Old Man Names for Your Baby Boy

These nostalgic old man names are finally back in style.

Baby name trends rise and fall from year to year. At the moment, you might have noticed that names chosen by grandparents are back in style. Classic “old man names” like Charlie and Billy are making a comeback, and we love it.

Vintage names remind us of simpler times, when iPhones weren’t a thing and kids played ball outside until the street lights came on. What’s not to love about that? Check out these 40 old man names to see if one feels right.

Albert

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Origin: Old German

Meaning: Noble and famous

Albert isn’t the most popular name these days, but it has a sophisticated and royal feel thanks to its association with Prince Albert, one of the most famous members of Britain’s royal family.

Archie

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Origin: German

Meaning: Bold

Cute, cheerful and oh-so retro, Archie means bold and brave.

Arthur

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Origin: Celtic

Meaning: Thor, the eagle

Parents looking for a way to name their baby boy after a Marvel character without, well, naming their baby boy after a Marvel character, this one’s for you.

Arthur is another version of the name Thor, and it looks a lot less over the top on future job applications.

Bernard

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Origin: French

Meaning: Brave bear

The vintage name Bernard is a classic old man name. More parents have been choosing it lately thanks to a certain Bernie Sanders.

Bobby

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Origin: German

Meaning: Bright, shining

Bobby was originally a nickname for Robert, but it’s a perfectly good name all on its own. It definitely has a retro vibe to it, too.

Can’t you picture Bobby sipping a milkshake and swinging his legs at the counter of a 1950s-themed diner?

Chester

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Origin: Latin

Meaning: Camp of soldiers

Chester hasn’t made the top 100 baby boy names in decades, but it’s definitely worth consideration.

It has a tough, gritty meaning, and it comes with a cool nickname: Chess.

Clarence

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Origin: Latin

Meaning: One who lives near the River Clare

Some of the best old man names are still in use by super cool old men, and Clarence is one of them.

Baby Clarences share their name with Clarence Thomas, the second Black Supreme Court justice, and the only Black justice currently sitting on the bench.

Clifford

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Origin: English

Meaning: Ford by a cliff

Clifford is a classic baby boy name made famous by the popular children’s series “Clifford the Big Red Dog.”

Even if you’re not a fan of the series, Clifford is a cool name that can easily be shortened to simply “Cliff.”

Dean

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Origin: Greek

Meaning: Valley

Dean, a short, one-syllable baby boy name, first rose to popularity in the ’50s and ’60s thanks to the American singer Dean Martin.

He was one of the most popular singers of his time, bearing the nickname “The King of Cool.”

Dennis

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Origin: Greek

Meaning: Follower of Dionysius

We’d never have guessed the name Dennis is rooted in Greek mythology. It seems more like a name for a spirited, mischievous little boy, thanks to the movie “Dennis the Menace.”

Dwight

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Origin: Flemish

Meaning: Blond

It’s almost impossible to hear the name Dwight without thinking of the character from “The Office.”

Dwight Schrute was, admittedly, one of the more annoying characters in the series, but he was honest, reliable, and delivered the best one-liners too.

Edgar

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Origin: Old English

Meaning: Fortunate spear

The old man name Edgar is a throwback to the great artistic minds of the 19th century, when both Edgar Allen Poe and Edgar Degas became famous.

Their works were decidedly romantic, so perhaps baby Edgar will become a passionate artist or musician.

Edward

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Origin: English

Meaning: Prosperous

The name Edward is classic, so much so that Stephanie Meyer selected it as the name of a certain sparkly vampire, Edward Cullen, in the “Twilight” series.

If it sounds too formal for a baby, try shortening it to Eddie instead.

Eugene

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Origin: Latin

Meaning: Well-born

There are a lot more baby Eugene’s these days thanks to Eugene Fitzherbert, aka Flynn Rider.

The lovable, reformed scallawag from Disney’s “Tangled” had enough personality to go around, and he is one of the few Disney characters to ask the reasonable question, “Why is everyone singing?”

Felix

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Origin: Latin

Meaning: Fortunate

What could be luckier than giving your baby boy a name that symbolizes good fortune?

Baby Felixes share their name with Felix the cat, a cartoon character invented in the 1920s.

Franklin

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Origin: Middle English

Meaning: Free man

Franklin can be sweet or serious depending on who one associates it with.

On the sweet side, Franklin is the name of a young turtle from a popular children’s book.

On the serious side, it’s the surname of Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers.

Gerald

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Origin: German

Meaning: Ruler of spears

Gerald is an old man name if ever we heard one. It’s the name of Gerald Ford, America’s 38th president, but it’s seen a jump in popularity in recent years.

It was used on the series “Kim’s Convenience” for the sweet-natured, slightly awkward best friend of the protagonist.

Gilbert

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Origin: English and German

Meaning: Noble youth

Gilbert means noble young man.

It’s fitting that author Lucy Maud Montgomery selected it as the name of Anne’s love interest in “Anne of Green Gables.” He was the only character whose wit matched Anne’s.

Gilbert can also be shortened to just “Gil.”

Glenn

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Origin: Gaelic

Meaning: Valley

For those who’d prefer a simple, classic name that’s vintage without giving off grandpa vibes, try Glenn.

Easy to say, easy to spell. Perfect.

Grant

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Origin: English

Meaning: Tall

Grant is a solid choice for a baby born into a tall family, since Grant means “tall” and “strong”.

It’s also the surname of Hugh Grant, the suave leading man of the quintessential holiday rom-com “Love Actually.”

