Discover the Charm of Vintage Girl Names

Last Updated January 3, 2024

Vintage girl names hold a special allure that transcends time. They evoke a sense of nostalgia, charm, and elegance, making them a popular choice for parents seeking a name with a timeless quality. These names have endured through generations, carrying with them stories of the past and a touch of vintage glamour. From delicate floral names to strong and regal classics, vintage girl names offer a wide array of options that resonate with parents looking for something unique yet familiar. In this article, we will explore the fascination with vintage girl names and celebrate the enduring appeal of these timeless treasures.

Uncovering the Allure of Vintage Girl Names

Amelia: Derived from the Germanic name Amalia, Amelia means “work” or “industrious.” It exudes a sense of strength and determination.
Beatrice: Of Latin origin, Beatrice means “she who brings happiness.” This elegant name evokes grace and joy.
Clara: Derived from the Latin word clarus, Clara means “bright” or “clear.” It symbolizes clarity and intelligence.
Eleanor: With Old French and Greek roots, Eleanor means “bright” or “shining one.” It represents strength and beauty.
Florence: Derived from the Latin name Florentius, Florence means “flourishing” or “prosperous.” It embodies vitality and growth.
Genevieve: of French origin, Genevieve means “woman of the race” or “white wave.” It carries a sense of purity and grace.
Hazel: Derived from the Old English word hæsel, Hazel refers to the hazel tree or the light brown color. It represents wisdom and protection.
Matilda: of Germanic origin, Matilda means “mighty in battle.” It symbolizes strength and resilience.
Penelope: Derived from Greek mythology, Penelope means “weaver.” It represents creativity and resourcefulness.
Violet: With Latin origins, Violet refers to the flower of the same name. It signifies beauty, modesty, and faithfulness.
These vintage girl names carry a timeless elegance and a touch of nostalgia, making them a delightful choice for parents seeking a name with a rich history and enduring appeal.

Timeless Classics: Popular Vintage Girl Names

Alice: Derived from the Old German name Adalheidis, Alice means “noble” or “of noble kind.” It exudes grace and sophistication.
Charlotte: With French and German origins, Charlotte means “free man” or “petite.” It carries an air of elegance and strength.
Grace: Derived from the Latin word gratia, Grace signifies “charm” or “divine favor.” It represents elegance and poise.
Hazel: With English origins, Hazel refers to the hazel tree or the light brown color. It symbolizes wisdom and guidance.
Josephine: Of Hebrew origin, Josephine means “God will increase.” It embodies strength and resilience.
Lucy: Derived from the Latin name Lucia, Lucy means “light” or “illumination.” It represents intelligence and clarity.
Rose: With English and French roots, Rose refers to the flower of the same name. It signifies beauty, love, and femininity.
Sophia: Of Greek origin, Sophia means “wisdom” or “knowledge.” It exudes grace, intelligence, and a timeless appeal.
Victoria: Derived from the Latin word victoria, Victoria means “victory.” It symbolizes strength, triumph, and regal grace.
Winifred: With Welsh origins, Winifred means “blessed peacemaking.” It represents strength, courage, and serenity.
These popular vintage girl names continue to enchant parents with their timeless beauty and evoke a sense of nostalgia. Choosing one of these classic names for your little one ensures a connection to the past while embracing the enduring elegance they possess.

Forgotten Beauties: Reviving Vintage Girl Names

Agnes: Derived from the Greek word hagnos, Agnes means “pure” or “chaste.” It exudes timeless elegance and innocence.
Beatrice: With Latin origins, Beatrice means “bringer of joy” or “she who brings happiness.” It carries a sense of grace and beauty.
Cordelia: Of Celtic origin, Cordelia means “heart” or “daughter of the sea.” It represents strength and enchantment.
Edith: Derived from Old English, Edith means “prosperous in war” or “wealthy.” It signifies resilience and strength.
Florence: With Latin roots, Florence means “blooming” or “flourishing.” It embodies beauty, sophistication, and artistic flair.
Imogen: Of Celtic origin, Imogen means “beloved child” or “innocent.” It carries an air of grace and charm.
Lillian: Derived from the Latin word lilium, Lillian means “pure” or “innocent.” It symbolizes beauty and purity.
Mabel: With Old English origins, Mabel means “lovable” or “dear.” It represents sweetness and affection.
Pearl: Derived from the gemstone, Pearl symbolizes purity, beauty, and wisdom. It carries an air of sophistication and elegance.
Sylvia: Of Latin origin, Sylvia means “of the woods” or “from the forest.” It embodies natural beauty and a deep connection with nature.
These forgotten beauties hold a unique allure and offer a sense of individuality. Embracing these vintage girl names allows you to breathe new life into the past and bestow your little one with a name that is both timeless and distinctive.

