Choosing a name for your baby is a significant decision that often reflects your hopes and dreams for your child. While several names stand the test of time, others fall out of favor as trends change. In this gallery, we’ll reveal 15 obsolete baby names that have lost their charm in modern times. You might want to avoid these names when naming your little one.
Mildred
Once a beloved name in the early 20th century, Mildred represents “gentle strength” and still carries an old charm many may find endearing. However, its association with older generations might make it seem too outdated for modern parents.
Bertha
With its roots in Germanic, Bertha was a preferred name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, its archaic ring and lack of modern allure have caused its popularity to decline.
Elmer
Elmer, an English name, was quite popular in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. Nevertheless, the name has a traditional feel and lacks contemporary flair, which has led to its decreased usage in recent years.
Ethel
A name with Old English roots, Ethel was once a common choice for girls in the early 1900s. Today, its vintage charm may appeal to those seeking a retro name, but others may find it old-world for modern tastes.
Doris
Meaning “gift” to the Greeks, from where it originated. Doris was famous in the early to mid-20th century. While it may evoke a sense of nostalgia, its ancient sound has caused its fashionability to wane in recent decades.
Howard
This Old English name stands for “brave heart.” It was a popular choice for boys in the early to mid-20th century. However, its customary sound may not resonate with modern parents looking for unique or up-to-date names.
Gertrude
Gertrude is a name of Germanic origin, and it denotes “strength of a spear.” It was once a common choice for girls. These days, its old-fashioned sound and lack of modern appeal have caused its popularity to decline.
Herbert
An Old English name for “bright army,” Herbert was widespread in the early to mid-20th century but has fallen out of favor. Its traditional sound may be too archaic for modern tastes.
Agnes
This name has roots in Greek and means “pure” or “holy.” Agnes was a hit in the early 20th century but is less common today. While it has a vintage appeal, some may dismiss it as too outdated for modern use.
Clarence
Clarence has a Latin origin. The name denotes “bright” or “clear” and had its moments in the early to mid-20th century. However, its customary sound may not intrigue modern parents seeking contemporary names.
Gladys
Gladys, a name with Welsh roots meaning “princess,” was a thing in the early to mid-20th century but has declined in usage. Its ancientness may not resonate with parents looking for modern names.
Norman
It’s too easy to believe that Norman means “Northman” or “Norseman,” but it’s true. This Old German name shone in the early to mid-20th century. Nevertheless, its traditional ring may be considered too old-fashioned for modern tastes.
Thelma
Thelma, which denotes “willful” or “voluntary,” comes from Greek. Many wanted this name for their kids in the early to mid-20th century, but its usage has declined. Its vintage allure may intrigue some, but others may find it obsolete.
Wilbur
This Old English name also means “willful,” with its second meaning, “brilliant.” After enjoying popularity in the early to mid-20th century, it is now seen as too old-fashioned by modern parents seeking current names.
Eugene
Eugene, a name of Greek origin standing for “well-born” or “noble,” was fashionable in the early to mid-20th century but has fallen off the list of preferred names. People think it’s too traditional and too old-world for contemporary use.
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