Selecting a baby name that combines old-fashioned charm with a contemporary feel will always be in style.
During the Victorian era, baby names were not as rugged as they are now. They were more delicate, charming, and feminine. Masculine names were often inspired by trades, family names, and religious beliefs. Many of these Victorian baby names, like Elizabeth and William, are still commonly used today, but some are not as well-known.
When people think about the Victorian era, they often picture fancy hats, exaggerated sleeves, voluminous skirts, horse-drawn carriages, and extravagant parties. The elegant names from that time period have also remained popular.
If you’re searching for a sweet old-fashioned Victorian baby name, you’re in the right spot. Below are some charming and unique Victorian baby names to assist you in choosing one.
Victorian Baby Names For Girls With Meanings
1. Ada
This fancy Victorian baby name is related to Ada Lovelace, who was the daughter of Lord Byron. The name means ‘adornment’.
2. Adelaide
The Victorian baby name Adelaide, which means ‘noble’, was a popular name among wealthy families.
3. Adelia
This Victorian baby name, which means ‘noble’, sounds like a mix of Adele and Adelaide. However, it hasn’t been used since Victorian times.
4. Agatha
Agatha Heterodyne has a classic Victorian name but adds a bold twist to it. The name means ‘good woman’.
5. Alexandra
Alexandra was a popular Victorian baby name among royalty in the 19th century. It is said that every royal family had someone named Alexandra. The name means ‘defender’.
6. Alice
For more than 100 years, the name Alice has been very popular according to the Social Security Administration, consistently ranking in the top 10 for decades. The name means ‘nobility.’
7. Alma
This beautiful Victorian baby name has various meanings depending on the language. In Swedish, it means ‘loving’, in Persian it means ‘apple’, and in Celtic it means ‘good’.
8. Anne
Anne, along with its variations like Anna or Annie, was commonly used as a first name. The name means ‘grace’.
9. Arabella
The royal name Arabella comes from the Latin name Orabilis. The name means ‘yielding to prayer’.
10. Audrey
This beautiful Victorian baby name has a classic charm and sophistication like Audrey Hepburn. The name means ‘nobility and strength.’
11. Bertha
Bertha is a name that comes from Germany and it means ‘shining’.
12. Beryl
This beautiful Victorian baby name, which means ‘gemstone’, became trendy in the 1800s for the first time.
13. Blanche
This elegant French name means ‘white’ and has a fancy Victorian style. It started as a nickname for light-skinned women, then became linked with purity.
14. Briar
A cute and whimsical name for your daughter, Briar Rose was the name of the Sleeping Beauty character in fairy tales. The name means ‘spiky plant’.
15. Catherine
In the Victorian era, the name Catherine was sometimes spelled as Katherine or Kathryn, but the most common version was the original form. The name means ‘pure’.
16. Clara
Choosing the name Clara for a baby girl is a meaningful and beautiful choice. This nickname, which means ‘clear and bright’, brings to mind the charm and refinement of the Victorian time period.
17. Clementine
If you’re looking for a Victorian name that’s strong, ornate, and has a unique sound, choose Clementine. The name means ‘gentle and compassionate.’
18. Cora
The name is now connected with the character Lady Cora Grantham in the TV show ‘Downton Abbey’. Cora became well-known through American writer James Fennimore’s novel ‘Last of the Mohicans’. The name means ‘maiden’.
19. Della
The Victorian baby name Della was a common nickname for names such as Adelle, Adelaide, and Adeline in the 1800s. The name Della means ‘noble’.
20. Ebba
Ebba is a unique Victorian baby name to consider instead of Emma or Ella. The name Ebba comes from a Germanic saint and means ‘strong.’
21. Edith
Edith was a very common name given to baby girls during the Victorian era, and it is no surprise that it was used for a character in the popular TV show ‘Downton Abbey.’ This name means ‘prosperous in war’.
22. Effie
The Victorian baby name Effie has made a comeback in popularity due to the ‘Hunger Games’ series. Effie is a shortened version of Euphemia. The name means ‘well spoken’.
