You might be surprised at how many old-fashioned boy names are still popular today. To jog your memory of the classics, here are some classic boy names from recent decades. These boy names are tried and true and have stood the test of time. Whether you are looking for a name that stands out or one that blends right in, choose one of these time-tested classics to give your baby boy a strong foundation.
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1. Noah
Noah, meaning rest or comfort, has been a popular name for boys for centuries. It is a name of biblical fame first appearing in the Book of Genesis. For those parents who want to select an alternative to the name Noah that sounds similar and is easier to pronounce, consider names like Noh or Nayr.
2. James
James has been consistently popular since Biblical times. The name James comes from Hebrew origins and means supplanter. This name was used by the apostle James in the New Testament. Other names in his family were also called James, as suggested in Mark 6:3 and Luke 8:19.
3. David
David was designated as a popular name for young boys over a millennium ago. The name ‘David’ comes from Hebrew and means beloved or sweetheart. The story of David and Goliath was told in the Old Testament. According to legend, David did indeed slay the giant.
4. Joseph
The name Joseph is a traditional name as it has been going strong for centuries. The name comes from Hebrew origins and means favor or grace of God. Joseph is the patron saint of Egypt. He was one of the 12 sons of Jacob who was sold into Egypt by his jealous brothers. Joseph eventually rose in the ranks to become the ruler of Egypt and saved his family from famine with his abundant storage.
5. Daniel
For those parents who are looking for a name based on a biblical theme, look no further than Daniel. Daniel is another Biblical name that comes from Hebrew origins and means God is my judge or God is my justice.
6. Oliver
Another name originating in the Bible is Oliver. The English name Oliver comes from Germanic origins and means yew or bold. It was a popular name in the Middle Ages and has been used by notable figures like Oliver Cromwell, who was commander of the Parliamentary army which fought against King Charles I of England.
7. Joseph
The name Joseph is a traditional name as it has been going strong for centuries. The name comes from Hebrew origins and means favor or grace of God. Joseph is the patron saint of Egypt.
8. Elijah
The name Elijah is also a popular name from the Bible. The Hebrew name means “My God is the flame of fire.” — a reference to the angel Elisha, who was known as the prophet Elijah. Another name derived from Bible is Eliseus which means God’s gift.
9. Benjamin
The name Benjamin comes from Hebrew origins and means son of my right hand. In the Bible, Benjamin was part of the 12 tribes of Israel.
10. Jonah
Jonah’s popularity as a boy name has not decreased over centuries. The name Jonah is derived from Hebrew origin and means dove or dove-like. In the Bible, Jonah was a prophet who went to Nineveh to warn of coming destruction.
11. Aaron
Aaron is another biblical name that has been around for centuries. The name Aaron is derived from Hebrew origins and means high priest. In the Bible, Aaron was the brother of Moses and commanded the Israelites to make the golden calf idol. Later in life, he led the rebellion that ended in defeat at Mount Hor against Moses.
12. Lucas
Lucas is a fanciful, masculine name derived from Latin origins and means light-bringer or helper. The story of Jesus curing the blind man by lighting a fire on a stick that was held out over the water as told in the Bible.
13. Henry
Henry is an ancient name derived from Old German origins and means home-ruler. In the Bible, Henry is told to marry Judith, which he does after her seven brothers are killed.
14. Alexander
Alexander is another ancient boy’s name that comes from Greek origins and means a person who is strong-willed. This Biblical name was popular in the 20th century due to Alexander the Great, who was king of Macedonia.
15. Oscar
Oscar is a classical name derived from Latin origins and means helpful or prosperous. In the Bible, Oscar was one of the three men selected by Jesus to be with him during his passion and subsequent resurrection.
16. Ethan
Ethan, meaning firm and strong, has been a popular boys’ name for centuries. The name Ethan comes from Ancient Hebrew origins. Ethan is a character in several Biblical books, including 1 King and the Book of Judges.
17. Daniel
Daniel is another Biblical name that has been around for centuries. The name Daniel is derived from Hebrew origins and means God is my judge or God is my justice.
18. Jackson
Jackson is another name from the Bible. It comes from Hebrew origins and means Jehovah is salvation. In the Bible, Jackson was a warrior, and Irad was his son.
19. Matthew
The name Matthew is derived from Greek origins and means gift of God. It came about because Jesus was called ‘Matthew’ by his parents after the apostle Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot as a member of the 12 apostles in the New Testament.
20. Levi
Levi is another name from the Bible. It comes from Hebrew origins and means elected by God to be a priest. Levi was a son of Jacob, who was sold into Egypt.
