Old-Fashioned Boy Names That Start with B
Let's talk about old-fashioned B-names for baby boys. There are the old Christian names, like Benedict and Barnabas. The retro surname names, like Booker and Burton. The short and simple mid-century monikers, like Bill and Bob. Whatever type of name you're looking for, you just may find that perfect baby name in our list of 20 old-fashioned boys' names starting with B below. Good luck!
- Bruce—Bruce Springsteen lends this mid-century moniker a retro rock 'n' roll vibe, but it also has ties to Hollywood.
- Bruno—An old saint's name of German origin.
- Benedict—If a Catholic boys' name is on your wish list, here's a vintage-infused choice with impeccable saintly and papal credentials.
- Benny—Benjamin is huge, but the more casual Benny isn't at risk of taking over the playground.
- Bennie—Variation of Benny.
- Bobby—While Bob has pretty much fallen into baby name oblivion, the endearing Bobby still seems to appeal to a number of parents.
- Billy—All the retro feel of Bill, with an added Y.
- Booker—This occupational and surname name has literary overtones via The Booker Prize, as well as a notable namesake in the great civil rights activist Booker T. Washington.
- Bernard—Bernard has saintly bona fides via St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a powerful meaning ("strong, brave bear"), and genuine old-school charm. It's difficult to find a name that combines all those qualities!
- Basil—Today, few parents seem to be interested in using the name Basil. It's too bad, though, because Basil has a lot going for it: deep roots, saintly namesakes (St. Basil the Great, St. Basil the Elder), a nature connection via the herb, and a powerful meaning: the name can be traced back to the word Basileus, an ancient Greek term and title that can be loosely translated as "monarch" or "king".
- Buddy—Better known as a nickname, Buddy enjoyed moderate popularity as a given name in the 1930s.
- Burton—This B-name does double duty as both a first name and a surname. As a first name, it reached its peak in the 1920s.
- Bill—Today, Bill carries a definite grandpa vibe, regardless of whether it's used as a nickname for William or inked on the birth certificate as the formal name.
- Bernie—Most famous Bernies, including Sanders, Madoff and Mac, were born Bernard, but the friendly short form Bernie was also occasionally used as a given name in mid-century America.
- Barnabas—Considered perfectly baby-appropriate a couple of centuries ago, Barnabas–the handle of an early Christian disciple–is rarely heard on today's playgrounds. Perfect if you're looking for a lofty, attention-grabbing Christian boy name from the New Testament.
- Bert—Bert was an on-trend but not overly popular boy's name in the first half the 20th century, but it gradually lost its appeal in the second half of the century. Are we ready to bring it down from the attic?
- Bud—An old-fashioned, laid-back (possibly too laid-back) name with a subtle nature twist.
- Barney—A short form of Barnabas but also a given name in its own right, Barney has been struggling to gain fans in the contemporary U.S. A number of fictional Barneys (e.g. Barney the Dinosaur, Barney Gumble from The Simpsons, Barney Stinson) may be to blame.
- Bob—Bob may have started off as a nickname for Robert, but it was also a somewhat popular as a standalone name in the 1930s and 40s. Fast forward to today, and you're unlikely to hear Bob called out on a playground.
- Buford—Waiting for some cool couple to save it from extinction!
