Naming the baby can be as fraught as it is fun.
The Man and I couldn’t agree on anything, natch. I was also receiving the most outlandish suggestions from my mother who I thought would have reasonably conservative taste, not so. Aeneas anyone? Didn’t think so, it kind of rhymes with penis doesn’t it?
And any time I mused on a name to any of my friends they would immediately ruin the name by saying something like, “I knew a Daisy once, she was the biggest slut.” Great there goes Daisy out of the running.
In the end I went with a name that was unusual-ish without being too celeb-baby wacky and that according to my research was last popular in the 1800s. This I believe is a good route to finding a cute name that won’t lead to your child being referred to a “Jack 4” or “Emily 19” in school.
Ten vintage baby names to inspire you
1. Alvin
Origin: English
Meaning: “Noble friend, friend of the elves”
Famous namesake: Well the chipmunks spring to mind.
2. Clyde
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: It’s the name of a river in Glasgow, Scotland
Famous namesake: Well as one half of the crime duo Bonnie & Clyde you may be setting the child up for infamy…let’s hope not.
3. Elmo
Origin: Italian from German
Meaning: “Protector”
Famous namesake: The bab will be in esteemed company in the shape of Elmo of Sesame Street and Saint Elmo patron saint of sailors.
4. Melvin
Origin: Scottish/English
Meaning: “council protector”
Famous namesake: Melvin Bragg, English polymath and all-round over-achiever. A good role model for any kid..
5. Stanley
Origin: English
Meaning: “Near the stony clearing”
Famous namesake: Kubrick, Tucci, Stan Lee – All Stanleys we know and admire
6. Edith
Origin: English
Meaning: “Prosperous in war”
Famous namesake: Edith Piaf and Edith Wharton are two trailblazing “Ediths” to provide role models for little Ediths everywhere. Maybe don’t show your little Edith Grey Gardens though.
7. Imogen
Origin: Celtic
Meaning: “Maiden”
Famous namesake: British singer-songwriter, Imogen Heap formerly of Frou Frou.
8. Matilda
Origin: German
Meaning: “Battle mightly”
Famous namesake: Probably our favourite Roald Dahl character of all time.
9. Clementine
Origin: French
Meaning: ” Mild, merciful”
Famous namesake: Apart from “My darling Clementine” there’s not too many famous ones kicking around.
10. Sylvia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “From the forest”
Famous namesake: The doomed Plath does spring to mind, but there’re many happy connotations for this feminine name also.
