1910s Baby Names: From Vintage Betty to Retro Roy and More

1910s baby names range from the traditional Mary and John, to dozens of neglected gems.

To make this list, it’s not enough to be a vintage name. We’re looking for names from this particular decade. From history-defining events like World War I and the growing use of electricity and automobiles, to the rise of full-length movies and the introduction of the Oreo, it was a time of tremendous change. No surprise that some of the names were completely fresh and new, too.  

The US Social Security Administration compiled the Top 200 names for the 1910s. You can read the official list here.

Scan the official list, and you’ll recognize many of the most popular names: William and Joseph, Ruby and Alice. Some 1910s boy names, like Samuel, Michael, and Anthony, are actually more popular now than they were back then. Classics like Sarah or Josephine feel more timeless than antique. 

But many of the names are overlooked today, making them the neglected gems of 1910s baby names. 

They’re names that could wear well in 2025 and beyond, if only we remembered to use them.

1910s GIRL NAMES

AGNES

It’s an old school name with a sweet image attached: lamb, from the Latin word agnus. (This also makes it potentially religious, as agnus dei is the Lamb of God, another name for Jesus.) With history to spare and sparky nickname Aggie, Agnes is one of the 1910s girl names with plenty of potential. 

ANNE

Anna was more popular in the 1910s, but Anne wasn’t far behind. Neither was Annie. But let’s talk about Anne for a minute. Anne of Green Gables makes it literary. In the Bible, Saint Anne is the mother of Mary. There’s more than one Queen Anne – though perhaps the best known, the former Anne Boleyn, ended tragically. From a style perspective, it’s appealing – slim and trim, a name as spare as Claire, and yet somehow much less expected. Just Annis even more minimalist. It’s traditional and surprisingly uncommon, too. 

BARBARA

Barbara peaked in the 1940s, and was a Top Ten name from the 1910s through the 1950s. Now you’re more likely to meet a Margot, as in Robbie, the actress who brought Barbie to life for the movie. But this name has ancient roots. St. Barbara, an early martyr, is the patron saint of architects and mathematicians. It’s smart, strong, and enduring.

BEATRICE

The initial B was more popular during the 1910s than it is today. Just ask Berta and Bernice. But it’s Beatrice that is among the most promising of vintage names for girls. The Italian form of a Latin name meaning voyager, Beatrice ranked in the US Top 40 during the 1910s. Today, it doesn’t even rank in the Top 500. 

BETTY

This traditional Elizabeth nickname has the makings of a comeback favorite. It’s sparky and short, just like Sadie or Millie. From the late Betty White to the animated Betty Boop, it feels like it’s from another era. And then Taylor Swift sang it in a song – because it’s the name of one of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ kids. That’s pretty high profile, but so far? Betty remains rare.

BLANCHE

Is Blanche ready for a comeback? It’s still very A Streetcar Named Desire meets Golden Girls. And yet, the other names from those works are the height of fashion: Streetcar’s Stella or Golden’s Sophia. So why not Blanche? It’s as French as Genevieve, as tailored as Jane. But it was in the Top 100 for the 1910s, and is completely out of the Top 1000 today.

DORIS

In Greek mythology, Doris is one of many sea nymphs. In mid-century America, this name belonged to the one and only Doris Day. This former Top Ten favorite tends to get positive reactions from name fans, but it’s yet to translate into increased use.

DOROTHY

If Doris remains in style limbo, Dorothy is back in the spotlight. While it’s still not anywhere near its Top Ten status among 1910s girl names today, it’s heard more and more 

EDNA

From a Hebrew name meaning delight, Edna ranked in the US Top 20 during the 1910s. But it’s been out of the rankings entirely since the early 1990s. Consonant-heavy choices aren’t particularly stylish now, but Edna is brief and kind of quirky. It shortens to Edie, and might feel like a more surprising alternative to Emma or Eden. 

ELLEN

In medieval England, Helen lost the ‘h’ and became Ellen. It’s been in use ever since. While a few Ellens have been very glamorous – think of Edith Wharton’s Ellen Olenska in The Age of Innocence – there’s a good-girl quality to Ellen that makes it a sister for Caroline or Alice. With other El- names like Eleanor so popular, Ellen deserves a closer look.

ELSIE

Speaking of El- names, it’s not just Eleanor. Names like Ellie, Eloise, and Elena are among the most popular baby names of our moment. Vintage nickname Elsie comes from Elizabeth – or, more specifically, Elisabeth, and could wear well in our Eliza-Maisie moment. 

ESTHER

As tailored as Evelyn, Old Testament Esther is serious, but also heroic – even glamorous. After all, Esther saved her Jewish kinsmen from her husband, the king, when one of the royal advisors plotted against them. The story is celebrated in the annual Purim holiday, celebrated in March. 

ETHEL

If you’re a fan of the Anglo-Saxons, Ethel is for you. This name was part of the revival of Old English names during the 19th century. Strictly speaking, Ethel was more of a name element, as in Aethelflaed or Aethelred. It became quite popular in the US, and feels impeccably antique now. 

