You may be interested to know that old man names like Elijah, Sebastian, and Levi are back in style.
Never has “being retro” been more in vogue than now.
Maybe it’s the exponential rate at which technology is progressing, allowing us easier access to historical records, or maybe it’s society’s push toward the decay of traditional practices – whatever the reasons, traditional names are far from behind us!
In fact, over 35 of the top 200 most popular boy names from the last two years are old-fashioned names from this list, with 28 of them in the top 50.
Being old-fashioned has never been so fashionable!
We’re going to take you through the most badass, popular, and old-timey names, as well as give you some great naming inspiration to break the mold while keeping it vintage.
What Makes a Name Old-Timey?
An old-fashioned name, or as we like to call it, an old man name, is one that was popular and used often back in the day.
Back in the day? That sounds a bit vague.
Yes, it is vague (not vogue!), and rightly so. Old-fashioned simply means not current or modern, so it could come from 20 years ago, 50 years ago, 100 years ago, or even more!
Old-timey names come from the past. It’s that simple.
From the badass old guys who made the country you’re living in the great place it is today.
Now, enough faffing around with the whys and wherefores, let’s get to the amazing names with amazing meanings!
The Top 20 Old Man Names
We’ve mentioned before that being old-fashioned has never been more fashionable. Is this a contradiction? Surely being popular now makes them current and modern – therefore not old-fashioned.
Well, it’s the fact that these names come from the past that makes them what they are. And they are adorable, strong, and virtuous names that any man would be proud to have.
Here are the Top 20 Old People Names for Men:
1. Noah
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: “rest, wandering”
Noah was the number 1 name in the US a few years ago, and now sits at number 2. Is your baby boy going to join the Noahs of this world?
2. Solomon
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: “peace”
Wisdom and sage advice are two of the attributes the name Solomon bring to mind. The perfect old-man name for your baby boy who will grow in wisdom every day.
3. Seth
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: “appointed or placed”
The name Seth has come and gone, come and gone, and come again. It also stands out from the crowd enough to be noticed, but doesn’t shout “look at me!”
4. Oliver
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: “olive tree”
Even though Oliver has its roots well-embedded in history, it is currently the UK’s favorite boy’s name. Plus, with a nickname like Ollie, who can blame them!
5. Forrest
- Origin: English
- Meaning: “dweller near the woods”
Nature-loving, contemporary and, dare we say it, even hippy! Forrest still remains popular enough to not be a shocking or too “far out” name.
6. Michael
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: “gift from God”
Tried and tested, steadfast Michael will stand the test of time. It’s been here for millennia, derived from the Hebrew Mikha’el, and will continue to be as long as people have faith.
7. Hal
- Origin: English
- Meaning: “army ruler, rules his household”
Hal is either a dimunutive for Harry or it can be its own standalone name.
8. Jacob
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: “to follow behind”
Not everyone is born to be a leader – too many leaders make for a very unproductive world! Every good leader needs a great follower, and who is better than Jacob (or Jake!).
9. Ronald
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: “advisor to the ruler”
You may be thinking Ronald Weasley, and you would still be making a good choice! A long-standing and reliable name that also shortens nicely to Ron.
10. Benjamin
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: “son of my right hand”
The name Benjamin conjures up the image of a lively and supportive man with kind eyes, a ready smile, and a warm heart. Also shortens nicely to Ben or Benji.
11. Cyrus
- Origin: Persian
- Meaning: “sun, one who bestows care”
Both a ray of sunlight in the lives of those around him, and a caring, supportive soul.
12. Roscoe
- Origin: Norse
- Meaning: “deer forest”
Having fallen out of popularity over the last century, Roscoe is making a comeback. Vive la révolution!
13. Benedict
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: “blessed”
With the famous namesake Benedict Cumberbatch to look up to, your baby boy truly will be blessed with this name.
14. Orson
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: “bear cub”
A strong and stable name, and with the famous Orson Wells as a namesake to boot.
15. Sebastian
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: “venerable, from the ancient city of Sebastia”
A traditional name, one that carries a note of authority and respect.
16. William
- Origin: Germanic
- Meaning: “desire, helmet”
A very traditional name with many appearances in royalty through the centuries.
