This list covers 30 old fashioned boy names, running from “Marcus” to “Moses” in alphabetical order. Most come from Latin, Hebrew, Germanic, or Old English roots, and many were once common among kings, saints, and biblical figures. Parents today use them to give a son a name that feels dignified, sturdy, and rooted in history rather than trendy.

Old fashioned boy names are names that were popular generations ago and carry a distinctly vintage or classic feel today. Many, like “Milton” and “Marion,” honor historical figures or literary greats, while others, like “Mose” and “Monty,” started as folksy nicknames before standing on their own. They tend to sound formal and timeless rather than casual or modern.

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

Name: the specific old fashioned boy name featured in that row, listed alphabetically so you can browse the full range easily.

Origin: the language or culture the name comes from, such as Latin, Hebrew, or Old English, giving you a sense of its roots.

Meaning: the literal or traditional definition behind the name, useful if you want a name that carries symbolic weight.

Description: a short note on the name’s history or character, helping you decide if it fits the style you’re looking for.

Old fashioned boy names

NameOriginMeaning
MarcusLatin“Dedicated to Mars”
MalcolmScottish Gaelic“Servant of Saint Columba”
MauriceLatin/French“Dark-skinned” or “Moorish”
MatthiasHebrew“Gift of God”
MiloGermanic“Soldier” or “Merciful”
MilesLatin/Germanic“Soldier” or “Merciful”
MontgomeryOld French/Germanic“Mountain of the powerful man”
MorrisLatin (variant of Maurice)“Dark-skinned”
MortimerOld French“Still water” or “Dead sea”
MurrayScottish Gaelic“Sea settlement”
MelvinOld English“Chief” or “Council friend”
MerleFrench“Blackbird”
MarvinWelsh/Old English“Famous friend”
MortimerOld French“Still water”
MonroeScottish Gaelic“Mouth of the Roe river”
MillardOld English/French“Guardian of the mill”
ManfredGermanic“Man of peace”
MarlonOld French“Little falcon”
MaynardGermanic“Strong” or “Brave”
MeredithWelsh“Great ruler”
MervinWelsh“Sea friend” or “Famous friend”
MaximilianLatin“Greatest”
MalachiHebrew“My messenger”
MicahHebrew“Who is like God?”
MordecaiHebrew“Warrior” or dedicated to the god Marduk
MarionOld French“Little Mary”
MiltonOld English“Settlement by the mill”
MontyDiminutive of Montgomery“Mountain of the powerful man”
MoseDiminutive of Moses“Drawn out of water”
MosesHebrew“Drawn out of water”

Descriptions

Marcus
An old Roman name tied to the god of war, still carrying a dignified, classic air today.
Malcolm
A stately Scottish name borne by several kings, giving it a regal, old-world charm.
Maurice
A medieval name popular for centuries, evoking gentlemanly Old World sophistication.
Matthias
A biblical name referring to the apostle chosen to replace Judas, lending it timeless gravity.
Milo
A short, sturdy name with medieval roots that has aged into vintage charm.
Miles
A classic English name popular since the Middle Ages, associated with steadiness and honor.
Montgomery
A grand surname-turned-first-name with an aristocratic, old-fashioned feel.
Morris
A traditional English form of Maurice, common among earlier generations.
Mortimer
A distinguished old English surname-name, evoking Victorian-era gentlemen.
Murray
A traditional Scottish clan name adopted as a first name with old-world flavor.
Melvin
A once-popular early 20th-century name that now feels wonderfully vintage.
Merle
A quaint unisex name popular in the early 1900s, now a nostalgic choice for boys.
Marvin
A mid-century favorite that has since become a charming old-fashioned pick.
Mortimer
A stately, rarely-used name that evokes old English nobility.
Monroe
A presidential surname name with a distinguished, historic ring.
Millard
A name tied to President Millard Fillmore, thoroughly old-fashioned today.
Manfred
An ancient Germanic name carried by medieval kings, sturdy and archaic.
Marlon
A vintage name that peaked mid-century, later carried by classic film stars.
Maynard
A hearty old English name common in medieval times, rare and distinguished now.
Meredith
A traditional Welsh name once common for boys before becoming more unisex.
Mervin
A variant of Marvin with old Welsh roots, evoking earlier generations.
Maximilian
A grand, historic name borne by Holy Roman Emperors, formal and old-world.
Malachi
A biblical prophet’s name with a timeless, old-fashioned biblical resonance.
Micah
A short biblical prophet name with deep roots and enduring old-world charm.
Mordecai
A biblical name from the Book of Esther, distinctly old-fashioned and rare.
Marion
A traditional name for boys (as in Marion Morrison, John Wayne’s birth name) before becoming more feminine.
Milton
An English surname name honoring poet John Milton, common in earlier centuries.
Monty
A jaunty old nickname-name with a gentlemanly, retro flair.
Mose
A folksy old rural American nickname with deep vintage character.
Moses
A towering biblical name of the great prophet and lawgiver, ancient and enduring.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.