Best of… Grandmillennial Style Baby Names

“Grandmillennial” describes that subset of millennials that is rejecting the light, bright minimal design aesthetic that floods our Instagram feeds in favor of a part preppy, part Victorian maximalist style. Wicker, chintz, ruffles, and needlepoint are the hallmarks of this “granny chic” style that is both playful and traditional. If you’re a grandmillennial in need of a baby name, we’ve got some perfectly vintage picks that are anything but stuffy in 2020. 

So put on a pot of Earl Grey, grab your knitting needles, and embrace your inner granny with our list of grandmillennial style baby names:

Agatha

Despite its buttoned-up image, Agatha has a sturdiness and melodious sound that keep it from feeling stodgy. 

Alberta

Most popular in the early 1900s, the feminine version of Albert has a lovely meaning (noble; bright) and could be a place-name-inspired pick for those with ties to the Canadian province.

Amos

A underused biblical pick with that trending -s ending, Amos feels equal parts little old man with elbow patches and 2020 baby.

Barney

Now that the purple dinosaur is no longer relevant, we can have our beloved Barney back. A diminutive of Barnaby or Barnabas (and a logical nickname choice for Bernard or Barnett, too), we like the casual feel of Barney all on its own.

Benedict

Once deeply associated in the US with traitor Benedict Arnold, this name has won back some of its shine with associations with actor Benedict Cumberbatch and Pope Benedict.

Bernadette

A little Bernadette who goes by Bernie is an image that makes our hearts sing. Once almost too Catholic to be used by secular parents, it’s feeling more mainstream these days.

Blanche

Wallflower Blanche has been sitting outside the top 1000 for decades, but the strong and succinct moniker feels very trend forward to us. Its old-lady sophistication and Southern bent make it the ultimate grandmillennial baby name.

Doris

Years ago Doris could’ve been in the “unwearable” category, but as other Dor- names start their rise, sturdy Doris may be on its way from old lady to cutting edge.

Elsie

Homespun Elsie doesn’t feel at all dated, with its trending “nickname-name” style. And it’s just different enough from the ultra-popular Ella and Ellie.

Emrys

Rarely used Welsh name Emrys has a salt-of-the-earth feel but has an other-worldly meaning: immortal one. 

Enid

We get how seldom-used Enid could be seen as outdated, or even boring, but that quirk is exactly what gives this strong name its up-and-coming cool.

Eugene

Character Flynn in Disney’s Tangled changed his name from Eugene, but we can’t say we would’ve done the same. Sure Eugene’s got “old man” vibes, but it’s also got a history of use that gives new baby Genes a name with staying power.

Felix

For one generation, Felix was the name of a fussbudget (thanks to the association with The Odd Couple) or a cat, but for the millennial generation, Felix is simply “luck and good fortune,” with the desirable X ending many parents are loving right now.

Henrietta

Henry’s a top-20 name, but Henrietta is still unexpected. And for music enthusiasts, Henrietta has a perfect shortened form in Etta.

Mavis

If there’s a name that should rise in popularity right about now, it’s Mavis. It follows the “it” baby name formula for 2020: It’s French. It’s a “bird” baby name (its meaning is “songbird”). And it peaked in popularity 100 years ago, making it fresh in our ears.

Myrtle

Maybe still too outmoded for some, Myrtle’s botanical associations make it feel more like a “word name” in 2020 than a great-great-grandmother’s name.

Philomena

Far from popular, Philomena was given a recent boost by the Oscar-nominated film of the same name. We love Philomena in its full glory, but if its four syllables are too much for you, Mena makes the perfect nickname.

Sheldon

A quirky choice to be sure, oldie-but-goodie Sheldon is now synonymous with the The Big Bang Theory character. But we like the childhood nostalgia of its Shel Silverstein associations.

Walter

Breaking Bad gave this noble name, meaning “army ruler,” a whole new edge. But Walter has many, many possible namesakes throughout history (from Whitman to Disney) to inspire your baby Walt’s name.

Winifred

Vintage gem Winifred has a sophistication that could be seen as a bit fussy. But this chameleon of a name has loads of nickname options to fit any kid, from modern Winn to charming Winnie to fun-loving Freddie.

And those are our favorite grandmillennial style baby names! Lovers of pearls and lace, which do you like best?