1900s Inspired Baby Name Ideas for a Retro Revival

The 1900s marked an age of transformation—from the gilded elegance of the Edwardian era to the roaring 20s, the wartime resilience of the 40s, and the cultural shifts of the late 20th century. Names from this century carry depth, tradition, and a mix of vintage and modern appeal. Whether you’re drawn to the classic names of literary greats or the spirited choices of the jazz age, the 1900s offer a nostalgic yet timeless pool of baby name inspiration.

Let’s dive into 1900’s inspired baby names that defined a century of bold history and timeless style.

Table of Contents

• 1900’s Inspired Baby Name Ideas that are Unique
• 1900’s Inspired Baby Name Ideas that are Cute
• 1900’s Inspired Baby Name Ideas that are Classic-with-a-Twist
• 1900’s Inspired Baby Name Ideas that are Cool
• 1900’s Inspired Baby Name Ideas that are Uncommon

1900’s Inspired Baby Name Ideas that are Unique

Boys

1. Alaric – Germanic, “ruler of all.” Regal and forgotten.
2. Booker – Old English, “scribe.” Powerful and scholarly.
3. Dashiell – French origin, “page boy.” Stylish and uncommon.
4. Ellsworth – English, “noble estate.” Vintage grandeur.
5. Grover – Old English, “from the grove.” Quirky and earthy.
6. Hiram – Hebrew, “exalted brother.” Rare and rooted.
7. Leland – Old English, “meadow land.” Soft and stately.
8. Orson – Latin, “bear cub.” Strong and creative.
9. Roscoe – Norse, “deer forest.” Edgy and distinctive.
10. Thurston – Norse, “Thor’s stone.” Rugged and bold.

Girls

1. Bessie – Hebrew, “pledged to God.” Wholesome and old-fashioned.
2. Clementine – Latin, “merciful.” Southern charm and sunshine.
3. Dorothea – Greek, “gift of God.” Elegant and devout.
4. Eulalie – Greek, “well-spoken.” Delicate and melodic.
5. Goldie – Yiddish, “gold.” Vintage and vibrant.
6. Lavinia – Latin, “purity.” Literary and aristocratic.
7. Maude – German, “powerful battler.” Underused classic.
8. Odessa – Greek, “wrathful.” Haunting and strong.
9. Sibyl – Greek, “prophetess.” Mythic and wise.
10. Winona – Sioux, “firstborn daughter.” Deep and unique.

1900’s Inspired Baby Name Ideas that are Cute

Boys

1. Archie – German, “bold.” Lovable and cheerful.
2. Billy – German, “resolute protector.” Friendly classic.
3. Charlie – English, “free man.” Sweet and timeless.
4. Eddie – English, “wealthy guardian.” Playful and soft.
5. Frankie – Latin, “free one.” Vintage and adorable.
6. Georgie – Greek, “earthworker.” Quirky and joyful.
7. Louie – German, “famous warrior.” Regal with flair.
8. Ollie – Latin, “olive tree.” Gentle and charming.
9. Teddy – Greek, “gift of God.” Huggable and happy.
10. Willie – German, “resolute protector.” Whimsical and warm.

Girls

1. Addie – German, “noble.” Short and sweet.
2. Birdie – German, “bright, famous.” Nature-kissed delight.
3. Edie – English, “rich in war.” Tiny and trendy.
4. Flossie – Latin, “flowering.” Lively and old-school.
5. Hattie – English, “home ruler.” Gentle vintage charm.
6. Josie – Hebrew, “God will increase.” Endearing and bright.
7. Lottie – German, “free woman.” Dainty and timeless.
8. Minnie – German, “love.” Retro and cute.
9. Nellie – English, “bright, shining one.” Sun-kissed and darling.
10. Tillie – German, “mighty in battle.” Petite with punch.

