Vintage Baby Names Are Popular Again

If you trying to be original by choosing a baby name that was popular a century ago, think again.  Data from the Social Security Administration show that many parents have recently been choosing names that were popular from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s.

This list of names have all shown significant growth in popularity from 2000 to 2010. None of them have managed to make their way into the Top 10 lists, so they’re not yet overused. These names have an antique and traditional feel, but will not be like all the other kids in their kindergarten class.  I found this list on parenting.com and thought I would share it with you, along with some of their comments. 

Clara - Soft and sweet, and reminiscent of Claire, it also follows the trend of popular girls’ names ending in the "a".


Eli - It straddles old and new, with an ancient biblical connotation and a modern sports mega-star association (football player Eli Manning.)


Naomi - It’s a strong, sophisticated choice that now has a modern feel.


Charlie -  This once-popular, sweet boy’s nickname has taken off, and holds appeal for parents who want a choice that’s solid and old-style, but has a bit of playfulness, too.


Alice - Alice has an old-fashioned but undeniably dainty vibe and is on an upswing with parents.


Henry - A classic choice that has dropped in popularity, it has currently returned to the Top 100 and climbing every year.


Olive - Although Olivia has been in the top 10 lists for the past decade, Olive has a style and appeal all its own.  With flower and nature names becoming ever more popular, they bet this name having an upswing is still in store.


Leo - A short name that exudes strength, Leo is a fresh throwback choice that makes a nice alternative to the more popular Jack and Luke.


Lillian - Another once matronly-sounding choice that’s new again.  Lillian is a pretty antique name with an easy and appealing flower nickname and numerous spelling variation options.


Jasper - This old-fashioned nature name offers style, originality, and is Southern-sounding. It’s also an up-to-date alternative to popular boys’ J-names Jacob, Joshua, or Jayden.


Amelia - Sophisticated, and has an “a”-letter ending, it’s a stylish choice that will take an adventurous little girl easily into adulthood.


Everett - It’s got a crisp, upbeat vibe and a winning British association with the handsome actor Rupert Everett.


Nora - This retro rebound name gets a modern boost from singer Norah Jones.


Silas - Serious and sophisticated, this name is a vintage alternative to choices such as Samuel and Sidney.


Adeline - This charmer makes a winning, vintage alternative to Madeline, and modern parents are loving it.

Max - This once nickname is now a confident, stylish choice for parents fond of short, one-syllable names.


Hazel - This traditional choice is uniquely sophisticated and very much on the rise.


Owen - More popular than fellow antique O-name Oscar, this sweet choice is climbing the charts with modern parents.


Stella - This name which manages to balance refinement and sass, has seen a huge surge in popularity in the last decade.


Oliver - Ollie had an old-guy “gramps” ring to it for decades, but in its full form, it’s back in a big way with parents who want a sweet retro name choice for their son.