17. James
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: “he grasps the heel, substitute”
It may seem like a modern name, which can be attributed to so many famous people called James. Why not add another James to the list for your little star?
18. Alexander
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: “defender of mankind”
I’m sorry, but how cool is that?! Defender of mankind. Who doesn’t want their son to be the protector of the world!
19. Henry
- Origin: German
- Meaning: “estate ruler”
Another name that has been popular amongst royalty, so what could be better for your little prince.
20. Elijah
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: “God, the Lord”
A biblical name, perfect for your baby boy who one day as a man may stand on the side of good and overthrow the evil of the world.
Our Favorite Old Man Names
So those were the top 20, and we think they’re pretty great, but we’re going to have our say in this matter.
If it were up to us, these would be up there with the rest!
1. Walter
- Origin: German
- Meaning: “army ruler”
2. Windsor
- Origin: Old English
- Meaning: “riverbank with a winch”
3. Chester
- Origin: English
- Meaning: “fortress”
4. Bruce
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: “the willowlands”
5. Saul
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: “asked for, prayed for”
6. Josiah
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: “God supports, heals”
7. Clarence
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: “bright, clear”
8. Murray
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: “settlement near the sea”
9. Hugh
- Origin: English
- Meaning: “mind, intellect”
10. Truman
- Origin: English
- Meaning: “faithful, loyal one”
Hey, why don’t you let us know your favorite in the comments at the end?
Old-Timey Names from Hollywood
How many people do you know that were named after a movie star? Probably many more than you’re aware of!
The big screen is a great place to draw naming inspiration from, whether it comes from the actors themselves, or the characters they portrayed.
Here are 20 oldies but goodies, from famous male actors through the years.
Actor’s Name | Meaning |
---|---|
Ralph (Fiennes) | “counsel, advice” |
Buster (Keaton) | “tough guy” |
Laurence (Olivier) | “man from Laurentum” |
Sidney (Poitier) | “wide water meadow” |
Gene (Kelly) | “well-born, noble” |
Errol (Flynn) | “nobleman, warrior, or prince” |
Clark (Gable) | “scribe, secretary, a scholar who is part of a religious order, one who has an education” |
Gregory (Peck) | “to watch, watchful, alert” |
Cary (Grant) | “pleasant stream” |
Oliver (Hardy) | “olive tree planter” |
Orson (Welles) | “bear” |
Spencer (Tracy) | “steward, administrator” |
Kirk (Douglas) | “church” |
Fred (Astaire) | “peaceful ruler” |
Lionel (Barrymore) | “lion” |
Humphrey (Bogart) | “bear cub, peace” |
Mickey (Rooney) | “who resembles God?” |
Marlon (Brando) | “dedicated to mars, from the hill by the lake, remnants of a lake, hawk” |
Harrison (Ford) | “house ruler” |
Tony (Curtis) | “priceless one” |
Many More Badass Old Man Names: The A-Z
Having a specialist selection is great, but if you don’t find what you’re looking for then it’s nice to have a wider selection to browse.
So here we are, with All the Vintage Names for Boys that we could find or think of!