23. Eleanor
We are genuinely surprised that this lovely Victorian baby name is not being used more. We believe it’s time to bring back this beautiful Victorian girl’s name. The name means ‘bright’.
24. Eliza
Bessie wasn’t the only nickname for Elizabeth. A popular alternative was Eliza, which became its own name meaning ‘pledged to God.’
25. Elizabeth
In the Victorian era, both Ann and Elizabeth were popular names, with Elizabeth being the preferred choice. The name means being devoted to God.
26. Elsie
This Scottish name, Elsie, is becoming popular again. It was most popular in the 1890s, reaching #31 on the list. The name means ‘my god is bountiful’.
27. Emily
The Victorian baby name Emily, which means ‘hard-working’, was a favorite among writers such as Boccaccio and Chaucer. Emily Bronte, the author of ‘Wuthering Heights’, shares the same name.
28. Emma
Emma was a common name among wealthy Victorian families and it means ‘universal’.
29. Esther
This Victorian baby name means ‘star’ and combines the dignity of a Biblical name with a rhythmic sound ending in ‘er’.
30. Evie
The name’s popularity has come back with variations such as Evelyn and Eve. In England, this well-liked Victorian nickname means ‘life’ or ‘lively’.
31. Fannie
This name suggests that during the Victorian era, there was a trend of choosing names that ended with the letter ‘e’. The name means ‘free’.
32. Flora
The Victorian baby name ‘Flora,’ which comes from the Roman Goddess associated with spring and flowers, was popular in the late 19th century. The name means ‘flower’.
33. Florence
Florence is a fancy Victorian baby name that comes from the city in Italy and is also the title of a rock song. The name means ‘to flower.’
34. Frances
Frances, a name meaning ‘French woman’, was frequently mentioned in wedding announcements during the 1820s.
35. Harriet
In the United Kingdom, the Victorian baby name Harriet is still popular, but Americans don’t seem to be as fond of this feminine version of Henry. You could also use the nickname Hattie for a vintage charm. The name means ‘estate ruler’.
36. Hazel
This adorable baby name from the Victorian era was most popular in 1901, ranking as the 23rd most common name. After disappearing from popularity in 1975, Hazel is making a comeback. The name means ‘hazelnut tree’.
37. Henrietta
Henrietta was in the spotlight before Harriet, and her name means ‘home ruler’.
38. Ida
Ida, a German name that means ‘hardworking and diligent’, can be extended to the more gentle-sounding names Idabelle or Idabel.
39. Isabella
Isabella or Isabel became more popular in the late 1850s as a name. The name means ‘devoted to God.’
40. Jane
‘Plain Jane’ was not just a term used in the Victorian Era, it has been used for a long time. The name means ‘God has been gracious’.
41. Josephine
Josephine is an old-fashioned name that should make a comeback. Its popularity peaked back in 1884, reaching the 45th spot on the list of common names. The name means ‘God increases’.
42. Josie
Josie is a Victorian nickname for Josephine that is very popular currently. The name means ‘may Jehovah add.’
43. Kitty
In the 18th century, the nickname ‘Kitty’ was used before the names ‘Katie’ and ‘Kathy’. This name means ‘pure’.
44. Lilian
The Victorian baby name Lilian, which means ‘lily’, symbolizes the purity and innocence of the Victorian time period.
45. Lily
This popular Victorian baby name is currently trending on baby name lists. Lily, which means ‘pure’, represents innocence as both a name and a flower.
46. Lottie
Lottie, which is short for Charlotte, was a popular name during the Victorian era and it means ‘free man.’
47. Lucy
During the 1850s, Lucy was frequently observed by itself, indicating the meaning of ‘light.’
48. Luella
This old-fashioned name, which means ‘fighter’, is waiting for you to think about using it. It is popular and offers adorable nickname choices such as Ella or Lulu.
49. Mabel
The name Mabel was absent from the top 1000 list for a while, but now she is starting to appear on the charts again. The name means ‘lovable.’
50. Maggie
In the Victorian era, the nickname Maggie was very popular and it is short for Margaret. This name means ‘pearl’.
