Baby names may come and go, but some classic names never go out of style. While Gary screams 1958, and Jason screams 1978, and Jayden screams 2008, many American boy's names have been popular for hundreds of years. Here are some of the most timeless baby boy's names in American history. if you're looking for a classic choice for a little boy, you can't go wrong with one of the old-time favorites.
William
William is one of the most enduring names there is in the United States-- and in Great Britain, Canada, and other English-speaking nations as well. According to the U.S. Social Security Baby Name Index, the name ranked at #10 in 2006, and it's always an exceptionally popular name. Part of what makes this name so enduring is its nicknames. In the early 20th century, there were lots of Willies-- in fact, Willie was a popular stand-alone name as well. During the Baby Boom years, classrooms were filled with Bills and Billys. Today, the nickname Liam is in vogue (the second half of William, if you were wondering). William comes from an ancient Germanic name, and it means "determined protector."
John
At the beginning of the 20th century, John was the most popular boy's name in the United States, and the name was in the top 10 between 1880 and 1986. It's not as ubiquitous as it used to be, but there still are plenty of little Johns. The name ranked at #20 in 2006. John comes from a Hebrew name that means "God's grace."
James
Like John, James was extremely popular in the early 20th century and during the Baby Boom years., and was the number one name between 1940 and 1952. Today, it's still widely used, and was ranked at #16 in 2006. With built-in nicknames Jim, Jimmy, and Jamie, James is a versatile choice. James comes from a Hebrew name that means "one who grasps by the heel."
David
This perennial Old Testament favorite was second only to Michael during the Baby Boom years, and in 1960 it briefly held the title of top name. David has been a top 10 name since 1928 and was still ranked at #10 in 2006. David comes from a Hebrew expression that means "beloved."
Daniel
Like David, Daniel's an Old Testament favorite that sounds surprisingly contemporary. The name became very popular during the Baby Boom, and in 2006 it ranked at #6. While Dans and Dannys reigned in the casual 1950s, today many Daniels go by their full name. Daniel comes from a Hebrew expression that means "God is my judge."
Joseph
Joseph, which is both an Old Testament and New Testament name, is also a perennial favorite from the Bible. In 2006, it ranked int he U.S. at #11. Joseph comes from a Hebrew name that means "the Lord's addition."
Robert
Robert was in the top 10 between 1888 and 1989, and was the number one name between 1924 and 1939. It's fallen a bit out of vogue, and now ranks at #47-- but it's still a classic that isn't going away anytime soon. Robert comes from an ancient Germans expression that means "shining with fame."
Michael
Moderately popular in the U.S. before the Baby Boom, Michael became the top male name in the second half of the 20th century. It was the number one name from 1954 until 1998 (except for 1960, where David snuck in there for a year), until it was finally knocked down to the number two slot by Jacob. Michael comes from a Hebrew name that means "who resembled God."
Richard
Like Richard, Robert was a perrenial favorite throughout much of the 20th century. Now it's fallen a bit from favor, and was ranked at #99 in 2006. Richard is derived from a Germanic name meaning "powerful leader."
See also:
 |
