We’ve all noticed how baby name trends come and go, with certain names falling out of favor over time. Some names that were once common a century ago have become rare or even completely unused by new parents today. Exploring these old-fashioned names gives us a glimpse into changing tastes and cultural shifts.
Understanding which names have disappeared from modern baby name lists helps us appreciate how naming preferences evolve with each generation. These names may sound unfamiliar or outdated now, but they once held a special place in families and communities. Let’s take a look at five old-fashioned names that have largely faded away.
Clarence
Clarence is a name that feels firmly rooted in the early 20th century. It means “clear” or “luminous,” and carries a dignified, classic charm.
We don’t hear it much anymore because it has become old-fashioned. Still, it has royal connections and a timeless appeal that some might find refreshing today.
Nicknames like Clay or Clare give it a softer edge. Though it’s rarely used now, Clarence quietly holds a place of noble grace in naming history.
Ethel
Ethel is a name that once carried a sense of nobility and grace. It was quite popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, favored for its elegant sound and Old English roots meaning “noble.”
Today, we hardly meet any babies named Ethel. It feels like a quiet nod to a past era, a name that once filled theaters and stages but now feels more like a gentle memory.
Bertha
Bertha used to be a popular name, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It carried a sense of strength and brightness, with a meaning tied to fame and light.
Today, we rarely hear the name Bertha anymore. It has taken on an old-fashioned vibe that many parents find too heavy for modern use.
Interestingly, Bertha Benz helped shape history, linked to the early days of Mercedes-Benz. Despite that, the name feels out of place in today’s naming trends.
While some vintage names make comebacks, Bertha remains one of those rare names that has mostly disappeared from baby name lists.
Clifford
Clifford is a classic name with roots in English and Germanic languages. It originally meant “ford by the cliff,” which gives it a timeless, grounded feeling.
While it used to be more common as both a first and last name, Clifford has slowly faded from baby name lists in recent decades.
We think it still carries a strong, serious vibe that could be perfect for parents who want something vintage but meaningful. It’s a name that stands quietly steady, even if we don’t hear it much anymore.
Mildred
Mildred used to be a very popular name, especially in the early 1900s. It carried a sense of strength and tradition, often linked to kind and steady characters.
Nowadays, we hardly see it on baby name lists. Many people feel it sounds old-fashioned, and some even make jokes about it, which might explain why parents avoid it.
Still, Mildred has a comforting, vintage charm. For those who love classic names, it’s a reminder that some names have rich histories worth remembering.