A leading baby name consultant has unveiled her curated list of timeless classic names, predicting which monikers will capture the hearts of parents welcoming babies in 2026. The expert, drawing significant inspiration from the early 1900s, provides a treasure trove of vintage options for those seeking a name with enduring charm.
Vintage Revival: The Return of 1900s Classics
Colleen, a mum of three and founder of Naming Bebe, specialises in guiding parents through the significant decision of choosing their child's name. Based in Boston, USA, but with advice resonating globally, she has pinpointed classic boy names from the early twentieth century as her absolute favourite style category. "If you’re having a boy, you can find your baby’s name on this list," she confidently stated in her online advice shared on December 19, 2025.
She starts her recommendations "with a bang," championing names like Frank and Harry. For Frank, she suggests the versatile full names Francis or Franklin, with the affectionate nickname Frankie. This approach highlights a key trend she adores: names with built-in nickname potential.
Nicknames and Strong, Timeless Choices
For parents who share her love for a name that can be shortened, she recommends solid, vintage options like Otto, Arthur, and Albert. She finds shortened forms such as "Alby" or "Art" to be "super cute" and practical for everyday use. The name Harold, she notes, offers similar flexibility, allowing for nicknames like Harry or Hal.
The expert's list is extensive, featuring strong, traditional names that have stood the test of time. She highlights Glenn, Howard, Lawrence, and Eugene as excellent, robust choices. She also points to Monroe as a name firmly rooted in the 1900s, while suggesting that Ernest and Percy carry a delightful "bookworm" vibe.
From Hipster to Hollywood: A Name for Every Vibe
For those seeking shorter, punchier names, she proposes a list of great choices: Fred, Sam, Leo, Jack, Hank, Ray, Rex, and Robert. The consultant also categorises some names by the distinct feeling they evoke. Oscar and Jesse, she says, "feel a little hipster," while Clyde has "some Western vibes."
She expresses particular affection for another set of classics, stating: "Otis, Warren, Nelson, Claude, Theodore, Russell, Stanley and Wallace - I love them. I also love Walter." Meanwhile, names like Archie, Calvin, Sidney and Guy are described as having a very "old Hollywood" charm.
Sharing some of her personal top picks, she revealed, "Mac, Hugh and Harvey - these are some of my favourites, and it would be in my list if I were naming a boy." In a final, real-world example, she shared that friends of hers had recently welcomed a baby boy and chosen the cracking vintage name: Homer.
This expert insight provides a compelling look at the enduring appeal of classic names, suggesting that in 2026, parents will continue to look to the past for inspiration, choosing strong, characterful names with rich history and plenty of nickname options.
