1. Home
  2. Topics

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

Stephen

Meaning: garland, crown

Origin:Greek
534
Victor

Meaning: conqueror

Origin:Latin
190
Lawrence

Meaning: from Laurentium or bay laurel

Origin:Latin
164
Robert

Meaning: bright fame

Origin:English from German
542
Albert

Meaning: noble, bright

Origin:German
218
Walter

Meaning: army ruler

Origin:German
332
Charles

Meaning: man, free man

Origin:French from German
290
David

Meaning: beloved

Origin:Hebrew
337
Solomon

Meaning: peace

Origin:Hebrew
320
Isabella

Meaning: pledged to God

Origin:Spanish and Italian variation of Elizabeth, Hebrew
145
Frances

Meaning: from France; free man

Origin:English from Latin
135
James

Meaning: supplanter

Origin:English variation of Jacob, Hebrew
33
Eleanor A name with French origins, the meaning of E...
Origin:English variation of French Provencal Alienor, meaning unknown
18
Caroline

Meaning: free man

Origin:French, feminine variation of Charles
131
Charlotte

Meaning: free man

Origin:French, feminine diminutive of Charles
21
Alice

Meaning: noble

Origin:German
7
Margaret

Meaning: pearl

Origin:Greek
73
Olivia

Meaning: olive tree

Origin:Latin
49
Helen

Meaning: torch; shining light

Origin:Greek
328
Mary

Meaning: drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved

Origin:Hebrew or Egyptian
202