100 Classiest Baby Names for Boys & Girls in 2026

Royal & Aristocratic Boy Names

These fancy names carry a sense of dignity, tradition, and noble charm. Worn by kings, princes, and historic figures, they’ve stood the test of time while still feeling accessible today.

William

(German, “resolute protector”) — A timeless royal name used by English monarchs for centuries, including Prince William of Wales.

Henry

 (German, “estate ruler”) — The name of eight English kings, it exudes strength and statesmanship.

Albert 

(German, “noble and bright”) — Popularized by Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria, and known for his intellect and progressive ideas.

Leopold 

(German, “brave people”) — A stately European royal name with vintage flair and continental charm.

Arthur 

(Celtic, “bear”) — Legendary King Arthur lends this name enduring majesty and mythic appeal.

Edward 

(English, “wealthy guardian”) — A classic regal name borne by several British kings and princes.

Frederick 

(German, “peaceful ruler”) — Both royal and refined, this name was favored among European nobility.

George 

(Greek, “farmer” or “earthworker”) — Carried by six British kings and revived by the young Prince George of Wales.

James 

(Hebrew, “supplanter”) — A royal staple in both England and Scotland, known for its simple sophistication.

Philip 

(Greek, “lover of horses”) — Associated with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the name brings a classic aristocratic tone.

Louis 

(French, “famous warrior”) — A favorite in the French royal line, and now a rising modern royal pick thanks to Prince Louis of Wales.

Love the royal vibe? Check out 100 Royal Baby Names For Your Boy Prince for names full of tradition and nobility.

Understated, Sophisticated Boy Names

These unique boy names fly just under the radar—they’re classic, clean, and quietly confident. Think timeless charm with a modern edge.

Julian 

(Latin, “youthful”) — Elegant and gentle, with a long history in literature, art, and politics.

Graham 

(Scottish, “gravelly homestead”) — A strong, smooth name that feels equally at home in the boardroom or on the playground.

Miles 

(Latin, “soldier” or “merciful”) — A stylish name that blends warmth with polish.

Ellis 

(Welsh, “benevolent”) — Soft but grounded, this name has an artistic flair and a quietly modern feel.

Calvin 

(Latin, “bald” or “little bald one”) — Made famous by reformer John Calvin and designer Calvin Klein, it carries a cerebral, crisp energy.

Simon 

(Hebrew, “he has heard”) — Simple and classic, yet always fresh—ideal for parents who want something timeless but not overused.

Clark 

(English, “scribe” or “scholar”) — Handsome and tailored, this name has a retro-cool feel thanks to Clark Kent (aka Superman).

Anders 

(Scandinavian, “manly” or “brave”) — A Scandinavian twist on Andrew with minimal fuss and strong lines.

Reid 

(Scottish, “red-haired”) — Short, sharp, and full of quiet confidence. Also makes a great middle name.

Heath 

(English, “heathland dweller”) — Natural and grounded, it conjures open skies and classic romantic heroes.

Silas 

(Latin, “wood” or “forest”) — Old-world and literary, with a refined but slightly mysterious tone.

Vintage Boy Names Ready for a Comeback

These names harken back to a different era—think bow ties, leather-bound books, and quiet strength. They’re vintage classics with just the right amount of quirk to feel cool again.

Walter 

(German, “commander of the army”) — Once a grandpa name, now it feels solid and sophisticated with retro appeal.

Frederick 

(German, “peaceful ruler”) — Long associated with nobility and strength, Freddie is a sweet nickname option.

Clyde 

(Scottish, “warm” or referencing the River Clyde) — A name with Americana vibes and vintage swagger.

Edwin 

(English, “rich friend”) — A strong and gentle name with Anglo-Saxon roots and old-school charm.

Hugh 

(Germanic, “mind” or “intellect”) — Short, crisp, and dignified—it’s elegant without trying too hard.

Chester 

(Latin, “fortress” or “camp”) — Quirky and endearing, it’s ready to join the ranks of revived vintage picks.

Harvey 

(French, “battle worthy”) — Once associated with mid-century men, it’s been quietly rising in popularity again.

