112 Victorian Names for Babies

Before Emma, Liam, Nova, and Aidan, there were Archibald, Ida, and Gertrude. Many popular Victorian names are instantly recognizable; when you hear them, you think of elaborately decorated parlors, bustled gowns, tea times, and Charles Dickens novels. 

The Victorian period spanned the reign of Queen Victoria, from 1837 to 1901. This was an era of arts and culture, and while classic names like John, William, Elizabeth, and Sarah continued to be popular, the Victorian age also gave rise to floral and gem-inspired monikers like Opal, Ruby, and Pearl.

Ahead, discover some of the most popular Victorian names with a perfectly vintage feel. Some may end up on your own baby name list, while others may make you wish you were putting on your top hat and hopping in your horse-drawn carriage.

Popular Victorian Names for Baby Girls

Victoria

We have to kick off with the name that started it all, Victoria! 

• Origin: Latin
• Meaning: Victory 
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Viktoria

Alice

Lewis Carroll wrote his most famous book, Alice in Wonderland, during the Victorian period.

• Origin: French, German
• Meaning: Noble 
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Alyce, Allis

Mary

The name Mary reigned supreme for little girls for generations, finally falling off the top 50 list by 2003.

• Origin: Latin, Hebrew
• Meaning: Beloved, bitter, rebellious 
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Marie, Mari, Mare, Maria

Mabel

After many years outside of the top 500 names, Mabel is making a comeback!

• Origin: Latin, English
• Meaning: Lovable 
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Maybel, Maybell, Maybelle 

Violet 

Violet has had a meteoric rise in popularity in recent years, and is currently a trending name.

• Origin: Latin
• Meaning: Purple
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Violette, Violetta, Viola

Bertha

Bertha could definitely be considered a “rare” baby name today.

• Origin: German
• Meaning: Bright, famous 

Nellie

Names ending in “ie” were majorly popular for girls in the Victorian era, including Nellie, which can stand on its own, or be a nickname for Eleanor or Cornelia.

• Origin: Latin, Greek
• Meaning: Light, sun 
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Nell, Eleanor, Cornelia 

Minnie

Another adorable “ie” name, Minnie was a popular pick for Victorian baby girls.

• Origin: German, Latin, English
• Meaning: Protection, intellect, sea-born 
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Mini, Minny

Adelaide

Adelaide feels old-fashioned, much like the Victorian era itself, but it would be just as sweet today.

• Origin: German
• Meaning: Noble
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Addie, Addy

Florence

Floral-inspired names were common during the Victorian era, including Florence, which means “blossoming.” 

