everett
Everett was a surname, coming from the given name Everard. If you’re looking for a rugged, yet vintage, boy name, this is it! For more boy names with a rustic feel, click here!
Felix
In Latin, Felix means ‘lucky’ or ‘successful’. Felix is not overused, but has a vintage flair that is very trendy.
Floyd
Variation of Lloyd, meaning ‘grey-haired’ in Welsh.
Francis
Originally from the Latin name, Franciscus, this name means ‘Frenchman’.
Frank
Referring to a Germanic tribe, the Franks. Frank is one of many strong one syllable boy names you might just fall in love with.
Franklin
Franklin means ‘landowner’. It’s an old English name.
Frederick
Frederick is the English version of a German name meaning ‘peaceful ruler’.
George
George is originally from the Greek and means ‘farmer’.
Gilbert
Gilbert comes from the Germanic and means ‘bright pledge’.
Glenn
Originally a Scottish surname from the Gaelic word for ‘valley’.
Grover
Grover comes from the Germanic and means ‘digger’. Although it is now synonymous with the furry blue monster on Sesame Street, it was a popular name in the 19th century.
Gus
Shortened form of Angus or Augustus, meaning ‘one choice’. I love this popular boy name from the 1800s. Gus is such a cute three letter name for boys!
Guy
From the Norman French name, Wido, or a Hebrew variant of Gai.
Harley
Harley seems like it might be a modern name, honouring the Harley Davidson brand, but actually it’s a very old name, originally meaning ‘hare’s meadow’ in old English.
Harold
Harold is an English name coming from Germanic elements meaning ‘power’ or ‘ruler’.
Harrison
Harrison is a surname meaning ‘son of Harry’, meaning ‘home ruler’.
Harry
Harry is a shortened form of Harold, but can also stand as a name in its own right and was quite popular in the 19th century.
Harvey
Harvey is an English baby name that stems from an old Breton name meaning ‘blazing’.
Henry
A Germanic name meaning ‘home ruler’. Henry was brought to England by the Normans and was the name of many English kings.
Herbert
Herbert was originally a German baby name, which means ‘illustrious army’.
Herman
Herman is another Germanic baby name, meaning ‘soldier’.
Hiram
Hiram is a Hebrew baby name which literally means ‘my brother is exalted’. Hiram is a very underused boy name from the 1800s, so if you’re looking for a unique name, this could be it.
Homer
Homer was an ancient Greek name which means ‘hostage, pledge’. Homer was the famed poet who wrote the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Horace
Horace is an English baby name, meaning ‘timekeeper’.
Howard
Howard is an English baby name, that comes from Normandy. It means ‘brave heart’.
Hubert
Hubert is a German name, meaning ‘bright heart’.
Hugh
Originally stemming from the Germanic, Hugh means ‘heart, spirit, mind’.
Ira
Ira means ‘watchful’ in Hebrew.
Irvin
Variant of Irving.
Irving
Meaning ‘green water’, this was originally a surname.
Isaac
Issac is a Hebrew name meaning ‘he will laugh, he will rejoice’.
Jack
Originally Jack was a nickname for John. Although it seems like a very modern trend for Jack to be a given name rather than a nickname, Jack was very popular as a name in its own right in the 1800’s.
Jacob
Jacob is a Hebrew name from the Old Testament. It would mean ‘supplanter’ or may God protect’.
Jake
This one syllable baby name was is a variation of Jack, or a shortened form of Jacob, meaning ‘supplanter’.
James
English form of the Latin name, Iacomus and the name of two apostles from the New Testament.
Jasper
From the Hebrew, meaning ‘treasure’. Jasper was one of the three wise men, or magi, who visited baby Jesus in the bible.
Jay
Nickname for names like James or Jason.
Jerry
Jerry is a shortened form of Gerald. It is an English baby name and means ‘ruling spear’.
Jesse
Jesse is a Hebrew name, meaning ‘gift’.
