This list includes 36 Old man names that start with W, from “Wade” to “Wynne”. These traditional and regional names suit writers, genealogists, parents, or curious readers seeking classic male names.

Old man names that start with W are masculine given names often found in older generations and traditional records. Many come from English, Welsh, German, or biblical roots, like “Walter” and “William”.

Below you’ll find the table with Name, Origin, Meaning, and Notes.

Name: The actual given name as used historically or today, so you can scan and select options quickly.

Origin: Shows the language or country background, helping you judge cultural fit and regional usage for your choice.

Meaning: Gives a concise translation or original sense, so you understand the name’s significance at a glance.

Notes: Includes pronunciation tips, historical notes, or variant spellings that help you pick the most suitable form.

Old man names that start with W

Name Origin Meaning Era/Popularity Description
William English resolute protector common among men 70+ Timeless English classic; top male name for generations, tied to kings and countless nicknames like Bill and Bill’s generation.
Walter German army ruler 1920s–1950s Widely used in early 20th century English- and German-speaking families; formal, sturdy, often shortened to Wally.
Wesley English western meadow 1920s–1940s Gentle, old-fashioned given name with Methodist ties; felt very traditional for mid-century fathers and grandfathers.
Winston English Wynn’s town (place name) 1900s–1950s Evokes Churchill and early 20th-century gravitas; a dignified, slightly aristocratic choice for older men.
Wayne English wagon driver 1940s–1960s Grew in popularity mid-century (often surname-to-first-name); familiar, down-to-earth, associated with 20th‑century men.
Wallace Scottish Welshman/foreigner early–mid 20th century A strong Scottish name with literary and historical associations; common among men born in early 1900s.
Warren English park warden 1930s–1950s Solid, Anglo-Norman name that saw steady use among mid-century men in English-speaking countries.
Ward English guardian 1900s–1940s Short, old‑style name meaning guardian; familiar in early 20th-century records as a formal given name.
Wade English river crossing 1920s–1950s Simple Old English name; modestly popular mid-century and still evokes a classic, rugged feel.
Waldo Germanic ruler 1880s–1930s A distinctly old-fashioned name once common in late 19th–early 20th centuries, now rare and characterful.
Wendell English wanderer 1920s–1950s Gentle, slightly quirky mid-century name; often found in U.S. records for men born early 20th century.
Werner German defending warrior 1900s–1950s Traditional German name carried by many older Central European men and immigrant families.
Wolfgang German wolf path/journey common among men 60+ Classical Germanic name tied to composers and tradition; familiar among older German-speaking generations.
Wenceslaus Latin/Czech greater glory medieval & traditional in Slavic history Latinized form of Czech royal name (e.g., St. Wenceslaus); historical and ceremonial rather than trendy.
Wladyslaw Polish glorious ruler common among Polish men 70+ Long-standing Polish name (anglicized spelling) often seen in older immigrant generations.
Wojciech Polish joyful warrior traditional in Poland (older generations) Classic Polish male name with deep historical roots and regular older-generation use.
Wilfred English desires peace 1890s–1930s Old English/Germanic name that peaked in the late 19th–early 20th century; formal and slightly quaint today.
Wilbert English bright will 1900s–1940s Early 20th‑century favorite; sounds vintage and was once common among working- and middle-class men.
Wilbur English probably “wild boar” 1910s–1940s Perennially old-fashioned, evokes rural America and early 20th-century life; familiar from literature and records.
Wilford English ford by the willows 1900s–1940s Stately-sounding, used in English-speaking countries in early 20th century; feels formal and traditional.
Willard English resolute and brave 1910s–1940s Old-fashioned American name with solid early-1900s usage; feels dignified and a touch rustic.
Wilmer English resolute protector 1910s–1940s Modestly used in early–mid 20th century; short, sturdy, and traditional in many records.
Willis English derivative of William 1920s–1950s A surname-turned-given-name that was popular mid-century; familiar, informal, and common among older men.
Willem Dutch resolute protector (William) common among Dutch men 70+ Dutch form of William, still classic among older generations in the Netherlands and Dutch communities.
Wilhelm German resolute protector 1900s–1940s German form of William; widely used in German-speaking families of older generations.
Wulfric Old English wolf ruler medieval attestation Anglo‑Saxon name found in medieval records; rare today but historically male and authoritative.
Wulfstan Old English wolf stone medieval era Attested in Anglo-Saxon texts and saints’ lists; an ancient example of W‑starting masculine names.
Winfrid Old English friend of peace medieval & early modern Male Anglo-Saxon name (Winfrid/Winfrith) attested in church and historical records.
Wyn Welsh fair; blessed common in Wales among older men Short Welsh given name or diminutive with historical male use, especially in Wales.
Wynne Welsh fair; blessed early–mid 20th century (Wales/UK) Used as a male given name in Wales and among Welsh communities; friendly and traditional.
Woodrow English row of houses by the wood 1880s–1920s Best known from President Woodrow Wilson; early 20th-century usage gives it a vintage American feel.
Weldon English hill with a spring 1910s–1940s Modestly common early 20th century; a sturdy, traditional English masculine name.
Winfield English friend’s field 1800s–1920s Historically used in 19th- and early-20th-century America (e.g., military figures); formal and period-specific.
Winslow English hill of wine/friend 1900s–1940s Old place-name adopted as a given name; found among earlier generations with an upper‑class flavor.
Worth English enclosure; worthy 1880s–1930s Rare but historically attested given name conveying dignity and a turn‑of‑century sensibility.
Wilton English willow town 1900s–1940s Place-derived given name used historically; sounds genteel and old-fashioned today.

Descriptions

William
Walter
Wesley
Winston
Wayne
Wallace
Warren
Ward
Wade
Waldo
Wendell
Werner
Wolfgang
Wenceslaus
Wladyslaw
Wojciech
Wilfred
Wilbert
Wilbur
Wilford
Willard
Wilmer
Willis
Willem
Wilhelm
Wulfric
Wulfstan
Winfrid
Wyn
Wynne
Woodrow
Weldon
Winfield
Winslow
Worth
Wilton
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.