Old Hollywood can be a great source of inspiration for baby names. If you associate a particular movie with cherished childhood memories, naming your child after a character or actor from the film could be a sweet way to remember them. Maybe you always watched It’s a Wonderful Life during the holidays or sang tunes from The Sound of Music with your grandparents. Maybe you grew to love a film or star on your own. Perhaps you just love the elegance of names from the golden age of cinema.
Whatever your reason, classic movies have many baby name options to choose from. Between the many glamorous stars and the memorable characters they play, the options are nearly endless. Read on for some of our favorite baby names inspired by Old Hollywood.
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What is Old Hollywood?
Old Hollywood refers to the “golden age” of cinema, roughly spanning from the late 1920s—when sound in cinema was first introduced—to the early 1960s. During this era, film studios like MGM, Warner Bros., and 20th Century Fox controlled all aspects of filmmaking, from casting to production design to distribution. Actors were sculpted to appear glamorous and untouchable in the public eye, and all films followed a strict code of conduct enforced by the studios.
Today, the era is remembered most for stars like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Cary Grant, whose countless roles offer excellent baby naming inspiration for parents about to welcome a new little one into the world.
Old Hollywood Baby Names for Girls
Anita
Origin: Spanish | Meaning: Grace
Fans of West Side Story could take inspiration from the character of Anita. The character was played flawlessly by Rita Moreno in the 1961 version of the film and by Ariana DeBose in the 2021 remake.
Annette
Origin: French | Meaning: Grace, Favor
One of the original Mousketeers, Hollywood actress Annette Funicello, rose to fame in the late 1950s. With a meaning like “grace,” Annette is a beautiful choice for a double-letter girls’ name.
Audrey
Origin: British | Meaning: Noble Strength
You can’t get more classic Hollywood than Audrey Hepburn, star of Roman Holiday, My Fair Lady, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, among several others.
Ava
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Bird
Ava is brought to our list thanks to the legendary starlet Ava Gardner. Gardner starred in Show Boat, The Barefoot Contessa, and many other hit films.
Bette
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: God’s Promise
One of the main reasons to look to Old Hollywood for baby name inspiration is all of the classic names. One of our favorites is this uncommon option inspired by actress Bette Davis.
Claudette
Origin: French | Meaning: Enclosure
An old-fashioned name to be sure, Claudette Colbert is known for staring in some stunning roles, such as Cleopatra and It Happened One Night.
Debbie
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Bee
Moms who were once ’90s babies may know her more as Marnie Piper’s witchy grandma in Halloweentown, but Debbie Reynolds has been gracing our televisions much longer. One of the most well-known films from her early days (and one of our favorites) will leave you singin’ in the rain.
Dorothy
Origin: English, Greek | Meaning: Gift of God
Dorothy pays homage to the adventurous, pure-hearted hero of The Wizard of Oz. This movie somehow still feels magical and relevant despite being more than 80 years old, especially because of the recent Wicked films.
Eliza
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: God is Satisfaction, Joyful
Eliza from the 1964 film My Fair Lady was a charming character. This “joyful” name is the shortened form of Elizabeth.
Esther
Origin: Persian | Meaning: Star
Esther appears in the Old Testament and means “star.” It was also the name of the character played by Judy Garland in the 1944 Christmas musical movie Meet Me in St. Louis.
Georgine
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Farmer
More known for her dance moves but also some notable film roles—like that of “Miss Torso” in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film Rear Window—is Georgine Darcy. We love this unique spin on the more common Georgina and the feminine version of George.
Gilda
Origin: Filipino, English | Meaning: Golden
Brought to our list by a love triangle for the ages, Gilda was played by the incomparable Rita Hayworth. It would be tough to find a name more perfect to honor the “golden” age of Hollywood than this one.
Glinda
Origin: Welsh | Meaning: Fair
Imagine a child’s delight when she learns that the glittering “good witch” from The Wizard of Oz and Wicked shares her name.
Grace
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Favor
Grace Kelly epitomized old glamour, starring in a number of Hitchcock films and other mid-century hits.
Greta
Origin: German | Meaning: Pearl
An homage to the incomparable Greta Garbo, an Old Hollywood actress known for her enchanting performances and for successfully transitioning from silent films to “talkies” in the 1920s.