Finding the Perfect Vintage Name for Your Little Princess

Choosing a vintage girl name for your little princess is an opportunity to honor tradition and create a timeless connection. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect vintage name that resonates with your preferences and family heritage:
Embrace your family history: Explore your family tree and consider names that have been passed down through generations. It adds a meaningful touch and connects your child to her roots.
Consider the era: Vintage names span various eras, from the Victorian era to the Roaring Twenties. Think about the time period that resonates with you and explore names popular during that era.
Find the right balance: Vintage names can range from elaborate and ornate to simple and understated. Consider your personal taste and find a name that strikes the perfect balance between tradition and uniqueness.
Pronunciation and spelling: Vintage names may have different pronunciations or spellings compared to contemporary names. Ensure the chosen name is easy to pronounce and spell, reducing potential confusion.
Meaning and symbolism: Look into the meanings and symbolism associated with vintage names. Choose a name that holds significance or represents qualities you hope to instill in your child.
Test the name: Say the name out loud and imagine calling your little one by that name. Consider how it flows with your last name and if it feels comfortable and natural.
Remember, choosing a vintage girl name is a personal decision that reflects your preferences and aspirations for your child. Take your time, explore different options, and trust your instincts. By finding the perfect vintage name, you’re not only honoring the past but also setting the stage for a beautiful and meaningful future.

The Best Vintage Baby Names for Girls with Meanings

Alice: from the classic masterpiece of British writer Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, aka Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland. The book is full of deep symbolism, the fantasy world, the white rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, the mad tea party, a hymn to vintage heritage, and many more! A legendary fairy tale that all kids should read. Alice in Wonderland was also transferred to the big screen by Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter!
Annabel: the prime example that vintage baby names are cooler than ever, Annabel reached a peak in popularity in 2012! The roots of this name go back to the centuries when it was very popular in Scotland around the 12th century. Annabel’s name has two parts: Arn, which means eagle, and Arin, which means a hearth.
Artemis: according to Greek mythology, Artemis is one of the 12 Gods living in mountain Olympus. She was the Goddess of hunting and the mistress of the animals, the Goddess of virginity, and the God who aimed women to give birth. Got your attention now? Pregnant women should not be afraid; Artemis is there for you!
Cecilia: means the way for the blind. Cecilia (as you might already have guessed) is a Latin name derived from the name caecus, which means blind. Cecilia is also known as the saint of music in Christianity, so you might want to consider this vintage baby name if you have dreams about your baby girl growing up to be like Beyonce, Pink, or Lady Gaga!
Clemence: means mild and gentle and is of Latin origin.
Denise: a name of French origin, Denise is the female form of Dennis. However, its origin comes from Dionisos, the pagan Greek God of wine and festivals. So, in this case, Denise means the girl who was devoted to the ancient mysteries of Bacchus, where people were initiated through a rite into a secret society of wise men and women who hold strength and wisdom. Celebrity baby name for the American actress Denise Richards, born in 1971.
Edith: means prosperous during the war, a vintage baby name of English Origin composed of two elements: ēad, which means good fortune, and gyth, which means war.
Eleanor: a form of Alienor which derives from the Greek name Helenē that in turn has the meaning of light and beauty.
Elizabeth: we have discussed this baby name a LOT in babynameslog.com as we never get enough of it! Who cares anyway? It is a name loved by millions and can be consistently found in the top 10 baby names. It also happens to be a vintage name; thus, you can see it on this list in a true unapologetic way!

