10 Classic Baby Names That Stand The Test Of Time & 10 That Won't Last
Not All Names Are Here To Stay
While you might think names like Lucas, Veronica, and Adam are a bit boring because of how many people have these names, they're used for a good reason. These names are classic ones - they fit into whatever era with ease. Trendy names might sound nice thanks to our preferences right now, but do you think they'd still work in the future? Here are 10 names that we know will stick around for good, and 10 we think are on a timer.
1. Peter
Peter is a name that just instantly sounds familiar. Whether it's because you love old fairy tales like Peter Pan or modern shows like Family Guy, the name is simply one that's here to stay. We love how gentle the name sounds, blending in with both modern and old-school preferences.
2. Vivian
If you want a timeless baby girl's name that feels a bit jazzy, Vivian is the perfect mix of timeless and trendy. There's just a nice oomph to the name that makes it sound so lively and energetic. While it's not the most popular name around, if you heard someone named Vivian today, you would never think, "Wow, that sounds old-fashioned."
3. Wendy
We don't know how the name Wendy does it, but it's one that works for any age and era. In our opinion, there's two sides to this name: a whimsical side that works great for baby girls, and a kind, gentle side that works well for any respectable woman. So no matter how old you are, this sure is a timeless name that works for everyone.
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4. Aaron
We're pretty sure everyone's met an Aaron in their life. It's a simple-sounding name that doesn't try to sound too fancy or extravagant. And that's what makes it so timeless. Names that don't try to fit into specific trends, like Aaron, are the ones that last the longest.
5. Diana
Made popular by the late Princess Diana, this is one regal name we don't see disappearing anytime soon. There's a subtle power to the name that really emphasizes its royal history, making it a popular pick for parents who want to pass on that aura to their kids.
6. Vincent
As a common religious name, Vincent is one that's here to stay. While names tied with religion do tend to have more staying power than most, we'd argue this is one that'd last regardless of its associations. VIncent just has that timeless quality to it that we can easily see people in the future still gravitating towards.
7. Elliot
Doesn't Elliot just give off "boy-next-door" kind of vibes? There's such a gentle and friendly quality to this name that makes it so lovable. On top of that, it isn't particularly harsh or soft sounding, making it a name that can easily fit into whatever era you want it to.
8. Vanessa
From popular singer Vanessa Williams of the 80s to current trendsetter Vanessa Hudgens, it's not hard to see why this is a name that's still sticking around. Vanessa is a name that has this effortless quality to it. It's feminine, but not too girly, and it's stylish, but not overly trendy that makes it sound dated. It's just perfect!
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9. Thomas
Would you agree that Thomas has this "matter-of-fact" sound to it? The name just sounds so sure of itself, almost as if it knows it's not going anywhere. In our eyes, Thomas sounds like the name of someone we can trust and rely on. There's a sturdiness to it that we think is the reason why it works across any timeline.
10. Daisy
Named after the lovely and dainty little flower, this name has been used in everything from old literature to modern video games. That alone should tell you that this is a timeless name that is great for girls of all ages, across any era. It just works.
1. Arlo
Arlo is definitely a baby boy's name that fits with the current trends. It's got a soft, melodic sound to it, and we could easily see it being a gender neutral name that works for everyone. And while it's got this friendly feel to it, we can't exactly see someone from the past being called Arlo, nor can we see someone in the future being called it too.
2. Declan
If you need to do a double take when you see a name, chances are it's not one that will last forever. Although Declan is a name that certainly works in this modern time, we're not certain it's going to last. It's got a trendy feel to it more than anything else.
3. Saylor
Saylor just kind of looks like a name that meant to be Taylor, but was misspelled along the way. And even when we say it, it just makes us think of "sailor". Perhaps it was trying to play off the timelessness of the name Taylor, but unfortunately it just comes across as trendy.
4. Aspen
While Aspen is certainly a unique name for any baby girl, and it guarantees that she'll stand out in a crowd, it doesn't have a classic feel to it like Evelyn or Elle. We do love that it makes us think of nature and the outdoors, but overall, it's just not something we see sticking with parents for long.
5. Arya
We're guessing Game of Thrones brought this name to life. Although Arya does have a lovely quality to it and rolls off the tongue beautifully, it is the product of current media, which makes it something we don't see lasting long. Because when the Game of Thrones hype slowly fades away, do you think this name will still be as loved?
6. Braxton
Having a rough sound and quality to it, Braxton reminds us of what Chad stands for in modern times. People just love these bold, masculine names that ooze power and strength. We personally just don't think people will keep this mentality forever, making it a name that might one day disappear.
7. Atticus
If there's one name on this list that doesn't feel like it works in modern times, it's Atticus. It's got this old-timey feel to it that sounds like it belongs in the past. There's nothing wrong with old-fashioned things, but we do have to say, Atticus sounds a bit dated.
8. Juniper
We can definitely see Juniper being a fitting name for any energetic and enthusiastic little girl. The name sure has a vibrancy to it! And while we do appreciate the feeling this name gives, there is a bit of quirkiness to it that lowers it from the "timeless" category.
9. Kinsley
This gender-neutral name is garnering attention with modern parents. It's unique, stands out, and certainly makes people a bit curious. If wanting to be different doesn't sum up people of this generation, we don't know what does! So in our eyes, Kinsley might be a great name for right now, but maybe not in the future.
10. Nova
Sounding like something straight out of the solar system, Nova has a nice ring to it. It's a bit too trendy for it to be a lasting name, but if it's something that resonates with you, by all means, go for it!
