Grandpas often come with a sense of gentle support, a firm rigidity and honored mentorship. More often than not, thinking of a grandpa offers a warm nostalgia that simply can’t be beat! It’s no wonder why choosing a “grandpa” name for a newborn has started to catch on. A strong, classic name can take your little one far in life, and it’s important to know exactly what you’re choosing.
Baby naming experts and consultants are gaining popularity in this day and age. They offer insights and helpful suggestions in one of the more challenging parts of life: becoming a parent. Not only is that change a big one, but the choice of naming your child can also sometimes feel overwhelming. There are so many great baby names and combinations that it can be difficult to know where to start. Not to mention the risk of going with a naming trend that is popular now but may not be in the future.
That’s why Parade spoke with Colleen Slagen—an expert baby name consultant who is admired and known on TikTok and Instagram as “namingbebe”—for her input and expertise on this which “grandpa names” are trending once again. Find out which seven monikers are surprisingly cool once more, and what they each mean. One (or a few!) of them might just end up on your list.
Related: Baby-Naming Expert Says These 12 Names Could Be the Next Generation’s ‘Grandma Names’
The 100-Year Rule: Why Vintage ‘Grandpa’ Names Are Trending
Trends of all kinds go in and out of style, and it’s no different with names. The term used for that cyclical nature of naming is the “100-Year Rule.” If you’re unfamiliar with this term, Slagen tells Parade, “The 100-year rule basically says names cycle back into fashion every 100 years.”
Simple enough, but why every 100 years, you may ask?
“This is partially due to our associations with names,” she continues. “Baby names of the ’60s feel like ‘mom names’ or ‘dad names’ to Millennial parents.”
One of the reasons the trend of “grandpa names” is becoming so popular is because “we don’t have strong associations with names of the 1920s, so there is a freshness to them.”
That novelty (for this decade, at least) makes names of an older generation feel new and exciting, while maintaining a timeless and distinguished feel, which is exactly what many parents are looking for.
Related: 150 Unusual Baby Names for Girls and Boys That Are Guaranteed To Stand Out
7 Vintage ‘Grandpa’ Names Making a Major Revival
Below are the vintage-inspired names Slagen has handpicked for a comeback. Each name’s meaning is provided so you can find the best fit for your family.
1. Sonny
Originally used as a nickname, especially for families whose lineage includes a “junior,” Sonny means “son.” With English roots and connotations of endearment, it’s no wonder Slagen picked this name for a classic feel that will stand the test of time.
2. Harvey
The modern name Harvey is derived from the Old Breton name Haerviu. Its roots haer, meaning “battle” or “carnage,” and viu, meaning “strong” or “worthy,” result in the combined meaning of “strong in battle” or “battle-worthy.” Slagen’s pick features rugged nuance and charming virility that would be perfect for any adventurous little one.
3. Reuben
This name combines the Hebrew words re’eh meaning “to see” and ben meaning “son” with an overall meaning of “behold, a son.” Biblically, Jacob and Leah named their firstborn son Reuben. Show the world that you’re proud of your son and want everyone to acknowledge how wonderful he is with this lovely name.
4. Felix
Originally a Roman nickname or surname, Felix has Latin roots and historically meant “fruit-bearing.” Today it means “fortunate,” “happy,” “lucky” or “successful.” This traditional-sounding pick from Slagen comes as no surprise. Naming your son Felix will surely bring about happiness and maybe even a bit of luck.
5. Edwin
If you want a name that’ll bring good fortune to your child, the Old English name Edwin may be the one for you. Meaning “rich friend” or “wealthy friend,” Edwin also comes with plenty of nickname options such as Eddie, Win, Ned or even Teddy.
6. Archibald
Archibald holds both German and Gaelic roots and means “genuine,” “brave” or “bold.” The name itself sounds regal and traditional in a way that gives off old-money vibes. This pick from Slagen is sure to top the charts as it is both bold in its entirety and has one of the cutest nicknames around, Archie.
7. Clive
Stemming from the Old English word for “cliff,” the name Clive boasts rugged strength, stability and an understated British flair.
Related: These 11 Baby Names From the 1950s Are Suddenly Becoming Popular Again, Experts Say
What To Look For When Choosing a Classic Vintage Name
Choosing a name for your baby can be broken down into steps to make the process easier. You already know that you want a name with a vintage feel, so you can start there. Slagen suggests you “check popularity so you’re not surprised.” If you want a name that will stand out and won’t be shared with multiple other children of the same age, this is an important step.
Another aspect of choosing a name that’s a little less common can be people’s reactions to it.
“If you are choosing a vintage revival—a name that hasn’t yet become mainstream again—be aware of that!” she tells Parade. “Uncommon names are more likely to get polarizing reactions from people.”
This step involves being in tune with yourself and realizing that “if you are sensitive, going with something more mainstream may be a better fit than being the ‘trendsetter.'”
This next step may seem simple, but it might not occur to a lot of people. Say the name you’re thinking of choosing.
“Always say the full name out loud,” Slagen recommends. “You want to make sure it’s not too clunky or too much of a tongue-twister with your last name.”
Overall, the most important step in choosing your baby’s name is making sure that it aligns with your family values and traditions, and sounds the way you want it to. After all, you’re going to be saying that name a lot over the coming years!
Related: These 6 Baby Names Used To Be at the Top of the Charts, but New Parents Want Nothing To Do With Them—Here’s Why
How To Balance Old-Fashioned Charm With Modern Wearability
Combining portions of seemingly contradictory styles into one well-rounded result can be extremely chic. We asked Slagen for practical name styling tips on combining an antique name with something more sleek or contemporary, and she says she “loves a dynamic combination.”
The baby name consultant shares that her favorite name combinations include “pairing something more old-fashioned with something more modern, like Arthur Wells or Harvey June.” Combinations like these help to keep the full name feeling fresh and new. They provide that sought-after vintage charm while also bringing a cool, contemporary feel.
More examples of old-fashioned names mixed with modern options include:
Agnes Wilder Otis Maverick Clara Maeve Franklyn Hayes Mabel Wren Walter CrewUp Next:
Related: We Asked 3 Baby-Naming Experts Which Trend Will Be Everywhere in 2027—And They All Said the Same Thing
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Colleen Slagen is a baby name consultant and the author of Naming Bebe: An Interactive Guide to Choosing a Baby Name You Love.Hence then, the article about baby name consultant says these 7 grandpa names are surprisingly cool again was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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