• Origin: Latin
• Meaning: Blossoming

More Victorian Names for Girls

• Margaret: During the Victorian era, Margaret was often nicknamed “Peg,” or like the eldest March sister, “Meg.”
• Ida: German names like Ida, Bertha, and Gertrude were popular for Victorian women.
• Clara: The name Clara is just so sweet! 
• Lillian: A little bit old-school but forever charming and delightful.
• Cora: Cora is a Greek name that translates to “daughter” or “maiden.”
• Elizabeth: The name Elizabeth never goes out of style! 
• Maude: One very famous Maude—Lucy Maud Montgomery, to be exact—introduced the world to Anne of Green Gables just a few years after the Victorian era ended.
• Carrie: Another “ie” name, Carrie could be a nickname for Caroline, or stand on its own.
• Edith: The English name Edith roughly means “wealth,” which is probably why it’s often used for upper class characters in Victorian fiction.
• Rose: One of the most famous floral names of the era, a Rose by any other name simply couldn’t smell as sweet! 
• Edna: Edna dropped out of the top 100 list after 1942 and hasn’t been in the top 1,000 since 1991. All the more reason to bring it back! 
• Catherine or Katherine: Catherine is the kind of name that feels truly timeless.
• Josephine: “Josie” is a cute nickname for this pretty pick.
• Agnes: Agnes hasn’t been in the top 1,000 names list since 1972! 
• May: Sweeter than the month she’s named for.
• Cordelia: Shorten it to “Nellie” or “Delia” for an equally on-theme name.
• Flora: A variation of Florence, Flora conjures up visions of beautiful gardens and walks in the park with a baby in a pram.
• Stella : After a long dip in popularity, Stella is on the rise again. “Estella” would be another great option.
• Harriet: We wouldn’t be surprised if Harriet became popular again very soon.
• Ruth: Another Victorian name making a comeback!
• Gladys: Gladys is a Welsh name with royal vibes; it means “ruler.” 
• Pearl, Opal, Ruby: Your baby is more precious than a jewel. Why not use one of these colorful names?
• Dorothy: Dorothy, which means “gift of God,” has some fun variations, including Dorothea, Dottie, or Dot.
• Hazel: Hazel re-entered the top 500 names in 2006 and has been climbing ever since!
• Irene: Irene is such a thoughtful, lovely first name.
• Gertrude: Gertrude feels outdated today, but it was very popular toward the end of the Victorian era, hanging out in the top 30 names in the early 1900s.
• Sophie: Sophia has been one of the most popular names of the past 20-ish years, but Sophie feels more decidedly Victorian. 
• Ida: Three letters makes a big statement in this cute, simple name. 
• Eva: Another short and sweet pick, Eva can also be short for Evangeline. 
• Elsie: Like we said, “ie” names were all the rage in the Victorian days. 
• Esther: This biblical name is often associated with the meaning "star."
• Viola: Doesn’t the name Viola feel so classically romantic and elegant?
• Beatrice: Beatrice is also having a 2020s glow-up, especially with the adorable nickname “Bea.”
• Martha: Martha didn’t leave the top 100 names until 1966! 
• Evelyn: The name Evelyn continues to be a popular pick for parents.
• Pauline: A little French glamour never hurt! 
• Thelma: Sure, Thelma still feels a bit of its time, but it could make a comeback! 
• Beulah: Another very old-fashioned pick, Beulah is associated with the meaning "bride."
• Marion: In addition to being a lovely girls' name, Marion was also a popular choice for boys in the Victorian era.
• Marguerite: Marguerite means “pearl,” but it can also refer to a daisy—both very Victorian, if you ask us.
• Georgia: Also a location-inspired name, Georgia pairs well with so many middle names and has a sweet, charming quality. 
• Eleanor: First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was born in the Victorian period, making her entrance in 1884.
• Olive: One of the best examples of an old-fashioned name that came back in a big way, Olive still feels fresh today. 
• Cecelia: If the name Cecelia immediately popped into your head when you thought about Victorian names, you’re not alone! 
• Blanche: Meaning “white” in French, Blanche is a name that has fallen out of fashion and is now best associated with The Golden Girls. 

Popular Victorian Names for Baby Boys

Albert

Given the fact that Albert was the husband of Queen Victoria, it’s not surprising that the name was very popular during that period. 

• Origin: German
• Meaning: Noble, bright
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Al, Bert

William

It probably won’t come as a shock to learn that the classic first name William hasn’t left the top 20 in more than 120 years.

• Origin: German
• Meaning: Protector
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Will, Willie, Bill, Billy, Liam

Henry

Another very popular classic first name, Henry has basically never fallen out of favor.

• Origin: German, French
• Meaning: Ruler 
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Henri, Henrik

Archibald 

One of the most famous Archies of today is definitely Prince Archie, son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, born in 2019.

• Origin: German
• Meaning: Genuine, bold
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Archie 

Cornelius

You might start a trend with this one, as Cornelius hasn’t been in the top 1,000 list for a long time. 

• Origin: Latin
• Meaning: Horn
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Neely, Neel

Clarence

Clarence definitely feels like a Victorian chap, doesn’t it?

• Origin: Latin
• Meaning: Clear, brilliant
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Clark 

George

The name George will truly never go out of style.

• Origin: Greek
• Meaning: Farmer
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Georgie, Giorgio 

Frank

As more and more “old-fashioned” names make a comeback, we won’t be surprised if Frank does too.

• Origin: Latin
• Meaning: Free, Frenchman
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Francis, Frankie 

Oscar

Sure, the most famous Oscar is either a statue or a grouch, but the name itself is a strong choice that will grow with your child.

