Choosing a name that feels timeless, elegant, and meaningful is at the top of many parents’ lists—and classic baby names never go out of style. Whether you’re drawn to strong and traditional names or graceful, vintage picks, this curated list includes over 200 of the most beloved options. From timeless classic boy names like William and Henry to elegant classic girl names like Eleanor and Rose, these names have stood the test of time while continuing to feel fresh for today’s generation.
Classic Baby Names
These classic baby names include timeless picks for both boys and girls, organized to help you find a name that suits your style, from strong and steady to soft and sweet.
Classic Boy Names
Choosing a name with timeless roots can feel meaningful and grounding, especially when the name reflects your values or personality. These classic baby boy names span generations and styles, grouped by themes like nature, animals, faith, and strength, to help you find one that speaks to your heart. Whether you’re drawn to traditional boy names or something with personal symbolism, there’s a classic choice here for every family.
Some nature-inspired classic boy names reflect the beauty of the outdoors, with meanings tied to rivers, meadows, forests, and trees:
- Irving – “Green river” or “sea friend” (English)
- Dale – “Valley” (English)
- Glenn – “Glen” (Scottish)
- Lee – “Pasture” or “meadow” (English)
- Oliver – “Olive tree” (Latin)
- Peter – “Rock” (Greek)
- Silas – “Forest” or “woods” (Latin)
- Stanley – “Stony meadow” (Old English)
- Vernon – “Alder grove” (French)
These animal-inspired classic boy names draw strength from creatures like lions, bears, and eagles, offering traditional names with bold symbolism:
- Arnold – “Eagle ruler” (Germanic)
- Arthur – “Bear” or possibly “Thor, the eagle” (Celtic)
- Everett – “Brave as a wild boar” (Anglo-Saxon)
- Jonas – “Dove” (Hebrew)
- Leo / Leon – “Lion” (Latin / Greek)
- Orson – “Bear” (Latin)
- Randall – “Wolf shield” (English)
Many faith-inspired classic boy names are rooted in spiritual meaning, with ties to devotion, blessing, and God’s grace:
- Benedict – “Blessed” (Latin)
- Caleb – “Devotion to God” (Hebrew)
- Elliot – “Jehovah is God” (Hebrew)
- Jack / John – “God is gracious” (English / Hebrew)
- Michael – “Who resembles God?” (Hebrew)
- Nathaniel – “God has given” (Hebrew)
- Oswald – “God’s power” (Old English)
- Theo / Theodore – “Gift of God” (Greek)
These warrior-inspired classic boy names speak to bravery, strength, and noble leadership—timeless traits passed down through generations:
- Earl – “Nobleman” or “warrior prince” (English)
- Ernest – “Serious; battle to the death” (Germanic)
- Frederic – “Peaceful ruler” (German)
- Gerald – “Spear ruler” (German)
- Harold – “Army ruler” (Scandinavian)
- Harvey – “Battle strong” (French)
- Herbert – “Illustrious warrior” (Germanic)
- Luther – “Soldier of the people” (German)
- Oscar – “Spear of the gods” (Old Norse)
- William – “Resolute protector” (Germanic)
- Walter – “Commander of the army” (Germanic)
111 Popular Classic Boy Names
Looking for timeless names that have never gone out of style? This list of traditional boy names includes beloved picks like Benjamin, Theodore, and Robert, as well as vintage gems like Otis, Wallace, and Clyde. These classic baby boy names offer strength, charm, and enduring popularity—perfect for parents who love a name with history.
1. Albert
2. Alfred
3. Allen
4. Alvin
5. Arnold
6. Arthur
7. Asher
8. Atticus
9. August
10. Basil
11. Benedict
12. Benjamin
13. Bernard
14. Caleb
15. Caspian
16. Cassius
17. Cecil
18. Charles
19. Clarence
20. Clifford
21. Clyd
22. Dale
23. Dennis
24. Donald
25. Earl
26. Edison
27. Edwin
28. Elliot
29. Elmer
30. Ernest
31. Eugene
32. Everett
33. Ezra
34. Felix
35. Finn
36. Floyd
37. Frances or Francis
38. Frederic
39. Gerald
40. Glenn
41. Harold
42. Harvey
43. Henry
44. Herbert
45. Howard
46. Hugo
47. Irving
48. Jack
49. James
50. Jasper
51. Jeffrey
52. John
53. Jonas
54. Jude
55. Kenneth
56. Lawrence
57. Lee
58. Leo or Leon
59. Leonard
60. Lewis or Louis
61. Lloyd
62. Luther
63. Martin
64. Marvin
65. Max
66. Michael
67. Miles
68. Milo
69. Murphy
70. Nathaniel
71. Neil
72. Noah
73. Norman
74. Oliver
75. Orson
76. Oscar
77. Oswald
78. Otis
79. Otto
80. Owen
81. Paul
82. Peter
83. Pierce
84. Quentin
85. Quincy
86. Quinn
87. Ralph
88. Randall
89. Ray or Raymond
90. Robert
91. Roger
92. Ronald
93. Roy
94. Russell
95. Samuel
96. Sebastian
97. Silas
98. Stanley
99. Terrence
100. Theo or Theodore
101. Vernon
102. Victor
103. Vincent
104. Wallace
105. Walter
106. Warren
107. Watson
108. Wayne
109. Wilbur
110. William
111. Winston
Classic Girl Names
Choosing a name with a timeless feel can be the perfect way to honor tradition while giving your daughter a meaningful start. These classic baby girl names are grouped by theme, like nature, light, strength, and faith, to help you find the perfect fit for your growing family. Whether you’re drawn to graceful meanings or vintage charm, these traditional girl names offer beautiful options that stand the test of time.
