Vintage baby names 'making a comeback' in 2024

Choosing a name for your soon-to-arrive baby is one of the most significant and lasting decisions parents make on their path to parenthood. Some expectant parents break away from tradition when naming their new arrival, opting for unique names like Crispin or Reverie.

Others lean towards trendy, hipster names that are cool and contemporary, such as Axel, Presley, or Wyatt. However, recently a heartwarming trend of classic, old-world, names for babies is re-emerging, stealing the spotlight in maternity wards and nursery decorating boards, according to experts.

It seems that names that we once thought were old-fashioned are now back in trend and some rather charming and unique monikers are proving popular. Celebrities are also following the vintage name trend.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have named their three children James, Betty, and Inez, three classic yet elegant choices that have been around for ages. Frank and Christine Lampard named their eldest daughter Patricia in 2018 in memory of the former Chelsea footballer’s mother.

Elsewhere, Lily Allen and Katherine Heigl have also opted for traditional names like Ethel and Adelaide. The research team at SnappyWords has now come up with a list of vintage baby names that will continue coming back in 2024.

1. Cordelia

2. Julia

3. Betty

4. Dorothy

5. Florence

6. Henry

7. Oliver

8. Vincent

9. Patricia

10. Earl

11. Gloria

12. Adelaide

13. Inex

14. Evelyn

15. Estelle

16. James

17. Atticus

18. Louis

19. Edwin

20. Chester

A spokesperson for SnappyWords said: "Opting for a vintage name that's fallen out of common use is a way to seem original or creative without being too audacious. It might be a surprising pick, yet not an unfamiliar one.

"Old-fashioned baby names carry a rich history. Over time, many have taken on charming qualities that parents admire. Names like Cordelia, Julia, Gloria and Adelaide may seem romantic and have royal and elegant rings, while Atticus and Earl feel bold.

"Henry, Oliver and Louis are hard to resist because of their deeply rooted royal associations, while Betty and Inez were popular in the 20th century and present a charming simplicity. The popularity of these vintage names is on the rise, thanks to their elegant and historic appeal. It's no surprise that more and more people are choosing them for their newborns."