The list of most popular Aussie baby names in 1900 is the naming inspiration you need.

From 1900 to 1910 is a pretty sweet spot for baby names. You’ll notice there’s a big crossover between popular names back then and popular names now.

Think Grace, Jack, Ruby, Rose, Lily, Harry, Hazel, Olive, Violet… and others that are starting to get a bit of use, like Esme, Dulcie and Minnie.

Names from that era feel right for now. They’re vintage, not just dated.

One name that is due for a comeback is Nigel. We discuss why, on our podcast for imperfect parents. Post continues.

So do the Aussie top 20s from 1900-1910 look anything like the Aussie top 20s of 2017? Well, sort of. Boys, yes. Girls, not so much.

When you look closely at the lists, you realise there are quite a few names that haven’t been revived yet. For some of them, it just isn’t their time (sorry, Edna). But others… well, why aren’t we using Ethel and Vera? Take a look and be inspired. Or not.

Most popular names for Australian boys 1900-1910

1. William (ranked 2 in 2017)
2. John (=139)
3. James (=15)
4. George (=30)
5. Thomas (9)
6. Arthur (=95)
7. Charles (=52)
8. Frederick (=169)
9. Robert (=217)
10. Edward (=33)
11. Henry (5)
12. Albert (=217)
13. Harold (=501)
14. Alfred (=139)
15. Walter (=217)
16. Ernest (=803)
17. Joseph (=81)
18. Cecil (=803)
19. Norman (-)
20. Reginald (=501)

Most popular names for Australian girls 1900-1910

1. Mary (ranked =150 in 2017)
2. Dorothy (=320)
3. Doris (-)
4. Alice (=30)
5. Florence (=92)
6. Margaret (=395)
7. Elsie (=33)
8. Gladys (-)
9. Eileen (=868)
10. Kathleen (=558)
11. Annie (=135)
12. Edna (-)
13. Elizabeth (=150)
14. Ethel (-)
15. Vera (-)
16. Edith (=121)
17. Ivy (28)
18. Thelma (=868)
19. Irene (-)
20. Ellen (=558)

Most popular names for 1900-1910 taken from NSW data. Most popular names from 2017 taken from SA data.

Is your child’s name on the list? Tell us in the comments below.