Ralph 

(Old Norse and English, “wolf counsel”) — A literary favorite with British charm—can be pronounced “Rafe” for extra polish.

Otis 

(German, “wealth” or “fortune”) — Musical, sweet, and stylish—it’s quickly becoming a hip vintage pick.

Raymond 

(German, “wise protector”) — Once firmly in the “grandpa” camp, this strong and steady name is gaining attention again.

Bertram 

(German, “bright raven”) — A rare vintage choice that feels intellectual and noble.

For even more timeless boy names, explore 100 Classic Baby Boy Names Listed from A–Z or 100 Vintage Baby Boy Names You’ll Love in 2025.

Mythology-Inspired Boy Names

These names come from Greek myths filled with heroism, wisdom, and wonder. While some are bold, others have a quiet strength—each one steeped in ancient legacy but with a modern, wearable feel.

Orion 

(Greek, “rising in the sky”) — A great hunter turned constellation, Orion feels celestial, bold, and surprisingly contemporary.

Atlas 

(Greek, “to endure” or “bearer”) — The Titan who held up the sky—strong and striking, with a modern edge.

Evander 

(Greek, “good man”) — A culture-bringer in mythology, Evander blends virtue and charm with a stately sound.

Leander 

(Greek, “lion man”) — A tragic romantic hero who swam across the sea for love—poetic and noble.

Theseus 

(Greek, “to set or place”) — A mythological king known for slaying the Minotaur. Strong and heroic with an elegant structure.

Damon 

(Greek, “to tame” or “subdue”) — Famous for the legend of Damon and Pythias, symbolizing deep loyalty and friendship.

Achilles 

(Greek, “pain” or “lipless”) — The central hero of The Iliad, known for strength and a legendary story arc. Bold and distinctive.

Adonis 

(Greek, “lord”) — The god of beauty and desire—romantic, elegant, and gaining popularity.

Castor 

(Greek, “to shine”) — One of the Gemini twins in mythology. Sleek, underused, and strong.

Apollo 

(Greek, “strength,” “beauty,” and “wisdom”) — The god of music, light, and poetry—refined and radiant.

Perseus 

(Greek, “to destroy” or “avenger”) — Hero who defeated Medusa and saved Andromeda—mythic and regal with a princely sound.

More Elegant Boy Names for 2026

These names didn’t fit squarely into one of the previous categories, but they still radiate elegance, depth, and charm.

Adrian 

(Latin, “from Hadria”) — Sleek and international, used in history and mythology alike.

August 

(Latin, “great” or “venerable”) — Regal and minimal; feels poetic and grounded at once.

Nathaniel 

(Hebrew, “gift of God”) — A longer, stately version of Nathan with literary ties.

Ambrose 

(Greek, “immortal”) — Rare and antique, but refined and intriguing.

Bennett 

(Latin, “blessed”) — A modern-feeling alternative to Benjamin with a polished twist.

Dominic 

(Latin, “of the Lord”) — Strong and lyrical with European roots and quiet confidence.

Quentin 

(Latin, “fifth”) — Sophisticated and slightly uncommon, with a rhythmic elegance.

Alistair 

(Scottish, “defender of man”) — A bold yet refined choice with aristocratic flair.

Sullivan 

(Irish, “dark-eyed”) — Surname-turned-first-name that still feels polished and dashing.

Desmond 

(Irish, “gracious defender”) — Rich in sound and heritage, with vintage strength.

If you’re drawn to names with rich meaning, don’t miss 100 Names That Mean Gold: From Ancient to Modern—a glittering mix of unique and timeless.

Classy Baby Girl Names for 2026

Vintage & Graceful Girl Names

These unique girl names harken back to another era—think lace gloves, handwritten letters, and elegance that never goes out of style. They’re graceful, enduring, and quietly confident.

Eleanor 

(French and Greek, light” or “shining one”) — A strong yet graceful classic with royal roots and timeless appeal.

Clara 

(Latin, “bright” or “clear”) — Simple and elegant, with a vintage feel and ties to The Nutcracker ballet.

Lillian 

(Latin, “lily flower”) — A sweet floral name with Edwardian charm and gentle sophistication.