Name | Meaning |
---|---|
Abraham | Hebrew – “father of many” |
Adrian | Roman – “sea, water” |
Aiken | Old English – “from the oak tree” |
Albert | German – “noble and bright” |
Alexander | Greek – “defender of mankind” |
Alfred | English – “elf counsel or wise counsel” |
Allen | Celtic – “stone, harmony” |
Alvin | German – “noble friend” |
Ambrose | Greek – “immortal” |
Amos | Hebrew – “burdened or troubled” |
Archibald, Archie | German – “bold, precious,genuine” |
Arlo | English – “fortified hill” |
Arthur | Irish, English – “noble or bear” |
Augustus | Dutch, English, German, Latin – “magnificent, the increaser” |
Barnabas, Barnabus (Barny) | Hebrew – “son of comfort, strong as a bear” |
Barnaby (Barny) | English – “son of consolation” |
Bartholomew | Hebrew – “rich in land” |
Basil | Greek – “royal, kingly” |
Beau | French – “handsome” |
Benedict | Latin – “blessed” |
Benjamin | Hebrew – “son of my right hand” |
Bernard, Bernie | German – “brave as a bear” |
Blake | English – “dark” |
Bobby | Old English – “shining, bright fame” |
Bruce | Scottish – “the willowlands” |
Byron | English – “at the byres or the barn” |
Calvin | Latin – “bald, hairless” |
Casper | Persian – “treasurer” |
Cecil | English – “blind” |
Cedric | Celtic – “gift of splendour” |
Charles | French, German – “free man” |
Chester | English – “fortress” |
Clarence | Latin – “bright, clear” |
Clark | English – “scribe, scholar” |
Clifford | English – “ford near a slope” |
Clive | Old English – “cliff dweller” |
Clyde | Scottish – “the River Clyde in Scotland” |
Conrad | Germanic – “brave counsel” |
Cornelius | Latin – “horn” |
Cyrus | Persian – “sun” |
Daniel | Hebrew – “God is my judge” |
Darryl | Old English – “darling” |
David | Hebrew – “beloved” |
Dean | English – “valley” |
Dennis | Greek – “follower of Dionysius” |
Derek | Teutonic – “gifted ruler” |
Desmond | Irish – “named for the middle ages Kingdom of Desmond in southeastern Ireland” |
Don | Irish – “brown, chief, noble” |
Douglas | Scottish – “black water, dark stream” |
Duane | Scandinavian – “dark, swarthy” |
Duncan | Gaelic – “dark-haired warrior” |
Dwight | German – “white or blonde” |
Earl | English – “warrior, nobleman” |
Earnest, Ernest | English, German – “serious, resolute” |
Edgar | English – “successful spearman” |
Edison | Old English – “son of edward” |
Edmund | English – “fortunate protector” |
Edward | English – “wealthy guardian” |
Edwin | English – “prosperous friend” |
Elijah | Hebrew – “God, the Lord” |
Elliot | Hebrew – “my God is Yahweh” |
Elmer | English – “noble, renowned” |
Elvis | Scandinavian – “all-wise” |
Emmett, Emmitt | English, German – “universal, powerful” |
Esteban | Spanish – “wreath, crown, honor, fame, derived from the Greek Stéphanos” |
Eugene | Greek – “noble, well born” |
Everett | English, German – “brave as a wild boar” |
Ewan | Scottish – “born of the yew tree” |
Ezekiel (Zeke) | Hebrew – “God strengthens” |
Ezra | Hebrew – “help” |
Felix | Latin – “fortunate, happy” |
Finley | Celtic – “fair-haired hero” |
Forrest | English – “dweller near the woods” |
Francis (Frank) | French, Latin – “free, free man, Frenchman” |
Franklin | English – “free landholder” |
Frederick | German – “peaceful ruler” |
Gabriel | Hebrew – “God is my strength” |
Garfield | English – “triangular field” |
Garret, Garrett | Germanic – “spear rule” |
Gary | Germanic – “spear” |
George | Greek – “farmer” |
Gerald | English, German – “ruler with a spear” |
Gideon | Hebrew – “hewer; or, having a stump for a hand” |
Gilbert | Germanic – “bright promise, famous and noble youth” |
Glenn | Gaelic – “valley” |
Godfrey | French – “peace of God” |
Gordon | Scottish – “great hill” |
Grady | Irish – “a descendant of nobility” |
Graham | English, Scottish – “grand homestead” |
Grant | English, French, Scottish – “tall, large” |
Gregory | Latin – “watchful” |
Grover | English – “boy who lives near a grove” |
Gus | Latin – “magnificent” |
Hal | English – “army ruler, rules his household” |
Hamilton | Northern Irish, Scottish – “treeless hill” |
