Short Vintage Names for Baby Boys

Whether you're looking for a short old-fashioned name for your soon-to-arrive baby boy or would like to balance your future son's long first name with a shorter middle name, you're in luck. We have compiled a list of 50 short name options for your little bundle in blue. Take a look!

1. John. A solid one-syllable classic with biblical roots.
2. Eli. After seeing sparing but steady use for decades, Eli suddenly shot up in popularity in the 2010s, but it still carries a certain vintage charm.
3. Alan. This short, easy-going name may sound a little dated, but not too out of place.
4. Paul. A biblical classic that occasionally takes a dip in popularity but always comes back again.
5. Otto. A short but charming palindrome.
6. Mack. For long seen as way too musty and fusty for a baby, Mack is finally starting to break free from the nursing home.
7. Otis. Short, but not short for anything, this one offers true vintage appeal as well as musical overtones via Otis Redding.
8. Sam. A nickname, as well as a nice, approachable given name that peaked in the 1920s.
9. Mac. A variation of Mack.
10. Rex. Short but complete!
11. Hugh. Twenty-first-century parents seem to prefer Hugo.
12. Ira. This pint-sized name was a Top 100 name in the late 1800s but would be considered an unusual name for a baby boy born today. The fact that the short Ira is also an acronym for a number of things may have contributed to its decline.
13. Gary. A mid-century hit best left in the past, or a retro-cool name worth a look? You decide.
14. Gus. This brisk and brief moniker evolved from mighty Augustus.
15. Emil. An old-timer with a European vibe.
16. Sol. Despite its bright meaning ("sun"), Sol has never been hugely popular in the U.S., but it did it did gain some steam in the early 1900s.
17. Steve. This mid-century moniker has seen better days, that's for sure. But if you're looking for an element of surprise, a little baby called Steve would definitely stand out on the playground.
18. Dale. Pick this unisex mid-century name meaning "valley", and you're set even if it turns out your doctor got your baby's gender wrong.
19. Olin. A Swedish surname and an old-fashioned baby name that showed some panache in the 1920s.
20. Don. In some countries, Don is used as a generic honorific similar to "Sir". But for most Americans, it's a nickname for grandpa Donald; though it has also been used as a formal name.
21. Earl. An all-but-lost appellation with strong vintage vibes.
22. Fred. This short and punchy name was huge in the first half of the 20th century. As a matter of fact, back then it was way more popular than the long form Frederick. Today's parents, by contrast, seem to prefer the long and elegant Frederick.
23. Hoyt. The 20th-century singer Hoyt Axton lends this distinctive throwback a musical edge.
24. Gene. Most of the noteworthy Genes were actually born Eugene (think Gene Hackman, Gene Kelly), but Gene also works as a given name. Comedian Amy Schumer named her son Gene back in 2019.
25. Tom. Another simple, to-the-point option for the minimalist family.
26. Abe. This one-syllable wonder is a bit too nicknamey for our liking, but if you like it, go for it!
27. Jeff. Out to pasture, both as a nickname and a given name.
28. Rick. Perhaps too mid-century for the average baby namer.
29. Ward. An evocative appellation for the intrepid parent.
30. Tim. Is your child's last name long and complicated? Why not give your kid a break by by choosing first name that's short and simple?
31. Jim. This James diminutive has seen better days.
32. Ted. Ted carries a definite grandpa vibe—regardless of whether it's used as a nickname (for Theodore or Edward) or a formal name.
33. Greg. Greg's strong, masculine sound made it a mid-century favorite.
34. Bill. A once-popular name and nickname for American baby boys, Bill is today stuck in grandpa territory.
35. Al. Another old-school name with a definite nickname vibe.
36. Phil. More often used as a nickname for grandpa Philip.
37. Ned. If you're in the market for a short and friendly "old man" name, this one fits the bill.
38. Stan. Rarely used as a standalone name, this Stanley short form gives off some serious mid-century vibes.
39. Ed. A real space-saver of name!
40. Bert. Bert showed some panache in the first half the 20th century, but sank from view in the second half of the century. Could it be time for a comeback?
41. Loyd. An occasionally heard variation of the more traditional Lloyd; both versions crested in the 1920s.
42. Rod. This one's been out of commission for a while now, and we don't see it catching on anytime soon.
43. Elmo. This old saint's name would definitely hold more appeal if it didn't make you think of the furry red monster on Sesame Street.
44. Vern. Short form of Vernon, occasionally also used as the formal name.
45. Alva. A male-leaning unisex name a hundred years ago, Alva is today more popular with girls. Just something to keep in mind.
46. Bud. An old-fashioned, laid-back name and nickname with a subtle nature twist.
47. Bob. Originally a nickname for Robert, Bob was also a somewhat popular given name in the 1930s and 40s. Fast forward to today, and you're unlikely to see Bob on a birth announcement.
48. Dock. A dusty, bygone name that we believe can be categorically declared out of style forever.
49. Doug. A short form of Douglas.
50. Pat. A common unisex nickname for Patrick and Patricia, Pat was also occasionally used as the formal name in mid-century America.