Coming up with aname for a childcan be a painstaking and emotional process.
For instance, Chris Martin andGwyneth Paltrow famously named their daughterApple.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s firstborn is called North West.
And let us not forget aboutElon Musk and singer Grimes calling their sonX A-12.
A bizarre baby name sure can be eye-catching and unique.
However, sometimes choosing a more classic name can have its benefits and not all retro names are dull.
Here are some beautiful antique baby names that will make your baby super classy from day one.
According toBabyNames.com, the name is of French origin and means “alive.”
The name offers some opportunities for a few adorable nicknames, like Vi, Viv, and Vivi.
Vivien is a great choice for parents who love all things retro.
Her famous marriage to her frequent co-star Laurence Olivier.
Who knows maybe Vivien will come back into popularity as a new generation becomes familiar with Leigh.
Theodore
Theodore is definitely a pretty uncommon baby name these days.
The site goes on to note that thename means"gift of God."
There are also plenty of famous Theodores.
For starters, there’s Theodore Roosevelt, who became the President of the United States in 1901.
As NameBerry.com pointed out, the name was hugely common when Roosevelt was in office.
The name is also pretty common in the literary world.
It comes with some lovely nicknames, such as Eve, Eva, or Evie.
One famous Evelyn was the classic author Evelyn Waugh, famous for books likeBrideshead RevisitedandVile Bodies.
Throughout the late 20th century, the name fell out of favor.
We can’t blame them for choosing it it’s a beautiful, old-school name!
Fitzwilliam
It doesn’t get more antique than a name like Fitzwilliam.
If you want to commit to a truly classic baby name, this British name is the perfect option.
According toBabyNames.com, the name literally translates to “Son of William.”
Your baby will automatically be super classy with a name like this!
Hazel
Hazel is another charming girl’s name that is fairly rare these days.
According toNameBerry.com, the name literally means “the hazelnut tree.”
NameBerry.com noted that it became popular once again in the late ’90s.
The name is especially popular among celebrities Julia Roberts and Emily Blunt have both picked it.
Plus, there are plenty of famous fictional characters named Hazel.
In 1952’sWise Bloodby Flannery O’Connor’s, there is Hazel Motes.
The main character inThe Fault in Our Starsis named Hazel.
There’s the rabbit called Hazel inWatership Downby Richard Adams.
InDegrassi: The Next Generation, Hazel was part of the show’s ensemble for the first five seasons.
Looking for Everetts in pop culture?
You better believe the name has been given to several different characters.
For instance, there is a part in Eugene O’Neill’s playMourning Becomes Electracalled Everett.
There’s Everett Young inStargate Universe.
And George Clooney played an Everett in the 2000 filmO Brother, Where Art Thou?.
According toEverything-Birthday.com, the name has become increasingly popular since the early 2000s.
This makes it a great name for your baby that won’t feel too dated.
Adeline
Adeline is a pretty, feminine name with a classy, vintage feel.
According toBabyNames.com, it’s an English name that means “noble.”
The name lends itself to nicknames like Ada, Lina, Adele, or Lyn.
Adeline has steadily been becoming more common since 2016, when its popularity reportedly went up by172.89percent.
The book was turned into a film several times, most recently in2009with Ben Barnes in the lead role.
The name has Greek origins and is said to mean “gift.”
There have been quite a few Dorians in the public sphere.
Film actor Maria Luisa Mangini usedDorian Grayas her professional name.
There’s alsoCharmed’sDorian Gregory, as well asFull Metal JacketactorDorian Harewood.
And let’s not forget bodybuilder and six-time Mr. OlympiaDorian Yates.
Apparently, this name is hugely popular in Europe.
AsOhBabyNames.comreported, it’s often on Top 100 lists in France, Hungary, and Croatia.
Rose
Rose is a beautiful, simple name inspired by the flower.
The name comes from the Latin word “rosa.”
Rose is a very popular baby name among celebrities.
Kylie Jenner revealed on Instagram Live (viaPeople), Rose wasalmostwhat she called her daughter.
There are also a few famous Roses, like Rose Byrne and Rose McGowan.
Plus, Rose is the name of the much loved lead character in the 1997 filmTitanic.
This is definitely a super classy, old-school name choice that won’t sound out of place today.
Atticus
Atticus is definitely a pretty old-fashioned name.
Choosing this name for your baby will instantly give him or her a dignified, sophisticated feel.
AsNameBerry.compointed out, there are both real and fictional examples of people named Atticus.
Titus Pomponius Atticus was a figure in Roman history.
It is also the name of Casey Affleck’s son.
Atticus is not the most common of names, but it has definitely had its moments.
According to NameBerry.com, it became one of the top 1000 names in the U.S. in 2004.
We absolutely love thisvintage sounding name!
Margaret
Margaret is a classic, dignified name with a lot of history.
If you want your little girl to sound like a princess, you might’t go wrong with Margaret.
AsNameBerry.comnoted, Margaret can be traced back to the Old Persian wordmargarita,which means “pearl.”
This is one of the most famous antique names, thanks to its frequent use in the royal family.
Otherfamous Margaretsinclude the award-winning author Margaret Atwood, Margaret Drabble, and, surprisingly, Margaret LeAnn Rimes.
It’s also the name of one of the sisters in the novelLittle Women.
Margaret isn’t as popular as it once was.
In fact, according toEverything-Birthday.com, it reached its peak in the early 1900s.
Grant
Grant is a vintage boy’s name, originally from England.
AsBabyNames.comnoted, the name means “large” or “great.”
It’s a simple, sturdy name with a real classic feel.
Grant is actually traditionally a last name.
A wonderful choice for a baby name,OhBabyNames.comlisted Grant at around 168 in popularity in 2021.
Esther
Esther is a retro name with a significant backstory.
According toNameBerry.com, Esther is “of Persian origin meaning ‘star.'”
A name with a long religious history, Esther appears in the Hebrew Bible and Old Testament.
The name reached the Top 50 girls’ names roughly a century ago.
Until 1935, the name remained popular.
You may have come across a few famous Esther characters in film and literature.
For instance, in the 1954 version ofA Star Is Born, Judy Garland’s character is named Esther.
Sylvia Plath’s classic novelThe Bell Jaralso features a protagonist called Esther.
For parents looking for a classic name, Esther is a lovely choice.
Plus, it offers the opportunity for a seriously adorable nickname for your little one Essie!
Oscar
Oscar is a fantastic boy’s name with a great old-school feel.
In fact, asBritannicapointed out, Ireland’s Fenian cycle features a mighty warrior called Oscar.
There are a few famous Oscars in pop culture.
Oscar Hammerstein II was one half of the duo Rodgers and Hammerstein.
And, of course, we can’t forget belovedSesame Streetgrump Oscar the Grouch.
Oscar is a lovely choice for your baby’s name that feels like a real throwback.
Estella
Estelle is a beautiful name with a classy, retro feel.
Plus, with this name, you’ll have the option of using the adorable Este as a nickname.
As for famous Estelles, Estellas, and Estes?
There’s Estela, daughter of Alice Landry.Este Haim, the eldest sister in the indie band Haim.
And Princess Estelle, the Princess of Sweden.
There’s also Estelle, the British musician behind the hit song “American Boy.”
This is a lovely, regal, sophisticated name that vintage-loving parents should find ideal for their baby girl.