Harold, Harry | English, Scandinavian – “army ruler” |
Harvey | German – “warrior, soldier” |
Henry | German – “estate ruler” |
Herbert | German – “glorious soldier” |
Herman | German – “soldier, warrior” |
Horace | Roman – “man of time” |
Howard | English – “high guard” |
Hugh | English – “mind, intellect” |
Humphrey | French – “peaceful warrior” |
Ichabod | Hebrew – “departed glory” |
Ignatius | Latin – “fiery” |
Ike | Hebrew – “he laughs, laughter” |
Ira | Hebrew – “watchful one” |
Irving | Scottish – “green river, sea friend” |
Isaac | Hebrew – “laughter” |
Issac | Hebrew – “laughter, he who laughs” |
Ivan | Slavic – “God is gracious” |
Ivor | Scottish – “archer” |
Jack | English – “God is gracious” |
Jacob | Hebrew – “to follow behind” |
James | Hebrew – “he grasps the heel, substitute” |
Jarvis | Old English – “spear man” |
Jasper | Persian – “bringer of treasure” |
Jefferson | Old English – “son of Jeffrey” |
Jeffrey | English – “pledge of peace” |
Jeremiah, Jeremy | Hebrew – “God will exalt/uplift” |
Jerome | Greek – “sacred” |
Jerry | Old English – “ruling spear” |
John | Hebrew – “to be gracious” |
Jonah | Hebrew – “dove, pigeon” |
Joseph | Hebrew – “God will add or increase” |
Josiah | Hebrew – “God supports, heals” |
Jules | French, Latin – “youthful; soft, downy” |
Julian | Latin – “youthful” |
Julius | Greek – “youthful, downy-bearded” |
Keith | Celtic – “wood, forest, from the battleground” |
Kelvin | Old English – “ship, friend” |
Kenneth | Irish – “handsome” |
Kevin | Irish – “dear, noble” |
Kirk | Scottish – “church” |
Lamar | German – “dweller by a pool” |
Laurence | Roman – “bright one, one from Laurentum” |
Laurie | Latin – “laurel or sweet bay tree; symbol of victory” |
Lawrence | Latin – “from the Roman city of Laurentum” |
Leland | English – “meadow land” |
Leo | Latin – “brave lion” |
Leonard | German – “lion-hearted” |
Levi | Hebrew – “united, joined, joined in harmony” |
Linus | Greek – “flax-haired” |
Lionel | French – “young lion” |
Lloyd | Welsh – “grey” |
Louis | French, German – “renowned warrior” |
Luther | German – “army people” |
Malcolm | Scottish – “disciple of columba” |
Marshall | English – “caretaker of horses” |
Martin | Latin – “warlike” |
Max | Latin – “greatest” |
Melvin | English – “gentle lord” |
Micah | Hebrew – “one who is like God” |
Michael | Hebrew – “gift from God” |
Mickey | Hebrew – “who is like God” |
Miles | Latin – “soldier” |
Milton | English – “from a mill town” |
Mitchell | English – “who is like God” |
Monty | English, Irish, Scottish. Diminutive of Montgomery – “from the hill of the powerful man” |
Morris | English, Scottish – “dark-skinned” |
Mortimer | English – “still sea” |
Morton | English, Scottish – “town near the moor” |
Moses | Hebrew – “delivered from the water“ |
Murray | Scottish – “settlement near the sea” |
Ned | Old English. Also a diminutive of Edward. – “wealthy guardian” |
Nelson | Irish – “son of Nell” |
Neville, Newton | English, French – “new town” |
Niles | Scandinavian – “son of Neil” |
Noah | Hebrew – “rest, wandering” |
Norman | English – “northerner, Norse-man” |
Norris | English, French – “foster parent, nurse, northerner” |
Oliver | Latin – “olive tree” |
Orson | English, Latin – “bear cub” |
Oscar | English, Irish – “divine spear” |
Oswald | English – “divine power” |
Oswin | English – “God’s friend” |
Otis, Otto | German – “wealthy” |
Owen | Welsh – “fighter, noble” |
Patrick | Latin – “nobleman” |
Percival (Percy) | French – “one who pierces the valley” |
Peter | Greek – “stone, rock” |
Phileas | Greek – “affectionate” |
Philip (Phil) | Greek – “lover of horses” |
Phineas | Hebrew – “Nubian, a region of present day Egypt” |
Pierce | English – “rock” |
Preston | Old English – “priest’s estate” |
Quentin | French – “fifth” |
Quincy | Latin – “born fifth” |
Rainer | German form of Scandinavian ‘Ragnar’ – “wise army “ |
Ralph | English – “wolf counsel” |
Randall | Old English – “shield” |
Raymond | German – “wise protector” |
Reginald | Latin – “ruler’s adviser” |
Reuben, Rueben | Hebrew – “behold, a son” |
