You may have heard of Old Money names , that mysterious term that evokes nostalgia for times gone by. It refers to those names that have been carried through the centuries , often by famous people and wealthy families . Rare and precious at the same time, they evoke an old nobility and timeless elegance . But where do they come from? Why are they so valued? It's time to delve into the origins and etymology of these names and understand why they are now making a big comeback in birth registers .
The Origin of Old Money First Names: Between Latin, Greek and Germanic
When people talk about old money names , they often refer to names of Latin, Greek or Germanic origin. History shows us that these names were common among the upper classes , which earned them the nickname "old money names".
Latin first names were common in France during the Middle Ages and are often associated with strong and charismatic personalities . For example, the male first name "Maxime" comes from Latin and means "the greatest".
Greek first names, on the other hand, were very popular among educated and cultured families. They are often linked to Greek mythology and its gods . For example, the first name "Apolline" for a girl is derived from Apollo, the Greek god of light and knowledge.
Germanic first names were often borne by noble and powerful families. Their etymology usually refers to concepts such as strength and power. For example, the male first name "Robert", of Germanic origin, means "radiant glory".
The return of the old names: A retro trend
In recent years , old money names have experienced a strong comeback. This retro trend is particularly evident on platforms such as Pinterest, where lists of old names are very popular. More and more parents are enthusiastic about these names, which embody a certain elegance and sophistication of bygone times.
Why this interest? It seems that the desire to stand out and give the child a unique name full of history is what drives this trend. In addition, Old Money names are often associated with positive and noble values , which could explain their growing popularity.
We are seeing a revival of male first names such as "Raphaël" (Hebrew, "God has healed") or "Théodore" (Greek, "gift of God"). Among female first names, "Clotilde" (Germanic, "famous in battle") and "Hortense" (Latin, referring to a garden) are making a comeback.
Old Money First Names in the 20th Century
Although they seem to come straight from the past, Old Money names have passed through the 20th century with a certain consistency. Some names remained popular throughout the century, while others began to gain interest again in the 1980s and 1990s.
For example, the male name "Gabriel", of Hebrew origin and meaning "God is my strength", never really disappeared from birth registers throughout the 20th century . The female name "Agnès", of Greek origin and meaning "pure", experienced a real revival at the end of the last century.
This shows the ability of Old Money names to adapt and stand the test of time without losing their prestige and elegance .
A timeless choice
Over the centuries , Old Money names have managed to retain their prestige and nobility . These names, bearers of a rich history and noble values , fascinate more and more parents who are looking for originality and elegance for their offspring. Will you also be enthusiastic about one of these names? Perhaps your next favorite will be a first name with retro charm and a deep history .
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