Looking for the perfect vintage boy name with a sweet nickname? Old-school names are making a comeback, and for good reason.
These classic names have stood the test of time and come with cute, friendly nicknames that grow with your child. From Alexander (Alex) to William (Will), we’ve assembled vintage boy names that mix old-world charm with fun, easy-to-use nicknames.
These names remind us of past times while fitting in with today’s kids. Each name on our list carries its own story and meaning, giving your little boy a strong, timeless name of which he can be proud.
Get ready to find the ideal vintage name to suit your baby boy from his first day to his grown-up years.
Unique Vintage Boy Names with Fun Nicknames
1. Abraham
Meaning: Father of many
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Abe, Bram
2. Abram
Meaning: Exalted father
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Bram
3. Albert
Meaning: Noble and bright
Origin: German
Nicknames: Al, Bert
4. Alfred
Meaning: Wise counselor
Origin: English
Nicknames: Alfie, Fred
5. Alistair
Meaning: Defender of the people
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Ali, Al
6. Alphonse
Meaning: Noble and ready
Origin: French
Nicknames: Al, Fonzy
7. Ambrose
Meaning: Immortal
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Ambro, Brody
8. Amos
Meaning: Carried by God
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Mo, Ames
9. Anderson
Meaning: Son of Andrew
Origin: Scandinavian
Nicknames: Andy, Anders
10. Angus
Meaning: One strength
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Gus, Ansy
11. Archibald
Meaning: Bold and genuine
Origin: German
Nicknames: Archie, Baldy
12. Archie
Meaning: Truly brave
Origin: English
Nicknames: Arch
13. Arnold
Meaning: Eagle power
Origin: German
Nicknames: Arnie, Noldy
14. Arthur
Meaning: Bear king
Origin: Celtic
Nicknames: Art, Arty
15. Asa
Meaning: Healer
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Ace
16. August
Meaning: Great, venerable
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Auggie, Gus
17. Augustus
Meaning: Majestic
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Gus, Auggie
18. Barnabas
Meaning: Son of encouragement
Origin: Aramaic
Nicknames: Barney, Baz
19. Barney
Meaning: Brave as a bear
Origin: English
Nicknames: Barn, Baz
20. Basil
Meaning: Kingly
Origin: Greek
Nicknames: Baz, Baze
21. Baxter
Meaning: Baker
Origin: English
Nicknames: Bax, Baxie
22. Benedict
Meaning: Blessed
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Ben, Benny
23. Benjamin
Meaning: Son of the right hand
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Ben, Benji
24. Bernard
Meaning: Brave as a bear
Origin: German
Nicknames: Bernie, Bear
25. Bertrand
Meaning: Bright shield
Origin: French
Nicknames: Bert, Randy
26. Bill
Meaning: Resolute protector
Origin: English
Nicknames: Billy, Will
27. Blaise
Meaning: Lisping, stammering
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Blaze
28. Booker
Meaning: Scribe
Origin: English
Nicknames: Book, Bo
29. Boyd
Meaning: Yellow-haired
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Bo
30. Bradford
Meaning: Broad river crossing
Origin: English
Nicknames: Brad, Ford
31. Bradley
Meaning: Broad meadow
Origin: English
Nicknames: Brad, Lee
32. Bram
Meaning: Father of multitudes
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Brammy
33. Brigham
Meaning: Covered bridge
Origin: English
Nicknames: Brig, Ham
34. Byron
Meaning: Barn
Origin: English
Nicknames: By, Ronny
35. Caleb
Meaning: Devotion to God
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Cale, Cal
36. Calvin
Meaning: Bald
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Cal, Vin
37. Carlton
Meaning: Free men’s town
Origin: English
Nicknames: Carl, Tonny
38. Cecil
Meaning: Blind
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Cece, Cess
39. Cedric
Meaning: Kindly and loved
Origin: Celtic
Nicknames: Ced, Rick
40. Chandler
Meaning: Candle maker
Origin: French
Nicknames: Chan, Channy
41. Charles
Meaning: Free man
Origin: German
Nicknames: Charlie, Chuck
42. Chester
Meaning: Fortified camp
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Chet, Chess
43. Claude
Meaning: Lame
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Claudie
44. Clement
Meaning: Merciful, gentle
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Clem, Clemmie
45. Clifton