21. John
John is derived from the Greek name ‘Ioannou,’ which means God is gracious. The story of John the Baptist dates back to the Old Testament, in which he was called to baptize Jesus after he had been revealed as Messiah (Christ).
22. Sebastian
Sebastian is a Spanish name meaning Sebastian, that is, from Arabic. This name dates back to the 10th century. In the Bible, He was a disciple of Jesus. The story of Jesus changing water into wine during the marriage at Cana is told in the New Testament.
23. Jonas
Jonas means servant or minister in Hebrew origins, and it has been popular since ancient times. In the Bible, Jonas was sent by God to tell the people of Nineveh that they would be punished for their sins.
24. Paul
Paul is a popular name from the Bible. The name means ‘small.’ In the Bible, Paul was a follower of Jesus, and it is said that he penned most of what we know about Jesus in the New Testament. Paul is also known as Saul on one occasion.
25. Jack
Jack is a masculine name derived from Hebrew origins and means God will be exalted. It comes from Latin roots. In the Bible, Jack was a prophet of Israel who did not believe in Jesus, and when Jesus was crucified, he was guillotined.
26. Owen
Owen means wolf-slayer in Old English, and it has been a popular name since ancient times. In the Bible, Owen was a son of Llyr in Wales; he tried to defy his father but was killed in battle.
27. Jacob
Jacob is another name from the Bible, and it comes from Hebrew origins and means defends or that who seeks peace. The story of Jacob is one where he possessed a wide knowledge of animals, including snakes and lizards.
28. Theodore
Theodore means a person of God in Greek origins. The name was used by Marcus Aurelius (AD 121–180) and is also known by the reverse form Ion. In the Bible, Theodore was one of two soldiers under Heraclides who were sent to kill Herod Antipas, Philip’s son.
29. Denzel
Denzel is an ancient boy’s name that has been around for centuries. This name comes from Hebrew origins and means God will judge or will show justice. In the Bible, Denzel is a descendent of Esau and Jacob, who gave his name to the Israelite tribe.
30. Josiah
Josiah is derived from Hebrew origins and means Jehovah knows. The story of Josiah is one where he began to worship Jehovah instead of Yahweh, which was against the laws of Moses’ time, and so he was killed by being stoned.
31. Samuel
Samuel is another name from the Bible that has been around for centuries. The name Samuel comes from Hebrew origins and means exalted by God or that who is beloved by God. The story of Samuel is one where he was the first judge of Israel.
32. Benjamin
Benjamin means son of the right hand in Hebrew origins and dates back to ancient times as a popular boys’ name. In the Bible, Benjamin was a son of Jacob and lived to be 120 years old.
33. Isaac
Isaac is derived from Hebrew origins and means praise or love of God. The story of Isaac is one where he was married to Rebekah and was promised by God that he would become the father of a new nation.
34. Asher
Asher is a name that has been around for centuries. The name means blessed, and it has been popular since ancient times. In the Bible, Asher was a son of Jacob, who was the first son of Rachel.
35. Aaron
Aaron comes from Hebrew origins and means light or enlightened. In the Bible, Aaron was Moses’ brother who had been appointed by God to be the high priest of Israel.
36. Julian
Julian is a popular boys’ name that has been around for centuries, and it comes from Greek origins. The name means Julius, or one who is fortunate. In the Bible, Julian was the son of Herod Agrippa I and grandson of Herod the Great, who was known as ‘The Bible Killer.’
37. Leo
Leo is derived from Latin origins and means lion. In the Bible, Leo was a Roman Emperor and was known for persecuting Christians.
38. Solomon
Solomon is derived from Hebrew origins with the meaning of peace of God. The story of Solomon is one where he possessed great wisdom and wealth. He also had 700 wives and 300 concubines during his lifetime.
39. Gabriel
Gabriel means messenger of God in Hebrew and has been popular since ancient times. In the Bible, Gabriel was the angel who told Mary about the birth of Jesus.
40. Phillip
Phillip is derived from Greek origins and means lion’s stone or conqueror of stone. The story of Phillip is one where he was a follower of Jesus who traveled with him to Samaria before returning to Jerusalem to preach.
41. Ansel
Ansel is derived from Greek origins, and it means the horn of God. In the Bible, Ansel was a person who worked for the people during Jesus’ times. He was also an angel who helped to protect Thomas’ ascension. The name is also popular in the music industry today.
42. Ben
Ben is from Hebrew origins and means son of (or son of God). It is a name that has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Ben was a man who worked in the vineyard of his unnamed father. The story of Ben is one where he was a prophet and met Jesus.