Harry

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Origin: German

Meaning: Home ruler

For a while, Harry was overused because of the “Harry Potter” series. Since the first book came out in 1997, it has now been long enough for the name to be seen as something other than a reference to the series.

People are more likely to associate it with Prince Harry, a duke who walked away from the royal life to raise his family in California.

Harvey

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Origin: Old French

Meaning: Battle worthy, strong

The name Harvey has been around for centuries, representing power and resilience.

It’s also the name of Harvey Milk, an American politician who became the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in the United States.

Henry

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Origin: French

Meaning: House ruler

There are so many famous Henrys that it’s impossible to name them all.

In addition to numerous British kings, there was Henry Ford, the founder of one of America’s biggest car companies, Henry James, a British novelist and Henry Cavill, the chiseled actor best known for his role as Clark Kent in “Man of Steel.”

Ira

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Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Watchful one

Ira, meaning watchful one, is a perfect name for a quiet, contemplative child. The name was held by Ira Gershwin, the lesser-known brother of composer George Gershwin.

He collaborated with George on over a dozen Broadway shows, writing the words of songs including “I Got Rhythm” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.”

Irving

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Origin: Gaelic

Meaning: Fresh water

Ah, yet another old man name carried by a great artistic mind. Irving, meaning fresh, clean water, was the name chosen by Israel Beilin, better known as Irving Berlin.

Considered one of the greatest songwriters of all time, he wrote hits including “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “Anything You Can Do,” and “White Christmas.”

Jefferson

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Origin: English

Meaning: Peaceful place

Baby Jeffersons are in good company. They share their name with Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States.

He was a strong proponent of democracy and was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence.

Johnny

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Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: God is gracious

Johnny isn’t exactly an old man name. We’d call this traditional boy’s name a classic.

There are so many noteworthy Johnny’s to look up to, including Johnny “Jimi” Hendrix, musician Johnny Cash and actor Johnny Depp.

Leland

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Origin: Old English

Meaning: Meadow land

If you’re looking for a more unique old man name, try Leland.

The melodic, nature-inspired name can also be used for girls, so it’s ideal for parents who are letting their baby’s gender be a surprise.

Leonard

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Origin: German

Meaning: Brave lion

Did you know that Winston Churchill was originally given the name Leonard? It’s true. He’s not the only Leonard who made waves, either.

Leonard Bernstein was one of America’s most famous conductors, and Leonard Cohen was the Canadian singer-songwriter who penned the famous song “Hallelujah.”

Try shortening it to “Leo” for a sweet nickname.

Louis

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Origin: French

Meaning: Famous warrior

Louis can be pronounced just how it looks or by its French pronunciation, “Louie.” Louis was used as a name for generations of French noblemen, and it’s remained popular throughout the decades.

Just think of Louis Armstrong, the American musician, and Louis Vuitton, the renowned fashion house. Prince William and his wife, Kate, even selected it as the name of their second child, Prince Louis of Cambridge.

Morris

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Origin: Old French

Meaning: Dark, swarthy

Morris is used as a surname more than a first name, but we still love its vintage vibes.

The name Morris reminds us of the simple things in life: sitting by a fire, reading the newspaper, drinking a cup of hot coffee.

Nelson

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Origin: Gaelic

Meaning: Son of Neil

Nelson is a classic old man name with a storied past.

Nelson Mandela was the first president of South Africa. He was a fierce civil rights activist who became one of South Africa’s first Black lawyers and the nation’s first Black head of state.

Niles

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Origin: Gaelic

Meaning: Son of Neil

You don’t have to be named Neil to name your son Niles. Niles is one of the most versatile old man names, with a more modern sound than names like Herman or Howard.

Plus, Niles is the name of a character on the long-running television series “Frasier.”

Percy

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Origin: French

Meaning: One who pierces the valley

The old man name Percy comes from the longer name Percival. Few people use the name Percival these days, but Percy has made a comeback thanks to the book series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” by Rick Riordan.

Percy is tough, determined and loyal, all wonderful qualities to pass on to a new baby.

Theodore

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Origin: Greek

Meaning: Gift of God

Theodore is one of our favorite old man names ever. Sure, it’s the name of our 26th president, but it’s also ridiculously versatile.

It can be shortened to either Theo or Teddy, both of which are just plain adorable.

Vernon

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Origin: Latin

Meaning: Alder grove

If athletic talent runs in the family, try this one on for size. Vernon, a vintage, nature-inspired baby boy name, seems to be a popular choice for future athletes.

Vernon Davis was an NFL tight end for the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins, Vernon Wells is a former major league baseball center fielder, Vernon Maxwell was a pro basketball player, and Vernon Forrest was a professional boxer.

Vincent

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Origin: Latin

Meaning: To conquer

If the arts are more your thing, consider the name Vincent.

Vincent van Gogh was one of the most influential artists in history, responsible for mesmerizing night scenes and moving self-portraits.

Walter

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Origin: German

Meaning: Commander of the army

Walter was extremely popular in the 1950s, and it recently resurfaced after its use in the edgy Netflix series “Breaking Bad.”

Before it became the name of a chemistry teacher gone rogue, it was used by Walter “Walt” Whitman, the poet known as the father of free verse.

Wendell

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Origin: German

Meaning: Wanderer

Every parent hopes their children will follow their dreams, and Wendell conveys the message perfectly.

Meaning “wanderer,” baby Wendells are destined to travel far and wide in pursuit of their passions.

Zeke

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Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: God strengthens

Names starting with Z are undeniably cool, and Zeke is no exception. Coming from the Hebrew name Ezekiel, Zeke is short, punchy and lots of fun.

It also symbolizes strength and resilience.