Meaning: Town near a cliff
Origin: English
Nicknames: Cliff, Cliffo
46. Clinton
Meaning: Fenced settlement
Origin: English
Nicknames: Clint
47. Clyde
Meaning: River in Scotland
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Cly
48. Coleman
Meaning: Dove
Origin: Irish
Nicknames: Cole, Manny
49. Cornelius
Meaning: Horn
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Neil, Cory
50. Curtis
Meaning: Courteous
Origin: French
Nicknames: Curt, Curty
51. Cyrus
Meaning: Sun
Origin: Persian
Nicknames: Cy
52. Dale
Meaning: Valley
Origin: English
Nicknames: Dal
53. Dallas
Meaning: Meadow dwelling
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Dally
54. Damon
Meaning: To tame
Origin: Greek
Nicknames: Dae, Dami
55. Darius
Meaning: Wealthy, kingly
Origin: Persian
Nicknames: Dar, Dari
56. Darrell
Meaning: Open
Origin: French
Nicknames: Darr, Rell
57. Darrow
Meaning: Oak tree
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Dar
58. Davis
Meaning: Son of David
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Dave, Davy
59. Dean
Meaning: Valley
Origin: English
Nicknames: Deanie
60. Delbert
Meaning: Noble and bright
Origin: German
Nicknames: Del, Bert
61. Denis
Meaning: Follower of Dionysus
Origin: Greek
Nicknames: Denny
62. Desmond
Meaning: From South Munster
Origin: Irish
Nicknames: Des, Dezzy
63. Dewey
Meaning: Beloved
Origin: Welsh
Nicknames: Dew
64. Dexter
Meaning: Skilled, right-handed
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Dex, Dexy
65. Donald
Meaning: Ruler of the world
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Don, Donny
66. Donovan
Meaning: Dark warrior
Origin: Irish
Nicknames: Don, Van
67. Douglas
Meaning: Dark stream
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Doug, Dougie
68. Doyle
Meaning: Dark stranger
Origin: Irish
Nicknames: Doy
69. Dudley
Meaning: People’s field
Origin: English
Nicknames: Dud, Duddy
70. Duncan
Meaning: Dark warrior
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Dunc
71. Edgar
Meaning: Wealthy spear
Origin: English
Nicknames: Ed, Eddie
72. Edmund
Meaning: Prosperous protector
Origin: English
Nicknames: Ned, Eddie
73. Edward
Meaning: Wealthy guardian
Origin: English
Nicknames: Ed, Eddie
74. Edwin
Meaning: Rich friend
Origin: English
Nicknames: Win, Eddie
75. Egbert
Meaning: Bright sword
Origin: English
Nicknames: Bert, Eggy
76. Eldon
Meaning: Old town
Origin: English
Nicknames: El, Don
77. Eli
Meaning: Ascended
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Lee
78. Elias
Meaning: The Lord is my God
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Eli
79. Elijah
Meaning: Yahweh is God
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Eli, Lijah
80. Elliott
Meaning: The Lord is my God
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Eli, Lio
81. Ellis
Meaning: Benevolent
Origin: Welsh
Nicknames: Eli, Lis
82. Elmer
Meaning: Noble and famous
Origin: English
Nicknames: Elm, Elmo
83. Elmo
Meaning: Protector
Origin: German
Nicknames: Mo, Elm
84. Elroy
Meaning: The king
Origin: French
Nicknames: Roy, El
85. Elton
Meaning: Ella’s town
Origin: English
Nicknames: El, Tony
86. Elwood
Meaning: Elder tree forest
Origin: English
Nicknames: Woody, El
87. Emmett
Meaning: Universal
Origin: German
Nicknames: Em, Emmy
88. Ennis
Meaning: Island
Origin: Irish
Nicknames: Enny, Nissy
89. Ephraim
Meaning: Fruitful
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Eph, Ephy
90. Ernest
Meaning: Serious, determined
Origin: German
Nicknames: Ernie, Ern
91. Errol
Meaning: Noble
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Ero, Rolly
92. Eugene
Meaning: Well-born
Origin: Greek
Nicknames: Gene, Genie
93. Everett
Meaning: Brave as a wild boar
Origin: English
Nicknames: Rhett, Ev
94. Fabian
Meaning: Bean grower
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Fabe, Fabby
95. Felix
Meaning: Happy, lucky
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Fee, Lix
96. Ferdinand
Meaning: Brave travel
Origin: German
Nicknames: Ferdie, Fern
97. Floyd
Meaning: Gray-haired
Origin: Welsh
Nicknames: Flo, Loyd
98. Francis
Meaning: Free man
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Frank, Frankie
99. Franklin
Meaning: Free landowner
Origin: English
Nicknames: Frank, Link
100. Frederick
Meaning: Peaceful ruler
Origin: German
Nicknames: Fred, Freddy
101. Gabriel
Meaning: God is my strength
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Gabe, Gabby
