Naming your baby boy is one of the most exciting parts of expecting.
But with so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
That’s where vintage boy names come in – they’re classic, meaningful, and never go out of style.
These names carry history and character that modern names sometimes lack. They’ve stood the test of time for good reason, offering that perfect balance of uniqueness without being too “out there.”
Ready to find a name that will grow with your little man from adorable baby to distinguished gentleman?
Let’s dive into these 156 gorgeous vintage names that might just be perfect for your son.
Vintage Boy Names With Meanings
Abel – Hebrew name meaning “breath” or “son,” Abel carries biblical significance as Adam and Eve’s son.
Abner – A Hebrew name meaning “father of light,” Abner has a distinguished, old-world charm.
Abraham – This timeless Hebrew name means “father of many nations” and has been carried by influential leaders.
Adrian – Of Latin origin meaning “from Hadria,” Adrian has been popular since Roman times.
Albert – Germanic name meaning “noble” or “bright,” made famous by Prince Albert and Albert Einstein.
Alexander – Greek name meaning “defender of men,” Alexander has been borne by kings and conquerors.
Alfred – Old English name meaning “wise counselor,” Alfred brings to mind sophistication and wisdom.
Alistair – Scottish variant of Alexander meaning “defender of mankind,” with an aristocratic flair.
Ambrose – From Greek origins meaning “immortal,” Ambrose was popular among early saints.
Andrew – Greek name meaning “strong and manly,” Andrew has remained consistently popular through centuries.
Ansel – German name meaning “with divine protection,” recently revived and gaining popularity.
Anthony – Latin name meaning “priceless one,” Anthony has been popular across many cultures.
Archer – English occupational name meaning “bowman,” now trending as a strong vintage choice.
Arthur – Celtic name meaning “bear” or “stone,” Arthur evokes images of legendary kings and knights.
Asher – Hebrew name meaning “fortunate” or “blessed,” Asher has biblical roots and modern appeal.
Atlas – Greek name meaning “enduring,” Atlas was the Titan condemned to hold up the heavens.
August – Latin name meaning “majestic” or “venerable,” August carries dignity and warmth.
Austin – Derived from Augustine, meaning “great” or “magnificent,” with a touch of Western charm.
Axel – Scandinavian form of Absalom meaning “father of peace,” Axel combines vintage appeal with edge.
Barrett – German surname meaning “bear strength,” Barrett has a distinguished, literary quality.
Bartholomew – Aramaic name meaning “son of Talmai,” often shortened to the friendlier Bart.
Basil – Greek name meaning “royal” or “kingly,” Basil was popular in the early Christian era.
Beau – French name meaning “handsome,” Beau is short, sweet, and full of charm.
Benedict – Latin name meaning “blessed,” Benedict has religious connections and formal elegance.
Benjamin – Hebrew name meaning “son of the right hand,” Benjamin balances tradition with friendliness.
Bennett – Medieval form of Benedict meaning “blessed,” Bennett feels both classic and contemporary.
Bernard – Germanic name meaning “brave as a bear,” Bernard has a scholarly, distinguished air.
Bertram – Germanic name meaning “bright raven,” Bertram feels both antique and distinctive.
Brooks – English surname meaning “of the brook,” Brooks has a nature-inspired vintage appeal.
Byron – English name derived from a place name, Byron evokes the romantic poet Lord Byron.
Calvin – Latin name meaning “bald” or “hairless,” Calvin has intellectual and religious associations.
Cassius – Latin name meaning “hollow,” Cassius has ancient Roman roots and modern swagger.
Cecil – Latin name meaning “blind,” Cecil was once popular among British aristocracy.
Charles – Germanic name meaning “free man,” Charles has been borne by numerous kings.
Chester – Latin name meaning “fortress” or “camp,” Chester has a rugged, old-fashioned charm.
Christian – Greek name meaning “follower of Christ,” Christian has remained steadily popular.
Christopher – Greek name meaning “bearing Christ,” Christopher has been popular for centuries.
Clarence – Latin name meaning “clear” or “bright,” Clarence has a gentle, dignified quality.
Clark – English occupational name meaning “clerk” or “scholar,” Clark has a strong, no-nonsense feel.
Claude – Latin name meaning “lame” or “limping,” Claude has an artistic, French sophistication.
Clayton – English name meaning “clay settlement,” Clayton feels both rustic and refined.
Clement – Latin name meaning “merciful” or “gentle,” Clement has papal connections.
Clifford – English name meaning “ford by a cliff,” Clifford combines nature with strength.
Clyde – Scottish name derived from the River Clyde, giving it a flowing, natural quality.
