1700s baby names you can consider in 2020, parents! | Image: gradyreese/iStock
When it comes to choosing the perfect baby name, there are a lot of different ways to go. Parents can always go with the names that are popular and trendy in the moment, or use a new spelling for a more traditional name, but what about picking a name that was once much more popular way back in the past? As it turns out, that is becoming a trend in itself, especially as we look toward the future of what babies will be named in the 2020s. In fact, 17th-century baby names are making a comeback, and it’s easy to see why. They’re classic, traditional, and a lot of them are super cute.
Several names that were popular centuries ago have had the staying power to hang on in the most popular lists for decades, and soon, they might even start topping those lists all over again. Lately, there’s been a major rise in baby girl names like Caroline and Amelia and baby boy names like Ezra and Skyler, with no end in sight.
Looking for a name with more traditional, storied roots that won’t be too out of place in 2020 — and in 2025, when baby finally starts kindergarten? Some of these 17th-century names might be a good choice for a boy or a girl … and don’t be surprised if they start showing up more and more as we roll into the 2020s.
Naming a baby is definitely not an easy task, but hopefully, this list will help — and if one of these names isn’t THE name, maybe it’ll serve for a little inspiration, thanks to names that have been popular for a long, long time. Good luck out there!
1700s Baby Names That Could Make A Comeback In 2020
AMELIA
len4foto/iStock
Amelia is such a classic name, and lately, it’s seemed to be quickly rising in popularity. Although its roots are in the 17th century, it’s had some serious staying power and could become even more popular in 2020.
ANASTASIA
gradyreese/iStock
Anastasia comes from the Greek name Anastasios and was super popular in Eastern Europe, but now, it could be taking over in the US, too. It’s unusual but still traditional, and comes with so many nickname possibilities, like Stacey or Ana.
Nikola Stojadinovic/iStock
Caroline means “free man,” and although it’s always been more popular in England, moms in the US love it, too. In fact, Caroline has stayed in the top 100 names for almost 30 years, and it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere.
CHARLOTTE
encrier/iStock
Given that Kate Middleton and Prince William named their only daughter Princess Charlotte, it makes sense that it’s picked up in popularity over the last few years. But now, it seems like more and more baby girls are being given this name … and since it’s a classic, it makes sense.
ELISE
1700s baby names like Elise are gaining popularity. | praetorianphoto/iStock
Although Elise originally comes from the name “Elizabeth,” now, it’s becoming more and more common to see it as a name on its own. Elise comes from French and is currently becoming more and more popular. It would also make a pretty cute middle name.
FELICITY
ozgurcankaya/iStock
Some people know Felicity as the American Girl doll, while others might think of Counting On star Jinger Duggar’s daughter. Either way, it seems like the name, which was much more popular in the past, is coming back into popularity.
KITTY
romrodinka/iStock
Although Kitty is typically a nickname for Katherine, why not use it on its own? Mom and dad don’t have to be cat lovers to love this name — and it can even be shortened to Kit for a cute, easy nickname that gives serious retro vibes.
MAGNOLIA
gradyreese/iStock
Looking for a vintage but floral inspired name? Magnolia might be the perfect pick — especially if mom and/or dad love the flower or the empire built by Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper fame. Plus, Maggie would be a totally adorable nickname.
VERONICA
zeremski/iStock
This name has definitely been more popular in the past, but it seems like it’s making a comeback — in no small part due to the popularity of Riverdale and character Veronica Lodge. Don’t be surprised if plenty more babies are named Veronica in 2020.
MILDRED
Daniela Jovanovska-Hristovska/iStock
Mildred is such an old-fashioned name, but it’s definitely here for good — and it could make a traditional yet unexpected choice for a new baby. The name itself comes from Old English and means “gentle strength.”
RodicaCiorba/iStock
Although it had fallen out of popularity, in 2019, Ezra was on the rise again, and it seems like that trend will continue in 2020. It seems to be popular with parents looking for a Biblical name, but it’s a cute, unusual choice for anyone.
NOAH
morrowlight/iStock
Speaking of Biblical names that are becoming more popular… add Noah to the list. It’s definitely a classic that isn’t going anywhere, and in pop culture, it always brings to mind Ryan Gosling’s character in The Notebook.
ELIAS
wundervisuals/iStock
Elias comes from the Greek language and is derived from Elijah, so for fans of that name who are looking for something a little different, this might be the perfect pick. It’s been picking up in popularity ever since 2010 — and growing.
TITUS
GODS_AND_KINGS/iStock
The name Titus was most popular in the 1800s, but it looks like people are loving it all over again in the 21st century. It’s been gaining popularity since 2012, when it made a massive comeback, and is perfect for anyone looking for a name with Roman roots.
GIDEON
Andy445/iStock
Another name that was recently used for a new member of Counting On‘s Duggar family (Joy-Anna Duggar and Austin Forysth’s son). Now, Gideon is coming back into popularity in the US, although it’s fading from popularity in Europe, where it used to be huge.
BRADFORD
skynesher/iStock
Why name a baby Brad or Bradley when Bradford is an option?! It comes from English and means “broad crossing,” and it seems it’s been rising in popularity for the last couple of years. In 2020, this could end up being a huge one.
HIRAM
michel74100/iStock
Another name that might be increasing in popularity because of Riverdale … but the only thing that matters is that it is making a comeback. It means “my brother is exalted” in Hebrew, so it also comes with pretty interesting roots, too.
SKYLER
Hispanolistic/iStock
Although we’ve seen this name used for girls in the past, it seems like it’s gaining popularity for boys, too — and it might be even more appealing to parents who are looking for a more gender neutral name for their little one.
VINCENT
1700s baby names like a traditional “Vincent”, coupled with the nickname “Vinnie” is just too adorable! | monkeybusinessimages/iStock
Vincent is a traditional name, and now, it’s back for 2020. It comes from the Latin word “vincentius” which means “conquering” — not a bad meaning for a little boy’s name. And who can resist calling a baby Vinnie?
TURNER
Andy445/iStock
Sometimes, common last names for first names can be super cute, and that’s definitely the case with Turner. It might be popular as a surname, but it’s definitely much less so as a first name … although that could definitely change in the 2020s.
This article was first published CafeMom and was republished on theAsianparent with permission.
Get daily updates about our top stories when you follow us on Telegram at https://t.me/theAsianparentSG.
Also READ: Meet the Newborn Twins Who Were Born In Different Decades