Some nature-inspired classic girl names reflect the beauty of the natural world, with meanings tied to flowers, trees, and botanical charm:
- Daisy – “Day’s eye” (Old English)
- Daphne – “Laurel tree” (Greek)
- Hazel – “The hazelnut tree” (English)
- Lillian – “Lily” (Latin)
- Violet – “Purple flower” (Latin)
These light-inspired classic girl names radiate warmth, brightness, and heavenly beauty—timeless choices filled with grace:
- Eleanor – “Shining light” (Greek/Old French)
- Lucy – “Light” (Latin)
- Phoebe – “Bright or radiant” (Greek)
- Stella – “Star” (Latin)
- Iris – “Rainbow” (Greek)
A few classic girl names draw inspiration from animals, offering soft yet strong meanings rooted in nature and tradition:
- Bernadette – “Strong, brave bear” (French/Germanic)
- Tabitha – “Gazelle” (Aramaic)
- Ursula – “Little she-bear” (Latin)
Many classic girl names are deeply rooted in faith, with meanings tied to devotion, divine grace, and spiritual strength:
- Betsy – “Worshipper of God” (Hebrew)
- Joan – “God is gracious” (Hebrew/English)
- Josephine – “Jehovah increases” (Hebrew)
- Phyllis – “Greenery” (Greek)
- Winifred – “Holy, blessed reconciliation” (Welsh/Germanic)
These classic girl names reflect inner strength and warrior spirit—powerful meanings wrapped in feminine elegance:
- Geraldine – “Spear ruler” (Germanic)
- Eloise – “Famous warrior” (French/Germanic)
- Willa – “Will-helmet or protection” (Germanic)
For a subtle seasonal touch, these classic girl names offer nods to summertime warmth and timeless simplicity:
- June – “Young” (Latin)
- Theresa – “Late summer” (Greek)
97 Popular Classic Girl Names
Many of these timeless girl names have remained popular across generations, and it’s easy to see why. From elegant names like Charlotte and Genevieve to sweet staples like Lucy and Ruby, these classic baby girl names blend tradition with enduring charm. Whether you’re looking for something graceful, vintage, or quietly strong, this list offers a wide variety of traditional girl names that still feel beautifully relevant today.
1. Adelaide
2. Adeline
3. Alice
4. Amelia
5. Arlene
6. Aurelia
7. Aurora
8. Barbara or Barbie
9. Beatrice
10. Betsy
11. Betty
12. Beverly
13. Billie
14. Bonnie
15. Carol
16. Catherine, Kate, Katherine, or Kitty
17. Charlotte
18. Clara
19. Constance
20. Cora
21. Daisy
22. Daphne
23. Darlene
24. Dolores
25. Doris, Dorothy, or Dot
26. Edith
27. Edna
28. Elaine, Eleanor, or Helen
29. Eloise or Louise
30. Elsie
31. Esme
32. Esther
33. Evelyn
34. Florence
35. Frances or Francis
36. Freya
37. Gail
38. Genevieve
39. Gloria
40. Grace
41. Hazel
42. Hedy
43. Ida
44. Irene
45. Iris
46. Ivy
47. Joan
48. Josephine or Posey
49. Joyce
50. Judith
51. June
52. Lillian
53. Lois
54. Loretta
55. Lorraine
56. Lucille or Lucy
57. Mabel
58. Margaret
59. Marilyn
60. Marjorie
61. Nanette
62. Nora
63. Norma
64. Octavia
65. Olive
66. Opal
67. Ophelia
68. Patsy
69. Pegg
70. Penelope
71. Phoebe
72. Phyllis
73. Polly
74. Priscilla
75. Prudence
76. Queenie
77. Rhea
78. Rose
79. Rosemary
80. Ruby
81. Ruth
82. Scarlet
83. Shirley
84. Sophia
85. Stella
86. Sue or Susan
87. Sylvia
88. Tabitha
89. Theresa
90. Tilly
91. Ursula
92. Violet
93. Virginia
94. Wanda
95. Willa
96. Wilma
97. Winifred
We hope this list of classic boy names and classic girl names sparks inspiration as you search for the perfect name for your little one. From faith-filled names to nature-inspired gems and timeless family favorites, these classic baby names are full of meaning, elegance, and lasting charm.
Still searching? You might also like our lists of old-fashioned names, elegant names, nature names, country boy names, beautiful girl names, and Italian names. Or visit our baby names hub for even more inspiration.