Conrad – Germanic name meaning “brave counsel,” Conrad has an air of wisdom and nobility.
Cornelius – Latin name possibly meaning “horn,” Cornelius has ancient Roman dignity.
Cyrus – Persian name meaning “sun” or “throne,” Cyrus was borne by kings of ancient Persia.
Daniel – Hebrew name meaning “God is my judge,” Daniel has remained consistently popular.
Dashiell – Origin uncertain, possibly a variation of French “de chiel,” Dashiell has literary flair.
David – Hebrew name meaning “beloved,” David has been popular across cultures for millennia.
Dean – English name derived from “dean” or “valley,” Dean has a cool, midcentury vibe.
Desmond – Irish name meaning “one from south Munster,” Desmond has a worldly, sophisticated air.
Dominic – Latin name meaning “belonging to the Lord,” Dominic has religious roots and modern appeal.
Douglas – Scottish name meaning “dark water,” Douglas has a rugged, highland charm.
Doyle – Irish name meaning “dark stranger,” Doyle has a literary, mysterious quality.
Duncan – Scottish name meaning “dark warrior,” Duncan has Celtic strength and character.
Edmund – Old English name meaning “prosperous protector,” Edmund has royal connections.
Edward – Old English name meaning “wealthy guardian,” Edward has been borne by many kings.
Edwin – Old English name meaning “rich friend,” Edwin combines warmth with dignity.
Elias – Greek form of Elijah meaning “Yahweh is God,” Elias has biblical gravitas.
Eliot – Hebrew name derived from Elijah, meaning “the Lord is my God,” with literary associations.
Ellis – Welsh variant of Elijah meaning “benevolent,” Ellis has a gentle, scholarly feel.
Emmett – Germanic name derived from “universal” or “truth,” Emmett has a warm, approachable quality.
Ernest – Germanic name meaning “serious” or “determined,” Ernest conveys sincerity.
Everett – Germanic name meaning “brave as a wild boar,” Everett combines strength with sophistication.
Felix – Latin name meaning “happy” or “fortunate,” Felix has a cheerful, optimistic quality.
Ferdinand – Germanic name meaning “brave journey,” Ferdinand has royal European connections.
Finnegan – Irish name meaning “fair-haired,” Finnegan has a lively, storytelling quality.
Fletcher – English occupational name meaning “arrow maker,” Fletcher has craftsmanship built in.
Floyd – Welsh name meaning “gray-haired,” Floyd has a distinctive, vintage sound.
Francis – Latin name meaning “Frenchman” or “free one,” Francis has religious and royal connections.
Franklin – English name meaning “free landholder,” Franklin evokes American founding father Benjamin Franklin.
Frederick – Germanic name meaning “peaceful ruler,” Frederick has royal associations worldwide.
Gabriel – Hebrew name meaning “God is my strength,” Gabriel has angelic connections.
George – Greek name meaning “farmer” or “earth-worker,” George has been borne by kings and saints.
Gilbert – Germanic name meaning “bright pledge,” Gilbert has a scholarly, gentle quality.
Graham – Scottish name meaning “gravelly homestead,” Graham balances strength with approachability.
Grant – English name meaning “grand” or “great,” Grant is strong and straightforward.
Gregory – Greek name meaning “watchful” or “alert,” Gregory has papal and scholarly associations.
Gus – Short form of Augustus or Gustav, meaning “majestic,” Gus has a friendly, vintage charm.
Harold – Old English name meaning “army ruler,” Harold has a distinguished history.
Harrison – English name meaning “son of Harry,” Harrison combines tradition with strength.
Harvey – Old French name meaning “battle worthy,” Harvey has a distinguished, intellectual air.
Henry – Germanic name meaning “home ruler,” Henry has been popular among royalty for centuries.
Herbert – Germanic name meaning “bright army,” Herbert has an old-world, scholarly feel.
Herman – Germanic name meaning “army man,” Herman has a solid, dependable quality.
Holden – English name meaning “hollow valley,” Holden has literary associations through “Catcher in the Rye.”
Howard – Germanic name meaning “high guardian,” Howard conveys dignity and protection.
Hugh – Germanic name meaning “mind” or “spirit,” Hugh is short, strong, and distinguished.
Hugo – Germanic form of Hugh meaning “mind” or “intellect,” Hugo has international appeal.
Humphrey – Germanic name meaning “peaceful warrior,” Humphrey has aristocratic associations.
Ian – Scottish form of John meaning “God is gracious,” Ian is simple yet distinguished.
Isaac – Hebrew name meaning “he will laugh,” Isaac has biblical significance and warmth.
Isaiah – Hebrew name meaning “Yahweh is salvation,” Isaiah has prophetic dignity.