Eloise: is a name of German origin consisting of two parts: haila which means hearty, and vid, which means wide. You can find it on the list of vintage baby names because of its link to the Eloise series of books written by Kay Thompson in the 1950s.
Fleur: a rare Old French name that derives from the word flower.
Florence: a Latin name that comes from Florens. The meaning of this vintage baby name is to bloom, the person who is flourishing and is prosperous.
Heidi: a true vintage comic book from Switzerland; Heidi is the little girl who sets her traveling adventure and is not afraid to learn about the unknown around her. Heidi was written by Johanna Spyri and is considered one of the greatest European children’s literature examples. Celebrity baby name for Heidi Klum, the German American top model who turned into a TV host and a businesswoman.
Judith: Celebrity baby name for the American funk singer Judith Hill, a true representative of vintage culture through her famous song “Baby, it’s cold outside.”
Leonie: a name of Greek origin that derives from the word lioness.
Meredith: Are you a fan of Grey’s Anatomy? Then you must have met Meredith Grey, M.D.! Meredith’s dynamic character has captured the hearts and minds of people around the world. The meaning of the vintage baby name Meredith is the sea protector, and it has a Welsh origin.
Nora: the meaning of the name Nora can be found in the Arabic word “noor,” which means the light. However, other scholars link Nora to “Honora, ” a name of English origin that means honor. Celebrity baby name for American singer and songwriter Norah Jones, famous for her talent in piano and acting skills.

Ophelia: William Shakespeare is a striking example of vintage, and his play Hamlet is legendary as an undisputed source of old-fashioned symbol of legacy. Ophelia was a young woman from Denmark who belonged to Polonius’s noble family.
Phoebe: in the TV series Friends, Phoebe represented all things vintage for more than 10 years. Her clothes, hair, and general attitude were prime examples of a stylish old-fashioned approach to life.
Rosamund: from the Latin phrase “rosa mundi,” which means the rose of the world. Henry II’s mistress – thus the vintage link -Rosamund Clifford has been given this nickname because of her extraordinary beauty. But, of course, every actress’s dream is to be a Bond girl. Rosamund Pike (born 1979) did just that when she grabbed the second leading female role next to Halle Berry, accompanying Pierce Brosnan’s last outing as James Bond in Die Another Day (2002).
Sally is a vintage baby name because it is associated with Britain’s “Contact the Elderly” campaign. The main message was “take Sally and Harry to Sunday tea.” The poster had a true vintage feeling and attributed to two old-fashioned names that appeal to people in their 50s but at the same time are names that are definitely cool again!
Selma: a variant of Salma or diminutive of Anselm, which means God’s helmet. In the ancient Celtic language, schelma meant beautiful view. Selma’s name appears as the Fingal castle name in the gothic poem by Macpherson titled Ossian (1760). The celebrity baby name for actress Selma Blair (born 1972) starred in the box office hit Cruel Intentions and the fantasy sci-fi movie series Hell Boy.
Theodora: the powerful Byzantine empress, Justinian’s wife, Theodora’s rare and unusual name has a true vintage sense. It’s a name of Greek origin that means the gifts of God. So a cool nickname for Theodora is Thea which means Goddess.
Ursula: if you consider Disney’s cartoons as vintage, then the arch-enemy of Little Mermaid is absolutely old-fashioned and sic! Ursula is a short form of the Latin word ursa which means she-bear. Thus, it is also a name that is considered strong and tough, suitable for a baby girl soon to be a feminist!
Winona is derived from the rare and uncommon Siouan language. This unique baby name comes from the vintage term Winúŋna which means firstborn daughter. Celebrity baby name for hot Hollywood movie star Winona Ryder (born 1971) played her breakthrough role as the gothic problematic girl Lydia in Beetlejuice by Tim Burton. Winona is also a modern cartoon character in the ever-expanding and the increasingly complex Pokémon universe.