Beatrice 

(Latin, “she who brings happiness”) — Elegant and poised, with Shakespearean and royal flair for your child’s name.

Florence 

(Latin, “flourishing” or “prosperous”) — A fashionable name with vintage beauty, popular in the early 1900s and making a strong comeback.

Mabel 

(Latin, “lovable”) — Full of antique charm and now delightfully quirky-cool again.

Dorothy 

(Greek, “gift of God”) — Long associated with The Wizard of Oz, this name is vintage, bold, and ready for revival.

Edith 

(English, “prosperous in war”) — A no-nonsense name with Downton Abbey elegance and retro warmth.

Harriet 

(German, “estate ruler”) — Strong and historic, with ties to trailblazers like Harriet Tubman.

Estelle 

(Latin, “star”) — Glimmering with old-school glamour and celestial grace for your precious girl.

Josephine 

(French, “Jehovah increases”) — Romantic, classic, and full of literary charm (thanks, Little Women).

Royal & Regal Girl Names

These fancy girl names are rich with royal history, timeless beauty, and dignified strength. Whether worn by queens or princesses, they’re the epitome of refined femininity.

Charlotte 

(French, “free woman”) — A royal favorite for centuries, made even more popular by Princess Charlotte of Wales.

Victoria 

(Latin, “victory”) — Queen Victoria gave this powerful name its royal shine—it’s graceful, commanding, and enduring.

Alexandra 

(Greek, “defender of mankind”) — Regal and strong, worn by queens and princesses across Europe.

Margaret 

(Greek, “pearl”) — A lovely name with vintage elegance, borne by royals like Princess Margaret and Saint Margaret of Scotland.

Isabella 

(Hebrew and Spanish, “pledged to God” Romantic and graceful, used by queens of Spain and Portugal and adored for its lyrical beauty.

Catherine 

(Greek, “pure”) — A beautiful name of queens and duchesses, from Catherine the Great to the Princess of Wales.

Eleanor 

(French and Greek, “light” or “shining one”) — A royal name with powerful history, including Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Amelia 

(Germanic, “work” or “industrious”) — Elegant and sweet, with both royal and literary roots.

Helena 

(Greek, “bright, shining light”) — Used in multiple European royal families, it’s a classic with a soft, regal sound for your little princess. 

Augusta 

(Latin, “majestic” or “venerable”) — Historically used by empresses, this rare name has undeniable grandeur.

Anastasia 

(Greek, “resurrection”) — Made famous by the Romanov princess, it’s a gorgeous name that’s rich, romantic, and full of drama.

Nature-Inspired Elegant Girl Names

These elegant baby names are grounded in the beauty of the natural world—flowers, skies, stars, and trees—while still feeling refined and sophisticated. They bring a sense of calm, grace, and quiet strength to your baby’s name.

Ivy 

(English, refers to the ivy plant) — Simple and stylish, this climbing vine symbolizes fidelity and friendship.

Rose 

(Latin, “rose flower”) — A classic botanical name that’s as elegant as it is enduring.

Hazel 

(English, “hazel tree”) — Earthy and vintage, with warm, golden tones and a gentle rhythm.

Celeste 

(Latin, “heavenly”) — Ethereal and graceful, this sky-inspired name is both airy and grounded.

Dahlia 

(Scandinavian, named after the flower) — Lush and romantic, it carries a bold elegance.

Luna 

(Latin, “moon”) — Soft, luminous, and celestial—gaining popularity while maintaining its serene charm for a chic baby!

Violet 

(Latin, “purple flower”) — A vintage floral name with a strong yet delicate presence.

Willow 

(English, “willow tree”) — Symbolizing flexibility and grace, it feels both bohemian and regal.

Marigold 

(English, “golden flower”) — Rare and whimsical, yet with a classic rhythm and sunny energy.

Sylvie 

(Latin, “from the forest”) — Light and lyrical, it carries a woodsy elegance and French flair.

Estelle 

(Latin, “star”) — Though also a vintage charmer, its celestial meaning gives it a natural and graceful glow.

Soft, Feminine & Refined Girl Names

These elegant girl names have a gentle rhythm and a melodic sound. They feel graceful and airy—perfect for parents who love names that are elegant without being overly frilly.