Ivan – Slavic form of John meaning “God is gracious,” Ivan has international strength.
Jack – Originally a nickname for John meaning “God is gracious,” Jack is friendly yet strong.
Jacob – Hebrew name meaning “supplanter,” Jacob has biblical roots and modern appeal.
James – Hebrew name meaning “supplanter,” James has been borne by kings, presidents, and saints.
Jasper – Persian name meaning “treasurer,” Jasper has connections to one of the Three Wise Men.
Jerome – Greek name meaning “sacred name,” Jerome has scholarly and religious associations.
Jesse – Hebrew name meaning “gift,” Jesse has biblical roots and Western charm.
John – Hebrew name meaning “God is gracious,” John has been one of the most enduring names in history.
Jonathan – Hebrew name meaning “gift of Jehovah,” Jonathan combines tradition with friendliness.
Joseph – Hebrew name meaning “he will add,” Joseph has remained consistently popular across cultures.
Julian – Latin name meaning “youthful” or “downy,” Julian has ancient Roman connections.
Julius – Latin name possibly meaning “downy-bearded,” Julius evokes Roman emperor Julius Caesar.
Kenneth – Scottish name meaning “handsome” or “born of fire,” Kenneth has a strong, reliable quality.
Kingsley – English name meaning “king’s meadow,” Kingsley has a regal yet approachable feel.
Lawrence – Latin name meaning “from Laurentum,” Lawrence has a scholarly, dignified air.
Leo – Latin name meaning “lion,” Leo combines strength with simplicity.
Leonard – Germanic name meaning “brave lion,” Leonard has a distinguished, intellectual quality.
Leopold – Germanic name meaning “bold people,” Leopold has royal European connections.
Lewis – Germanic name meaning “famous warrior,” Lewis has literary and exploratory associations.
Lincoln – English name meaning “settlement by the pool,” Lincoln evokes President Abraham Lincoln.
Lionel – French diminutive of Leon meaning “young lion,” Lionel has a noble, artistic quality.
Louis – Germanic name meaning “famous warrior,” Louis has been borne by many French kings.
Lowell – English name meaning “beloved,” Lowell has a literary, intellectual quality.
Lucas – Latin form of Luke meaning “light-giving,” Lucas has remained steadily popular.
Luther – Germanic name meaning “army people,” Luther has religious reformation connections.
Malcolm – Scottish name meaning “devotee of Saint Columba,” Malcolm has royal Scottish heritage.
Marcus – Latin name meaning “dedicated to Mars,” Marcus has ancient Roman dignity.
Martin – Latin name meaning “dedicated to Mars,” Martin has religious and civil rights associations.
Matthew – Hebrew name meaning “gift of God,” Matthew has biblical significance as an apostle.
Maurice – Latin name meaning “dark-skinned” or “Moorish,” Maurice has a distinguished, international feel.
Maxwell – Scottish name meaning “great stream,” Maxwell combines nature with strength.
Miles – Latin name possibly meaning “soldier,” Miles has a strong yet approachable quality.
Montgomery – Norman name meaning “man power,” Montgomery has aristocratic associations.
Morgan – Welsh name meaning “sea circle,” Morgan works well across genders.
Morris – Latin name derived from Maurice meaning “dark-skinned,” Morris has a vintage charm.
Morton – English name meaning “settlement by the moor,” Morton has a distinguished sound.
Murray – Scottish name meaning “settlement by the sea,” Murray has a scholarly quality.
Nathan – Hebrew name meaning “he gave,” Nathan has biblical roots and modern appeal.
Nathaniel – Hebrew name meaning “gift of God,” Nathaniel has biblical depth and friendly nicknames.
Nelson – English name meaning “son of Neil,” Nelson evokes statesman Nelson Mandela.
Nicholas – Greek name meaning “victory of the people,” Nicholas has saintly connections.
Norman – Germanic name meaning “northman,” Norman has a distinguished, historical quality.
Oliver – Latin name meaning “olive tree,” Oliver has literary connections and natural symbolism.
Oscar – Irish name meaning “deer lover” or “champion warrior,” Oscar has literary and cinematic glamour.
Otto – Germanic name meaning “wealth,” Otto has a strong, distinctive sound.
Owen – Welsh name meaning “young warrior” or “well-born,” Owen is both strong and gentle.
Patrick – Latin name meaning “nobleman,” Patrick has Irish associations through Saint Patrick.
Paul – Latin name meaning “small” or “humble,” Paul has apostolic significance.
Percy – Norman name derived from “pierce the valley,” Percy has aristocratic British connections.
Peter – Greek name meaning “rock,” Peter has biblical significance as the first apostle.
