When it comes to baby-naming trends, old man names are on the rise, so if you like the idea, you might have trouble finding one that isn't already insanely popular. According to Laura Wattenberg, creator of , historically, boys name didn’t come in and out of fashion in the same way that girls names did. “If you look back at any given period, it’s going to be John, William and James," she tells .
The confirms it. The top names for boys in the early 20th century included John, William, James, George, Robert and Richard. But parents set on reviving a so-called “old man name" should take heart — there are still plenty of interesting, old-fashioned choices that feel fresh and modern.
“Names today are all about sound,” Wattenberg explains. “It’s a very smooth, light and vowel-driven sound. That’s why you see so many and so few Gertrudes and Mildreds.
” In 2021, the name Mac rose in popularity 260 spots and Harold, Carol and Arthur all secured top-100 ranking. Wattenberg, author of the “ ," notes that some parents aren't opposed to big groups of voiced consonants. “Those heavier names stand out more today,” she says.
“For instance, Conrad will stand out in a sea of names rhyming with Aiden.” Wattenberg says one option for old man names is to choose one that's tied to a historical figure, such as Woodrow, after former President Woodrow Wilson, who served from 1913 to 1921. Or research your own family tree for unexpected gems.
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