From Eleanor to Chester, These Vintage Baby Names Are Making a Comeback

This vintage gem of Greek origin means “sun ray” or “shining light.” It was also the given name of a badass first lady (i.e., Eleanor Roosevelt) and prolific humanitarian who was known for her sharp wit and passionate, outspoken personality.

This Latin moniker has a rich history—it has roots as an Ancient Roman imperial name given during Julius Caesar’s reign—and a simple, elegant sound that suits a modern lady as well (think: Julia Child, Julia Roberts and Julia Stiles). Its meaning is “youthful” or “Jove’s child.”

Betty, a shortened form of Elizabeth that doubles as a stand-alone name, has a decidedly retro vibe and a meaning of “oath of God.”

The Wizard of Oz comes to mind, but this name of Greek origin meaning “gift from God” goes back much further, having been a popular choice across the pond as early as the 16th century. It boasts some cute nickname potential, too—Dot, Dotty and Dolly, to name a few.

This melodic feminine name of Latin origin has a dignified sound and a fitting meaning of “blossoming,” “flourishing” and “prospering.”

A true classic that has been given to kings, diplomats and successful folk from all walks of life—Henry is a masculine name with German roots and a meaning of “house ruler.”

This sweet and humble boy name means “ancestor’s descendants” in Old Norse, but it also has Latin roots and ties to the olive tree, which is a universal symbol of peace.

This ancient Latin name has a strong, masculine sound to match its meaning of “victorious.”

This masculine moniker of Hebrew origin has a meaning of “father of nations” and major Old Testament significance as the name of the founder of the Jewish people.

Noah is another Old Testament name (remember the ark?) with a soft sound and a gentle meaning of “rest” and “repose.”

This feminine name of Greek origin is a beloved European classic that boasts a beautiful meaning of “pearl.”

Fun to say and full of charm, this moniker has Germanic roots and ties to a beloved British monarch, Queen Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, who lived up to her name’s meaning of “noble” and “kind.”

This soft and melodic name has Portuguese roots and a meaning of “pure and chaste” that belies its sultry sound.

Evelyn is a gender-neutral name (though most commonly given to girls) with mixed origins and multiple meanings, including “island” and “wished for.”

This pretty feminine moniker of French origin is believed to date back to a third century martyr. The name has Latin roots and a meaning of “little star.”

Here, a biblical heavy-hitter (James was one of the 12 apostles) with a traditional feel and a meaning of “supplanter.”

This centuries-old name stems from the Latin word for lion and has a corresponding meaning of “brave people” and “lion-hearted.” It can be used as a stand-alone name or a shortened version of Leopold, Leonard and Leonardo.

Louis, the French version of Ludwig, is a prestigious name meaning “famous warrior” that’s been given to a whole slew of kings.

This masculine name of British origin has bookish vibes and a meaning of “wealthy friend.”

Chester is a place name—it’s a city in the U.K. and you’ll find ‘em all over the states, too—and an Old World masculine moniker with Latin roots and a meaning of “camp of soldiers.”