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Classic Baby Names

What are the most classic baby names for girls and boys? They’ve been used for centuries, and the majority have always been in the Top 1000 — counted since 1880. Many of the most popular baby names today are classics, including Olivia and William.

Along with Olivia and William, other classic baby names in the US Top 20 include Emma, Sophia, Charlotte, and Emily for girls, and James, Benjamin, Henry, and Jacob for boys. Many classic names are also royal baby names , such as Elizabeth, Charles, Victoria, and Philip.

While there are hundreds of classic baby names from the Bible, ancient cultures, and other traditional sources in common use today, these are our picks for the most, um, classic classic baby names.

Classic Names for Babies

Iris

Meaning: rainbow

Origin:Flower name; Greek
11
Diana

Meaning: divine

Origin:Latin
224
Sophia

Meaning: wisdom

Origin:Greek
152
Lucy

Meaning: light

Origin:English variation of Lucia, Latin
25
Anna

Meaning: grace

Origin:Variation of Hannah, Hebrew
106
Emily

Meaning: rival

Origin:Feminine variation of Emil, Latin
120
Emma

Meaning: universal

Origin:German
102
Julia

Meaning: youthful or sky father

Origin:Latin
133
Elizabeth

Meaning: pledged to God

Origin:Hebrew
86
Grace A name associated with elegance, poise and b...
Origin:English, virtue name
76
Katherine

Meaning: pure

Origin:Greek
262
Jane

Meaning: God is gracious

Origin:English
77
Claire

Meaning: bright, clear

Origin:French form of Clara
90
Rachel

Meaning: ewe

Origin:Hebrew
284
Sarah

Meaning: princess

Origin:Hebrew
345
Victoria

Meaning: victory

Origin:Latin
232
Matthew

Meaning: gift of God

Origin:Hebrew
120
Jacob

Meaning: supplanter

Origin:Hebrew
137
Andrew

Meaning: strong and manly

Origin:Greek
118
William

Meaning: resolute protection

Origin:German
128