Ancient Names With Modern Sounds
In historical fiction, there's something called the Tiffany Problem: when something that seems way too modern for its setting is actually accurate. While a lot of old-fashioned baby names are making a resurgence, there are also tons of names that sound modern but have been around for centuries. Here are 20 baby names that may be old, but are far from dated.
1. Alison
One of the most iconic names of the '80s/90s, Alison is a medieval French nickname for Alice. Alison means "noble" and was first recorded in 12th-century Scotland. Today, the spelling Allison is most popular, hanging on to spot #99 on the US top 100 baby names.
2. Alix
Another Medieval nickname for Alice, Alix was first recorded as a name born by Alix of France in the late 12th century. Several other royals have used this name since, if you want to give your baby girl some princessy pedigree.
3. Asher
Asher was the 20th most popular name for boys in 2024, and, like a lot of trendy baby names, it has some serious historical cred. Asher is a figure in the Book of Genesis who founded one of the Ten Lost Tribes. In Hebrew, Asher means "happy".
4. Avery
Avery is a great gender-neutral name for a baby. Originating sometime during the Middle Ages as a French take on the name Alfred, which literally translates to "elf-counsel". This mystical meaning would be great for fantasy fans or those looking for a castlecore name.
5. Chad
Parents are less likely to consider naming their baby Chad since the name has become associated with internet slang about alpha males, but that didn't stop parents in the past. Derived from the Old English Ceadda, meaning "protector", Chad was the name of a 7th-century saint! However, this was one of the few uses prior to the 20th century.
6. Chloe
One of the most popular names in the Western world for its timeless appear and delicate sound, Chloe means "blooming". This name was given as an epithet to the Greek goddess Demeter, for the green shoots she would conjure up in spring. We think this is the perfect name for your little sprout.
7. Dewey
This one really threw us for a loop! Dewey is a nickname for Dafydd, the Welsh form of David. Welsh—and Celtic names as a whole—have been mega-popular recently, but we aren't sure whether Dewey will make a comeback anytime soon.
8. Ellery
In 2025, Ellery would fit right in with girls' names like Everly and and Evelyn, but it's actually a boys name from the Medieval era. Ellergy is derived from the Latin name Hilary/Hilarius meaning "cheerful". If you'll pardon the pun, we think it's hilarious how names can evolve like this.
9. Gale
No, Suzanne Collins didn't invent this name for The Hunger Games, and it has nothing to do with the Gales of November. Gale derives from a Middle English word meaning "jovial". This name was almost exclusively masculine prior to 1935, when it took on a new life as a nickname for Abigail.
Đồng Phục Hải Triều on Unsplash
10. Gavin
If you want a name with some serious Medieval heft, but don't want to be too obvious, why not opt for Gavin? This Scottish name is a version of the name Gawain, meaning "God send". In Arthurian legend, Sir Gawain is one of the knights of the Round Table, and is the hero of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
Silverius Trandafir on Unsplash
11. Griffin
People who choose the name Griffin may choose it for its too-cool sound or as a reference to the mythological creature. Griffin, or Gruffydd, was a popular name in Medieval Wales. Griffin means "strong lord" and was considered a royal name in Medieval Wales.
12. Jason
Fans of Greek mythology will probably clock this name's ancient roots. Best known for the hero of the Argonauts, Jason is an Ancient Greek name that dates back to the 12th century BCE! Jason means "healer".
13. Larkin
More popular as a surname, Larkin has slowly but surely been climbing up the ranks for girls name. Originating as a Medieval nickname for Laurence, Larkin means "shining one". No matter the gender of your baby, we think this name is absolutely adorable!
14. Melissa
Melissa was one of the big names of the '90s and has one of the most adorable meanings on this list: honey bee! In Greek Mythology, the nymph Melissa is credited with discovering honey and teaching humans how to use it. What a sweet name for your little one.
Jonnelle Yankovich on Unsplash
15. Micah
Micah nails a lot of trends in popular names: it's easy to spell and say, it's gender-neutral, and it's really, really old. Micah is one of the Biblical names that, while never really going away, has seen a major surge in popularity. The Bible features four different Micahs, whose name means "He who is like God".
16. Natalie
Natalie, meaning "birth of the Lord" is a great name to give daughters born in December. Natalie was the name of saint and martyr in the early 4th century. In Russia, this name is best known as a nickname for War and Peace heroine, Natasha Rostova.
17. Pax
Arbitrarily adding x's to names may be all the rage right now, but Pax is a far cry from Braxton and Jaxon. In Ancient Rome, Pax was the goddess of peace. This goddess was invoked to bring stability during years of turmoil and civil war.
18. Stacy
Maybe it's the association with Stacy London of What Not To Wear, but this name always sounds chic to us. In Medieval times, Stacy was a male nickname derived from Eustace, meaning "steadfast"; for girls, it derives from Anastasia, meaning"resurrection". Both names were first recorded to the early days of Christianity.
19. Tiffany
We'd forgive you for thinking this name came into being with the jewelry store. While Tiffany became to catch on as a name following the release of Breakfast at Tiffany's, and experienced a boom in the 1980s, it's actually an early Medieval name. Tiffany was a nickname for Theophania, given to girls born on the Epiphany.
20. Willa
A popular name for celebrity babies, Willa derives from the Germanic name Wilhelmina, meaning "willing to protect". But that's not this name's only claim to longevity! There were multiple queens with this name in the early Medieval period. Willa is the perfect blend of strength and grace.
