If you are on the hunt for a vintage boy name that is unique but not too out-of-the-box, then this blog post is for you!
We have compiled a list of forgotten vintage boy names that are sure to make a comeback.
These names are unique and stylish and have a certain old-fashioned charm that you can’t find in today’s popular names.
These old man names have fallen out of use, faded into obscurity, and are currently out of the top 1000 boy names on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website.
You might not find these names on the top of any baby name list, but that’s what makes them so special.
You’ll find these names on tombstones and in family history books. They are the names that have been passed down through generations.
So, if you are looking for a vintage boy name that you don’t hear anymore, then be sure to keep reading!
You are sure to find the perfect name for your little old man.
Forgotten Vintage Names
1- Angus
Angus is an old-fashioned name from Scottish and Gaelic origins and means “choice” or “one.” Some nicknames for Angus are Gus and Angie.
2- Anson
This vintage name of British origin means “son of God.” Some nicknames for Anson are An or Ans.
3- Anton
If you’re looking for an old-school Latin name that means “priceless,” this name is a good choice. Some nicknames of this name are Tony or Ant.
4- Augustus
For a fancy and “majestic” name, Augustus, from Latin origins, is a good pick. Some shorter nicknames for your son are Auggie and Gus.
5- Barnaby
Barnaby is an Old English name that means “son of consolation.” Some nicknames for Barnaby are Barney and Bee.
6- Barney
Barney is a Hebrew grandpa name that means “son of comfort.” A nickname for this name is Barn.
7- Basil
Basil is a traditional name that comes from Greek culture and means “kingly” or “royal.” A nickname for Basil is Baz.
8- Bernard
This name from the 1800s has French and German origins. It means “strong” or “brave bear.” A couple of nicknames for Bernard are Bernie and Bern.
9- Bertram
Bertram might be an older man’s name that can be found in Old French and German, but it would also be a lovely choice for your son.
It means “bright raven.” Some nicknames for Bertram are Bert or Bertie.
10- Bertrand
Bertrand is a name that has roots in German and means “bright raven.” Some nicknames for Bertrand are Bert and Bertie.
11- Binsey
This name might be a bit unusual. It comes from the name of a hill in England. A nickname for Binsey is Bin.
12- Boyd
A short and sweet name is Boyd. It has Scottish origins and means ‘yellow-haired” or “blonde.” A nickname for Boyd is Boy or Buddy.
13- Calloway
This old-fashioned name of Latin origin means “pebbly place.” Some nicknames for Calloway are Cal and Callie.
14- Carlisle
Carlisle is a classic male name from Old English that means “from the walled city.” A nickname for Carlisle is Carl.
15- Cassius
Cassius is an old name with Latin origins that means “hollow.” Some nicknames for this name are Cas or Cash.
16- Cecil
Cecil is an old-fashioned Latin name that means “blind.” Some nicknames for Cecil are Sully and CC.
17- Claude
Claude is a French name that means “strong-willed.” A nickname for this name is Claudie.
18- Clive
This English name means “cliff.” A nickname for Clive is Cly.
19- Clyde
Clyde is a handsome Scottish name that means “warm.” Some nicknames for Clyde are Cly or Ide.
20- Conrad
Conrad is an old male name of German origin that means “brave council.” Some nicknames for Conrad are Con and Connie.
21- Cornelius
This is a fancy name of Latin origin: “horn.” Some nicknames for this name are Cor or Niel.
22- Cyril
Cyril is a traditional Greek name that means “masterful.” A cool nickname for Cyril is Cy.
23- Darius
Darius is an old Greek name that means “rich and kingly.” A nickname for Darius is Dare.
24- Dashiell
Dashiell is a fancy name that comes from French, meaning “page boy.” A nickname for Dashiell is Dash.
25- Devin
Devin is an Irish name that means “fawn.” Some nicknames for Devin are Dev and Vinny.
26- Digby
Digby is a grandpa name from Norse culture and means “town by the ditch.” A nickname for Digby is Dig.
27- Dirk
This is a short name that needs no nickname. It is of Dutch origin and means “the people’s ruler.”
28- Dmitri
For a more old-sounding name, Dmitri comes from Greek origins and means “follower of Demeter.” Some nicknames for Dmitri are Dima and Mitri.
29- Eames (pronounced Aims)
Eames is a vintage Irish name that means “prosperous protector.” A nickname for this name is Aim.
Vintage Boy Names With Nicknames
30- Earl
Earl is an Old English name that means “nobleman.” A nickname for Earl is Early or Erl.
31- Eddie
Eddie is an English name that means “guardian of riches.” A nickname for this is Ed.
32- Edgar
Edgar is an English name that means “rich.” Some nicknames for Edgar are Ed and Eddie.
33- Edmund
Edmund is an English name that means “wealthy protector.” Some nicknames for Edmund are Ed and Eddie.
