How To Find Old Classic Baby Names From Your Family Tree
Discover old classic baby names that come directly from your forgotten ancestors.
Through researching my family tree, I have found hundreds of old classic baby names that are perfect. Today, I will show you how to go through your family lineage to find cute vintage names. The best part is, the names will have significant relevance to you and your family.
All you will need is an Ancestry.com account, that you can sign up with a free trial. Using Ancestry’s genealogic “hints” you should be able to quickly put together your family tree. For more information on using Ancestry, and other genealogy tools, be sure to check out my family history for beginners guide.
What Are Uncommon Old Classic Baby Names?
Give yourself time to research as many ancestors that you can find.
Start with yourself, and then go through either your mom or dad’s side of the family. The “hints” provided by Ancestry.com can give you a good starting point. Just remember to verify the people using birth certificates and census records.
The Most Popular Classic Old Names
Just like today, where certain names are more popular than others, each decade in the past also had its own set of common names.
During my own research, I came across a lot of Mary’s, John’s, Elizabeth’s, and Daniel’s. You too will probably find a good amount of your relatives who hold these common names. While these traditional names are beautiful, they may not be what you’re looking for if you want something unique.
However, don’t look past these common names because you may find additional ideas from nicknames or middle names!
Old Timey Names Girl
Here are some vintage girl names that were used in the nineteenth and twentieth century.
- Lulu
- Alice
- Lucy
- Nema
- Rosannah
- Magnolia
- Synthia
- Levina
- Harriet (Hattie)
- Lane or Layne
- Patience
- Sadie
- Francine
I was able to trace part of my relatives back into the 1700s. As you can imagine, I came across TONS of different names, and these happen to stand out to me the most.
It makes you wonder what the story behind these names are. If these relatives were named after a famous character, friend, or figure.
Old Classic Baby Names For Boys
Oftentimes, men would be named after their fathers and grandfathers. You’ll likely come across multiple generations sharing the same name.
While there are a lot of John’s and Daniel’s, here are some vintage boy names that I think are incredibly unique in today’s time.
- Oris
- Leroy
- Neal
- Calvin
- Warner
- Herbert
- Elijah
- Eleazar
- Hugh
- Vincent
Many of these names have deep meaning related to the Bible. If you find a name idea that symbolizes strength, love, or wisdom, it might be a great fit for your little one.
All the names mentioned above are timeless, and you won’t have to worry about many other kids being named the same thing. Especially if you want a name that is easy to pronounce, many of the names they had back in the day are simple.
How To Find Old Timey Names
The two documents you should be utilizing to find name ideas are birth certificates and census records.
Birth certificates are a treasure trove of information for name inspiration. Not only do they list the full name of the baby, but they often include the full names of both parents—and sometimes even the mother’s maiden name.
This opens up even more possibilities for discovering unique, vintage, or meaningful names from both sides of the family. You might even come across beautiful names that have been forgotten over time, just waiting to be revived.
Census records are incredibly helpful because they allow you to see an entire household at once—parents, children, extended family members, and even boarders.
These records often reveal siblings, grandparents, cousins, and more. Browsing through these names can give you dozens of ideas at once and help you spot patterns in your family’s naming traditions.
Both of these documents should be readily available on Ancestry.com. However, if you have trouble coming across them, try searching through the local libraries and state records office.
Many U.S. states allow you to request certified or uncertified copies of historical birth records. Availability varies by state (some release records after 75–100 years), but you can often order them online through the state’s Department of Health or archives.
💡 Tip: Search “[State] + vital records” or “[County] + historical birth records.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most old fashioned named?
According to census records, the most commonly popular name for girls in the 1900s was Mary. The name Mary was #1 for many decades between the 1800 and 1900s.
The most common name for boys was John. Nearly every family has a “John” in their family tree, so don’t be surprised when you come across one.
2. What type of documents will list baby name ideas in my family?
Birth certificates and census records are my go-to places to start researching family. They are fairly easy to find for most family members and will give you the information you’re looking for.
Marriage records, obituaries, family Bibles, old yearbooks or church rosters can also be goldmines for discovering names.
3. How far back can I find names?
It depends on your research capabilities and family history, but the majority of folks can go back to at least the 1800s. I was able to trace a few members of my ancestors to the 1700 and 1800s.
You may be lucky and have a relative that has previously traced your family roots back a few generations. You can use their findings to go back even further.
This post is all about how to find old classic baby names within your family
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