Joe
Shortened version of Joseph, meaning ‘God will increase’.
John
Meaning ‘God is gracious’, two important figures in the New Testament are names John.
Joseph
Joseph is a Biblical name which means ‘he will add’.
Julius
Julius is a Roman name meaning either ‘downy-bearded’ or related to the Roman God, Jupiter.
Lawrence
This two syllable name comes ‘from Laurentum’ (a city in the Roman Empire) in Latin. Lawrence is the Anglicized spelling of the name.
Lee
Originally a surname meaning ‘clearing’.
Leo
Leo is a two syllable baby name meaning ‘lion’ in Latin. Leo is a great three letter boy name!
Leonard
Leonard is a Germanic name meaning ‘brave lion’.
Leroy
This French name means ‘the king’ which is its literal translation (le roi).
Leon
Leon is a French baby name that means ‘lion’.
Lester
Lester is an English baby name meaning ‘fortified place’.
Levi
In Hebrew, Levi means ‘joined’ or ‘attached’. It’s one of my favorite boy names from the 1800s
Lonnie
Lonnie can be a shortened version of the German name, Alonzo, meaning ‘ready for battle’, or can be a name in its own right.
Louis/Lewis
Lewis is the English spelling, Louis is the French. Both mean ‘famous warrior’. Both were popular boy names in the 1800’s.
Luther
Luther is most commonly associated with the German surname. It can also be an English surname meaning ‘lute player’.
Mack
This one syllable boys name comes from a number of Scottish surnames, all beginning with Mac. Mac is the Gaelic word meaning son, and can also be used as a general slang term for ‘man’.
Manuel
Manuel comes from the Hebrew name Emmanuel. It means ‘God with us’.
Mark
Originally coming from the Latin name, Marcus, it was originally derived from the Roman god, Mars, who was the god of war. It means ‘male’.
Martin
Martin is originally from the Roman name, Martinus, which honoured the Roman god of war, Mars.
Marvin
Marvin is a Welsh name which means ‘sea hill’.
Marshall
Marshall is an Old French baby name meaning ‘a person who tends to horses’.
Matthew
Matthew was a Hebrew name meaning ‘gift of Yahweh’.
Maurice
Maurice is a Latin baby name which refers to a Moor.
Max
Shortened form of Maxwell (a Scottish surname meaning Mac’s stream) or Maximillian (from the Roman emperor, Maximus).
Melvin
Melvin is a Gaelic name that was originally a surname. It means ‘gentle chieftan’.
Michael
Michael comes from a Hebrew name meaning ‘who is like God?’. It’s a classic name that you can’t go wrong with!
Milton
Milton is an English name that means ‘settlement by a mill’.
Morris
Morris is an English version of Maurice, a French name which refers to Moorish people.
Nathan
Nathan is a Hebrew name, meaning ‘he gave’.
Nelson
Nelson is an English name meaning ‘son of Neil.’
Nicholas
Nicholas is a Greek baby name, meaning ‘victory of the people’.
Noah
Noah is originally a Hebrew name meaning ‘rest’.
Norman
Norman is a Germanic name meaning ‘North man’, referring to the Vikings.
Oliver
Oliver is a baby name associated with the olive tree, which represents peace.
Oli
Ollie is a shortened form of Oliver, which is associated with an olive tree.
Oscar
Oscar is derived from Gaelic and means ‘dear friend’.
Otis
An English name originally stemming from the name, Otto, meaning ‘wealth’.
Otto
Otto is a German baby name meaning ‘wealthy’ or ‘prosperous’. It can also be a surname.
Owen
The Anglicized version of Irish and Welsh name for Eugene, meaning wealth.
Patrick
Patrick originally comes from the Latin and means ‘nobleman’.
Paul
Meaning ‘small’ or ‘humble’ in Latin, Paul comes from the Paulus family, an important Roman family. Paul was an important early Christian leader.
Percy
Percy was originally a surname, which refers to a Norman town.