34- Eldridge
This is a name that you don’t hear often. Eldrige is a grandpa’s name that means “old wise ruler.” A nickname for Eldrige is El.
35- Elton
Elton is a name that comes from English origins and means “the old town.” Some nicknames for Elton are El or Ella. You may recognize this as the first name of Elton John, a legendary British singer.
36- Elwood
Elwood is an English name that means “elder tree forest.” Some nicknames for Elwood are El or Woody.
37- Enzo
This classic name comes from Italian origins and means “home-ruler.” Some nicknames for this name are Enz, En, or Zozo.
38- Erik
Erik is a Scandanavian boy’s name that means “eternal ruler.” A nickname for Erik is Ricky.
39- Ernest
Ernest is a good choice for an old-school name from German origins and means “serious.” A nickname for Ernest is Ernie.
40- Fabian
Fabian is a Latin name that means “bean grower.” Some nicknames for this name are Fab and Bean.
41- Fergus
Fergus is a Scottish or Irish name that means “masculine one.” Some nicknames for this name are Ferg and Fergie.
42- Fletcher
This is a handsome English name that means “arrow maker.” A nickname for Fletcher is Fletch.
43- Floyd
Floyd is an old-fashioned Welsh name that means “grey-haired.” A nickname option for this name is Floy.
44- Fraser
Fraser of a traditional name of Sottish and Norman origins that means “of the forest men.” Some nicknames for Fraser are Fray and Frazer.
45- Gulliver
You might recognize this name from Gulliver’s Travels, a book by Jonathan Swift. Gulliver is an old name from Irish roots meaning “glutton.” Some nicknames for Gulliver are Liv or Gully.
46- Guthrie
Guthrie is a traditional option from Irish origins and means “windy place.” One nickname for Guthrie is Guth.
47- Hans
Hans is a German name that means “God has been gracious.” A nickname for this name is Han or Hanny.
48- Hopper
This unique name comes from English origins and means “leaper.” A nickname for Hopper is Hop.
49- Isidore
Isadore is a Greek name that means “gift of Isis.” Some nicknames for this name are Dory, Sid, and Izzy.
50- Ivan
Ivan is a simple Slavic name that means “God is gracious.” A nickname for Ivan is I’ve.
Old Boys Names
51- Larkin
If you’re looking for a unique Irish name, Larkin means “rough.” A nickname for Larkin is Lark.
52- Laurent
This is an old-fashioned name of French origin meaning “of Laurentium.” Some nicknames for Laurent are Ren and Law.
53- Lazarus
Lazarus is a fancy name of Hebrew origin that means “God has helped.” A nickname for Lazarus is Laz.
54- Leland
For a unique name from English origins that means “meadow land,” Leland is an option. Some nicknames for Leland are Lee and Lanny.
55- Lenny
Lenny is an English name that means “brave as a lion.” A nickname for Lenny is Len.
56- Linus
Linus is a Greek boy’s name that means “flax colored.” One nickname for Linus is Lin.
57- Lloyd
Lloyd is an old name of Welsh origin that means “grey-haired.”
58- Luther
Luther is a German name that means “soldier of the people.” Some nicknames for Luther are Luth and Luke.
59- Lysander
This name sounds like it is right out of a storybook. Lysander is a fancy male name of Greek origin and means “liberator.” A nickname for this name is Lys.
60- Malcolm
Malcolm is an old-fashioned name rooted in Scottish culture and means “devotee of Saint Columba.” Some nicknames for Malcolm are Mal or Malc.
61- Marshall
Marshall is an old Scottish name that means “love of horses.” Some nicknames for Marshall are Marsh or Mars.
62- Maurice
This is a Latin name that means “dark-skinned.” Some nicknames for Maurice include Mo or Reece.
63- Maxim
Maxim is a classic male name of Roman origin and means “the greatest.” Max is a cute nickname for Maxim.
64- Merritt
Merritt is an English name that means “boundary gate.” Some nicknames for this name are Mitt and Mer.
65- Milton
For an old-school boy’s name that comes from English origins, Milton. means “mill town.” Some nicknames for this name are Mills or Tony.
66- Montgomery
Montgomery is a posh name with roots in French origins and means “mountain belonging to the ruler.” Some nicknames for Montgomery are Monty and Emery.
67- Mordecai
This name is an alternative for Malachi. Mordecai comes from Hebrew and means “follower of Marduk.” Some nicknames for Mordecai are Mort or Kai.
68- Munson
Munson is a name that comes from English and means “son of Mund.” A nickname for Munson is Mun. This name has risen in popularity due to fan favorite Stranger Things character, Eddie Munson.
69- Murray
Murray is a vintage name of Scottish origins and means “from the sea.” One nickname for this name is Muzz.
70- Niall
Niall is an Irish name that means “champion.” This name was made popular again by a member of One Direction, Niall Horan.
71- Norman
This old-fashioned name comes from English origins and means “man from the north.” A nickname for Norman is Norm.
