By old-timey names, I mean ones that you don’t typically associate with anyone alive or younger than like 70.
Examples being:
- Burl
- Mildred
- Herbert
- Agnes
- Evelyn (not as rare at the others, but getting there)
I’ve always liked the name “Opal” but I’ve only ever known two in my life. I was like 10-12 at the time, and they were both pushing 90.
I’m fond of “Gwendolyn” but I’ve never met or even known of one, to my knowledge.
Oh! I thought of one, Gwendolyn Christie.
I knew a Gwen in college, but it wasn’t short for Gwendolyn. Just “Gwen”.
My best friends kid is named Guinevere, is that archaic enough to fit?
I’ve heard a Welsh musician called Gwennifer.
I think Jennifer, Guinevere are all probably similar just different languages.
I’ve seen it once, although more recently met a Genevieve which feels even rarer and just as pretty.
I knew a Genevieve in college, and then my son’s best friend in preschool was a Genevieve who went by Jenny (or Geny?) and now my daughter has one in her class, so they’re making a comeback maybe?
Not surprised to see nobody recommended bringing back Wilfred
Knew a Wilf once and he was a complete dickhead
But he was the best Doctor Who companion.
Roy. Ol’roy
- Verl
- Verna
- Pearl
- Elvin
Every time I hear “Verna” I think of Jenna’s mom on 30 Rock played to perfection by the late Jan Hooks.
Myrtle
My twelve year old is Evelyn. My 14 year old is Genevieve. Which is apparently still out there but I thought it was pretty uncommon when we named her.
Both pretty names! I’m particularly fond of “Genevieve.”
I suspect there are several names no longer common in the US that are more common in other countries. I think “Genevieve” is still fairly common in France, and it’s making a comeback in the states! You’re doing your part!
The difference being
Jen-e-vive
Vs
Zhawn-vi-ev
My vote is for Gretchen.
As a German I find Gretchen hilarious. Not a name you’d see in Germany despite its origins.
My vote is on Brunhilde, my grandma’s name. It’s a name only 80+y olds would have, but I like it
I love Elfriede and Ute, too
My great aunt was named Ute, I’ve never seen anyone else (in the US at least) with that name.
How about Wanda. I had an aunt Wanda. She was kinda mean, but she had a lot of boyfriends.
Wanda forever
Wanda Comeover.
Blessica
cVIIIlyn
Utnapishtim.
That’s certainly old-timey lol.
I have a relative named Agnes in her early twenties. Don’t do it. I find the Texas A&M jokes to be unbearable and I’m sure I hear less than 10% of what she hears
Mildred, Evelyn, Opal all names of my aunts +3 generations older than mine. Also try Betty as a diminutive for Elizabeth, Gerald, Hank, Errol, Mabel, Jerome, and Cordelia. These all scream white Midwestern US farmer to me.
Errol is most likely to have gotten into a bit of trouble and really seen the world when he was drafted for WWII.
Also try Betty as a diminutive for Elizabeth, Gerald, Hank, Errol, Mabel, Jerome, and Cordelia.
Why is Betty a diminutive of Gerald and Hank? (Among others)
Sorry, I don’t understand the connection between Agnes and Texas A & M. I did a quick search, which was less than useful. Can you explain?
I want people to go by their first two initials, and then the entire last name. Y’know, “H. G. Wells, J.G. Wentworth”.
It just makes everyone sound more fancy and serious.
Does the B stand for Bizzle?
I’m imagining that your first name is something like Vijay and your middle initial is J, and so no wonder you wouldn’t notice.
My boss does that, and for that reason. I do like it. Unfortunately, he cannot help me get cash now from my structured settlement.
Funny. I had a boss who thought that use of initials was pretentious. Or maybe I’m putting words in his mouth and it was specifically my use of a middle initial he didn’t like. Harry S Truman’s name would presumably have given him a headache.
Either way, I countered that having a customised number plate on a car was surely just as bad, to which he had no answer.
Hairy Ass Truman
Évelyne is faily common around here still.
Gilgamesh is one I haven’t heard in a hot minute, not sure about the comeback though.
True. Evelyne Brochu is my age.
Gilgamesh is one I haven’t heard in a hot minute, not sure about the comeback though.
Not with that attitude lol. Maybe we can ease it back in as a middle name or something.
I knew a Gilgamesh! Went by Gil.
Emmett
I would say Marceline, but adventure Time kind of kicked that overdue revival into high gear.
The only Marceline I’ve ever heard of is Marceline Hugot. She played Kathy Geiss on 30 Rock. Yes, this is the second 30 Rock reference I’ve made in this post lol
Find a spot for another
