20 Baby Names From The 1920s That Prove Retro Never Goes Out Of Style
There’s something magical about names from the Roaring Twenties that makes them feel both vintage and modern at the same time.
These classic monikers carry a timeless elegance that today’s parents are rediscovering and falling in love with all over again.
1. Eleanor
Picture a name that exudes grace and strength in equal measure, and you’ve got yourself a winner.
This timeless choice has graced First Ladies and literary heroines alike, making it a powerhouse pick for modern families.
Parents love how it sounds both regal and approachable, never going out of fashion.
With nicknames like Ellie and Nora built right in, it offers versatility that grows beautifully with your child through every stage of life.
2. Hazel
Inspired by the warm, golden-brown color found in nature, this gem has climbed back up the popularity charts with good reason. It’s short, sweet, and carries an earthy charm that feels refreshingly down-to-earth.
Celebrities have embraced it for their little ones, giving it a modern cool factor.
The name works beautifully across all ages, from adorable toddler to accomplished professional, making it a safe yet stylish bet for any baby girl.
3. Ruby
Bright, bold, and bursting with personality, this gemstone name sparkles with vintage appeal. It hit its stride in the jazz age and has roared back into fashion with parents seeking something vibrant yet classic.
The single-syllable punch makes it memorable and easy to spell, which teachers everywhere appreciate.
Whether your little one grows up to be fierce or gentle, this name adapts beautifully while maintaining its distinctive character throughout a lifetime.
4. Clara
Meaning clear and bright, this Latin beauty practically glows with understated elegance. It was a top choice during the flapper era and has returned with a sophisticated whisper rather than a shout.
The name carries musical heritage too, thanks to famous composers and performers who wore it proudly.
Simple yet distinctive, it avoids the overly trendy trap while still feeling fresh and current for today’s generation of little ones.
5. Beatrice
Bringing joy wherever it goes, this Latin name literally means she who brings happiness. Royal families have favored it for generations, giving it an aristocratic air without feeling stuffy or pretentious.
Shortened to Bea or Trixie, it becomes playful and spunky for everyday use.
The full version maintains formality for professional settings, offering your daughter options as she navigates different stages and situations throughout her life journey.
6. Mabel
Once considered old-fashioned, this lovable name has staged an impressive comeback among hipster parents and vintage enthusiasts. It means lovable in Latin, which perfectly captures its warm, friendly vibe.
The name feels quirky without being weird, striking that perfect balance modern families crave.
It’s uncommon enough to stand out in a classroom full of trendy picks but familiar enough that grandparents will smile with recognition.
7. Florence
Named after the stunning Italian city, this name blooms with Renaissance beauty and artistic flair.
It dominated the 1920s charts and now appeals to parents seeking something cultured and internationally sophisticated.
Florence Nightingale’s legacy adds a layer of strength and compassion to the name.
8. Lillian
Blooming with floral elegance, this name derives from the pure white lily flower symbolizing innocence and beauty. It ranked among the top choices during the jazz age and maintains its delicate charm today.
With built-in nickname options like Lily, Lilly, and Lil, it offers flexibility for different personalities.
The three-syllable rhythm gives it a melodic quality that sounds lovely when called across a playground or whispered as a bedtime lullaby.
9. Alice
Following the white rabbit into eternal popularity, this name carries literary magic thanks to Lewis Carroll’s famous heroine. It’s crisp, clean, and wonderfully straightforward without being boring or plain.
The name works across cultures and languages, making it perfect for international families.
Whether your Alice grows up to be adventurous or scholarly, artistic or athletic, this versatile choice adapts beautifully to any personality or path she chooses.
10. Violet
Bursting with color and Victorian charm, this floral name has blossomed back into fashion with remarkable vigor.
It topped the charts in the 1920s and now appeals to parents seeking botanical beauty with vintage roots.
The name sounds soft yet strong, delicate yet determined. With purple representing royalty and creativity, it carries symbolic weight that adds depth beyond its pretty sound, making it meaningful as well as melodious.
11. Henry
Reigning supreme for centuries, this kingly name commands respect while remaining wonderfully approachable and down-to-earth.
Hank offers a rugged, vintage-cool nickname option that appeals to modern sensibilities.
The name strikes that rare balance between traditional and trendy, making it a safe choice that won’t feel dated in twenty years.
12. Arthur
Channeling legendary knights and round tables, this Celtic name radiates nobility and timeless strength.
It dominated the early 20th century and has recently galloped back into favor with parents seeking something heroic yet classic.
The nickname Artie adds a playful, friendly twist for childhood years. Whether your son becomes an artist, athlete, or academic, this versatile name carries gravitas without feeling heavy or overly serious for a little boy.
13. Walter
Meaning ruler of the army, this Germanic powerhouse carries old-world charm with a hint of distinguished professor vibes.
It was wildly popular during the Roaring Twenties and now appeals to parents embracing grandpa-chic naming trends.
Walt makes for a strong, single-syllable nickname that feels both retro and modern. The name sounds intelligent and capable, setting a foundation for success while maintaining warmth and approachability throughout your son’s entire life.
14. Albert
Brilliantly noble in both meaning and history, this Germanic name has graced scientists, royalty, and artists throughout the ages.
Prince Albert made it fashionable in Victorian times, and it maintained popularity through the jazz age.
Albie offers a cute, contemporary nickname that softens the formal feel.
The name suggests intelligence and reliability, qualities every parent hopes to instill, while avoiding the trendy trap that makes names feel dated quickly.
15. Theodore
Meaning gift of God, this Greek treasure has climbed the charts faster than a toddler on playground equipment. Two U.S. presidents wore it proudly, lending it political gravitas and all-American appeal.
Theo and Teddy provide irresistibly cute nickname options for little ones.
The full version grows beautifully into adulthood, sounding equally appropriate for a kindergartener and a corporate executive, making it a lifetime investment in style.
16. Louis
Dripping with French sophistication and royal heritage, this name has crowned eighteen French kings throughout history.
It brings European elegance to American nurseries while maintaining a jazz-age cool thanks to legendary musician Louis Armstrong.
Louie adds a playful, friendly spin for everyday use. The name works beautifully in multiple languages and cultures, making it perfect for families with international connections or parents who appreciate worldly sophistication.
17. Harold
Commanding attention with its Norse roots meaning army ruler, this name dominated the early 20th century with authoritative presence.
Harry serves as a charming, princely nickname that’s currently trending worldwide.
The full version maintains professional weight for adult life, offering your son options depending on the situation and his personal preferences as he grows.
18. Edith
Wealthy in meaning and aristocratic in sound, this Anglo-Saxon name carries Downton Abbey elegance into modern times.
Edie provides a spunky, vintage-cool nickname that feels fresh and current.
The name suggests both strength and sophistication, offering your daughter a solid foundation that works from sandbox to boardroom with equal grace and style.
19. Rose
Simple, sweet, and eternally romantic, this single-syllable flower name never wilts from fashion’s garden.
It ranked consistently high throughout the jazz age and remains a beloved choice for parents seeking classic botanical beauty.
The name works wonderfully as a first or middle name, offering flexibility in combinations. Whether your daughter blooms into a scientist, artist, or athlete, this timeless choice carries natural grace without limiting her potential or personality.
20. Franklin
Presidential power meets jazz-age sophistication in this distinguished English surname-turned-first-name. FDR made it famous during the Depression era, lending it political gravitas and leadership associations that still resonate today.
The full version sounds intelligent and capable, suggesting ambition and success while maintaining enough warmth to avoid feeling stuffy or overly formal for a little boy’s everyday adventures.
