Classic baby names are classic for a reason: they’re readily recognizable, easy to spell, and beloved by all. It’s no surprise, then, why parents often opt for these tried-and-true monikers over trendier or more exotic picks, proving that basic doesn’t necessarily mean boring.
For girls, there’s Emily, which comes from the Latin Aemilia meaning ‘striving’ and ‘eager.’ This name has definitely stood the test of time, having been popular since the 1970s. It was even the most popular girl’s name from 2000 to 2007, showing that its popularity hasn’t waned at all in recent years.
There’s also Michael for boys, another name that has been popular in the U.S. for generations. This beloved Biblical name comes from the Hebrew rhetorical question asking, “Who is like God?” Outside of the United States it’s also wildly popular in Europe, where it’s spawned variants like Mikhail, Miguel, and Mihaly, to name a few.
Let’s not forget Christopher, either, another name obviously inspired by Christianity. This name comes from the Greek meaning ‘bearer of Christ,’ and also has many variants, just as Michael does. This name is perhaps one of the most popular boy names of all time, as it’s claimed the number one spot for popular baby names over 40 times in the past 200 years. Now that’s a lot of Christophers!
We’ve got plenty more classic baby names and their meanings below, so read on to learn more about these long-time American favorites.
Ada
Meaning: Noble, nobility
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Adeline
Meaning: Noble, nobility
Origin: French
Gender: Girl
Alexander
Meaning: Defending men
Origin: Greek
Gender: Boy
Alice
Meaning: Noble
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Amelia
Meaning: Work
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Arthur
Meaning: Bear
Origin: Celtic
Gender: Boy
Asher
Meaning: Fortunate, blessed, happy one
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Boy
Audrey
Meaning: Noble strength
Origin: English
Gender: Girl
August
Meaning: Great, magnificent
Origin: Latin
Gender: Boy
Cecilia
Meaning: Blind
Origin: Latin
Gender: Girl
Charlotte
Meaning: Free man
Origin: French
Gender: Girl
Clara
Meaning: Bright, clear
Origin: Latin
Gender: Girl
Cora
Meaning: Maiden
Origin: Greek
Gender: Girl
Cyrus
Meaning: Sun
Origin: Persian
Gender: Boy
Eleanor
Meaning: God is my light
Origin: French
Gender: Girl
Elijah
Meaning: Yahweh is God
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Boy
Eliza
Meaning: Pledged to God
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Girl
Ella
Meaning: All, completely, fairy maiden
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Eloise
Meaning: Healthy, wide
Origin: French/English
Gender: Girl
Emma
Meaning: Universal
Origin: German
Gender: Girl
Ezra
Meaning: Help
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Boy
Felix
Meaning: Happy, fortunate
Origin: Latin
Gender: Boy
Grace
Meaning: God`s grace
Origin: English
Gender: Girl
Henry
Meaning: Estate ruler
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
Hugo
Meaning: Mind, intellect
Origin: Latin
Gender: Boy
Isaac
Meaning: Laughter
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Boy
Jack
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: English
Gender: Boy
James
Meaning: Supplanter
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Boy
Jane
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: English
Gender: Girl
Jasper
Meaning: Bringer of treasure
Origin: Persian
Gender: Boy
Josiah
Meaning: God supports, heals
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Boy
Juliet
Meaning: Youthful or sky father
Origin: Latin
Gender: Girl
Leo
Meaning: Lion
Origin: Latin
Gender: Boy
Lily
Meaning: Lily
Origin: English
Gender: Girl
Luke
Meaning: Man from Lucania
Origin: Greek
Gender: Boy
Maeve
Meaning: She who intoxicates
Origin: Irish
Gender: Girl
Nora
Meaning: Light
Origin: Irish
Gender: Girl
Oliver
Meaning: Olive tree
Origin: Latin
Gender: Boy
Olivia
Meaning: Olive tree
Origin: Latin
Gender: Girl
Orion
Meaning: Rising star
Origin: Greek
Gender: Boy
Oscar
Meaning: God spear, deer-lover, champion warrior
Origin: Irish
Gender: Boy
Penelope
Meaning: Weaver
Origin: Greek
Gender: Girl
Roman
Meaning: Citizen of Rome
Origin: Latin
Gender: Boy
Samuel
Meaning: Told by God
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Boy
Sebastian
Meaning: Person from ancient city of Sebastia
Origin: Greek
Gender: Boy
Silas
Meaning: Wood, forest
Origin: Latin
Gender: Boy
Thea
Meaning: Goddess, godly
Origin: Greek
Gender: Girl
Theodore
Meaning: Gift of God
Origin: Greek
Gender: Boy
Tobias
Meaning: God is good
Origin: Hebrew
Gender: Boy
William
Meaning: Resolute protection
Origin: German
Gender: Boy