72- Northrop
Northrop is a fancy name from Old English and means “dweller north in the village.” Some nicknames for this name are North and Northy.
73- Orson
Orson is a name of French and Latin origins and has the adorable meaning of “bear cub.” Some nicknames are Oz or Ors.
74- Orville
Orville is an old-fashioned name that originated from the English language and means “spear strength.” Some cute nicknames are Orvie or Ollie.
75- Osmond
Osmond is an English name that means “divine protector.” Some nicknames for Osmond are Oz and Ozzie.
76- Oswald
Oswald is a sweet English name that means “divine power.” Some nicknames for this name are Oz, Ozzy, and Waldo.
77- Parth
This Sanskrit name has unique origins in which it comes from an Indian epic. Parth means “the person who never misses his target.”
78- Percy
Percy is an old-fashioned name of French origin and means “one who pierces the valley.” A nickname for Percy is Perce.
79- Phineas
Phineas is a Greek name that means “mouth of brass.” A nickname for Phineas is Phin. This name was repopularized by Disney Channel’s Phineas and Ferb.
RELATED: 100 Vintage Girl Names You Don't Hear Anymore
Old Fashioned Boy Names From The 1800s
80- Ralph
This Scandanavian name means “wolf counsel.” Some nicknames are Ralphy or Rafe.
81- Rasmus
Rasmus is a fancy Scandanavian name that means “beloved.” A nickname for Rasmus is Raz.
82- Reggie
Reggie is a Latin name that means “counselor and ruler.” A nickname for this name is Reg.
83- Reginald
Reginald is an old man’s name of Latin origin and means “king.” Some nicknames for Reginald are Reg and Reggie.
84- Reid
This Scottish name means “red.” A nickname for this name is also its meaning, Red.
85- Reith
Reith is a classic name of Scottish origins and means “son of grace.”
86- Robin
Robin is an English name that means “famed” or “bright.” Some nicknames for Robin are Rob and Robbie.
87- Ronnie
A casual name option is Ronnie, a Norse name that means “ruler.” A nickname for Ronnie is Ron.
88- Rufus
Rufus is a name that comes from Latin roots and means “red-headed.” A nickname for Rufus is Roo.
89- Rupert
Rupert is an Old German name that means “fame bright.” A nickname for Rupert is Rupe. This is the name of Rupert Grint, who is an actor famous for the Harry Potter franchise.
90- Seymour
Seymour is an old boy’s name that means “marshy land near the sea.” Several cool nicknames for Seymour include Mori and Sey.
91- Sidney
Sidney is an old English name that means “wide meadow.” A nickname for Sidney is Sid.
92- Sylvain
This name is reminiscent of fantasy novels. Sylvain is a French name that means “wood” or “forest.” A nickname for Sylvain is Syl.
93- Sylvester
Sylvester is an old name of Latin origin that means “wooded.” A nickname for Sylvester is Syl.
94- Ulysses
Ulysses is an old-school name of Latin origin and means “wrathful.” Some nicknames for this name are Ulie or Ollie.
95- Vernon
This English name means “place of Alders. A nickname for Vernon is Vern.
96- Vinnie
Vinnie is a cute Latin name that means “to conquer.” A nickname for this is Vin.
97- Walden
Walden is an English name that means “wooded valley.” A nickname for Walden is Waldo.
99- Wallace
This Scottish name means “stranger.” Wally would be a good nickname.
100- Wendell
Wendell is a German name that means “traveler.” A nickname for Wendell is Dell.
101- Wilbur
Wilbur is an English name that means “willful.” Nicknames for Wilbur include Will and Willy.
102- Wilfred
This name has an old vibe and means “peace.” Some nicknames for Wilfred are Will and Fred.
103- Wilfrid
Wilfrid is an Old English name meaning “peace.” A nickname for this is Will.
104- Winslow
Winslow is an English name that means “friend’s hill.” A nickname for this is Win.
105- Wolfgang
Wolfgang is a name that comes from German origins and means “path of the wolf.” A nickname for Wolfgang is Wolf.
106- Woody
This English name means “from the lane in the woods.”
107- Magnus
Magnus is a Latin name that means “great” or “large.”
It was a popular name in ancient Rome and was also used among early Christians as a name for several saints.
Magnus can be shortened to Mag or Max. In Scandinavian countries, common diminutives include Mange, Magne, and Mags.
Wrapping Up Vintage Boy Names
There are many reasons why some vintage boy names have been forgotten.
It could be that they were never that popular, to begin with, or that they were popular long ago (1800s names) and have since fallen out of fashion.
Whatever the reason, it’s a shame to see such beautiful names forgotten.
However, there are still many people who appreciate these names for their historical significance or their unique sound.
If you’re looking for a unique name for your baby boy, consider one of these forgotten vintage names.
For more names with a similar vibe, take a look at our list of 200+ uncommon and unique names for boys.
