9 old-fashioned baby names as Dame Laura Kenny takes vintage inspiration for her newborn
The Olympic cyclist has revealed the family inspiration behind her baby daughter's name
Dame Laura Kenny and her husband, fellow Olympic cyclist Jason Kenny, have welcomed their third child – a girl – and simultaneously shared her vintage-inspired baby name.
Kenny, who has been open about her fertility struggles in the past, posted a photo of her sons, Albie and Monty, with their newborn sister on social media. "Three's the magic number," she captioned the image. "Lilian Joyce Kenny Born on 4/5/25 at 10.44am. Weighing 8.0lbs."
Explaining that the name was inspired by both her and her husband's grandmothers, she continued: "There was only ever one name we had in mind for a daughter. A mix of both our Nans' names," she wrote. "Our beautiful little family is complete".
Kenny, 33, is Britain's most successful female British Olympian with five gold and three silver medals, while former track cyclist Jason, 37, is the most successful male British Olympian, with seven golds and two silvers.
The Kennys aren't the only family to choose a vintage-inspired name for their daughter. Lily Allen has daughters named Ethel and Marnie, comedian Katherine Ryan's oldest child is Violet, and fellow comic Josh Widdicombe named his daughter Pearl.
Some of the most popular baby names in England and Wales also hark back to previous times, with Florence, Elsie and Maeve all in the top 100.
Why are old-fashioned baby names so popular?
Baby naming expert SJ Strum, author of upcoming book Baby Name Envy, says that vintage name choices are having "a huge boom" at the moment, with many "coming back into style after a 100-year hiatus".
"They're popular, as going further back in time means we don't have those name associations from our own peer group," she tells Yahoo UK. "They also combine that criteria of being a classic name that now sounds unique and fresh."
If you're not sure where to start when it comes to retro names, Strum says looking through your family tree is a wonderful way to find one that has meaning for you.
Take inspiration from your family tree when naming your baby, suggests an expert. (Getty Images)
Old-fashioned baby name ideas for girls
Margot
Maybe it's thanks to actor Margot Robbie, or perhaps it's just a great choice — either way, the name Margot has been rising in popularity over recent years.
The French name, meaning 'pearl' was given to 215 more baby girls in 2023 – the most recent year the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has records for – than 2022.
Vera
If you're looking for a less popular retro name, Strum explains "it's a top tip to view names from a modern lens".
"For example, Vera is a wonderfully modern twist on the popular name Evie but is less likely to be shared by your child's peers," she says.
The name Vera is of Slavic origin and means 'faith' and 'true'.
Maggie
Choosing the diminutive of a popular old-fashioned name is a great way to bring it up to date. For example, Margaret, which website Nameberry says has Greek origins and means 'pearl', can be shortened to Maggie, Meg or Peggy.
Florence
Currently the eighth most popular girls' name in England and Wales, Florence has a number of nicknames including Flossy and Flo. Derived from the Latin word 'florens' it means 'blossoming', 'flourishing' and 'prosperous', all wonderful assets for your newborn.
Back in 1904, the first year ONS records began, Florence was the second most popular girls' name after Mary.
Alma
Alma is another recommendation from Strum. She says it's a less-common twist on the name Amelia, currently the second most popular girls' name in England and Wales.
With Latin and Spanish roots, Alma can mean 'nourishing' or 'soul'.
Elsie
The fourth most popular girls' name back in 1904, Elsie is having a bit of a comeback. It's been chosen by celebrities including comedian Jack Whitehall and actor Zooey Deschenal and is now the fourteenth most popular girls' name in England and Wales.
Of Hebrew and English origin it means 'pledged to God'. If you want a longer name to give your child more choice when they get older, it can also be used as a diminutive of Elizabeth and Elsbeth.
Nellie
Chosen by TOWIE alumni Billie Faiers for her oldest child, Zoe Ball also has a daughter with the alternative spelling 'Nelly'.
Nellie can be used as a nickname for Helen, Eleanor or Cornelia. It's said to be of English origin and has the beautiful meaning 'light'.
Nancy
Naming site The Bump says Nancy has Middle English, Hebrew and Greek origins and means 'grace' or 'favoured'. It can be used as a name in its own right or a nickname for Anne or Agnes. It also has a bit of a rebellious edge – think notorious punk couple Sid and Nancy.
Olive
An old-fashioned name that sounds thoroughly modern, with its links to the fruit, Olive evokes thoughts of Mediterranean holidays and sunshine. It's also a more unusual spin on Olivia, which has been the most popular girls' name since 2016.
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