One of the most exciting tasks facing expecting parents is choosing a name. With so many choices of names out there, it can be hard to know which ones will stand the test of time. If you are expecting a boy, it’s a good idea to choose something classic, and Old English boy names have been solid monikers for centuries. Parents who choose old British names can steer their child towards a life of class and respectability. If you are expecting a girl, see also the Top 20 Old English Girl Names.

If that sounds a bit old-fashioned, don’t worry! Old British names can be surprisingly modern and fresh. One current trend in baby names is to look to the past for a less common name. After all, who wants their child to be in a kindergarten class with four other children of the same name? Hip parents are embracing the classics, especially names of Old English origin.

Old English Boy Names



The great thing about Old English baby names is that they are familiar and easy to pronounce, yet their age makes them unique. Old English names also have a variety of meanings, so you are sure to find one that expresses your hopes for your child. Traditionally, old English baby boy names come in two types: those that describe nature, and those that describe a person. Below are 10 excellent Old English names to inspire you.

Here are the first ten Old English Boy Names:

Aric. The old English origin of this name means “eternal ruler.” This is a wonderful name for parents seeking an uncommon, romantic name, that defines power.

Brayden. This comes from the Old English word for “brave.” What better name to inspire confidence and high self-esteem?

Darwin. This is one of several Old English names with the “-win” ending that denotes friendship. Darwin means “dear friend.”

Garrick. The old English origin of this name means “one who governs with a spear.” That’s another name that inspires power to the bearer.

Hamilton. This name means “beautiful mountain.” It’s one of many old English baby boy names that describe the beauty of nature.

Hugh. This short and simple name means “bright in mind and spirit,” a wonderful blessing on a baby boy.

Hunter. Some old English baby names have a very clear meaning. The word “hunter” hasn’t changed much over the centuries and is still an excellent name.

Manning. This name will make Dad proud, as it means “son of the hero.”

Morven. This unusual name has a beautiful definition: “child of the sea.” It’s perfect for beach lovers and is another nature name.

Sterling. This name means “little star” and will tell the world just how you feel about your bundle of joy.

Celebrity Old English Boy Names

Many celebrities have also decided that old English baby names provide just the right balance of tradition and trend for their children. Celebrities have a knack for choosing memorable names, and you might be surprised to know just how many of them are old British names. Here are celebrities’ most popular Old English baby boy names.

Here are ten Old English girl names are used by celebrities worldwide.

Archie. A nickname for Archibald, it means “Truly brave, Brave Prince.” Archie Harrisonis the name of the son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Mehgan Markle born 5/6/2019. Amy Poehler and Will Arnett also used this name for their baby boy.

Arthur. Selma Blair named her son for this mythic English king. It is also Prince William‘s middle name.

Beckett. This is one of the most popular old English baby names today, and it means “source of the brook.” Conan O’Brien and Stella McCartney are two of the many celebrities who used this name for their sons.

Camden. Vanessa and Nick Lachey love this name. It means “sheltered valley.”

Griffin. Both Brendan Fraser and Joey McIntyre named their sons for this ancient mythical creature.

Hal. This name is an old nickname for Henry and is the name of a famous prince in several of Shakespeare’s plays. Hank Azaria is one celebrity who revived this name recently.

Jackson. Meaning “son of Jack,” this popular name was used by Charlize Theron, Carson Daly, Scott Wolf, and Poppy Montgomery.

Jack. Almost as popular as Jackson, this is one of the most enduring of the old British names. It has been used by Anna Faris, Chris Pratt, Maya Rudolph, and Jack Black. Jack is a traditional nickname for John.

Mason. This name means “bricklayer,” and is popular in both the US and Canada. Kourtney Kardashian and Melissa Joan Hart named their sons Mason. It is also used as a girl name.

Thatcher. News anchor Megyn Kelly gave her son this name of old English origin. It means “roof-maker.”

Old English Names are coming back thanks to “The Game of Thrones”

A survey exposed the television series “The Game of Thrones” may possibly be an inspiration factor for expecting parents to give their children Old English boy names. According to this, many new parents choose Old English name when searching for a baby name influenced from the TV series. Names like Alfred and Millicent are becoming popular and medieval names like Peyton and Audley become a popular name choice, especially in England. More and more children in the United Kingdom are being given Old English girl names and Old English boy names by their parents – with mothers and fathers get inspired by the hit television series making these names becoming popular again after centuries.

Top Old English Names becoming popular again

THE TOP OLD ENGLISH NAMES COMING BACK INTO FASHION Old English Boy Names Old English Girl Names Ned Millicent Alfred Audrey Cole Kim or Kym Audley Kendra Peyton Elvina Wyatt Winnie

Searching for Old English Boy Names – Conclusion

Not surprisingly, old English baby boy names tend to be most common in Canada, the UK, and the US. No matter where you live, there is always a safe way to choose English names, and you can choose a name that perfectly matches all of your hopes and dreams for your new baby. You can give him an identity to be proud of, so make sure you love the name you choose for your baby and he will love it too.

Click here to see our full list of Old English Names

Click here to see our wide list of English Names

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