• Origin: English, Irish
• Meaning: God’s spear
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Oskar

Frederick

Frederick is a great choice because it feels a little old-fashioned but can easily be shortened into cute nicknames like Freddie.

• Origin: German
• Meaning: Peaceful ruler
• Alternative Spellings and Variations: Fred, Freddie 

More Victorian Names for Baby Boys

• Walter: Did you think the name Walter was a bygone relic? Think again! The name was consistently super-popular until the ‘70s, but it's still holding strong.
• Arthur: If you like classic stories of courtly love and romance, as the Victorians did, the name Arthur is a fun reference to the Round Table.
• Louis: Louis has a royal vibe to it, don’t you think?
• Martin: Strong and timeless, Martin would also be a great pick for a middle name.
• Benjamin: You simply can’t fail with the name Benjamin.
• Francis: Call him “Frankie” as a nickname! You could also use “Frances” for a baby girl.
• Emil or Emmett: Similar to the feminine “Emily,” Emil and Emmett are both an underrated choice.
• Edwin: Edwin is one of those names that feels so classically gallant and proper.
• Claude: Claude is a cool first name and a great middle name too.
• Theodore: The name Theodore is currently having a moment, and for good reason—it’s super cute and has adorable nicknames, including “Theo” and “Teddy.”
• Hugh: Very classy. Very dignified. Very Hugh.
• James: You can’t have a roundup of popular baby names without James, which has basically never fallen from the top 20.
• Floyd: We think Floyd is due for a comeback, TBH.
• August: There’s a whole new generation of little ones named August and we think it’s the perfect name. Use “Gus” or “Auggie” as a nickname. 
• Raymond: Raymond was one of the most popular names of the Victorian period
• Chester or Jasper: These names have a similar vibe and will definitely stand out.
• Anton: Anton is of Latin origin and means “priceless” or “praiseworthy.”
• Alvin: Forget about the chipmunks. Alvin is such a great first name! 
• Julius: If you like the name Julian but want something a little less trendy, try Julius.
• Charles or Charlie: Both Charles and Charlie were popular during the Victorian era, perhaps inspired by its most famous novelist, Charles Dickens?
• Milton: Give your little one a name that conjures up visions of the British upper class.
• Sidney: Sidney or Sydney is also great gender-neutral option.
• Joseph: Another forever favorite, Joseph was as popular during the Victorian era as it is today.
• Calvin: The name Calvin is on an upswing in trend.
• Philip: Philip (or Phillip) will grow beautifully with your little one as he ages.
• Lee: If you like three-letter names, consider the simple but classic Lee for a child’s first or middle name.
• Lawrence: Lawrence really feels like the first name of a Victorian gentleman with a top hat and a cane, doesn’t it?
• Ambrose: Ambrose is a Greek name that means “immortal.”
• Oliver: Like Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist, of course! 
• Everett: Everett has been a trendier name in recent years, making it feel modern, yet timeless.
• Abraham: Abraham Lincoln was president during the Victorian era, so this name totally fits in. 
• Bernard: Bernard has a certain old-fashioned charm that makes it stand out.
• Amos: The short and sweet name Amos is a Hebrew name that means “to carry.”
• Felix: Felix is fairly common—it’s been in the top 400 names since 1900—but still feels unique.
• Silas: Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel named one of their sons Silas, and the name is currently on the rise.
• Percy: Chances are your child will love the green train of the same name on Thomas the Tank Engine.
• Josiah: Josiah has Hebrew roots and first hit the charts in 1903, slightly after the era technically ended.
• Malcolm: Malcolm has Scottish roots and is a classic choice for any little boy, Victorian or not.
• Harry: Many of today’s Harrys are named Harrison, but the name stands just as well on its own. Just ask Harry Styles. (Harrison was also popular during the Victorian time period.)
• Willis: If you like the name William but it’s just too commonly used, try Willis as a variation.
• Bartholomew: Sure, it’s a bit of a mouthful, but your child will definitely have a unique first name!