A new wave of baby-naming nostalgia is sweeping across the UK as parents turn to the past for inspiration. According to My 1st Years, the UK’s leading personalised baby gift brand, traditional “grandparent-style” names are firmly back in favour.
By analysing thousands of orders for personalised baby products, My 1st Years has revealed a sharp rise in the popularity of vintage names. Choices like Albert, Florence, Arthur and Mabel are appearing more frequently on everything from baby blankets to keepsake boxes.
Why are parents choosing vintage baby names?
Experts suggest that the rise in retro names is being driven by a mix of cultural and personal influences. The continued popularity of period dramas, a renewed interest in family heritage, and a desire for timeless elegance are all playing a role.
“We’ve seen a huge rise in nostalgic names over the last 12 months,” says Molly Ejdowski, spokesperson at My 1st Years. “Parents are clearly inspired by tradition and charm. Names once considered ‘old-fashioned’ now feel stylish and unique. It’s a lovely way to connect the past with the future.”
Which vintage names are becoming more popular?
Among the most popular classic names this year are Albert, Edith, Florence, Arthur, Beatrice, Henry, Mabel, Theodore, Violet and Wilfred. These names are not just charming; they also carry a sense of character and depth that many modern parents are drawn to.
Alongside these familiar favourites, several old-school names are experiencing a rapid rise in popularity. Names like Agnes, Cecil, Dorothy, Ernest, Harriet, Iris, Leonard, Matilda, Nora and Stanley are fast becoming go-to choices for parents seeking something meaningful and distinctive.
Are these names being modernised?
While the names themselves are rooted in tradition, many parents are adding a contemporary twist. Some are choosing vintage first names and pairing them with modern middle names, while others are using short forms like “Teddy” for Theodore or “Dot” for Dorothy to keep things playful.
What does this trend say about today’s parents?
It’s clear that many new mums and dads are looking for names that offer more than just trendiness. They want names that feel grounded, that honour loved ones, and that tell a story. Choosing a name like Beatrice or Leonard can be a tribute to a grandparent, a nod to heritage, or simply a way to give a child something classic and enduring.
For My 1st Years, which specialises in capturing those early moments with personalised gifts, these naming trends offer a glimpse into what matters most to parents right now: connection, tradition, and a sense of identity that stands the test of time.
Most popular old-fashioned baby names:
Albert
Edith
Florence
Arthur
Beatrice
Henry
Mabel
Theodore
Violet
Wilfred
Fastest-Rising Vintage Picks:
Agnes
Cecil
Dorothy
Ernest
Harriet
Iris
Leonard
Matilda
Nora
Stanley
Old names, it seems, are the new favourites… and they’re here to stay.