210 Famous Classic Names with Meanings

Every parent is looking for the right name for their baby. But in doing so, many go for names that aren’t popular for whatever reason. 

However, this is a costly mistake because you can’t change the name later.

We’ve all heard stories where parents name their child something that the child ends up growing up to hate it. How can you avoid that? 

Do some research and check out some popular classic baby names to get a better idea.

Winston– “joyful stone”

Wilson– “desire”

Tristan– “noise”

Patrick– “nobleman”

Paul– “small”

Nicholas– “victory of the people”

Wayne– “wagon builder or driver”

Otis– “wealth”

Nathaniel– “God has given”

Clint– “fenced settlement”

Woodrow– “row of houses”

Joseph– “God will increase”

Claude– “limping” stuttering”

In the past, some parents have named their children after celebrities or fictional characters. Sometimes the parents themselves will choose a name that is not typical. Other times they will choose a name that is not common at all.

Some parents are so overwhelmed with the task of naming their child that they opt for a one-word baby name. 

And although this has been a popular choice, it’s not always the best decision.

In many cultures around the world, a name is considered an important part of a child’s identity. 

Besides, it’s a good idea to avoid naming your child the same as their father, which might lead to confusion. 

So, what should the perfect baby’s name be? Let’s dive into the list of awesome classic baby names.

Bradley– “broad wood”

Edwin– “rich friend”

John– “God is gracious”

Thomas– “twin”

Jonathan– “God has given”

Rodney– “island near the clearing”

Caleb– “whole hearted”

Clement– “merciful”

Kenneth– “handsome”

Ethan– “firm”

Jasper– “treasure”

Wyatt– “brave”

Terrence– “smooth”

Classic Names

Webster– “weaver”

Steven– “wreath”

Mitchell– “who is like God”

Reuben– “to behold a son”

Dexter– “dyer”

Elliot– “with strength and right”

Benjamin– “the right hand”

Abner– “father of light”

Reginald– “king”

Gilbert– “bright promise”

Conrad– “bold counsel”

Virgil– “staff-bearer”

Evan– “Yahweh is gracious”

Popular Classic Baby Names

Brooks– “dweller by the brook”

Chester– “camp of soldiers”

Drake– “dragon”

Wilbur– “wild boar”

Matthew– “gift of Yahweh”

Albert– “noble”

Hiram– “exalted one”

Nigel– “champion”

Earl– “warrior”

Finch– “to swindle”

Douglas– “dark stream”

Richard– “brave ruler”

Vernon– “alder grove”

Remington– “raven settlement”

Classic Names

What are some of the cutest classic baby names?

Andrew– “manly and strong”

Rhett– “advice”

Grover– “grove of trees”

Duncan– “dark warrior”

Noah– “rest” peace”

Harold– “army power”

James– “supplanter”

Gregory– “watchful”

Oscar– “spear of God”

Hank– “home ruler”

Curtis– “polite and courteous”

Floyd– “gray-haired”

Delbert– “noble and bright”

More Baby Names:

Tips for Naming Your Babies

There are millions of baby names out there, and while most parents decide on a name and stick with it for the rest of their lives.

There are some who wish the best for their future child, but don’t have a clue how to choose a name

These parents may be confused about why they can’t come up with a name for their baby, or they may have tried several times and have given up on the idea.

If you are considering giving your child a name, there are some things you should know:

1.   Pick the name you love, even if it is popular.

It is popular and you love it. Anything else you need to think upon? Nope. Go for it. If you want to give it uniqueness, think of a great middle name.

Here are some popular classic baby names out there:

Lloyd– “gray-haired”

Leslie– “Garden of holly”

Kelley– “war”

Jesse– “the Lord exists”

Lester– “fortified place”

Clark– “scribe”

Lucas– “bright” shining”

Sawyer– “woodcutter”

Roger– “known for the spear”

Lewis– “renowned warrior”

Grant– “bestow”

Carlisle– “walled city”

Wesley– “western meadow”

2.   Do not skip lovely classic baby names even if they are unique, unusual, and different.

Sometimes, parents will not go for unusual, unique, and different baby names. 

They consider it weird. Let me tell you that being attractive and thought provoking is the game these days.

How would you like these classic baby names:

Dennis– “follower of Dionysius”

Dylan– “son of the sea”

Fletcher– “arrow-maker”

Howard– “brave heart”

Willard– “strong desire”

Erwin– “boar friend”

Sullivan– “dark eyes”

August– “esteemed”

Truman– “loyal one”

Ulysses– “wounded in the thigh”

Hubert– “mind-bright”

Emmett– “universal”

Edward– “prosperous”

Colin– “young creature”

3.   Be confident if you want to go toward personalized spellings for your baby’s name.

SURE. You should be confident when giving personalized spellings to your baby’s name. 