Rex | Latin – “king” |
Rhett | Dutch – “advice” |
Robert, Rupert | German – “bright fame” |
Rodney | Old English, Old German – “island near the clearing” |
Roger | German – “famous warrior” |
Roland | English, German – “famous throughout the land” |
Ronald | English, German – “advisor to the ruler” |
Rory | Irish – “red-haired king” |
Roscoe | Norse – “deer forest” |
Roy | Irish – “red” |
Royce | English – “son” |
Rudolph (Rudy) | English, German – “famous wolf” |
Rufus | Latin – “red-head” |
Russell | English, French – “redheaded” |
Samson | Hebrew – “sun” |
Samuel | Hebrew – “name of God” |
Saul | Hebrew – “asked for, prayed for” |
Sebastian | Greek – “venerable, from the ancient city of Sebastia” |
Seth | Hebrew – “appointed or placed” |
Seymour | English, French – “of the marshy land near the sea” |
Sherman | English, French – “shearer of woolen cloth” |
Sidney | English – “wide meadow” |
Sigmund | German – “victorious protection” |
Silas | English, Latin – “wood, forest” |
Simon | Hebrew – “he had heard” |
Solomon | Hebrew – “peace” |
Spencer | English – “house steward, dispenser of provisions” |
Stanley | English – “from the stony field” |
Sterling | English – “of the highest quality” |
Sullivan | Irish – “dark eyed” |
Terrence | Irish – “tender” |
Thane | Scottish – “clan chieftain” |
Theodore | Greek – “divine gift” |
Thomas | Aramaic – “twin” |
Timothy | Greek – “honoring God” |
Tobias | Greek – “God is good” |
Tony | Latin – “priceless one” |
Truman | English – “faithful, loyal one” |
Vaughn | Welsh – “little” |
Vernon | English – “alder tree” |
Victor | Latin – “conqueror” |
Vincent | Latin – “winner” |
Waldo | German – “to rule” |
Wallace | Scottish – “stranger” |
Walter | German – “army ruler” |
Warren | Germanic – “protector, loyal” |
Wayne | English – “wagon maker” |
Wendell | German – “to wander” |
Werther | German – “worthy warrior” |
Wesley | English, French – “field to the west” |
Wilbur | German – “resolute, brilliant” |
Wiley | English – “Willow woods” |
Wilfred | English – “desires peace” |
Wilkes | German. A contraction of Wilkins – “will, desire” |
William | Germanic – “desire, helmet” |
Willis | English, Norman French, Scottish – “resolute protector, will” |
Wilson | English, Scottish – “son of Will” |
Wilton | English – “place by a stream” |
Windsor | Old English – “riverbank with a winch” |
Winslow | English – “friend’s hill or burial mound” |
Winston | English – “wine’s town” |
Woodrow | English – “row of houses by a wood” |
Wyatt | English – “brave in battle” |
Zachariah, Zacharias | Hebrew – “God remembers” |
Old Man Names FAQ
What is a grumpy old man name?
What a brilliant question! The answer depends on the sound of the name, and what you associate it with. For me, the name Stanley makes me think of a grumpy old man because of a man who lived on my childhood street.
Disclaimer: I’m sure there are many lovely Stanleys out there.
What are your best grumpy old man names? Let us know in the comments, just keep any stories free of personal detail, whether yours or theirs!
What are some really old names?
Some examples of great names that are really old, i.e. found in ancient history, are:
- Nero
- Felix
- Rufus
- Julius
- Marcus
- Severus
- Septus
- Lazarus
- Nicolaus
- Balthazar
- Titus
- Romulus
- Lucius
- Amadeus
- Atticus
- Cato
- etc.
Another web search for “ancient names” will give you many more.
What are some old-fashioned male names?
Well, we have just been through the biggest and best list of old-fashioned names for men, so scroll back up and look through them, or you can hop back to the beginning with this link!
What is the most old person name?
Well, well, it looks like we have a competition here!
Add your vote by putting the old man names you think are most fitting in the comments at the end, and we’ll see which one comes up trumps.
What is an old British name?
Names like Winston, Addison, Remington, Tanner, Reginald, Darrel, and Grayson are perfect examples of old British names.
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