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Old-School Boy Names That Start with L

Old-fashioned L boy names

Choosing a name for your child is one of the most exciting decisions you'll make ahead of your new arrival, but it can also stir up a lot of stress. That squirmy little thing performing backflips in your belly is counting on you to come up with a smashing name for him to grow up with!

But don't worry: we're here to help. If you're drawn to old-fashioned boys' names starting with the letter L, here are some ideas to jumpstart your search.

  1. Louis. Saintly and royal, yet friendly and approachable, Louis seems like a win all around!
  2. Lewis. A popular choice for American baby boys in the first half of the 20th century, the name Lewis fell off its pedestal in the second half of the century. Time to bring it back?
  3. Lawrence. A mid-century hit that's waiting for some intrepid baby namers to restore its luster.
  4. Lucian. An underused name with a beautiful meaning ("light") and a Catholic connection through St. Lucian.
  5. Leonard. An old animal-inspired name that peaked in popularity in the 1920s. Today's parents seem to prefer the short form Leo.
  6. Larry. This easy-going name has a definite grandpa vibe, whether used as a nickname for Lawrence or as a standalone name.
  7. Leroy. Leroy is a place name, a surname, and a given name with a decidedly retro feel.
  8. Lucien. A variation of Lucian.
  9. Lucius. Is this long-quiet biblical name worthy of a revival? We think it's about time!
  10. Luther. Whether you think of Martin Luther or Martin Luther King Jr., this L-name has some serious backbone!
  11. Lloyd. An out-and-out Welsh name dripping with vintage charm.
  12. Lester. Another handle that does triple duty as a surname, a place name and an old-mannish given name.
  13. Laurence. A variation of Lawrence.
  14. Lowell. A surname and a retro given name with an astronomical tie-in via 19th-century astronomer Percival Lowell.
  15. Lyman. A surname and a dusty, musty first name from yesteryear that isn't likely to make a comeback any time soon.
  16. Loyd. An occasionally heard variation of the more traditional Lloyd; both names peaked in the 1920s.
  17. Lanny. A mid-century moniker with a nickname-y vibe.