Best of . . . Regencycore Baby Names

The Cottagecore trend of the past year has company! Netflix’s Bridgerton has almost single-handedly introduced a new aesthetic, Regencycore, that has the fashion and design worlds buzzing. And we’ve seen the “Bridgerton effect” on names as well: Our Regency Romance Character Names list got some serious traction shortly after the first season of the show aired. Regency-inspired fashion collections are hitting the runways, and the TV adaptation of Jane Austen’s unfinished novel, Sanditon, is getting a second season. So for those of you naming babies while having tea in your empire-waist gowns or cravats, we’ve gathered up our favorite Regencycore baby names. 

These names embody the sophisticated, formal, and romantic mood of the Regency era in the early 1800s. Though the aristocracy had a limited and traditional set of names (think: William and Elizabeth), we’re including some outliers of the era here, as well as some regency surnames that work well as modern first names. 

Ambrose

Ambrose hit its peak popularity in the 1890s. Last year, the handsome name rejoined the US top 1000 for the first time in 65 years, proving that regency-era names are back in a big way.

Aurelia

This Latin name, which means “Golden,” brings to mind philosopher emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Its romantic style makes this name feel more regencycore than Roman, though, and could fit a baby today or a spirited lady.

Baldwin 

A German name meaning “brave friend,” we’d choose Baldwin for its meaning alone! It’s a plus that it’s associated with novelist James Baldwin. And while “Bald” is a no-go, Win is a perfect nickname.

Barnes 

This one-syllable surname packs a lot of style as a first name. We love Barnes as an alternative to the much trendier Hayes.

Beatrice 

A top-40 name in the 1910s, Beatrice is now in the baby-name “sweet spot.” Fresh yet familiar, Beatrice is packed with style and gives us so many adorable nicknames–from Bea to Trixie! 

Bridget

Bridget has a mysterious thing about it. It’s been in the top 1000 consistently for over a hundred years, but we never meet baby Bridgets. The fact that it’s always around but has never been trendy makes it a great option for parents looking for a classic but standout baby name.

Campbell 

This Regency-era last name makes a modern surname-style first name. And the nickname could go either way: Cam or Bell. 

Carlotta

Carlotta is off everyone’s radar, and that’s what makes this beauty so special. If you love Charlotte but want something that’s not in the top 10 (try, outside the top 1000!), Carlotta may just be for you. It’s a great formal name, too, to get you to nickname Lottie.

Cassandra

A classic beauty, Cassandra feels formal and romantic in its full form and playful as the shortened Cass. Derived from Greek mythology, the name has also acquired a sense of power and mystery. It has a special regency-era tie, too. It was the name of regency author Jane Austen’s most beloved sister.

Cecil 

Cecil has just enough quirk to balance its charm. So old-fashioned and quintessentially British, this regencycore baby name is paradoxically fresh and playful for a present-day baby.

Clarissa

Clarissa was the heroine of Samuel Richardson’s epistolary masterpiece bearing her name. A virtuous woman tangled up with a villainous rake…well, if that isn’t regencycore, we don’t know what is. Romantic, dramatic, and rare, it’s gotten enough distance from 90s Nickelodeon TV show Clarissa Explains It All that it won’t give a 2022 baby any pop culture baggage.

Cordelia

The COVID-19 pandemic has made parents question names that resemble the virus’s name, like those that start with Cor-. But since Cordelia’s emphasis is on the second syllable and it can be shortened to Delia, we think this beauty should stick around. 

Cressida

This elegant English name is positively “golden” (in its meaning). Used by the bard himself for the play Troilus and Cressida, it’s experienced little use in the US, though enjoys some popularity in Britain. We love this romantic name. However, Bridgerton fans may boo and hiss this name, which belongs to the show’s bullying, sneering debutante, Cressida Cowper.

Dinah 

In the regency era, biblical names were common (though not among the aristocracy), and Dinah is an Old Testament name with a rich history. And it’s got musical cred, with namesakes Dinah Washington and Dinah Shore and, of course, a mention in the American folksong, “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.”

Duncan 

From a Scottish surname meaning “dark warrior,” Duncan is such a happy-go-lucky moniker despite its serious meaning. Dunc is a great nickname option.

Esther 

While we may think of the regencycore heroine as a spirited lass, there’s room for all types of personalities. The biblical name Esther gives off vibes of a demure, serious, and intelligent heroine who may bend but never breaks. Of Persian origin, the name means “star.”

Francesca

This Italian name is a more fanciful, romantic take on regency-accurate Frances. Though its origin is on the “continent” (see France instead of Britain), it fits into that regencycore feel of upscale aristocrats wearing their best gowns to enjoy a debutante’s season.

Lavinia 

Formal and regal, Lavinia was more popular in the Victorian era than the Regency, but regencycore is more about the feel than the accuracy of its place in time. We think it’s a right proper name for a right proper lady, regardless of era.

Lewis 

We favor this spelling of the name, which makes the “s” ending more intuitive. It’s an attractive classic that needs no nickname and will never feel dated.

Miriam

A personal favorite, Miriam embodies the sophistication and grace of the regency style. We like the nicknames Mimi and Miri, which offsets some of the seriousness of the name.

Pelham

Pelham is an Old English place-name surname that has the feel of landed aristocracy, though its meaning is “tannery town.” Adding to its pedigree, it was also the last name of Britain’s prime minister from 1743 to 1754.

Pembroke

An English name meaning “bluff,” this name is formal and preppy while also nature inspired. And to further step-up the preppy/nature vibes, use Brooks as a nickname.

Percival 

Harry Potter helped modernize this regencycore baby name, and the stylish nickname Percy makes it wearable in 2022. While once a name like Percival might have seemed too formal or staid, it is these qualities that make it appealing now with the revival of names popular in the time of our great-grandparents.

Peregrine 

Peregrine, an aristocratic English name, is the epitome of regencycore. While uncommon in use during the regency period, it is stately and romantic, bringing to mind the bird of prey that bears its name. 

Reginald

Reginald is a mainstay in the baby-name popularity rankings, yet most of the Reginalds we’ve heard of go by Reggie. Still, in its full form, it’s a classically handsome pick.

Theodosia 

Hamilton fans know this one, as it is the name of American Patriot and wife to Aaron Burr, Theodosia Burr. Featured in the wistful song “Dear Theodosia,” it’s an old name with contemporary appeal. With Theodore currently ranked as the 36th most popular male baby name in the US and Theodora newly in the top 1000, why not Theodosia?

Vesper

A Latin name meaning “evening star,” Vesper could be considered a celestial baby name. But unlike night-sky chart toppers Nova and Luna, it has remained rare. Vesper is currently most popular in the Netherlands, where the surname was first used.

Voss 

These days, we might get water vibes from the name Voss, but it has a long history as a surname. The German name means “fox,” and therefore offers a different take on the “animal name” trend that includes favorites like Wolf, Bear, and Hawke.

And that’s our list of regencycore baby names. Which names would you add? Which ones were your favorites? Let us know in the comments!