Forget futuristic baby names and ultra-modern monikers, 2026 is all about looking to the past. From Mabel and Eloise, vintage names once reserved for grandparents and great-aunts are suddenly appearing on birth announcements everywhere, as parents embrace a softer, more nostalgic style of naming.
According to new research analysing Social Security Administration baby name data, old-fashioned names are enjoying a major revival, fuelled by everything from literature and pop culture to family history and social media trends. And while some of these names may once have felt firmly out of fashion, today they are being reimagined as elegant, timeless and effortlessly chic.
© Getty ImagesEloise is the literary favourite parents can’t resist
One of the biggest breakout stars of the vintage revival is Eloise, the charming French-inspired name that originally rose to popularity in the 1920s before fading away for decades.Now, however, modern parents are rediscovering its appeal thanks to a growing love for classic storybook names and feminine choices that feel sophisticated yet playful.The beloved Eloise children’s books have also helped keep the name firmly in the cultural conversation, with the moniker climbing back into the top 100 baby names in recent years.
© Getty ImagesMabel and Marjorie are suddenly cool again
Among the more surprising comebacks are quirky retro names including Mabel and Marjorie. Mabel, which peaked over a century ago, has become increasingly popular thanks to its cosy, vintage feel and its association with whimsical, cottagecore-inspired aesthetics. Meanwhile, Marjorie has enjoyed renewed attention following Taylor Swift’s emotional track “Marjorie,” which introduced the name to an entirely new generation of fans.What was once considered outdated is now being embraced as unique and full of character.
Hazel and Maeve continue to rise
Nature-inspired vintage names are also having a major moment. Hazel has become one of the most-loved girls’ names in recent years, helped along by celebrity influence and pop culture references, including Julia Roberts naming her daughter Hazel.
© Getty ImagesMaeve, with its Irish roots and ethereal quality, has also surged in popularity, particularly among parents drawn to names that feel both ancient and modern at the same time.
Theodore and Arthur are the ultimate gentleman names
For boys, classic names with old-school charm are dominating. Theodore has become one of the defining baby names of the decade, soaring in popularity thanks to its polished feel and the rise of its adorable nickname, Theo.
© Bettmann ArchiveArthur is experiencing a similar renaissance. Once hugely popular in the early 1900s, the regal name has found favour again with parents searching for something traditional yet distinctive. There is something undeniably romantic about these names. They feel literary, elegant and quietly confident, which may explain why they are resonating so strongly with millennial and Gen Z parents.
Why parents are embracing vintage names again
Experts say the trend reflects a wider desire for comfort, nostalgia and connection in an increasingly fast-paced world. Rather than choosing invented or highly unusual names, many parents are gravitating towards names that feel familiar, meaningful and rooted in history.
Vintage names also carry a certain emotional warmth. They often remind people of beloved grandparents, family stories or iconic cultural moments, making them feel deeply personal as well as stylish.And if current trends continue, nursery classrooms in the future may sound less like a futuristic fantasy and more like the guest list at a glamorous 1930s dinner party. Eloise, Theodore and Mabel are officially back.