43. Erick
Erick is derived from Greek origins and means to support or prostrate oneself before another person. It comes from Latin roots. In the Bible, Erick was sent by Jesus to heal a man who had suffered for 38 years due to being possessed by demons.
44. Archie
Archie is another name from the Bible, and it comes from a Latin name meaning battle. The name has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Archie was an Egyptian who was sent to kill John the Baptist, and Herod Antipas was so impressed by his character that he offered to spare his life.
45. Atlas
Atlas means bearer of the world in Greek origins. It is a name that has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Atlas is a son that was born to Pleione and Oceanus and the brother of Hesperus, who carried the weight of the sky on his shoulders.
46. Ezekiel
Ezekiel is derived from Hebrew origins and means strengthening God, or may God strengthen him. It is a name that has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Ezekiel was a prophet during the reign of Zedekiah who witnessed much bloodshed and was eventually condemned to death by being fed to the birds.
47. Jasper
Jasper is derived from Latin origins and means jewel or gemstone. It is a name that has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Jasper was an African servant of Simon of Cyrene who helped Jesus carry his cross to the crucifixion site on Golgotha.
48. Brooks
Brooks is a popular boys’ name that has been around for centuries. It comes from Welsh origins and means a stream of water. In the Bible, Brooks was a Christian martyr who was thrown to wild lions in the Colosseum in Rome.
49. Augustus
Augustus is derived from Latin origins, and it means to increase or grow great. It is a name that has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Augustus was a short-tempered and power-hungry Roman Emperor during Jesus’ times who was also known to be egocentric.
50. Caleb
Caleb is derived from Hebrew origins and means pleasing or beloved. It is a name that has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Caleb was a man who was ordered to make bricks for the Israelites and refused because of what God had commanded him to do.
51. Chester
Chester is a name that has been around for centuries. It comes from German origins and means home of the city or town. In the Bible, Chester was an important man in the Israelites who helped Moses, Joshua, and Samuel.
52. Damon
Damon is a name that has been around for centuries as it comes from Hebrew origins and means to identify or know oneself. It was popular during the early 1900s but became more popular after the 50s when it was featured in films and shows.
53. Demetrius
Demetrius is derived from Greek origins and means people of Demeter or earth mother. The name has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Demetrius was a Christian who was beaten, imprisoned, and then beheaded for his faith.
54. Elias
Elias is derived from Greek origins and means God’s my God or my God is Jehovah. It is a name that has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Elias was a prophet during the reign of Ahab who destroyed idols and killed false prophets.
55. Carl
Carl is a name that has been around for centuries as it comes from German origins and means manly. It is a name that has been popular over the last 100+ years. In the Bible, Carl was an Old Testament King who was a king of Israel during Israel’s early days.
56. Ezra
Ezra is derived from Hebrew origins and means helper or helper of God. The name has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Ezra was a priest and scribe during the reign of King Artaxias in Persia. He was also known to be a wise man who was skilled at reading and writing.
57. Felix
Felix is a name that has been around for centuries. It comes from Latin origins and means fortunate or successful. It is a name that has been popular since the 1940s. In the Bible, Felix was the Roman procurator who showed favor to the apostle Paul and released him from his imprisonment in Caesarea Maritima.
58. Jasper
Jasper is a name that has been around for centuries. It comes from Latin origins and means jewel or gemstone. It was popular during the 20th century but has since taken a backseat to names like Brooks and Atlas. In the Bible, Jasper was an African servant of Simon of Cyrene who helped Jesus carry his cross to the crucifixion site on Golgotha.
59. Joshua
Joshua is derived from Hebrew origins and means Jehovah supports or saves. It is a name that has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Joshua led the Israelites during the time Moses was away. He also was known to be a military leader who fought against many surrounding enemies such as the Hittites, Egyptians, Amorites, and Canaanites.
60. Leopold
Leopold is a name that has been around for centuries. It comes of German origin and means bold people or brave people. It was popular during the 20th century but has since taken a backseat to names like Liam and Leo. In the Bible, Leopold was one of King David’s soldiers as well as one of his youngest friends and even helped him to organize the temple singers at Jerusalem.
61. Lucky
Lucky is a name that has been popular for a couple of decades. It comes from Japanese origins and means lucky. It was popular during the 1970s but has since taken a backseat to names like Liam, Liam, and Leo. In the Bible, Lucky was one of King David’s soldiers as well as one of his youngest friends and even helped him to organize the temple singers at Jerusalem.
