There’s something so charming about the vintage style. It’s trending right now, but it’s also always timeless; there’s a reason it’s vintage. Vintage baby names have that same sweet, elegant charm. They carry a sense of history, tradition, and meaning that feels both classic and enchanting. Most of the names that reigned supreme in the late 19th and early 20th centuries are still around today – and some are even making a comeback.

Looking back at the top baby names from 1880 to 1940 offers a little peek into the trends of each decade. Some names stay at peak popularity for generations, while others have just a few decades in the spotlight before they fade away.

Without further ado, here are the most popular baby names by decade to potentially inspire your 2020s baby’s vintage name:

1880s

Boys: John, William, James, George, Charles

Girls: Mary, Anna, Emma, Elizabeth, Margaret

In the 1880s, parents leaned on strong, traditional names – many with biblical roots or family significance. They are the names of elegance, many of which are strongly associated with British royalty. “Mary” reigned supreme for girls (a spot she would hold for decades), while “John” was the undisputed winner for boys. Names like “George” and “Charles” carried dignified, old-world charm – often family names – and “Emma” brought a softer, more romantic touch. 

1890s

Boys: John, William, James, George, Charles

Girls: Mary, Anna, Margaret, Helen, Elizabeth

The boys’ names remain identical to the previous decade, with “John,” “William,” and “James” continuing to dominate by a long shot. On the girls’ list, “Mary” and “Anna” held their popularity, but “Helen” joined the ranks, replacing Emma in the lineup.

1900s

Boys: John, William, James, George, Charles

Girls: Mary, Helen, Margaret, Anna, Ruth

Boys’ names remain untouched, but for girls, “Ruth has made her debut in the top five most popular names of the decade – providing a short, simple, and biblical option. “Helen” continues to gain popularity, showing a slight shift towards names with a more modern feel.

1910s

Boys: John, William, James, Robert, Joseph

Girls: Mary, Helen, Dorothy, Margaret, Ruth

There’s finally a shake-up for the boys! “Robert” joined the top five for the first time, and “Joseph” pushed “George” out of the running. For girls, “Dorothy” sees her moment in the sun – a bright and cheerful name.

1920s

Boys: Robert, John, James, William, Charles

Girls: Mary, Dorothy, Helen, Betty, Margaret

The roaring ‘20s brought “Betty” into the spotlight for girls – short, friendly, and right on style for its time. “Robert” took the lead for boys, knocking “John” from the top for the first time in 40 years.

1930s

Boys: Robert, James, John, William, Richard

Girls: Mary, Betty, Barbara, Shirley, Patricia

This decade brought “Betty,” “Barbara,” and “Shirley,” names that practically scream the 1930s. “Richard” broke into the top five for boys, signaling a shift towards strong yet approachable names. 

1940s

Boys: James, Robert, John, William, Richard

Girls: Mary, Linda, Barbara, Patricia, Carol

By the 1940s, “Linda” made her debut – a name that would continue to skyrocket in popularity in the coming decades. “Carol” also makes an appearance, marking the start of a new naming era and moving away from tradition-rooted family names. For boys, “James” took the crown, ending “Robert’s” two-decade reign at the top.

Final thoughts

• Some names never get old. “Mary,” “John,” “James,” and “William” stayed at or near the top for over sixty years.
• Girls’ names shifted much faster than boys’ names. Girls’ names brought in fresh favorites with each new decade, while boys’ were much slower to change and often stuck to the traditional family names.
• Pop culture had an influence then, just as it does now. Through this list we can see the rise of Hollywood stars and popular music impacting naming choices. We see this in names like “Betty,” “Shirley,” and “Linda.”

My biggest takeaway: Vintage names have a certain charm and tradition that’s worth keeping.