However, it is important that you do not make it weird. Adding or removing an alphabet would be enough here.

Try changing these baby names spellings into personalized ones:

Grayson

Meaning: “Son of a bailiff”

Origin: English.

Description: English origin and its means Son of a bailiff.

Spelling and variations: Greyson.

Famous people with this name: British sprint canoer and Olympian, Grayson Bourne.

Bethany

Meaning: “Place of figs”

Origin: English.

Description: English origin and its means Place of figs.

Spelling and variations: Bethanie, Bethney, Beth, Bethenny, Bethonie, Bethania.

Famous people with this name: American actress, Bethany Joy Lenz.

Jameson

Meaning: “Son of James”

Origin: Scottish.

Description: Scottish origin and its means Son of James.

Spelling and variations: Jamieson ,  Jamisen.

Famous people with this name: Jameson Adams.

Harlow

Meaning: “Rock hill”

Origin: Old English.

Description: Old English origin and its means Rock hill.

Spelling and variations: Harlow.

Famous people with this name: American scientist and astronomer, Harlow Shapley.

Knox

Meaning: “Small hill”

Origin: English.

Description: English origin and its means Small hill.

Spelling and variations: N/A.

Famous people with this name: American painter, sculptor, and muralist Knox Martin.

Milo

Meaning: “Soldier”

Origin: Old German.

Description: Old German origin and its means Soldier.

Spelling and variations: Miles, Myles, Mylo.

Famous people with this name: Milo Ventimiglia.

Oscar

Meaning: “Friend to the deer”

Origin: Old English.

Description: Old English origin and its means Friend to the deer.

Spelling and variations: Óscar (Portuguese, Spanish), Oskar (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, German).

Famous people with this name: Irish poet and playwright, Oscar Wilde.

Joan

Meaning: “God is gracious”

Origin: English.

Description: Joan is a girl’s name of English origin meaning “God is gracious”.

Spelling and variations: Juan, João, Ivana, Jovan, Jovana, Jovanka, Ioan, Ioana.

Famous people with this name: Dame Joan Henrietta Collins.

Parker

Meaning: “Park keeper”

Origin: Old English.

Description: Old English origin and its means Park keeper.

Spelling and variations: Parke.

Famous people with this name: Parker Stevenson.

Landon

Meaning: “Long hill”

Origin: English.

Description: English origin and its means Long hill.

Spelling and variations: Langdon, Landen, Landyn, Landin, Landan.

Famous people with this name: American professional soccer player, Landon Donovan.

Judith

Meaning: “woman from Judea”

Origin: Hebrew.

Description: Judith is a girl’s name of Hebrew origin meaning “woman from Judea”.

Spelling and variations: Jude , Juditt , Judythe , Joda , Jodie , Jody , Judy.

Famous people with this name: Judy Collins.

Ryder

Meaning: “Mounted warrior”

Origin: Old English.

Description: Old English origin and its means Mounted warrior.

Spelling and variations: Rider.

Famous people with this name: Canadian professional racing cyclist.

Sheldon

Meaning: “From the shield farm”

Origin: Old English.

Description: Old English origin and its means From the shield farm.

Spelling and variations: Shelden, Sheldin.

Famous people with this name: Sheldon Lee Glashow.

Tanner

Meaning: “Leather maker”

Origin: Old English.

Description: Old English origin and its means Leather maker.

Spelling and variations: N/A.

Famous people with this name: Tanner Foust.

4.   Crossing your favorite classic baby names on the feedback on friends and family members.

Feedback is important. But it does not mean to listen to every other person’s opinion. 

You will hardly find classic baby names that everybody would like. Therefore, get feedback but still know your choice.

Consider getting feedback on these baby names from your friends and family members:

Isaac– “to laugh”

Owen– “young warrior”

Dean– “from the valley”

Francis– “free man”

Eugene– “noble” well-born”

Dale– “valley”

Duke– “the leader”

Alexander– “defender”

Luke– “bright”

Thatcher– “roof thatcher”

Donald– “world ruler”

Abraham– “father of multitudes”

5.   Do a little research and find what is out there.

Research is important step for the first-time parents as well for those who do not know what sort of names people pick. 

You will be all good once you do a little internet research. 

You will also be able to find some great classic baby names that you might consider now or in the future.

Here are some common baby names examples to help you:

Madeline

Meaning: “High tower”

Origin: Hebrew.

Description: Hebrew origin and its means High tower.

Spelling and variations: Madeleine (French), Madalyn, Madelyn, Madelynn, Magdalene.