62. Orion
Orion is a name that has been around for centuries. It comes from Greek origins and means hunter or hunter of animals. It was popular during the 1920s but has since taken a backseat to names like Lucas and Liam. In the Bible, Orion was a giant huntsman who fell in love with Pleione and died when Zeus shot him with first his arrows and then lightning bolts.
63. Newton
Newton is a name that has been around for centuries as it comes from Latin origins and means new town or new settlement. It was popular during the 1920s and 30s but has since taken a backseat to names like Lucas, Liam, and Logan. In the Bible, Newton was a member of the Nephite army, but he later became an enemy of Moroni.
64. Otto
Otto is a name that has been around for centuries as it comes from German origins and means noble or honorable. It was popular during the 1950s but has since taken a backseat to names like Lucas, Liam, and Logan.
65. Maxwell
Maxwell is a name that has been around since the 1600s. It comes from Latin origins and means great wolf. It is a name that has been popular in the last 100+ years but is only beginning to come back into focus. In the Bible, Maxwell was known during the time of Jesus as one of his disciples who helped with the resurrection of Lazarus.
66. Thaddeus
Thaddeus is derived from Greek origins and means priest or servant of God. It is a name that has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Thaddeus was one of the twelve apostles, and he is known for being the first apostle to be martyred.
67. Winston
Winston is a name that has been around since the 1800s. It comes from English origins and means friend or companion of the farmstead. It was popular during the 20th century but has since taken a backseat to names like Lucas, Liam, and Logan.
68. Miles
Miles is a name that has been around for centuries as it comes from Latin origins and means soldier or warrior. It was popular during the 1940s and 50s but has since taken a backseat to names like Liam, Liam, Logan, Lucas, and Noah.
69. Marcus
Marcus is derived from Latin origins and means soldier of Mars or soldier of war. The name has been around for centuries but became more popular after the 50s when it was featured in films and shows.
70. Quincy
Quincy is a name that has been around since the 1800s. It comes from English origins and means fifth-born twin (as in Quincy, Massachusetts). It was popular during the 1910s and 20s but has since taken a backseat to names like Lucas, Liam, Logan, and Noah.
71. Stan
Stan is a name that has been around for centuries. It comes from Latin origins and means stalwart or strong one. It is a name that has been popular since the 1940s and was featured in media like “The Gold Rush” with Charlie Chaplin; “The Outlaws” with James Cagney; William Holden and Jack Buetel; “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” with Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell.
72. Samuel
Samuel is derived from Hebrew origins and means heard by God or God heard. The name was popular in the Old Testament, where it features as one of the great figures in the Bible. Samuel was the judge who led Israel during the time of Saul. He was also known as one who prophesied.
73. Robin
Robin is derived from English origins and means famous people or famous. The name was popular in the 1970s and 80s but has since taken a backseat to names like Lucas, Liam, Logan, and Noah. In the Bible, Robin was known to be a member of the Nephite army, but he later became an enemy of Moroni.
74. Rufus
Rufus is derived from Latin origins and means red or red-haired. The name has been around since the 1600s but became more popular after the 1900s when it featured in films and shows. In the Bible, Rufus was one of the members of Jesus’ original twelve apostles, and he is known for being present with Paul at his conversion on the road to Damascus.
75. Zebedee
Zebedee is derived from Hebrew origins and means fifth born. The name was popular in the Old Testament, where it features as one of the great figures in the Bible. Zebedee was a fisherman, and he is famous for being one of Jesus’ disciples who helped with the resurrection of Lazarus.
76. Zion
Zion is derived from Hebrew origins and means rock or fortress. It is a name that has been used for thousands of years of Jewish history. However, it was popular during the 1900s and enjoyed its highest popularity during the 1930s and 40s. In the Bible, Zion was the capital of ancient Israel prior to the Babylonian conquest.
77. Amis
Amis is derived from Greek origins and means friend or companion. The name was popular in the 1940s and had a brief comeback in the 1980s. In the Bible, Amis was one of the twelve apostles, and he was known as one of James’ brothers.
78. Beau
Beau is a name that has been around for centuries as it comes from Latin origins and means beautiful. It was popular during the 1930s but has since taken a backseat to names like Lucas, Liam, Logan, and Noah. In the Bible, Beau was one of the Nephite dissenters who helped defeat Captain Moroni and his army.
79. Bertie
Bertie is a name that has been around since the 1800s. It comes from English origins and means bright or shining. It was popular during the 1910s and 20s but has since taken a backseat to names like Lucas, Liam, Logan, and Noah.