Holly
Origin: British | Meaning: The Holly Tree
This sweet name, with a nod to Christmas, is brought to our list by the complicated but iconic character, Holly Golightly, played by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Ilsa
Origin: German, Spanish, Dutch | Meaning: God’s Promise
Ilsa is inspired by the tragic heroine of the 1942 film Casablanca, often referred to as one of the greatest romance movies ever made.
Ingrid
Origin: Scandinavian | Meaning: Fair, Beautiful
We had to include the name of the Swedish-born actress, Ingrid Bergman, who brought Ilsa to life in Casablanca. Her impressive career spanned decades in Old Hollywood.
Katharine/Katherine
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Pure
As far as timeless names go, Katharine truly never goes out of style. This inclusion is brought to us by another well-known Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, who starred in The Philadelphia Story.
Lana
Origin: Slavic | Meaning: Shining, Light, Blessed
A list of baby names inspired by classic movies would be incomplete without The Postman Always Rings Twice actress, Lana Turner. Not to mention, her character’s title, Cora, also makes for great baby name consideration.
Lena
Origin: British, Hebrew, Norwegian | Meaning: Torch, Ray of Light, Tower
Lena is historically used as a nickname for many different names, including Helen, Alina, and Magdalena. It’s also one of the characters from the seminal play and 1961 film, A Raisin in the Sun.
Lorelei
Origin: German | Meaning: Enchantress
This unique name is inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s character, Lorelei Lee, from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Lucille
Origin: French | Meaning: Light
While most well-known for her work on her television series, I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball also graced the big screen more than once.
Mae
Origin: British | Meaning: Mae
Often seen as a middle name option, this short but sweet title is brought to our list by leading lady Mae West, who starred in films like I’m No Angel and She Done Him Wrong.
Maria
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Star of the Sea, Beloved
Maria, which has long been one of the most popular names in Latin America, pays homage to two beloved classics: The Sound of Music and West Side Story.
Sabrina
Origin: Welsh, Arabic | Meaning: Patience
This lovely name references the 1954 film, Sabrina, starring Audrey Hepburn. However, no one has to know if you’re low-key more familiar with the ‘90s sitcom Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
Vivien
Origin: Latin, French | Meaning: Lively
The name Vivien, which means “lively,” is shared by British actress Vivien Leigh. She’s known for her roles in Gone with the Wind and A Streetcar Named Desire.
Zuzu
Origin: Czech, Yiddish | Meaning: Lily, Sweet
There’s something fun and unexpected about names that start with “Z,” and Zuzu Bailey, a character in the 1946 Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life, is no exception.
Old Hollywood Baby Names for Boys
Bernardo
Origin: Portuguese | Meaning: Strong as a Bear
The name of the smooth leader of the Sharks in West Side Story, Bernardo, means “strong as a bear.” If nothing else, it’d be a fun excuse for a teddy-bear-themed nursery.
Clark
Origin: English | Meaning: Scribe, Clerk
The name Clark may bring to mind “The King of Hollywood,” Clark Gable. And, for fans of The Postal Service, the song is named after the actor.
Cooper
Origin: English | Meaning: Barrel Maker
Gary Cooper is a two-time Best Actor Oscar winner, and his occupational surname, meaning “barrel maker,” is an adorable choice for your very own award-winning guy.
Dean
Origin: English | Meaning: Valley
Dean, which means “valley,” nods to James Dean, star of Rebel Without a Cause and East of Eden, as well as the “King of Cool,” Dean Martin. For a little one who’s sure to be the coolest kid in school, consider giving him this name that will forever feel edgy.
Fred
Origin: German | Meaning: Peace
This name is shared by Fred Astaire, widely considered one of the greatest American dancers in history.
Gene/Eugene
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Wellborn, Noble
Fans of Singin’ in the Rain and the 1915 film, An American in Paris, might associate the name Gene—a nickname for Eugene—with classic Hollywood star Gene Kelly.
George
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Farmer, Earth Worker
George Bailey, the endearing, self-sacrificing protagonist of the holiday tearjerker, It’s a Wonderful Life, would make a meaningful namesake.
Grant
Origin: French | Meaning: Tall, Great
Iconic Hollywood film star Cary Grant starred in many movies, including Bringing Up Baby, The Philadelphia Story, and four Hitchcock films. Fun fact: his original name was Archibald!
Humphrey
Origin: German | Meaning: Peaceful warrior
Film buffs may recognize this as the title of the heartthrob who won Best Actor for his role in Casablanca: Humphrey Bogart. Strong and masculine, Humphrey is an ideal choice for your little one.
