Forgotten Vintage Gems For Modern Baby Boys
- Whitney
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"white island"Description:
Deriving from an English locational surname meaning "white island", Whitney was in rare but regular use for boys in the US until the early 1960s, when actress Whitney Blake popularized it for girls. It received a further big boost on the girls' side in the 1980s, thanks to singer Whitney Houston. Now falling rapidly down the rankings, it could be time to reclaim this one for the boys, if only as a neat way to cool-guy nickname Whit.
- Wilbur
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"resolute, brilliant"Description:
Wilbur is a stylish name in the UK whose merits are just starting to be discovered in the US. Wilbur, the loveable pig who Charlotte of the Web called Some Pig, is an inspirational hero. And Wilbur and Orville Wright were early aviationists.
- Wilfred
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"desires peace"Description:
Wilfred is one of those Old Man Names that still sounds fusty in the US but is fashionable in the UK. It comes with readymade short forms Will or Fred and might make an adventurous alternative to the ubiquitous William. The central character of Walter Scott's Ivanhoe is the knight Wilfred of Ivanhoe. Wilfred Owens was a well-known British poet.
- Wilton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"place by a stream"Description:
As passé as Hilton and Milton.
- Winfield
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"meadow, field"Description:
An English surname derived from multiple place names, which ranked in the Top 500 for boys in the US until the turn of the 20th century.
- Winthrop
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"friend's village"Description:
Proper Bostonian.
- Wood
Origin:
English word nameDescription:
Actor Wood Harris, best known for his role as Avon Barksdale in The Wire, brought this one into the lexicon. Wood is Harris's nickname -- his real name is Sherwin David -- but it's the name he's exclusively known by. And it fits right in with the current hot trend for woodsy names for boys.
- Wright
Description:
Wright is a masculine name that originated as an English occupational surname referring to a craftsman or builder—specifically a woodworker or carpenter (from the Old English "wyrhta," meaning "worker"). As a first name, Wright carries strong traditional and artisanal connotations, suggesting skill, craftsmanship, and creation. It remains relatively uncommon as a given name, maintaining an air of distinction and uniqueness. The name has a strong, concise sound with its single syllable and consonant blend. Those named Wright might appreciate the name's connections to craftsmanship and its subtle suggestion that one can build or create their own path in life. Its surname-as-first-name style also reflects contemporary naming trends.
- Yancy
Origin:
American variation of Jansen, Dutch, Native AmericanMeaning:
"son of Jan; yankee"Description:
Yancy has two separate American origins — first as the Native American term for "Yankee," and second as the Americanized variation of the common Dutch surname Jansen. Jan being the Dutch form of John, Yancy could work to honor anyone in your life with a John-related name.
- York
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from the yew estate"Description:
Brisk, preppy York is an underused classic with the potential to really shine in the 21st century. It's most familiar as a place name — York is a city in England — and surname. New York City and State were named after the Duke of York.
- Young
Description:
Young is a masculine name that originated as a surname in English, derived from the Old English word 'geong,' meaning 'young' or 'youthful.' As a given name, it has been most commonly used in East Asian cultures, particularly in Korea, where it's pronounced differently than in English. In Korean usage, Young (or Yeong) can have various meanings depending on the Chinese characters used to write it, including 'brave,' 'flourishing,' or 'eternal.' The name is straightforward, simple, and carries positive connotations of youth and vitality. While uncommon as a first name in Western countries, its simplicity and positive meaning make it an accessible cross-cultural option.
- Zed
Origin:
Diminutive of ZedekiahDescription:
Newer than Zac, cooler than Ed, Ned, or Ted.
- Zeno
Origin:
Anglicized form of Greek Zenon, related to Zeus, king of the godsDescription:
Zeno, the name of two ancient philosophers, has a muscular dynamism that's lightened by its cheerful final vowel, resulting in a kind of offbeat sci-fi feel. Zeno of Citium was the founder of the Stoic school of thought, Zeno of Elea was another early, original Greek thinker, famed for his Paradoxes.