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Traditional Baby Names

Traditional baby names, by our definition, are those that have been used consistently in English-speaking countries for centuries — and are still in widespread use. While traditional names are often popular, that's not always true. Choices such as Emma and James have always been among the top baby names, while those like Antonia and Theresa have fallen off the popularity charts.

Along with Emma, Traditional girl names among the current Top 10 in the US include Olivia, Sophia, Isabella, and Charlotte. In addition to James, the traditional names at the top of the popularity list for boys include William, Oliver, Henry, and Benjamin.

Traditional baby names might not be the most exciting choices in the book, but they are the most reliable. Here are some of the most traditional baby names for both boys and girls.

Traditional Names for Babies

Gabriel

Meaning: God is my strength

Origin:Hebrew
138
Edward

Meaning: wealthy guardian

Origin:English
235
Wesley

Meaning: western meadow

Origin:English
166
Frederick

Meaning: peaceful ruler

Origin:German
144
Timothy

Meaning: honoring God

Origin:Greek
558
Barbara

Meaning: foreign woman

Origin:Latin
693
Maria

Meaning: drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved

Origin:Hebrew or Egyptian
1003
Patricia

Meaning: noble, patrician

Origin:Latin
437
Virginia

Meaning: virginal, pure

Origin: Latin
657
Anne

Meaning: grace

Origin:French variation of English Ann and Hebrew Hannah
673
Theresa

Meaning: to harvest

Origin:English form of the Spanish Teresa
468
Marcus

Meaning: warlike

Origin:Latin
390
Francis

Meaning: Frenchman or free man

Origin:Latin
240
Benjamin

Meaning: son of the right hand

Origin:Hebrew
149
Leonard

Meaning: brave lion

Origin:German
490
Russell

Meaning: redhead, fox-colored

Origin:French
384
Raymond

Meaning: wise protector

Origin:German
398
Joseph

Meaning: Jehovah increases

Origin:Hebrew
436
Christian

Meaning: anointed one or follower of Christ

Origin:Greek or English from Latin
441
Mark

Meaning: warlike

Origin:Latin
496