They say everything old becomes new again, and baby names are no exception. Once tucked away in dusty family trees or old black-and-white movies, these vintage names are back in a big way—oozing charm, grace and character. Whether you’re drawn to the quiet elegance of the early 1900s or the punchy flair of the postwar era, these ten time-tested names are ready for their close-up once more.
Meaning: “Lovable” (from Latin “amabilis”)
Sweet and sprightly, Mabel once ruled the baby name charts in the late 19th century. With roots in Victorian sensibilities and a name meaning that radiates affection, Mabel feels like a warm hug in name form. Today, it exudes retro flair with a quirky-cute twist—perfect for parents craving something vintage but vibrant. With nicknames like Mae or Belle, it offers flexibility, too. After a long nap through the mid-20th century, Mabel is back and reminding us all why lovable never goes out of style.
2. Florence
Meaning: “Flourishing, prosperous” (from Latin “florens”)
Once the name of a city, a saint, and a Nightingale, Florence evokes art, nobility and strength in equal measure. Popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it conjures images of elegance and social reform. It’s also a quiet powerhouse of a name—soft but never passive. With Flo and Flossie as playful throwbacks, Florence fits right in with today’s revival of names that balance refinement with rebellion.
3. Goldie
Meaning: “The Golden One” or “precious one” (Yiddish/English origin)
This glittering gem of a name hit its stride in the early 1900s and is back with its playful shimmer. Goldie is bright, bold and radiantly old-fashioned in the best way. With associations to both Hollywood glamour (hello, Goldie Hawn) and sweet nostalgia, it shines with personality. It’s the kind of name that dances through the decades, always managing to feel joyful, cheeky, and totally one-of-a-kind.
4. Elsie
Meaning: “God's Promise” (diminutive of Elspeth/Elizabeth)
Short, sweet, and rich with heritage, Elsie comes from the Scottish form of Elizabeth and has long exuded homespun charm. Popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it conjures up everything from classic literature to gingham dresses and daisy fields. Yet its rise today feels anything but old-fashioned. It’s light, lyrical and loaded with vintage appeal—the kind of name that’s as perfect for a newborn as it is for a storybook heroine.
5. Opal
Meaning: “Precious gem” (from Sanskrit “upala”)
Jewel names had their heyday a century ago, and Opal was one of the shiniest stars. With its soft luster and mystical vibes, Opal brings an otherworldly beauty to the modern name list. It nods to the early 1900s while also feeling like a quiet trendsetter in today’s gemstone renaissance. Its ethereal glow and offbeat sophistication make it a strong, sparkling contender for any vintage-loving parent.
Meaning: “Famous River” (Scottish origin)
This rugged river name peaked in the early 20th century and is back with an edge. While Clyde may conjure outlaw vibes (think Bonnie & Clyde), its roots are actually quite peaceful—named for the Scottish River Clyde. It carries the cool-factor of a film noir anti-hero but can just as easily belong to a modern-day poet or artist. It’s a name with grit, grace, and a dash of rebel charm.
7. Otto
Meaning: “Prosperity & Fortune” (German origin)
Otto has a pleasing symmetry, a strong sound and a deep well of history. Once favored by German royalty and American immigrants alike, Otto was a Top 100 name in the early 1900s. It took a hiatus for most of the 20th century but has reemerged as a hip, pan-European pick. With its snappy O-to-O structure and a meaning that suggests abundance, Otto feels fresh, sturdy, and undeniably cool.
8. Ira
Meaning: “The Watchful One” (Hebrew origin)
Gentle and understated, Ira was once a staple among early American boys. Biblical in origin but clean in form, it evokes a sense of stillness and strength. Though its usage dipped post-1950, Ira now appeals to lovers of soft masculinity and intellectual edge. It carries the rare mix of bookish and brave, offering quiet charisma and vintage soul in just three tidy letters.
9. Walter
Meaning: “Commander of the army” (Germanic origin)
Walter was once the everyman hero of the early 1900s, worn by inventors, presidents and storybook grandpas. It’s a name built to last—strong, classic, and full of leadership potential. While some may hear it as clunky, others are embracing its retro gravitas and adorable nickname, Walt. Walter is a comeback kid with backbone, ready to stand tall in a sea of Aidens and Liams.
10. Felix
Meaning: “Happy & Fortunate” (Latin origin)
Felix has a zest and brightness that keeps it perennially stylish. With roots in Roman antiquity and a name meaning brimming with positivity, it’s no surprise that Felix is having another moment. It feels playful yet polished, the kind of name that could belong to both a mischievous cartoon cat and a serious-minded scholar. Few names wear their joy so openly.
What's your favorite Old-School name? Tell us in comments!