By old-timey names, I mean ones that you don’t typically associate with anyone alive or younger than like 70.
Examples being:
- Burl
- Mildred
- Herbert
- Agnes
- Evelyn (not as rare at the others, but getting there)
I’ve always liked the name “Opal” but I’ve only ever known two in my life. I was like 10-12 at the time, and they were both pushing 90.
Probably not Adolf.
How about Gaylord?
Definitely not Adolf lol
Re: Gaylord (and my 4th 30 rock reference in this post)
Verl Verna Pearl Elvin
Every time I hear “Verna” I think of Jenna’s mom on 30 Rock played to perfection by the late Jan Hooks.
My twelve year old is Evelyn. My 14 year old is Genevieve. Which is apparently still out there but I thought it was pretty uncommon when we named her.
Both pretty names! I’m particularly fond of “Genevieve.”
I suspect there are several names no longer common in the US that are more common in other countries. I think “Genevieve” is still fairly common in France, and it’s making a comeback in the states! You’re doing your part!
The difference being
Jen-e-vive
Vs
Zhawn-vi-ev
My vote is for Gretchen.
And none for Gretchen Wieners.
As a German I find Gretchen hilarious. Not a name you’d see in Germany despite its origins.
My vote is on Brunhilde, my grandma’s name. It’s a name only 80+y olds would have, but I like it
I love Elfriede and Ute, too
My great aunt was named Ute, I’ve never seen anyone else (in the US at least) with that name.
I have a relative named Agnes in her early twenties. Don’t do it. I find the Texas A&M jokes to be unbearable and I’m sure I hear less than 10% of what she hears
Mildred, Evelyn, Opal all names of my aunts +3 generations older than mine. Also try Betty as a diminutive for Elizabeth, Gerald, Hank, Errol, Mabel, Jerome, and Cordelia. These all scream white Midwestern US farmer to me.
Errol is most likely to have gotten into a bit of trouble and really seen the world when he was drafted for WWII.
Sorry, I don’t understand the connection between Agnes and Texas A & M. I did a quick search, which was less than useful. Can you explain?
“Aggie”
Also try Betty as a diminutive for Elizabeth, Gerald, Hank, Errol, Mabel, Jerome, and Cordelia.
Why is Betty a diminutive of Gerald and Hank? (Among others)
Gaylord
Évelyne is faily common around here still.
Gilgamesh is one I haven’t heard in a hot minute, not sure about the comeback though.
I knew a Gilgamesh! Went by Gil.
Gilgamesh is one I haven’t heard in a hot minute, not sure about the comeback though.
Not with that attitude lol. Maybe we can ease it back in as a middle name or something.
Emmett
Roland always sounded cool.to ne.
Roland was a warrior. From the Land of the Midnight Sun. With a Thompson Gun for hire. Fighting to be done.
Not surprised to see nobody recommended bringing back Wilfred
Knew a Wilf once and he was a complete dickhead
Everett
True…
Thaddeus
Dutch names.
Truitje Fiep Toos Wies (my grandma) Pleun Fons (my uncle) pronounced Funs in South Limburg
A very old-fashioned Flemish name: Veerle. One of the few bad-ass girl names in the Dutch language. It is derived from medieval times, when ‘Veerlen’ were travelling warrior women. I do happen to know several men named Fons, some even younger than me. I even know a man named Wies (his full name is Aloysius).
Veerle is a beautiful name, rolls of the tongue. if I had a daughter I would liked to have her called Veerle. My Grandma is from a respected French family, I am not sure how she got named Wies, she is a descendant from the well known French Moreau family, married a mine worker, so rejected.
Maybe ‘Wies’ was short for ‘Louise’?
Utnapishtim.
That’s certainly old-timey lol.
Hiram.