102. Garland
Meaning: Wreath of flowers
Origin: French
Nicknames: Gar, Lanny
103. Garrett
Meaning: Spear strength
Origin: German
Nicknames: Gary, Rett
104. Gideon
Meaning: Mighty warrior
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Gid, Deon
105. Gilbert
Meaning: Bright pledge
Origin: German
Nicknames: Gil, Bertie
106. Godfrey
Meaning: Peace of God
Origin: German
Nicknames: Fred, Goddy
107. Gordon
Meaning: Great hill
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Gordy, Gordo
108. Graham
Meaning: Gravelly homestead
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Gray, Gram
109. Granville
Meaning: Large town
Origin: French
Nicknames: Grant, Gran
110. Gregory
Meaning: Watchful, alert
Origin: Greek
Nicknames: Greg, Rory
111. Grover
Meaning: Grove of trees
Origin: English
Nicknames: Grove, Grovie
112. Gus
Meaning: Majestic
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Gussy
113. Hamilton
Meaning: Beautiful mountain
Origin: English
Nicknames: Ham, Tony
114. Hank
Meaning: Ruler of the home
Origin: German
Nicknames: Hankie
115. Harley
Meaning: Hare’s meadow
Origin: English
Nicknames: Har, Lee
116. Harmon
Meaning: Soldier, warrior
Origin: German
Nicknames: Harm, Manny
117. Harold
Meaning: Army ruler
Origin: Scandinavian
Nicknames: Harry, Hal
118. Harrison
Meaning: Son of Harry
Origin: English
Nicknames: Harris, Harry
119. Harvey
Meaning: Battle worthy
Origin: French
Nicknames: Harv, Harvie
120. Hector
Meaning: Holding fast
Origin: Greek
Nicknames: Hec, Tor
121. Henry
Meaning: Ruler of the home
Origin: German
Nicknames: Hank, Harry
122. Herbert
Meaning: Bright army
Origin: German
Nicknames: Herb, Bert
123. Herman
Meaning: Army man
Origin: German
Nicknames: Herm, Manny
124. Herschel
Meaning: Deer
Origin: Yiddish
Nicknames: Hersh, Shelly
125. Hilton
Meaning: Hill settlement
Origin: English
Nicknames: Hilt, Tony
126. Homer
Meaning: Pledge
Origin: Greek
Nicknames: Homie
127. Horace
Meaning: Timekeeper
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Horry, Ace
128. Howard
Meaning: Brave heart
Origin: English
Nicknames: Howie, Ward
129. Hubert
Meaning: Bright mind
Origin: German
Nicknames: Bert, Hubie
130. Hugh
Meaning: Mind, intellect
Origin: German
Nicknames: Huey, Hughie
131. Huxley
Meaning: Inhospitable place
Origin: English
Nicknames: Hux, Lux
132. Ignatius
Meaning: Fiery
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Iggy, Nate
133. Ira
Meaning: Watchful
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Era,Ear
134. Irving
Meaning: Green river
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Irv, Vin
135. Isaac
Meaning: Laughter
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Ike, Zac
136. Isaiah
Meaning: Salvation of the Lord
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Izzy, Sai
137. Ivan
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Russian
Nicknames: Van, Ivo
138. Ivor
Meaning: Yew tree
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Ivy,Vor
139. Jacob
Meaning: Supplanter
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Jake, Jay
140. Jasper
Meaning: Treasurer
Origin: Persian
Nicknames: Jas, Perry
141. Jefferson
Meaning: Son of Jeffrey
Origin: English
Nicknames: Jeff, Jeffy
142. Jennings
Meaning: Little John
Origin: English
Nicknames: Jen, Jinx
143. Jeremiah
Meaning: God will uplift
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Jerry, Jem
144. Jerome
Meaning: Sacred name
Origin: Greek
Nicknames: Jerry, Romy
145. Jesse
Meaning: Gift
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Jess, Jace
146. Jethro
Meaning: Abundance
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Jet, Thro
147. Joel
Meaning: The Lord is God
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Joe, Jojo
148. Johnathan
Meaning: Gift of Jehovah
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Jon, Johnny
149. Jonas
Meaning: Dove
Origin: Greek
Nicknames: Joe, Jony
150. Joseph
Meaning: God will add
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Joey, Joe
151. Josiah
Meaning: God supports
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Jo, Siah
152. Julian
Meaning: Youthful
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Jules, Lian
153. Julius
Meaning: Downy-bearded
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Jules, Jule
154. Kent
Meaning: Coastal land
Origin: English
Nicknames: Kenny, Ken