51. Maida
In Southern Italy, it was common to name baby girls after important battles. This is how the name Maida became popular. The name means ‘virgin’.
52. Maisie
Maisie is a Scottish name that is similar to Marjorie and Margaret. It could become as popular as Daisy. The name means ‘pearl.’
53. Marjorie
Marjorie is a beautiful name that means ‘child of light’ and is a variation of Margaret. It’s a fitting name for the sparkle in your eyes.
54. Martha
Martha used to be overlooked, but now it is moving up in popularity. The Victorian baby name Martha originates from the Bible. The name means ‘lady’.
55. Mary
Mary, a Victorian baby name that means ‘beloved or bitter’, was very popular during the Victorian era, especially towards the late 1820s.
56. Millie
Millie is a classic Victorian baby name that sounds current, and it is ranked at 231 in the UK and #717 in the US. The name means ‘free born or noble.’
57. Minnie
Long before Minnie Mouse became popular, Minnie was a name on the rise in the 19th century. Minnie is one of the vintage names from Disney. The name means ‘rebellion’.
58. Nellie
In the 19th century, the Victorian song ‘Nellie Bly’ became very popular and well-known. The name means a ‘shining light.’
59. Nora
Nora is a straightforward Victorian baby name that sounds feminine and means ‘light’.
60. Ottilie
In Victorian times, the feminine name Ottilie, which means ‘riches’ and has cute nicknames like Lottie and Tillie, was very popular. Ottilie should get more attention and recognition now.
61. Rayne
This Victorian royal name is perfect for someone of royal descent because it means ‘queen’ in various languages. It’s a suitable choice for your daughter, don’t you think?
62. Rosie
Flower names are always popular. Rosie is a name that means ‘rose’.
63. Ruth
It is a name that brings to mind qualities of kindness and compassion. This short yet impactful name means ‘friend’.
64. Sophronia
Sophia/Sophie, step aside. It’s time for this fancy Victorian baby name to become popular. The name means ‘wise.’
65. Sylvia
This nickname, which means ‘wood’, reminds us of a forest with trees that seem to whisper.
66. Tillie
The Victorian baby name Tillie is currently ranked 90th in the UK and is a shortened version of Matilda. Its popularity increased after Heath Ledger named his daughter Tillie. The name means ‘battle mighty’.
67. Victoria
This name is elegant and dignified, similar to Queen Victoria. This Victorian baby name means success and beauty.
68. Vinnie
The shortened version of the name Lavinia, Vinnie, is still popular for girls and means ‘conqueror’. It should not be mistaken for Winnie.
69. Viola
The character in Shakespeare’s play ‘Twelfth Night’ is charming and her name, Viola, has the same meaning as the classic name Violet.
70. Violet
This flowery name is great for a baby born in the springtime. We’re confident that even your child will be proud to have this name. Violet is a word that refers to the color purple.
71. Winnie
We forgot about this name until Jimmy Fallon picked it for his daughter. The name means ‘fair one’.
72. Zadie
Zadie is a great choice for your daughter if you’re looking for a traditional Victorian baby name. It was very popular in the 1880s and is also the name of the famous English author Zadie Smith.
Victorian Baby Names For Boys With Meanings
73. Abraham
The Victorian baby name Abraham, which means ‘father of multitudes’, became well-known through the US president, Abraham Lincoln.
74. Alfred
During the Victorian era, British Prince Alfred and poet Lord Alfred Tennyson made this name popular. The name means ‘elf ruler.’
75. Archie
Archibald was shortened to Archie during a time when many boys’ names ended with the sound ‘e’. The name means being brave and honest.
76. Arnold
Arnold is a great name for your son because it has Germanic origins and means ‘eagle power’.
77. Arthur
This classic Victorian baby name was popular in the 1880s, but then declined in popularity. However, it is now making a comeback, partly due to celebrities choosing to name their sons Arthur.
78. Augustus
This Victorian baby name is suitable for both young children and powerful leaders in ancient Rome. It also comes with a casual and friendly nickname, Gus. The name means ‘great’ in Latin.