80. Buddy
Buddy is derived from Old English origins and means brave or courageous. It is a name that has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Buddy was known during the time of Jesus as one of his disciples who helped with the resurrection of Lazarus.
81. Eli
Eli is a name that has been around since the 1200s. It comes from Hebrew origins and means my God is Lord. The name was popular during the 1940s and 50s but has since taken a backseat to names like Lucas, Liam, Logan, and Noah. In the Bible, Eli was the high priest who ruled Israel at the time of the Exodus. He was also known for being the father of Samuel, who is one of the great prophets in biblical history.
82. Edgar
Edgar is a name that has been around since the 1800s. It comes from German origins and means noble. The name was popular during the 1910s and 20s but has since taken a backseat to names like Lucas, Liam, Logan, and Noah. In the Bible, Edgar was known to be one of the Nephite dissenters who helped defeat Captain Moroni and his army.
83. Fletch
Fletch is derived from Old English origins and means small arrow or sharp-pointed stick. It is a name that has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Fletch was known to be one of the original twelve Nephite apostles.
84. Gideon
Gideon is derived from Hebrew origins and means destroyer or like God. The name was popular in the Old Testament, where it features as one of the great figures in the Bible. Gideon was an Israelite general who saved his people from destruction by putting faith in God to deliver them from their enemies.
85. Evan
Evan is derived from Scottish origins and means from Ireland. The name has been popular since the 1800s but has since taken a backseat to names like Lucas, Liam, Logan, and Noah. In the Bible, Evan was one of the original twelve apostles in Nephite history. He was also known for being one of Jesus’ disciples who helped with his ministry.
86. Finn
Finn is derived from Old English origins and means son of Fin. The name has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Finn was a Scottish king who was known to have helped the Israelites against their enemies.
87. Gael
Gael is derived from Gaelic origins and means the land of Gaels. The name has been popular since the 20th century but has since taken a backseat to names like Lucas, Liam, Logan, and Noah. In the Bible, Gael was an Israelite who was known for being one of the original twelve apostles.
88. Gil
Gil is derived from Hebrew origins and means joy or exuberance. It is a name that has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Gil was the son of Caleb, who helped to conquer the Promised Land.
89. Guy
The guy is derived from Old French origins and means guide. It was a name that gained popularity in the late 20th century. In the Bible, Guy was known to be one of the Nephite dissenters who helped defeat Captain Moroni and his army.
90. Hugh
Hugh is derived from old French origins and means heart. The name was popular during the 1920s and 30s but has since taken a backseat to names like Lucas, Liam, Logan, and Noah. In the Bible, Hugh was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles who were known for being fishermen before they joined his ministry.
91. Ike
Ike is derived from Hebrew origins and means God is strength. It is a name that has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Ike was one of the Nephite dissenters who helped defeat Captain Moroni and his army.
92. Hugo
Hugo is derived from German origins and means mind. The name has been around since the 1800s but has since taken a backseat to names like Lucas, Liam, Logan, and Noah. In the Bible, Hugo was known to be one of Jesus’ disciples who helped with the resurrection of Lazarus.
93. Lou
Lou is derived from Latin origins and means the house of Lou. The name has been popular since the early 1900s but has since taken a backseat to names like Lucas, Liam, Logan, and Noah. In the Bible, Lou is an Israelite who was known for being one of the original twelve apostles.
94. Lee
Lee is derived from Old English origins and means meadow or clearing in a wooded area. It has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Lee was known as one of the twelve disciples of Jesus.
95. Lincoln
Lincoln is derived from Latin origins and means the meadow of limes or lime trees. The name has been around for centuries. In the Bible, Lincoln was known to be one of the Nephite dissenters who helped defeat Captain Moroni and his army.
96. Lionel
Lionel is derived from Latin origins and means lion-like strength or valor. The name has been around since the 1920s but has since taken a backseat to names like Lucas, Liam, Logan, and Noah. In the Bible, Lionel was one of the twelve apostles who were known for being fishermen before they joined Jesus’s ministry.
97. Ambrose
Ambrose is derived from Latin origins and means the blessed one or most blessed. It has been around since the 1800s but has since taken a backseat to names like Lucas, Liam, Logan, and Noah. In the Bible, Ambrose was known to be one of Jesus’ disciples who helped with his ministry.
98. Aurelius:
Aurelius is an ancient Roman name derived from the Latin word aureus, which means “golden” or “gilded.” Several early saints and a Roman emperor of the second century shared this name.
99. Bartholomew
Bartholomew is derived from Aramaic roots and means the son of Talmai. One of the Bible’s Twelve Apostles was named Bartholomew, as were two other minor disciples.