Baby names have always reflected the times; shaped by pop culture, family ties, and even social media trends. But while some new parents look to modern, edgy names to stand out, others are finding inspiration in something far more traditional: the past.
Over the decades, names often fall in and out of favor. Some stay at the top year after year – classics like Olivia, Sophia, Noah, and Oliver seem almost untouchable. Others quietly disappear for generations before suddenly becoming fashionable again.
According to data from What to Expect, vintage names are making a serious return to modern nurseries. These timeless picks from decades or even centuries ago are proving that what’s old can feel new again.
Why Parents Are Turning to Timeless Names
Experts say there’s something special about names that bridge the gap between modern taste and classic tradition. What to Expect notes: “A classic, old-fashioned baby name that was popular in decades past may strike the perfect balance between modern sensibilities and time-honored traditions.”
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They add that while these names aren’t for everyone, knowing which ones are regaining popularity gives parents a fresh sense of inspiration – especially for those who want something elegant but distinctive.
The Vintage Girl Name Everyone’s Talking About
Among this year’s biggest surprises is a name that hasn’t graced the girls’ Top 100 list for over 60 years – until now. After decades of fading from view, this graceful classic has quietly climbed the charts, fueled by its literary charm and timeless sound.
That name? Josephine.
BabyCenter reports that Josephine, meaning “God will add,” has reappeared in the Top 100 for the first time since 1943, landing at No. 96. The name (a feminine version of Joseph) began its steady comeback in 2018 and has since become a favorite among parents seeking something traditional yet chic.
Most Popular Baby Names of 2025
Alongside Josephine’s impressive resurgence, BabyCenter released its latest rankings for the year’s most popular names.
Top Girls’ Names:
Olivia, Amelia, Sophia, Emma, Isabella, Charlotte, Eliana, Ellie, Aurora, Mia, Ava, Lily, Luna, Evelyn, Violet, Aria, Sofia, Hazel, Harper, Layla, Nova, Willow, Ivy, Gianna, Eleanor, Ella, Scarlett, Elizabeth, Chloe, Elena, Nora, Penelope, Lainey, Isla, Camila, Avery, Riley, Mila, Delilah, Lucy, Valentina, Leilani, Grace, Paisley, Naomi, Abigail, Emilia, Iris, Ayla, Stella, Emily, Maya, Amara, Zoe, Eden, Josie, Autumn, Hannah, Zoey, Alice, Athena, Victoria, Millie, Sophie, Kinsley, Sadie, Aaliyah, Ruby, Adeline, Daisy, Melody, Clara, Emery, Raelynn, Eloise, Serenity, Madison, Maria, Liliana, Leah, Bella, Addison, Lyla, Sarah, Gabriella, Madelyn, Brooklyn, Everly, Emersyn, Brielle, Hailey, Sienna, Charlie, Lillian, Catalina, Josephine, Juniper, Oaklynn, Vivian, Kehlani.
Top Boys’ Names:
Noah, Liam, Oliver, Elijah, Mateo, Levi, Lucas, Ezra, Asher, Luca, Leo, James, Henry, Hudson, Elias, Michael, Theodore, Samuel, Muhammad, Theo, Benjamin, Grayson, Daniel, Sebastian, Ethan, Jack, Josiah, Mason, Maverick, Gabriel, Waylon, Wyatt, Carter, Isaiah, William, Alexander, David, Owen, Julian, Santiago, Jackson, Luke, Cooper, Adam, Matthew, Logan, Ezekiel, Caleb, Roman, Kai, John, Aiden, Weston, Miles, Lincoln, Atlas, Rowan, Silas, Nolan, Enzo, Jayden, Anthony, Thomas, Joseph, Nathan, Amir, Jacob, Bennett, Isaac, Wesley, Charlie, Beau, Eli, Joshua, Colton, Micah, Jeremiah, Zion, Everett, Adrian, Myles, Ryan, Adriel, Xavier, Luka, Cameron, Andrew, Christian, Jace, River, Malachi, Jaxon, Walker, Christopher, Arthur, Ali, Brooks, Nathaniel, Parker, Easton.
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A Nostalgic Turn in Naming Culture
With Josephine back in the spotlight and many other traditional names finding new life, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of the vintage revival.
Parents are clearly embracing names that carry history; timeless choices that stand apart from fleeting trends, proving once again that classics never truly go out of style.