79. Baxter
This traditional British name, which means ‘baker’, became popular again after being used in the movie ‘Anchorman’.
80. Bernard
This tough name, which means ‘powerful bear’, can be changed to the more calm and approachable Bernie or Bern.
81. Bert
During the Victorian period, Bert was commonly used as a nickname for Robert, Albert, and Bertram. Now, it is commonly used as a name on its own. The name means ‘bright.’
82. Bram
The suggestion is to honor the author of the ‘Dracula’ series by naming your son Bram, which means ‘father of multitude.’
83. Cassius
Cassius is a really cool Victorian name that means ’empty’.
84. Charley
Choose the name Charley instead of Charles or Charlie to make it more casual and enjoyable. You can also use Charley as a nickname for Charles. The name means ‘man’.
85. Clarence
The name of this baby boy and the people who share the same name are charming and full of energy from the Victorian era. This includes the American lawyer Clarence Darrow and the guardian angel from the movie ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’.
86. Claude
The name Claude is short and has Roman origins, making people think of Emperor Claudius. The name means ‘from the Roman clan’.
87. Clifford
During the 1800s, the word ‘Clifford’ was utilized to refer to a shallow crossing area near a small waterfall. Over time, it evolved into a name commonly used for people.
88. Douglas
One of the most powerful clans in Scotland, the name Douglas was used as a first name for the first time in the 16th century. It is a baby name with Victorian origins meaning ‘dark stream.’
89. Edgar
During the Victorian era, Edgar Degas was a very important person. Edgar Allen Poe was also influential during this time. The name means lucky and strong.
90. Edison
This name, like Thomas Edison, represents creativity and innovation. Edison is a masculine name that means ‘son of Edie’.
91. Edmund
During the Victorian era, Edmund was a popular name and can be shortened to Eddie for a more casual feel. The name means prosperity.
92. Edwin
Edwin was not commonly used after the Norman conquest, but it made a comeback in the 19th century thanks to Dickens’ book, ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’. The name means ‘rich friend’.
93. Elmer
During the Victorian Era, the name Teutonic was popular in America and means ‘awe-inspiring’ and ‘noble or famous’.
94. Enoch
This is a powerful and manly name that means ‘committed,’ and it would make a great Victorian baby name for your child.
95. Ernest
Ernest is a great name for a boy who is meant to excel in literature. It not only pays tribute to Ernest Hemingway, but also relates to a character in Oscar Wilde’s play. The name means sincerity.
96. Everett
In the 1800s, this popular name was very trendy in England and it means ‘wild boar’.
97. Fletcher
The name is robust and powerful, sounding like a mix of Flynn and Archer. Some may be reminded of the movie series ‘Fletch’ where the main character’s last name was Fletcher. The name means someone who crafts arrows.
98. Floyd
The name Aurora, which means ‘gray’ in Celtic, gained popularity after it was featured in the novel ‘Aurora Floyd’ by Mary Elizabeth Braddon in 1863.
99. Frank
In the 1880s, Frank was the eighth most popular name in America. But now, the number of people named Frank has decreased, so there won’t be as many Franks on the playground. The name means ‘free man’.
100. Franklin
Franklin is a stylish and classy Victorian baby name, which means ‘someone who owns land without any restrictions’.
101. Gilbert
The 12th century English saint’s name was brought to England by the Normans and it means ‘shining pledge’.
102. Grover
Grover Cleveland was a well-known president in the Victorian era, but nowadays the name Grover is more commonly associated with the character from ‘Sesame Street’. The name means collection of trees.
103. Harold
The Victorian baby name Harold, which means ‘ruler’, is a good and powerful name for boys nowadays. You can also call him Harry for short.
104. Harvey
Harvey is a classic name with a vintage charm, reminiscent of a character from the Batman comics. The name Harvey means ‘worthy of battle,’ carrying a strong and noble connotation.
105. Henry
This traditional Victorian baby name, which means ‘ruler of the estate’, continues to rise and fall in popularity. It is pleasant-sounding and feels more modern compared to names like Walter and Harold.
