What is a Vintage Name?

Over two years ago, I created a post in which I defined vintage names. My idea for the true definition has since evolved, so I am writing an updated post.

When name experts talk about vintage names, they usually refer to names that were last popular 100 years ago and are ready for revival. That is the basic idea of a vintage name: a name reminiscent of one's grandparents or great-grandparents. 

However, the category would be too broad if all names that were popular in 1924 count. Besides, vintage is a style, not merely a status. Classifying a name as vintage does not necessarily rely on the numbers.

Of course, a vintage name must have been in consistent use during our great-grandparents' age or earlier. As Laura Watternberg wrote in her Namerology article about "new traditional" names in May 2022, "Names have their own history and culture." The definition applies to all kinds of traditional names, including vintage ones. Hence, a name from a classic novel or film alone is not necessarily vintage.

Vintage names are not only defined by their usage history, but they have a specific stylistic feel. Emma Waterhouse wrote in her Nameberry guide on traditional girl names that vintage names "have a sweet, old-fashioned feel, but also a cool, current appeal." Stated differently, vintage names feel old-fashioned but are easy to picture on small children.

Here's the updated definition of a vintage name: a name used in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries (approximately 1837-1945) that feels both old-fashioned and fresh. Names from after 1945 are retro choices and names from before 1837 are antique. Some names were used between 1837 and 1945 but lack an old-fashioned charm, such as Verona and Bishop. Other names feel old-fashioned but were rare among English-speakers, such as Sylvie and Deacon.

Vintage names are not the same as timeless classics, but plenty of names belong to both categories. Alice and Henry were once-popular hits that declined and came back, but they never completely fell out of fashion. The same can be said about Lucy and Arthur. 

For examples of true vintage girls' names, check out this list. Check out this list for boys' examples. 

FURTHER RESOURCES:

Waterhouse, Emma. "Traditional Girl Names: The Ultimate Guide." News, Nameberry, 6 Nov. 2023, https://nameberry.com/blog/classic-girls-names-how-to-choose-one-thats-truly-timeless. 

Wattenberg, Laura. "This Name Comes from the Bible. But is it Traditional?" Articles, Namerology, 26 May 2022, https://namerology.com/2022/05/26/this-name-comes-from-the-bible-but-is-it-traditional/.