Why Vintage Names Like Silas and Arthur Are Making a Comeback
Grandpa names are the hottest trend in baby naming. Here's why parents are choosing Theodore, Hazel, and other vintage gems.
NamesWithLove Editorial Team
Research grounded in US SSA data · Our editorial approach
If your great-grandparents' names sound more trendy than dated, you're not alone. Vintage baby names are having a massive renaissance.
The Numbers Don't Lie
According to Social Security Administration data, these "grandparent names" have seen explosive growth:
| Name | 2014 Rank | 2024 Rank | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theodore | #155 | #6 | +149 |
| Arthur | #329 | #127 | +202 |
| Silas | #113 | #48 | +65 |
| Hazel | #152 | #28 | +124 |
| Evelyn | #16 | #9 | +7 |
| Violet | #69 | #32 | +37 |
Why Parents Love Old Names
1. They Stand Out Without Being Weird
"Theodore" is unusual in a classroom full of Aidens and Jaydens, but it's not so unusual that the kid has to spell it every time.
2. Built-In Nicknames
Vintage names come with great nickname options: Theodore → Theo, Eleanor → Ellie, Benjamin → Ben, Josephine → Josie.
3. Cultural Depth
These names have history, literature, and meaning behind them. They feel substantial and grounded.
4. The Pendulum Effect
Names follow generational cycles. A name needs about 80-100 years to feel "fresh" again. The names that were popular in the 1920s-1940s are now perfectly ripe for revival.
Rising Stars to Watch
- Silas — Biblical roots, rugged sound
- Hazel — The Fault in Our Stars effect
- Maeve — Irish charm gaining American fans
- Felix — Happy and energetic
- Iris — Botanical and mythological
- Jasper — Gemstone names are trending
Curious about a specific vintage name? Search our database to see its full popularity history going back to 1880.