Old Fashioned Boy Names Making a Comeback
Old fashioned boy names and their meanings
- Theodore (Greek, meaning gift of God)
- Henry (Germanic, meaning home ruler)
- August (Latin, meaning great or magnificent, from the same root as Augustus)
- Oliver (Latin, meaning olive tree)
- Phillip (Greek, meaning lover of horses)
- Ray (English, a short form usable independently, commonly read as meaning wise protector when linked to Raymond)
- Walter (Germanic, meaning ruler of the army)
- Arthur (roots debated, commonly read through Celtic or Latin theories, historically tied to the legendary King Arthur)
Quick facts
| Common origins | Greek, Latin, Germanic |
| Common meaning themes | rulership, greatness, divine gift |
| Note | Theodore, Henry, and Oliver have all moved from “vintage revival” into current top-20 US names |
Frequently asked questions
Why are old fashioned boy names trending now?
Naming trends run in long cycles, and names common a century ago have re-entered fashion as parents look for something that feels classic rather than trend-driven.
Is Arthur historically tied to King Arthur, or is that a coincidence?
The name predates most versions of the Arthurian legend as a given name, though the legend has certainly reinforced its enduring popularity.
Related reading
Girl equivalent: old fashioned girl names.