Elodie 

(French, “foreign riches”) — Light and lyrical, with a modern French flair that feels effortlessly chic for your little girl.

Juliet 

(Latin, “youthful”) — Romantic and refined, forever tied to Shakespeare’s iconic heroine.

Seraphina 

(Hebrew, “fiery” or “burning one”) — An angelic and ethereal name with a dramatic, graceful presence.

Evangeline 

(Greek, “bringer of good news”) — Long, romantic, and full of light—it carries a timeless elegance.

Camille 

(French, “young ceremonial attendant”) — Sleek and sophisticated with a soft strength.

Isadora 

(Greek, “gift of Isis”) — A flowing, vintage name with grace and flair, perfect for those who love names with historical depth.

Amara 

(Latin and Greek, “grace” or “eternal”) — Simple, smooth, and rich with meaning across cultures.

Liliana 

(Latin, “lily flower”) — Floral and melodic, this longer form of Lily adds elegance and softness.

Arabella 

(Latin, “yielding to prayer” or “beautiful altar”) — Regal and feminine, with a fairytale feel.

Anneliese 

(German, “grace + devoted to God”) — A compound of Anna and Liese, it’s gentle, elegant, and continental.

Vivienne 

(French, “alive”) — A sophisticated name with vintage French flair—an elegant twist on Vivian.

Olivia 

(Latin, “olive tree”) — Made popular by Shakespeare (Twelfth Night), this name is graceful, feminine, and deeply rooted in tradition.

Mary 

(Hebrew, traditionally interpreted as “bitter” but later associated with “star of the sea”) — Associated through the Latin title Stella Maris, a name for the Virgin Mary. This poetic reinterpretation has become one of its most beloved meanings.

Primrose 

(English, “first rose”) — More recently associated with The Hunger Games, this name is prim and floral, a truly elegant and vintage name with natural charm.

Amadea 

(Latin, “Beloved of God”) — Feminine form of Amadeus. Rare, melodic, and elegant.

Still searching for the perfect girl’s name? 100 Feminine Baby Girl Names With Beautiful Meanings is full of graceful and heartfelt options.

Mythology-Inspired Girl Names

The ideas on this baby name list come straight from Greek mythology, blending lyrical beauty with deep, ancient roots. Many of them feel fresh and elegant today while carrying centuries of history.

Daphne 

(Greek, “laurel tree”) —  A nymph in Greek mythology transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo—light, graceful, and rooted in nature.

Calliope 

(Greek, “beautiful voice”) — The muse of epic poetry, this name is musical, bold, and full of artistic flair.

Selene 

(Greek, “moon”) — The goddess of the moon, Selene, has a celestial, dreamy quality.

Thalia 

(Greek, “to blossom”) — One of the nine muses, Thalia is associated with comedy and abundance—bright and graceful.

Phoebe 

(Greek, “radiant” or “bright”) — A Titan associated with the moon, this name is short, strong, and elegant.

Iris 

(Greek, “rainbow”) — The goddess of the rainbow and a messenger of the gods—colorful, airy, and effortlessly chic.

Penelope 

(Greek, “weaver”) — Known as the faithful wife of Odysseus, Penelope is classic, literary, and full of poise.

Cleo 

(Greek, “glory of the father”) — Short for Cleopatra. Royal, sharp, and sleek—a name with ancient richness.

Ariadne 

(Greek, “most holy”) — Known for helping Theseus escape the Minotaur’s labyrinth—mythic, romantic, and underused.

Andromeda 

(Greek, “ruler of men”) — A bold and striking name tied to both mythology and the stars.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a baby name can feel like one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a new parent. Whether you’re drawn to vintage charm, mythological meaning, or modern elegance, we hope this list helps you discover the best name for your little one.

Some of these may already be popular names, while others are quietly waiting to be rediscovered—but all carry a timeless grace that never goes out of style. As you explore, trust your instincts, make note of your favorite names, and enjoy the process—it’s part of the magic of preparing for your baby’s arrival.

Good luck on your naming journey! And if you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out our other popular articles on baby names, parenting tips, and life with little ones.