FLORENCE 

Sepia-toned Florence picks up fresh energy from Florence + the Machine, as well as actress Florence Pugh.

GERTRUDE

This is one of those clunky German names that feels gone for good. Except, isn’t the nickname Trudy the best? 

GLADYS

An Old Welsh name, Gladys sounds happy … but means country.

IRENE

Like Hazel or Charlotte, there’s a feminine restraint to the name Irene. It means peace, and was worn by a Greek goddess, as well as several medieval saints. The strong I sound and tailored ending make Irene a substitute for Iris and Ivy, but also Evelyn and Lillian. 

JUNE

The June names are as hot as a mid-summer’s day right now. But June still makes the list of 1910s baby names, if only because it still isn’t nearly as popular as it was back in the early 20th century. And also it’s a perfect substitute for favorites like Grace. 

LEONA

A feminine spin on popular Leo, Leona shares sounds with favorites like Elena and Lillian. 

LOIS

Old school favorite boosted by Rachel Brosnahan’s powerful portrayal of Lois Lane in the latest incarnation of the Superman story. 

MABEL

Fun, sparky, flapper-meets-diner waitress Mabel was boosted even more by Selena Gomez playing Mabel Mora on the tremendously appealing Hulu series Only Murders in the Building. With season five due out in late 2025, this name feels more current than ever. 

MARION

We tend to believe that unisex names are a modern phenomenon, limited to the late 1990s. That just proves how short our memories can be. Back in the day, Marion ranked among the most popular 1910s girl names and boy names, too. Marion feels like a sister for classics like Catherine and Alice, but it also brings to masculine names like Julian and Adrian. 

MARJORIE

Marjorie is a medieval English spin on Margaret, by way of Margery and the herb marjoram. It rose rapidly through the 1910s, peaked in the 1920s, and plummeted towards obscurity by the 1990s. Today it’s a three-syllable ends-in-y name for girls, less expected than Emily, as retro as Dorothy.

MILDRED

There’s no question that Millie is a favorite now. Mildred, not so much. It sounds heavy, doesn’t it? And yet, it has a great meaning: gentle strength; a perfect nickname; and a long history of use. Is Mildred gone for good, or will it eventually enjoy a revival? It’s too soon to say just yet, but no question Mildred represented peak 1910s girl names. 

MINNIE

This name belongs to Mickey’s faithful companion, and for years, the only famous Minnie we could name. Then along came Minnie Driver. Factor in our affection for retro nickname names like Sadie and Millie, and suddenly Minnie doesn’t feel so mousy after all. 

MYRTLE

A gentle nature name with a throwback vibe.

NANCY

Nancy rhymes with fancy, but the name has a sensible and capable spirit. Credit young detective Nancy Drew, reinvented every generation or two. 

PAULINE

This French feminine form of traditional Paul could pick up where names like Genevieve and Madeline leave off.

RUTH

Classic name with a strong sound and many notable bearers, Ruth also benefits from sparky short form Ruthie. 

THELMA

Thea has had a good run. Could Thelma enjoy a revival? Invented by novelist Marie Corelli in 1887, this was a pop culture phenomenon that outlasted its original inspiration. Last appearing in the US Top 1000 during the 1980s, Thelma feels like its headed for extinction – except maybe it’s so far out that it will feel in again?

VERA

We love two-syllable, ends-with-A names like Clara and Emma and Ella. Vera also benefits from that sharp initial V, and two equally appealing meanings: faith and truth.

VIRGINIA

Another V name in the key of Victoria, Violet, and Vera, Virginia could be big now. It’s a place name like Georgia, and an -ia ender like Amelia. Nickname Ginny feels fun and spirited, too. 

1910s BOY NAMES

ALBERT

Traditional and buttoned-up, but still approachable and fun. 

ALFRED

Alfred ranks in England’s Top 100, and nickname Alfie is even more popular. 

ARNOLD

Famous Arnolds, like actor-politician Schwarzenegger and golfer Palmer, haven’t been enough to keep this name in use. Arnold peaked in the 1910s. and like many 1910s baby names, Arnold still feels slightly grandpa. And yet, it’s a strong, traditional choice for a son. It comes from Germanic elements meaning “eagle power” and has been worn by saints as well as other notables. If Arthur can be revived, why not Arnold?

BERNARD

Another choice in the key of Arnold. Bernard refers to bears. It’s equal parts cuddly and fierce.

CARL

The German name that gives us Charles, Charlie, Carlos, and Carlo sounds strong and serious as just Carl. 

CHESTER

Chester may be a spokesperson for crunchy cheese-like snack products today, but way before the invention of Cheetos, this was a Roman settlement in Britain. And then a surname, and eventually a first name – as in former US president Chester Arthur, and former Admiral Chester Nimitz. Nickname Chet makes it jazzy, though Chet Baker was born a Chesney. 

CLARENCE

Originally an arisocratic surname and place name, connected to the Dukes of Clarence, now this name sounds a little more down home. The apprentice angel from It’s a Wonderful Life was a Clarence. 