Famous people with this name: Madeline Zima.

Deonne

Meaning: “Valley”

Origin: Old English.

Description: Old English origin and its means Valley.

Spelling and variations: Deanna, Deonna, Deondra, Deona, Dionne.

Famous people with this name: Australian archer, Deonne Bridger.

Charmaine

Meaning: “Singer”

Origin: Latin.

Description: Latin origin and its means Singer.

Spelling and variations: Charmine, Charmane, Charmene, Sharmaine, Charmian.

Famous people with this name: Canadian soccer player, Charmaine Hooper.

Elvina

Meaning: “Elf”

Origin: Old English.

Description: Old English origin and its means Elf.

Spelling and variations: Alvina, Alveena, Elvena, Elvene, Elvenia, Elvinia, Elvyra, Elveena.

Famous people with this name: Italian opera singer, Elvina Ramella.

Georgia

Meaning: “Farmer”

Origin: Greek.

Description: Greek origin and its means Farmer.

Spelling and variations: Georgiana, Georgina, Georgeanna.

Famous people with this name: American artist, Georgia O’Keeffe.

Hazel

Meaning: “The hazelnut tree”

Origin: Old English.

Description: Old English origin and its means The hazelnut tree.

Spelling and variations: Hazell, Hazelle, Hazal, Hazle.

Famous people with this name: English actress, Hazel Court.

Felicity

Meaning: “Happiness”

Origin: English.

Description: English origin and its means Happiness.

Spelling and variations: Felicia, Felicidad (Spanish), Felicita (Italian), Félicité (French), Felizitas.

Famous people with this name: English actress, Felicity Jones.

Ivy

Meaning: “Evergreen climbing plant”

Origin: Old English.

Description: Old English origin and its means Evergreen climbing plant.

Spelling and variations: Ivie.

Famous people with this name: American author, Ivy Ruckman.

Kellsie

Meaning: “Victorious ship”

Origin: English.

Description: English origin and its means Victorious ship.

Spelling and variations: Kelsey, Kelsie, Kellsey, Kelsa, Kelcy, Kelcie.

Famous people with this name: Professional basketball player, Kelsey Plum.

Lily

Meaning: “Lily flower”

Origin: English.

Description: English origin and its means Lily flower.

Spelling and variations: Lilybell, Lilli, Lilly, Lillie, Lillian.

Famous people with this name: Lily Allen.

Jemma

Meaning: “Jewel”

Origin: English.

Description: English origin and its means Jewel.

Spelling and variations: Gemma.

Famous people with this name: Jemma Redgrave.

Braxton

Meaning: “Badger”

Origin: Old English.

Description: Old English origin and its means Badger.

Spelling and variations: Brax.

Famous people with this name: American football player, Braxton Miller.

Dean

Meaning: “From the valley”

Origin: English.

Description: English origin and its means From the valley.

Spelling and variations: Dane, Dene.

Famous people with this name: Dean Cain.

Colton

Meaning: “Coal town or settlement”

Origin: Old English.

Description: Old English origin and its means Coal town or settlement.

Spelling and variations: Colten, Kolton.

Famous people with this name: American singer-songwriter, Colton Dixon.

Everett

Meaning: “Brave as a wild boar”

Origin: German.

Description: German origin and its means Brave as a wild boar.

Spelling and variations: Everette, Everitt, Everet, Everrett, Evert, Evrett, Everard, Rhett.

Famous people with this name: Everett Scott.

Acton

Meaning: “Village with oak trees”

Origin: Old English.

Description: Old English origin and its means Village with oak trees.

Spelling and variations: N/A.

Famous people with this name: Acton Smee Ayrton.

6.   Consider the names of the subsequent children.

Maybe, you are first time parents and figuring out some cool classic baby name. It is a good idea to consider the names of subsequent children too.

7.   Avoid the names with bad meanings.

Baby names with bad meanings can be a cause of embarrassment for you and your kid. 

Be sure to know the meaning of the name you are gonna pick and be sure it is encouraging and positive.

Here are some of the cool classic baby names with meanings:

Marcus– “dedicated to Mars”

Sheldon– “steep valley”

Fenton– “marsh town”

Huxley– “Hugh’s meadow”

Eric– “eternal”

Quincy– “estate of the fifth son”

Theodore– “God-given”

Bernard– “brave bear”

Leopold– “brave”

Zachariah– “God remembers”

Ferdinand– “bold protector”

Gabriel– “God is my strength”

Oswald– “God’s power”

Roland– “famed-land”

8.   Pick up good people’s names from history.

The name of person has an effect on his/her personality, it is said. Maybe, that’s the reason why people choose names from history. 