106. Hugh
After the first Americans brought this name from Europe, its popularity started to decline. Hugh Grant has helped bring this classic name back into fashion. The name means ‘intellect’.
107. Hugo
Hugo has a Victorian sound to his name, sounding slightly quirky but fearless. The name means ‘smart.’
108. Ives
Ives is a different version of the saintly name Yves and it means ‘eve’. The name is unique, elegant, and not very common.
109. Ivor
The Victorian baby name Ivor, which means ‘bow warrior’, has been a well-liked name in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall. It is a good choice if you want to honor your Gaelic heritage.
110. Jack
In the Victorian era, the name Jack, with its strong ‘k’ sound, was very popular. The name means ‘man’ and is currently ranked 46th on the popularity list.
111. Jerome
In the Victorian era, the English name ‘Hieronymus’ was popular in Greece. The composer Jerome Kern was known by this name.
112. Jules
This classic boy’s name from the Victorian era means ‘youthful’ and has a bold and refined feel. It also sounds like ‘joules’, the unit of energy.
113. Larkin
Larkin may seem contemporary, but it hasn’t been popular since the 1880s. The name means ‘fierce or rough.’
114. Leo
Russian writer Leo Tolstoy made the name Leo popular during the Victorian Era by bringing fame to it. The name means ‘lion’.
115. Louis
Celebrities really seem to like the name Louis, which means ‘famous warrior’. Sandra Bullock chose this name for her son.
116. Luther
The name always makes people think of the famous American civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. The name means fighter.
117. Martin
Martin, a name popular in countries like Austria, Spain, and Chile, has its origin in the Victorian era and means ‘warlike’.
118. Merritt
Merritt is an attractive English last name that has been used as a first name, and it means ‘worthy’. It could be a nice alternative to the name Everett.
119. Oliver
This traditional Victorian baby name is famous in Charles Dickens’ novel ‘Oliver Twist’. The name Oliver means ‘olive tree’.
120. Oscar
During the Victorian era, parents loved the award-winning name Oscar because it means ‘God’s spear’.
121. Otto
This particular design features many famous writers and historical figures wearing it. The name means being rich.
122. Phineas
This name, with its unique sense of masculinity, appears to be from the Victorian period. The name means ‘oracle’.
123. Raymond
Your son will grow up to be a well-rounded individual with a name like Raymond. This classic Victorian name carries the meaning of a wise protector.
124. Silas
This name is serious and sophisticated, and is linked with the literary work ‘Silas Marner’. The name means ‘from the forest’.
125. Sterling
This name sounds fancy and sophisticated, like someone who would carry a fancy cane and wear a top hat. The word means ‘easterner’.
126. Tesla
Interest in Serbian names has been increasing lately, and Tesla is becoming more popular. The name means ‘of the axe’.
127. Thaddeus
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Victorian baby name Thaddeus, which means ‘wise’, was very popular.
128. Theodore
During the late 1800s, the name Theodore was very popular, being ranked among the top 40 names. The Victorian baby name means ‘gift from God.’
129. Victor
The name has been around for a long time, but it became popular in the 19th century. This Victorian baby name means ‘winner’ and could be a good choice for your child.
130. Warren
Warren is a strong and rugged name that comes from a more delicate time, and it means ‘park-keeper’.
131. Watson
One thing we can’t deny is that Sherlock Holmes’ sidekick has a name that is very appealing. This Victorian baby name means ‘son of Walter’.
132. Wellington
This last name originates from the era of the Duke of Wellington in Britain. As an added perk, you can use Wells as a nickname. The name means ‘from the prosperous state.’
133. Willie
We are confident that you will discover this name in your family history dating back to the 1800s. Originally used as a nickname for William, the name means a steadfast protector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Victorian baby names are still quite popular and charming today. If you love the elegant fashion of the Victorian era, you might consider giving your baby a name inspired by that time period. Check out this list of classic names like Agatha, Della, Hazel, and Isabella to find the perfect one that piques your interest.
