This list covers 20 old fashioned boy names starting with the letter L, running alphabetically from “Lawrence” to “Lucius.” These names lean toward classic, sturdy, and dignified sounds, drawing from Latin, Greek, German, English, French, and Welsh roots. Parents use them for birth certificates, family trees, character names in writing, or simply as inspiration when looking for a name with history behind it.

Old fashioned boy names are first names that were common generations ago and carry a vintage, timeless feel rather than a trendy one. Many, like “Leopold” and “Louis,” trace back to European royalty, while others, like “Leo” and “Lucius,” come from ancient Rome and still sound fresh today. They often return to popularity as parents look past current trends toward names with deeper roots.

Below you’ll find the table with each name’s origin, meaning, and description.

Name: the specific old fashioned boy name you’re considering, listed here in alphabetical order for easy browsing.

Origin: the language or culture the name comes from, so you can see its historical and geographic roots.

Meaning: the literal translation or sense behind the name, useful if you want a name that carries a specific message.

Description: background on the name’s history and character, helping you decide if it fits the tone you want.

Old fashioned boy names

NameOriginMeaning
LawrenceLatin“From Laurentum”
LeonardGerman“Brave lion”
LeoLatin“Lion”
LeonGreek“Lion”
LeopoldGerman“Bold people”
LesterEnglish“From Leicester”
LewisEnglish“Renowned warrior”
LouisFrench“Renowned warrior”
LloydWelsh“Grey”
LyleFrench“From the island”
LincolnEnglish“Lake colony”
LionelFrench“Young lion”
LutherGerman“Renowned warrior”
LorenzoItalian“From Laurentum”
LlewellynWelsh“Lion-like” or “leader”
LinusGreek“Flax”
LandonEnglish“Long hill”
LaurenceLatin“From Laurentum”
LucianLatin“Light”
LuciusLatin“Light”

Descriptions

Lawrence
A dignified old-fashioned name popular in the early 20th century, often shortened to Larry; associated with steadiness and quiet strength.
Leonard
A classic vintage name meaning brave as a lion, common among grandfathers and often nicknamed Leo or Lenny.
Leo
A short, punchy old-fashioned name symbolizing courage, historically borne by several popes and now enjoying a modern revival.
Leon
A timeless name closely related to Leo, popular in the early 1900s and carrying connotations of strength and nobility.
Leopold
A regal, old-world name once common among European royalty, evoking bravery and leadership.
Lester
An old-fashioned English surname-turned-first-name, popular in the early 20th century and evoking small-town charm.
Lewis
A traditional English variant of Louis, common among boys born in the early 1900s and still carrying a dependable, classic feel.
Louis
A historic name borne by numerous French kings, giving it a distinguished, old-fashioned dignity.
Lloyd
A sturdy old-fashioned Welsh name meaning grey-haired, popular in the early to mid-1900s.
Lyle
A short, old-fashioned name with a gentle, understated charm, popular in the early 20th century.
Lincoln
Originally a place name and surname made famous by Abraham Lincoln, it carries an old-fashioned, statesmanlike air.
Lionel
A refined, vintage name meaning young lion, historically used among English nobility.
Luther
A weighty, old-fashioned name made famous by Martin Luther, evoking conviction and strength of character.
Lorenzo
The Italian form of Lawrence, a stately old-world name with Renaissance associations.
Llewellyn
A traditional Welsh name with deep royal history, favored in earlier generations for its noble sound.
Linus
An ancient Greek mythological name, old-fashioned yet distinctive, later popularized in modern culture.
Landon
Originally an English place name, it has an old-world surname quality despite modern popularity.
Laurence
The classic English spelling of Lawrence, favored in earlier decades for its formal, gentlemanly tone.
Lucian
An old Roman name meaning light, carrying a timeless, literary elegance.
Lucius
An ancient Roman praenomen, evoking classical antiquity and old-world sophistication.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.