You can consider this as well. I am sure you have heard about many legends from the past. 

I bet you’d find some awesome and useable classic baby names if you look into it.

We have a small list of classic baby names here for you to check out and know if you have heard them before:

Ashlee

Meaning: “Meadow of ash trees”

Origin: Modern English.

Description: Modern English origin and its means Meadow of ash trees.

Spelling and variations: Ashley, Ashleigh, Ashlie, Ashlyn, Ashlynn, Ashlea.

Famous people with this name: American singer, Ashlee Simpson.

Natalie

Meaning: “Birthday of the Lord”

Origin: English.

Description: English origin and its means.

Spelling and variations: Natalia, Nathalie, Natalee, Nataleah, Nataleigh, Nathaly, Natali, Nat.

Famous people with this name: Australian-British singer-songwriter, Natalie Imbruglia.

Olivia

Meaning: “Olive tree”

Origin: English.

Description: English origin and its means Olive tree.

Spelling and variations: Alivia, Olyvia, Livia, Olive (French), Olivie.

Famous people with this name: Olivia Wilde.

Maisie

Meaning: “Pearl”

Origin: Scottish.

Description: Scottish origin and its means Pearl.

Spelling and variations: Maisy, Mazie, Maisey, Maisee.

Famous people with this name: Maisie Williams.

Peyton

Meaning: “Fighting man’s estate”

Origin: Latin.

Description: Latin origin and its means Fighting man’s estate.

Spelling and variations: Payton.

Famous people with this name: American actress, Peyton List.

Rose

Meaning: “Fragrant flower ‘rose’”

Origin: Latin.

Description: Latin origin and its means Fragrant flower ‘rose’.

Spelling and variations: Rosa, Rosabel, Rosabella, Roseanne, Rosalie.

Famous people with this name: Rose Byrne.

Scarlett

Meaning: “Scarlet or bright red”

Origin: Arabic.

Description: Arabic origin and its means Scarlet or bright red.

Spelling and variations: Scarlet, Scarlette.

Famous people with this name: Scarlett Johansson.

Poppy

Meaning: “Red flower ‘poppy’”

Origin: English.

Description: English origin and its means Red flower ‘poppy’.

Spelling and variations: N/A.

Famous people with this name: Poppy Montgomery.

Tiffany

Meaning: “Revelation of God”

Origin: English.

Description: English origin and its means Revelation of God.

Spelling and variations: Tiffiny, Tiffani, Tiffaney, Tiffanie, Tiffney, Tiffiney, Tiphanie.

Famous people with this name: Tiffany Haddish.

Fletcher

Meaning: “Arrow maker”

Origin: Irish.

Description: Irish origin and its means Arrow maker.

Spelling and variations: Fletcher.

Famous people with this name: Fletcher Sibthorp.

Avery

Meaning: “Ruler of the elves”

Origin: English.

Description: English origin and its means Ruler of the elves.

Spelling and variations: Averie, Averi.

Famous people with this name: American actress, Avery Clyde.

Violet

Meaning: “Flower”

Origin: English.

Description: English origin and its means Flower.

Spelling and variations: : Violetta, Violette, Viola.

Famous people with this name: Irish author, Violet Florence Martin.

Yetta

Meaning: “Ruler of the household”

Origin: Old German.

Description: Old German origin and its means Ruler of the household.

Spelling and variations: Yette, Etta, Henrietta.

Famous people with this name: Puerto Rican actress, Yetta Gottesman.

Archie

Meaning: “Archer”

Origin: Scottish.

Description: Scottish origin and its means Archer.

Spelling and variations: Archibald.

Famous people with this name: Archie Shepp.

Willow

Meaning: “Willow tree”

Origin: English.

Description: English origin and its means Willow tree.

Spelling and variations: Willo.

Famous people with this name: Willow Smith.

9.   Make sure the first and second names fit with each other.

This happens rarely that the first and seconds names do not fit and meet each other well. It is, however, something you would not want.

Check out classic baby names and try to make full names that fit each other nicely:

Oliver– “olive tree planter”

Bruce– “brushwood thicket”

Jackson– “God has been gracious”

Nathan– “gift of God”

Everett– “brave”

Pierce– “rock”

Jacob – “to follow”

Benedict– “blessed”

Henry– “ruler of the home”

Milton– “mill town”

Glenn– “valley”

Robert– “glory-bright”

10.   Avoid names with too many syllables.

Baby names with too many syllables are complex. They are hard to remember. They should be avoided.

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About Muhammad Bilal

Bilal is BS computer science student. He is learning programming and coding. Branding and marketing are his other interests. When he isn't working, he loves indoor games.