EDWARD

How can it be that classic Edward feels out of favor? It entered the Top Ten in the nineteenth century, stayed there through the 1920s, and remained in the Top 100 until the 1990s. While James and William remain evergreen, Edward is a traditional choice that’s surprisingly uncommon.

EDWIN

Another Ed name! There are plenty: think Edgar and Edison, to name a few more. But Edwin’s winning sound might make it the best of the bunch right now.

FRANCIS

Frances could make the list of 1910s girl names, too. Francis, spelled with the I, probably became Frank more often than not.

FREDERICK

Fred names were everywhere during the 1910s. Dashing Frederick and sweet Freddie are rare now, but could be the logical successors to Theodore and Theo.

GEORGE

Regal and accessible, George is a classic that’s slightly underused by 2020s standards.

GILBERT

Gilbert is a gentlemanly name, all Gilbert Blythe to Anne of Green Gables fans. (It’s only right that Anne and Gilbert are both on the list of 1910s baby names. After all, the original novel was published in 1908, with sequels following.) While it’s not common now, Gilbert will always have some fans.

GLENN

Glenn is a short name for boys, and a nature-related one, too. Glenn Miller makes it musical; John Glenn makes it daring. And actor Glen Powell? Maybe he’ll spark a glenaissance for his name. 

HAROLD

Harry is big in the UK. Hal fits right in with Jack. So why not Harold? It’s regal and traditional, a name with history galore. 

HERBERT

Ends-in-bert names were once common. Just ask Albert and former #1 pick Robert. Herbert is probably a long shot for a comeback, but given this name’s past popularity, odds are that plenty of us have it on our family trees.

JESSE

It’s easy to dismiss Jesse as trendy. It’s true – Jesse ranked in the US Top 100 from the 1880s through the 1930s, and again from the 1970s through 2005. But Jesse is also the Old Testament father of David, an impeccable Biblical choice meaning gift. Jesse is part 1910s baby name, part-dad name, and part classic that doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves. It might also be a great way to honor a Jessica/Jessie with a son’s name. 

KENNETH

Scottish Kenneth is rather distinguished. Ken is, well, as Ryan Gosling’s take on the character put it, he’s beach. But we love Ben, so why not a revival for this former favorite?

LAWRENCE

Another overlooked traditional. 

LELAND

Another surname borrowed as a first name, and potentially a formal take on Leo.

LEONARD

We tend to favor just Leo, or the Italian-by-way-of-Hollywood Leonardo. But Leonard has history, too.

RALPH

Pronounce it Rafe, like posh British actor Fiennes, and it’s quite handsome. But down-to-earth Ralph feels like it deserves more love, too. The English form of an Old Norse name meaning “wolf counsel,” Ralph has a bit of the medieval knight about it. 

RAYMOND

Ray is retro, and Raymond? Another Norman name with history to spare. It’s of the 1910s boy names very ready for rediscovery.

RICHARD

Rick is somebody’s dad. And Rich? He’s their great-uncle. So where does that leave Richard? Maybe a few more years away from revival, as there’s no question this is a traditional name that is surprisingly uncommon now. 

ROBERT

Robert ranked in the Top Ten during the 1910s, before claiming the #1 spot during the 1920s and 30s. It’s fallen in use in recent generations, and Bob is probably your grandpa. But let me make the case that Rob and Robbie are fresh and just a little bit different on a playground fill with boys called Arlo and Miles.

ROY

A working man’s name, even though it comes from the French word for king. Gruff but good footballer Roy Kent from Ted Lasso helps put a different face on this former favorite.

SIDNEY

Sydney – as in Australia – became a favorite for our daughters. But polished surname name Sidney started out on the boy’s side. And with edgy nickname Sid, it feels like it would succeed for a son.

STANLEY

It’s a little bit Flat Stanley, and a lot iconic Stan Lee. Another surname with aristocratic roots, Stanley has potential. Would it sound a little like your named your kid for your favorite water bottle? Maybe. But if the brand can trend, why not the name?

STEPHEN

Steve is your accountant, or maybe your dentist. But Stephen? Pronounced with an ‘f’ sound instead of a ‘v’, Stephen is the new Jordan. Appropriately for Steph Curry, the name means “crown.” Of course Stephen – pronounced like Steven – has potential, too.

VINCENT

Strong, traditional Vincent peaked in the 1910s, and had a long history of use. The meaning “conquering” makes Vincent an alternative to more modern strong names for boys. Famous Vincents range from van Gogh to Vaughn, and Entourage’s Vincent Chase is a familiar fictional character to most parents naming a baby today. 

WALTER

Historical and literary Walter had a long run. It’s slid out of favor over many decades, despite notables from Sir Walter Raleigh to Walt Disney to Walter Peyton. There’s something timeless and deeply appealing about a boy called Walt right about now. 

WOODROW

A surname name ending with an ‘o’ sound, built-in friendly nickname Woody, and a nicely nostalgic vibe? Check, check, check.

Which 1910s baby names are your favorites? Do you think any on this list are likely to make a comeback?

First published on June 1, 2016, this post was revised on August 7, 2025.