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1900’s Inspired Baby Name Ideas that are Classic-with-a-Twist

Boys

1. Albert – German, “noble and bright.” Respected and rare.
2. Bernard – German, “brave as a bear.” Rugged and regal.
3. Clarence – Latin, “bright.” Elevated vintage style.
4. Edwin – English, “rich friend.” Reserved strength.
5. Harold – Scandinavian, “army ruler.” Warrior with legacy.
6. Leonard – German, “brave lion.” Old-school sophistication.
7. Norman – Germanic, “northerner.” Anchored and historic.
8. Raymond – German, “wise protector.” Solid and wise.
9. Stanley – Old English, “stone clearing.” Enduring and friendly.
10. Walter – German, “ruler of the army.” Classic revival name.

Girls

1. Agnes – Greek, “pure.” Antique grace and poise.
2. Bertha – German, “bright one.” Strong and rooted.
3. Clara – Latin, “bright, clear.” Soft radiance.
4. Edith – Old English, “prosperous in war.” Classic strength.
5. Frances – Latin, “free.” Timeless with flair.
6. Greta – German, “pearl.” Polished and artistic.
7. Irene – Greek, “peace.” Calm and confident.
8. Mabel – Latin, “lovable.” Vintage sweetness.
9. Ruth – Hebrew, “friend, companion.” Steady and sincere.
10. Sylvia – Latin, “forest.” Natural elegance.

1900’s Inspired Baby Name Ideas that are Cool

Boys

1. Clyde – Scottish, “river name.” Cool and sleek.
2. Duke – English, “leader.” Sharp and commanding.
3. Floyd – Welsh, “gray-haired.” Retro and rhythmic.
4. Gus – Latin, “majestic.” Snappy and confident.
5. Ira – Hebrew, “watchful.” Simple and strong.
6. Monty – French, “mountain.” Stylish and bold.
7. Otto – German, “wealth.” Punchy and cool.
8. Rex – Latin, “king.” Regal and minimal.
9. Roy – French, “king.” Easy and assertive.
10. Vance – Old English, “marshland.” Modern vintage edge.

Girls

1. Alma – Latin, “nurturing soul.” Gentle trendsetter.
2. Avis – Latin, “bird.” Crisp and vintage.
3. Bea – Latin, “bringer of joy.” Snappy and bright.
4. Cleo – Greek, “glory.” Glamorous and unique.
5. Dell – English, “small valley.” Earthy and cool.
6. Fern – English, “green plant.” Botanical beauty.
7. Inez – Spanish, “pure.” Bold and cultural.
8. Lula – German, “famous warrior.” Daring and graceful.
9. Pearl – Latin, “precious gem.” Luminous and classic.
10. Zella – Yiddish, “happy.” Zesty vintage energy.

1900’s Inspired Baby Name Ideas that are Uncommon

Boys

1. Abner – Hebrew, “father of light.” Biblically strong.
2. Basil – Greek, “regal.” Underused and noble.
3. Cornelius – Latin, “horn.” Distinctive and literary.
4. Elmer – German, “noble and famous.” Sweet comeback name.
5. Horace – Latin, “timekeeper.” Poetic and grounded.
6. Lemuel – Hebrew, “devoted.” Rare and meaningful.
7. Merrill – English, “pleasant hill.” Gentle and unorthodox.
8. Reuben – Hebrew, “behold, a son.” Warm and unique.
9. Simeon – Hebrew, “God has heard.” Soulful and rare.
10. Wilbur – German, “resolute.” Endearing and bold.

Girls

1. Althea – Greek, “healer.” Soft and strong.
2. Blanche – French, “white.” Noble and vintage.
3. Constance – Latin, “steadfast.” Resolute charm.
4. Drusilla – Latin, “strong.” Dramatic and unique.
5. Etta – German, “little one.” Snappy retro delight.
6. Geneva – German, “juniper tree.” Sweet and seldom-used.
7. Hortense – Latin, “gardener.” Literary and bold.
8. Imogene – Celtic, “maiden.” Flowery and artistic.
9. Lenora – Greek, “light.” Soft and old-soul.
10. Minerva – Latin, “goddess of wisdom.” Smart and striking.

Conclusion

The early 20th century brought a wave of names rooted in resilience, culture, and timeless style. Names from the 1900s reflect a generation that embraced both refinement and change—think Clara, Theodore, Ruth, or Arthur. These names carry a nostalgic charm and quiet strength, making them perfect for parents seeking a vintage revival with lasting appeal.