155. Lambert
Meaning: Bright land
Origin: German
Nicknames: Bert, Lambo
156. Lance
Meaning: Land
Origin: French
Nicknames: Lanny, Lan
157. Laurence
Meaning: From Laurentum
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Laurie, Ren
158. Lawrence
Meaning: Crowned with laurel
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Larry, Lawrie
159. Lazarus
Meaning: God has helped
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Laz, Lari
160. Leland
Meaning: Meadow land
Origin: English
Nicknames: Lee, Lanny
161. Leo
Meaning: Lion
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: L-boy, Lee
162. Leon
Meaning: Lion
Origin: Greek
Nicknames: Lenny, Leo
163. Leonard
Meaning: Brave lion
Origin: German
Nicknames: Leo, Lenny
164. Leopold
Meaning: Bold leader
Origin: German
Nicknames: Leo, Poldy
165. Leslie
Meaning: Holly garden
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Les, Lissy
166. Levi
Meaning: Joined, attached
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Lev, Lee
167. Linus
Meaning: Flaxen-haired
Origin: Greek
Nicknames: Lenny, Linny
168. Lionel
Meaning: Little lion
Origin: French
Nicknames: Lio, Nelly
169. Lloyd
Meaning: Grey-haired
Origin: Welsh
Nicknames: Lly,L
170. Louis
Meaning: Famous warrior
Origin: French
Nicknames: Lou, Louie
171. Luther
Meaning: Army people
Origin: German
Nicknames: Lute, Lou
172. Lyman
Meaning: Meadow dweller
Origin: English
Nicknames: Ly, Manny
173. Malcolm
Meaning: Devotee of Saint Columba
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Mal, Mac
174. Marcus
Meaning: Warlike
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Marc, Marco
175. Marshall
Meaning: Horse servant
Origin: French
Nicknames: Marsh, Marty
176. Martin
Meaning: Of Mars, the god of war
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Marty, Mars
177. Marvin
Meaning: Sea friend
Origin: Welsh
Nicknames: Marv, Vinnie
178. Maurice
Meaning: Dark-skinned
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Mo, Reese
179. Maxwell
Meaning: Great stream
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Max, Wellie
180. Melvin
Meaning: Council protector
Origin: English
Nicknames: Mel, Vinny
181. Meredith
Meaning: Great ruler
Origin: Welsh
Nicknames: Merry, Red
182. Merritt
Meaning: Boundary gate
Origin: English
Nicknames: Merry, Rett
183. Milton
Meaning: Mill town
Origin: English
Nicknames: Milt, Milly
184. Montgomery
Meaning: Mountain belonging to Gomeric
Origin: French
Nicknames: Monty, Gommy
185. Mortimer
Meaning: Still water
Origin: French
Nicknames: Morty, Mory
186. Moses
Meaning: Drawn out
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Mo, Mosey
187. Murray
Meaning: Settlement by the sea
Origin: Scottish
Nicknames: Muzz, Ray
188. Nathaniel
Meaning: Gift of God
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Nate, Nat
189. Ned
Meaning: Wealthy guardian
Origin: English
Nicknames: Nee, Neddy
190. Neville
Meaning: New town
Origin: French
Nicknames: Nev, Nelly
191. Newton
Meaning: New town
Origin: English
Nicknames: Newt, Tony
192. Norris
Meaning: From the north
Origin: English
Nicknames: Norboy, Norrie
193. Orson
Meaning: Bear cub
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Orry, Sonny
194. Oscar
Meaning: Spear of God
Origin: Irish
Nicknames: Ozzy, Ozzie
195. Oswald
Meaning: Divine power
Origin: German
Nicknames: Oz, Waldo
196. Otto
Meaning: Wealth
Origin: German
Nicknames: Otti, Ottie
197. Percival
Meaning: Pierce the valley
Origin: French
Nicknames: Percy, Val
198. Perry
Meaning: Dweller near a pear tree
Origin: English
Nicknames: Per, P
199. Phineas
Meaning: Oracle
Origin: Hebrew
Nicknames: Phin, Finn
200. Quentin
Meaning: Fifth
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Quin, Quint
201. Quincy
Meaning: Estate of the fifth son
Origin: Latin
Nicknames: Quin, Q
Wrapping It Up
Picking a name for your baby boy is special, and vintage names offer many great choices. These old-fashioned names come with sweet nicknames that can grow with your child from babyhood through adulthood.
From classic options like William (Will) to lesser-known gems like Theodore (Theo), your little one awaits a perfect vintage name.
These names carry history and meaning while staying easy to use today. We hope this list of vintage boy names and their nicknames helps you find the right name for your son.
Remember, the best name feels right to you and your family.