Perry
Perry comes from a Welsh or English name that originally refers to a pear tree.
Peter
Peter comes from the Greek word, petros, meaning ‘stone’.
Philip
Philip comes from the Greek and means ‘friend to horses’. Philip is a classic vintage boy name that still holds up today.
Ralph
Originally Ralph was a Scandinavian name, which was brough to England by the Normans. Originally it meant ‘consel’ and ‘wolf’ in Old Norse.
Ray
A shortened form of Raymond, coming from Old German and meaning ‘advice’ and ‘protector’.
Raymond
Meaning ‘advice’ and ‘protector’, Raymond has Germanic roots.
Richard
Richard is a popular traditional English baby name, originally meaning ‘brave power’ from Germanic. It’s been the name of a number of kings of England.
Robert
Robert is a very common traditional name meaning ‘bright fame’.
Roscoe
Roscoe is a Norse baby name. It means ‘deer forest.’ Roscoe is a very underused boy names from the 1800s that could be perfect if you’re looking for an uncommon vintage boy name.
Ross
A Scottish surname, coming from the Gaelic word for ‘headland’.
Roy
Anglicized version of Scottish name meaning ‘red’ or anglicized version of the French word for king.
Ruben
Ruben is Hebrew boy name that means ‘behold, a son’.
Rudolph
Although Rudolph is commonly associated with a flying reindeer, it was a popular name in the 1800’s. It comes from the Germanic and means ‘fame’ and ‘wolf’.
Rufus
Rufus is a Latin baby name which means ‘red headed’. Rufus is the perfect quirky boy name from the 1800s that is super cute and different!
Russell
Russell was originally a surname. It comes from the French and refers to someone with red hair.
Samuel
Samuel is derived from a Hebrew name meaning ‘name of God’ or ‘God has heard’. Samuel was a biblical figure from the Old Testament.
Sidney
Sidney was originally an English surname.
Silas
Silas is either a form of Silvanus, or a Greek version of the name Saul.
Simon
Simon is the Greek form of a Hebrew name meaning ‘he has heard’.
Stanley
Stanley was originally a surname meaning ‘stone clearing’.
Stephen
Stephen comes from the Greek and means ‘crown’.
Sylvester
Sylvester is a Latin baby name and means ‘wooded’ or ‘wild’.
Theodore
Theodore is a Greek baby name meaning ‘God-given’.
Thomas
Thomas originally is Greek and means ‘twin’. Thomas was an apostle in the Bible.
Timothy
Timothy comes from the Greek and means ‘honouring God’.
Vernon
Vernon was originally a surname that comes from the Gaulish word for alder.
Victor
Victor is a Roman name, referring a victory or conquering.
Virgil
Virgil comes from the Latin. It is derived from a Roman clan name, Vergilius.
Wallace
A Scottish or English surname, originally meaning ‘Welsh’ or ‘foreigner’. William Wallace was a 13th century Scottish hero who is a symbol of Scottish freedom and whose story was featured in the movie, Braveheart.
Walter
Walter means ‘ruler of an army’ and comes from the Germanic.
Warren
Warren comes from Norman French and refers to an ‘animal enclosure’.
Wesley
Wesley originally means ‘west meadow’ and was a surname before gaining popularity as a given name.
Wilbur
Wilbur was originally a surname which means ‘wild boar’.
Wiley
Wiley is an English name meaning ‘crafty’. It can also be a Scottish diminutive for William.
Willard
Williard is an English name derived from the Germanic. It means ‘desire’ and ‘brave’.
William
William originally comes from Old German and means ‘resolute protector’.
Willis
Willis is a variant of William, meaning ‘resolute protector’ from Old German.
Wilson
Wilson was originally an English surname meaning ‘son of William’.
Well mamas, those are my favorite boy names from the 1800s! I hope this helps you find the perfect old fashioned name for your son!
Name meanings sources from Behind the Name.
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