18 original “old names” to give to a little boy
Last week, I offered you an article presenting 18 original “old names” to give to a little girl. To meet popular demand (and to please me because I love discussing first names), today I am offering you a similar selection for little boys.
To be honest, I found this list more complex to make than the previous one. There appears to be a larger pool of opportunities that is little used for girls than for boys. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw that Albert and Paul were too popular (for my taste) to be on this list.
But fear not, today’s selection is still one filled with pearls that are still rare.
On that, enjoy your reading !
Lucien
Lucien is the French form of the first name Lucien which means “light”. Yes Lucy gaining popularity, there’s a good chance Lucien will literally come out of the shadows too. There were only 5 babies who were given this name in 2020.
Leopold
In 237th position in the ranking, Leopold quietly returns. If you like first names Leo and Paul (you can also get these nicknames from this name), this old-fashioned amalgam of these 2 names could certainly please you.
Marius
This first name of Latin origin, which is in 242nd position of the ranking, has links with the planet March that will appeal to lovers of the cosmos. Marius has a particular sound which makes it an original suggestion, although it will gain popularity in the years to come.
Octave
Octave, French form of first name Octave which refers to the number 8, is an option that would find its place in your list in 2021. If you like names beginning with “O” which are gaining in popularity or have a weakness for Gustave, this first name only given to 4 babies in 2020 is not to be neglected.
Alfred
If you like Albert, you might like the least Alfred which is ranked 239th in the ranking. This English name can be shortened to cute nicknames like Alfie and Freddie.
Leonce
If you like first names Leo and Leon, you consider the most old-fashioned Leonce that has not been given to a baby in Quebec since 2015. This original and classic name is a real gem.
Flavian
Contrary to Flavie rapidly gaining popularity, the first name Flavian was only given to 2 newborns in 2020. This name of Latin origin means “blond hair”.
Gustave
This pretty name is ranked 236th in the 2020 ranking. If you like other names beginning with the letter “G”, like Gregory and Gaspard, Gustave is to be added to your list.
Theophilus
If you like the popular Theodore, you may fall in love with Theophilus which can also be shortened to give the nickname Theo. This first name of Greek origin is quite original, because it was not given to any baby in 2020.
Roland
Roland and a first name of German origin which was only given to a newborn in 2020. This pretty well-known name may make you think of a pastry shop of the same name or of the cute boy from Robin Hood in the series Once upon a time.
Bernard
First name Bernard is of German origin and means “strong and brave like ours”. This well-known suggestion was only given to 5 little boys in 2020.
Arsene
If you like “old names” that begin with the letter “A”, like Arthur and Alphonse, you might like the original Arsene. This cute name was only given to a newborn baby in 2020.
Simeon
Simeon is a first name of Hebrew and Russian origin which is found at the 313th place of the ranking in 2020. Similar to Simon, this option definitely has a little more old-fashioned side.
Honored
This pretty first name of French origin has appeared several times in history, both in politics and on the artistic scene. This original option was not given to any newborn in 2020.
Clovis
This first name of French origin is derived from Louis, even if the 2 names are not alike that much. At the 218th place in the ranking, Clovis is not unknown, but it is not popular either.
Alphonse
Alphonse is a first name of German and French origin which means “noble”. This another pretty name starting with the letter “A” was given to 9 newborns in 2020.
Basil
Basil is a first name of French origin which means “royal” or “majestic”. This suggestion, which was given to 5 babies in 2020, can be shortened in order to get the costs nickname Baz.
Emilien
Emilien, derivative of Émile, is a first name of French origin which means “friendly”. This suggestion has everything to gain popularity, but for the moment it sits 252nd in the ranking.