Irving
Origin: Scottish | Meaning: Green River
Nominated for Best Supporting Actor once upon a time was Eddie Albert for his role as the photographer, Irving Radovich, in Roman Holiday. Though old-school, the name is as classic as it is noble.
Marlon
Origin: American | Meaning: Falcon
We’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse with this baby name option! This name pays tribute to Marlon Brando, who appeared in dozens of influential films during his long career, including Julius Caesar and A Streetcar Named Desire.
Orson
Origin: French, Latin | Meaning: Bear Cub
A name that’s all but forgotten, Orson is a classic ready for a revival. It’s inspired by the actor who brought us Citizen Kane, Orson Welles.
Samuel/Sammy
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: God has Heard
Samuel “Sammy” Davis Jr. was groundbreaking as a Black performer at a time when Hollywood was still highly segregated. The inspiring namesake started his career in vaudeville at the age of three—not to put any performing pressure on your little guy!
Stewart
Origin: English, Scottish, Gaelic | Meaning: Steward
Inspired by actor Jimmy Stewart, a little one with this title is sure to be a star, as his namesake was in several of the most well-known classic Hollywood movies. A few of our favorites are It’s a Wonderful Life and Rear Window, just to name a few.
Turner
Origin: English, Old French | Meaning: Lathe
Hollywood starlet Lana Turner played some incomparable roles, as Lora Meredith in Imitation of Life and Cora Smith in The Postman Always Rings Twice. We love this surname turned first name for a little up-and-coming star.
Victor
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Winner, Conqueror
The name of one of the love interests in Casablanca, Victor, means “winner” or “conqueror.”
Walter
Origins: German | Meaning: Commander of the Army
Cary Grant made a name for himself with every role he took on. A favorite may be the male protagonist in His Girl Friday, Walter Burns.
Wayne
Origin: Old English | Meaning: Wagon Maker
For a strong one-syllable name, consider the surname of the actor known for his Hollywood Westerns, John Wayne. Parents could also adopt the actor’s nickname “Duke” as a cute homage.
Old Hollywood Names for a Baby Boy or Girl
Harlow
Origin: British | Meaning: Army hill
Nicknamed the “blonde bombshell,” Jean Harlow was one of the biggest movie stars of the 1930s, and her surname has since become a popular gender-neutral pick for expecting parents.
Hudson
Origin: English | Meaning: Son of Hudd
A prominent member of the Golden Age of Hollywood is none other than Rock Hudson. We love this out-of-the-box baby name for either a little boy or girl.
James
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Supplanter; Holder of the heel
James Dean is the title of the 1950s heartthrob who still garners attention today. His career—though short—included roles in films like East of Eden. Now, James has transformed into a fitting name for both girls and boys.
Kelly
Origin: Irish | Meaning: War
Speaking of Gene Kelly, there is also great baby name potential from his surname as well.
Monroe
Origin: Scottish and Irish Gaelic | Meaning: Mouth of the River Roe
While Marilyn Monroe epitomized the mid-century starlet, her last name on its own is growing in popularity as an unexpected and sophisticated name for a boy or girl.
North
Origin: Middle English | Meaning: Northern
We may have Kim Kardashian and Kanye West to thank for putting this baby name on the map. But in this case, we were inspired to include this unique baby name because of the 1959 thriller, North by Northwest.
Robin
Origin: English | Meaning: Bright, Shining, Famous
With a meaning like “famous,” that was nearly enough to land this gender-neutral name a spot on our list. Not to mention, there are more than two dozen adaptations of the Robin Hood story spanning from the early 20th century to today. Its significance bridges generations.
Sidney/Sydney
Origin: British | Meaning: Wide Island
Your boy or girl could share a name inspired by legendary actor Sidney Poitier, of such influential movies as A Raisin in the Sun and Look Who’s Coming to Dinner.
Taylor
Origin: French | Meaning: Tailor
An occupational title brought to our list by the talented and gorgeous star Elizabeth Taylor.
Annie Atherton, Contributing Writer
Annie is a mom and writer covering parenting, culture, women, and work. In addition to The Everymom, her writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, the BBC, Insider, Seattle Magazine, The Seattle Times, Travel+Leisure, Romper, and Scary Mommy. She’s particularly interested in questions of how people can design their lives and traditions in accordance with their values.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Intern
As editorial intern, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content, and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented by contributing to The Everymom.
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