Welcome to the new roaring twenties! We are now 100 years from the time of the flapper, The Great Gatsby, and Prohibition, as well as 100 years from some gorgeous names that are ready for a revival! The “100 year rule” in baby naming tells us that the freshest sounding names for 2020 babies will be those that were popular about 100 years ago.
While there are so many vintage beauties to choose from, we’ve narrowed down our favorites from the top names of the year 1920, since it’s the most popular names that really define the era.
So without further ado, our 20 favorite vintage baby names of 1920 that would be perfect for a 2020 baby!
Ada
Though the name Ada means “nobility,” there’s something sweet and down to earth about it. Derived from Adelaide, Ada could also serve as a nickname for that name or similar sounding Ad- names. Short and sweet, it’s a name that’s been rediscovered, rising fast since the early 2000s.
Alvin
Alvin is one of those names we never see on anyone’s baby-name shortlist, and yet we don’t know why. It packs vintage appeal and feels just different enough from the more popular Calvin. And if Al feels too grown-up for a baby Alvin, Vin and Vinny make great nickname alternatives.
Audrey
A name meaning “noble strength,” Audrey will always feel glamorous and refined to us, due to its associations with the epitome of elegance, Audrey Hepburn. Currently in the top 50, it’s a name with mass appeal. And it has a classic timelessness that keeps it from feeling “little old lady” vintage.
Clara
Clara was one of the it names of the 20s—literally. The name of the original “It Girl,” actress Clara Bow, this beauty of a name never lost “it.” Its smooth, musical quality reflects its meaning: clear and bright. It also has another famous association: Clara Barton, the pioneering nurse who founded the American Red Cross.
Everett
At one point considered an unusual name, Everett is now in the top 100 baby names in the US. In fact, it is currently #95, the same rank it held 100 years ago in 1920. It’s a sophisticated name with appealing short forms Ev and Rhett.
Geneva
Unranked in the US since 1995, Geneva peaked in popularity (at #106) in 1920. It’s a perfect choice for 2020, though. A place name, Geneva is also a botanical name meaning “juniper tree.” So Geneva might be for you if you have ties to the Swiss city, are a lover of nature, or just adore vintage baby names that have a long history of use.
Henry
Almost everyone loves Henry, with more than 10,000 baby boys born in the US with this name in 2018. A name tied to nobility, England had eight kings named Henry (and Prince Harry’s given name is actually Henry, too!) It’s a bit of a revival name, but it’s also one that’s remained beloved throughout the last 100 years.
Josephine
Steadily rising up the charts for the past couple decades, Josephine may get an added popularity bump this year as viewers are reacquainted with character Jo March in the just-released Little Women film. A traditional name with a rich history, Josephine has some sweet vintage nicknames, too, including Jo, Josie, and Posie.
Julius
Julius will always be tied to Caesar, but the popularity of Julian makes Julius completely fitting for the present day. It’s a perfect name for Julian lovers who want a less popular alternative, and its -s ending gives it added style in 2020. Plus, we love nickname Jules.
Lawrence
Larry has gotten a bad rep in recent times, but long form Lawrence escapes that. Once one of the most popular names around, we think Lawrence deserves another look. And it’s got some cool associations: Laurence Olivier, Laurence Fishburn, Jennifer Lawrence, and Sir Lawrence of Arabia.
Leon
With the feel of Levi and similarly to Leo, Leon’s time is now. It’s a name that has been steadily rising in US popularity for years but is still unexpected, with just a teensy bit of quirk. Fierce yet lovable, this leonine name shows no signs of slowing down. For a longer form, we’re also fans of Leander, Leopold, and Lionel.
Mae
We’re big fans of Mae, an Irish name that transcends its origins. It’s one of our favorite vintage baby names. More recently popular when used as a middle name, we advocate for Mae to take the spotlight like one of its most famous bearers–bawdy actress Mae West.
Mabel
Spunky and “lovable” Mabel is one of those vintage names that really feels vintage twenties without feeling dated. You can see her as a winsome flapper or as your future college graduate, class of 2042. Similar in spirit to the name Hazel, it’s a bit more under the radar for parents seeking that feel without the popularity.
Oscar
Warm and inviting Oscar has both Irish and Norse roots, and among the 20s names has an especially fun “Grandpa name” appeal. It also has loads of associations: the Academy Awards, aka the Oscars, designer Oscar de la Renta, writer Oscar Wilde, Star Wars actor Oscar Isaac, and more.
Russell
The name Russell means “red-headed,” which might tip the scales in its favor if your baby is a redhead. But Russell isn’t an obvious color name and will probably be more associated with athletic apparel or the philosopher Bertrand Russell. The name has consistently slid down the US popularity charts since its heyday in the early 1900s, which makes it ripe for a comeback.
Sidney
There’s something strapping about Sid. The name has been on a steady decline in popularity since its peak in 1912, and it’s now outside the top 1000 baby names. While the almost-exclusively-female variant Sydney peaked in the early 2000s, we think it’s traditionally-male Sidney’s time to shine.
Stella
Stella has skyrocketed into popularity in recent years, shooting from #656 in 2000 to #38 in 2018! Meaning “star,” it’s a pretty option if “vintage celestial” is what you’re going for. If you’re avoiding popular, Estelle and Esther are less common but carry the same twinkling meaning.
Virginia
Our minds immediately go to Virginia Woolf when we hear this vintage favorite. But the name is also given a southern feel from its place-name associations. Sitting in the sweet spot, Virginia is surprisingly uncommon right now despite its on-trend feel.
Vivian
A Latin name meaning “life,” Vivian feels both vintage and contemporary. We’re ever-so-slightly partial to the Vivienne spelling (which flew back onto the charts in 2009, after a Jolie-Pitt baby was given the name), but any way you spell it, it’s a beauty.
Warren
Warren reached its peak popularity in 1921, making it a trend-forward pick for 2020. We’re predicting it’ll move up the charts in the next few years. And we hope we’re right. Plus, it’s a name with such diverse namesakes (Warren Beatty, Warren Buffett, Warren Harding, Warren Sapp…) that it’s wearable for pretty much any type of kid.
And that’s our top 20 from ’20 for ’20! What are your favorite vintage baby names from last century?