Best of… Underused Vintage Baby Names of the 1920s

In celebration of 2020, we gave you our favorite top names from the year 1920. But there are so many vintage 1920s names to love that we had to do another list. Some of the popular names from that decade have never gone out of style, like classics James and Elizabeth. Others, like Evelyn, Lillian, and Henry, have surged back into popular consciousness with a vengeance. But then there are those underused names that haven’t found new popularity yet but are deserving of it!  

Be they “sweet spot” names or old gems ready to be unearthed, these underused vintage 1920s names are ready for a 2020 comeback. 

Agnes

There’s something so old fashioned about “pure and holy” Agnes that it actually sounds fresh for a 2020 baby. We also really love nickname Aggie, which is right on trend along with names like Hattie and Millie. Historically popular, it fell off the charts in the early 1970s, but it’s making its way back up. Celebrities Elizabeth Shue and Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly have given their daughters this moniker. 

Alton

Celebrity chef Alton Brown makes this name feel contemporary, but it’s actually a vintage surname name. English Alton means “dweller at the old town.” At its peak popularity in 1902, where it was #317, it hung on in the sweet spot for years until dropping off in the early aughts. It’s due a return to fashion, and we’re surprised more people haven’t fallen in love with this name again.

Bette

Whether you pronounce this name BEH-tee, like actress Bette Davis, or BET, like singer/actress Bette Midler, we’re utterly charmed by this name. Bette has religious ties, as it is Hebrew for “Oath of God; God is satisfaction.” And we like its sophisticated, pared down spelling. Both classy and sassy, this name has a grown-up feel that still translates well for a darling tot.

Billie

With pop culture stars Billie Eilish, Lourd, and Jean King sharing this name, we’re just gonna sit back and watch Billie make its way up the charts. An English name meaning “determination, strength,” Billie has a spirited, unisex appeal, even if this spelling is primarily associated with girls. It’s a nickname name that feels anything but cutesy.

Claude

Historically a popular name for boys, Claude has entered the fray as a rising name for girls (or as a nickname for the traditionally-feminine Claudia or Claudette). Though its root is Latin, Claude has a very sophisticated French feel—probably due to associations with painter Claude Monet, composer Claude Debussy, and French-born American actress, Claudette Colbert. 

Constance

A middle-of-the-charts name 100 years ago and a top 100 name in the 1940s and 1950s, Latin name Constance fell off the charts just before the turn of the new century. Ready for its 100-year revival, it’s part of the growing popularity of virtue names, like Grace, Honor, and Hope. The name’s meaning is “constant,” and it suggests a steadfastness in one’s faith.

Della

Della took a break from the rankings from 1977 to 2017, staying out of the top 1000 until 2018. Currently in the mid-800s, it’s anything but popular, despite having all the makings of a present-day favorite. It’s a straight-forward beauty, simple to spell and pronounce and similar enough to Bella to be easily recognizable. We also love traditionally-male variant Dell, which works for a baby of any gender in 2020.

Imogene

There’s something so very English about “innocent” Imogene, but you don’t have to hail from the British Isles to love and use this gorgeous vintage name. Pronounced “IM-oh-jeen,” it varies slightly from the name “Imogen,” which, without the final “e,” is pronounced “IM-oh-jehn.”

Lena

The name Lena means “alluring,” and we can see why. Derived from the name Magdelena, there’s a power and elegance to the name. Maybe part of it is due to its associations: actress Lena Headley, who played both the imperious Cersei Lannister and the formidable Sarah Conner, or master songstress Lena Horne. And though it’s a short name, it isn’t lacking in nickname potential. Leni, Len, Lee, and Lele are all possibilities.

Marjorie

One of the hottest names of the 1920s, Marjorie has been rising back into use after falling off the top 1000 names in the early 90s. This might have something to do with the popularity of Game of Thrones character, Margery Tyrell. Joni Lay, the inspiring “girl mom” of Lay Baby Lay, also chose it for her fourth daughter in 2019, establishing it as a stylish present-day choice. We’d love to meet more baby Marjories, and we like the name best in its long form.

Merle

Maybe it’s because we’re serious fans of anything Beatles-related, but finding out that this vintage name means “Blackbird” sold us on Merle all the more. French in origin, Merle has some Southern country charm, too, due to its association with American singer-songwriter Merle Haggard. Merle is also a unisex name: one famous example is golden-age-of-Hollywood actress Merle Oberon.

Louise

There’s nothing “geez, Louise” about this vintage name. Old German for “famous warrior,” Louise is both no-nonsense and tough with it-girl chic. Louise fits in with the rising popularity of names with a similar feel, like Heloise, Elodie, and Harriet. And while Eloise may feel more of-the-moment, we think Louise has more staying power. Its most famous pop culture association might still be the movie Thelma and Louise, though we have a soft spot for Louise, the youngest Belcher child, on the animated show Bob’s Burgers.

Luther

German Luther, which means “army people,” sounds a bit serious to us. But serious isn’t bad! In fact, sometimes it’s the reason to love a name. Luther is the leader you admire, the person who steps up when we need them most. Think no further than Martin Luther King, Jr. And then there’s the Luther Vandross association, which lends the powerful name a touch of soul.

Nellie

“Nickname name” Nellie can work as a shortened form for a variety of names: Eleanor, Ellen, Cornelia, or Helen. But as much as we adore those long forms, we’re especially loving Nellie on its own. Latin or Greek for “bright or sun ray,” Nellie is a gal who can do anything . . . and with inspiring optimism. 

Otis

Otis means “wealthy” from its German origin, but that meaning takes a backseat to its Otis Redding association that imbues this name with a soulful, bluesy cool. Once a quirky choice, Otis gained some contemporary traction after Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis chose the name for their son. We like it as an alternative to the likewise musical, but much more popular, Miles.

Vernon

Aristocratic in origin, Vernon is much more accessible these days than it was during the Norman conquest when it first made the jump from France to England. A botanical name meaning “alder tree grove,” it also makes us think of George Washington’s estate of Mount Vernon. Off the SSA’s top 1000 list as of 2004, we sense that Vernon is primed for a return. And the shortened Vern works for boys and girls, as a nickname for Vernon or Laverne.

Willis

William is perennially popular, but for parents who aren’t as popularity-inclined, there’s a fantastic variant in Willis. And it still gets you to the nickname Will, if that’s what you’re going for. The name saw its peak popularity 102 years ago. While its most famous associations may be actor Bruce Willis or Willis from Diff’rent Strokes, they’re not strong enough associations in 2020 to affect how the name is perceived. 

And those are our favorite underused vintage baby names! Readers, do you know any babies with these names? Leave a comment and tell us which ones. Other vintage favorites that are yet to be discovered? Share, pleeeease.