Philip – Greek name meaning “lover of horses,” Philip has been borne by kings and saints.
Preston – English name meaning “priest’s town,” Preston has a distinguished, professional quality.
Quentin – Latin name meaning “fifth,” Quentin has a literary, sophisticated air.
Ralph – Germanic name meaning “wolf counsel,” Ralph has a classic, midcentury feel.
Randall – Germanic name meaning “shield wolf,” Randall has a strong, protective quality.
Raymond – Germanic name meaning “wise protector,” Raymond balances strength with wisdom.
Reginald – Germanic name meaning “counsel power,” Reginald has a formal, aristocratic air.
Richard – Germanic name meaning “brave ruler,” Richard has been borne by kings and leaders.
Robert – Germanic name meaning “bright fame,” Robert has remained consistently popular for centuries.
Roger – Germanic name meaning “famous spear,” Roger has a dependable, midcentury quality.
Roland – Germanic name meaning “famous land,” Roland has heroic medieval associations.
Roman – Latin name meaning “citizen of Rome,” Roman has ancient strength and modern style.
Ronald – Norse name meaning “ruler’s counselor,” Ronald evokes President Ronald Reagan.
Rupert – Germanic variation of Robert meaning “bright fame,” Rupert has British aristocratic associations.
Russell – French name meaning “red-haired,” Russell has a scholarly, distinguished quality.
Samson – Hebrew name meaning “sun,” Samson has biblical associations with strength.
Samuel – Hebrew name meaning “heard by God,” Samuel has biblical significance and friendly nicknames.
Sebastian – Greek name meaning “revered,” Sebastian has saintly and royal connections.
Silas – Latin name meaning “forest” or “woods,” Silas has biblical roots and natural appeal.
Simon – Hebrew name meaning “he has heard,” Simon has biblical significance and a friendly sound.
Solomon – Hebrew name meaning “peace,” Solomon evokes the wise biblical king.
Stanley – Old English name meaning “stone clearing,” Stanley has a solid, dependable quality.
Theodore – Greek name meaning “gift of God,” Theodore offers friendly nicknames like Theo or Teddy.
Thomas – Aramaic name meaning “twin,” Thomas has apostolic connections and remained consistently popular.
Timothy – Greek name meaning “honoring God,” Timothy has biblical significance and a friendly quality.
Tobias – Greek form of Tobiah meaning “God is good,” Tobias has biblical roots and modern appeal.
Victor – Latin name meaning “conqueror,” Victor conveys strength and triumph.
Vincent – Latin name meaning “conquering,” Vincent has artistic and saintly associations.
Walter – Germanic name meaning “ruler of the army,” Walter has a solid, dependable quality.
Warren – Germanic name meaning “park-keeper,” Warren has a distinguished, professional air.
Wesley – Old English name meaning “western meadow,” Wesley has religious and literary connections.
Wilbur – Germanic name meaning “bright will,” Wilbur has a gentle, scholarly quality.
Wilder – English occupational surname meaning “untamed,” Wilder combines vintage appeal with natural energy.
William – Germanic name meaning “resolute protector,” William has been borne by kings and presidents.
Winston – Old English name meaning “stone of joy,” Winston evokes statesman Winston Churchill.
Wyatt – English name derived from “guide” or “wood,” Wyatt combines Western charm with vintage appeal.
Xavier – Basque name meaning “new house,” Xavier has religious connections and international appeal.
Zachary – Hebrew name meaning “remembered by God,” Zachary has biblical roots and friendly nicknames.
Final Thoughts: Tips for Choosing the Perfect Vintage Boy Name
- Consider family history first – names from your family tree can provide meaningful connections while still having that vintage charm.
- Try saying the full name out loud several times – first, middle, and last together should flow naturally without awkward sounds or rhythms.
- Check the initials to make sure they don’t spell anything unfortunate – this small detail is easy to overlook but important.
- Balance uniqueness with practicality – your son will need to spell and pronounce his name throughout life.
- Research the name’s history and meaning – knowing the story behind the name adds depth to your choice.
- Consider nicknames that might naturally form – make sure you’re comfortable with likely shortenings.
- Test the name for teasing potential – kids can be creative with mockery, so think about possible playground twists.
- Think about how the name will grow with your child from baby to professional adult – some cute baby names don’t translate well to the boardroom.
- Trust your gut feeling – sometimes the perfect name just “feels right” when you say it.
Vintage boy names carry weight, history, and character that many modern names lack. They connect your child to the past while giving him a distinctive identity for the future.
Whether you choose a name that’s been in your family for generations or one that simply speaks to you, these timeless classics offer the perfect blend of tradition and individuality. Happy naming!