150 Old Fashioned Baby Girl Names that are Truly Timeless

Kaye	Meaning: “Pure.” (Greek origin).
Phillipa	Meaning: “Horse lover.” (Greek origin).
Audrey	Meaning: “Noble strength.” (English origin).
Blanche	Meaning: “White, pure.” (German origin).
Emily	Meaning: “To excel.” (Latin origin).
Peggy	Meaning: “A variant form of Peg.” (Greek origin).
Belinda	Meaning: “”The beautiful river,” from the Latin Bella (beautiful) and Indus (a river in Asia).” (German origin).
Betsy	Meaning: “A diminutive form of Elizabeth.” (Hebrew origin).
Molly	Meaning: “Of the sea.” (English origin).
Rosa	Meaning: “Rose.” (Latin origin).
Marjorie	Meaning: “Pearl.” (English origin).
Sadie	Meaning: “Princess.” (Hebrew origin).
Sophia	Meaning: “Wisdom.” (Greek origin).
Hazel	Meaning: “Hazelnut tree.” (English origin).
Sylvia	Meaning: “Woods, forest.” (Latin origin).
Maryalice	Meaning: “.” ( origin).

May	Meaning: “The fifth month.” (English origin).
Elsie	Meaning: “God is my oath.” (English origin).
Josie	Meaning: “God will increase.” (English origin).
Eleanor	Meaning: “Of unknown meaning.” (English origin).
Nancy	Meaning: “A diminutive-variant of Anna or Anne, from the Hebrew Hannah, grace.” (Hebrew origin).
Catherine	Meaning: “Pure.” (Greek origin).
Diana	Meaning: “Heavenly and divine.” (Latin origin).
Violet	Meaning: “Violet flower.” (English origin).
Florence	Meaning: “Flowering, in bloom.” (Latin origin).
Everly	Meaning: “From the boar meadow.” (English origin).
Adeline	Meaning: “Noble one.” (German origin).
Heloise	Meaning: “Famous warrior.” (German origin).
Madeline	Meaning: “Woman from Magdala.” (English origin).
Susanna	Meaning: “Lily.” (Hebrew origin).
Mabel	Meaning: “Lovable.” (Latin origin).
Mara	Meaning: “Bitter.” (Hebrew origin).
Hedy	Meaning: “Delightful, sweet; my echo.” (Hebrew origin).
Margo	Meaning: “Pearl.” (French origin).
Abigail	Meaning: “Father’s rejoice.” (Hebrew origin).
Amelia	Meaning: “Work.” (German origin).
Edith	Meaning: “Strife for wealth.” (English origin).
Josephine	Meaning: “God will increase.” (Hebrew origin).
Matilda	Meaning: “Mighty in battle.” (German origin).
Grace	Meaning: “Gracious one.” (English origin).
Ruby	Meaning: “Red gemstone.” (English origin).
Anita	Meaning: “The graceful one,” based on the Hebrew hannah, grace.” (Spanish origin).
Anne	Meaning: “He (God) has favored me.” (Hebrew origin).
Lydia	Meaning: “From Lydia.” (Greek origin).
Lucy	Meaning: “Of the light.” (English origin).
Jane	Meaning: “God is gracious.” (Hebrew origin).
Joy	Meaning: “Happiness.” (Latin origin).
Isadora	Meaning: “Gift of Isis.” (Latin origin).
June	Meaning: “Month of June.” (Latin origin).
Maddie	Meaning: “Woman from Magdala; maiden; young, unmarried woman.” (Hebrew origin).
Linda	Meaning: “Pretty.” (Spanish origin).
Ruth	Meaning: “Friend.” (Hebrew origin).
Rosalind	Meaning: “Gentle horse.” (German origin).
Meredith	Meaning: “Great, noted ruler.” (Welsh origin).
Shirley	Meaning: “Bright meadow.” (English origin).
Minnie	Meaning: “A variant form of Mary.” (origin).

Anna	Meaning: “Gracious.” (Hebrew origin).
Agnes	Meaning: “Pure, holy.” (Greek origin).
Pearl	Meaning: “Pearl.” (Latin origin).
Leona	Meaning: “Lion.” (Latin origin).
Mallory	Meaning: “Unlucky.” (French origin).
Annemarie	Meaning: “He (God) has favored me.” (Hebrew origin).
Judy	Meaning: “A diminutive form of Judith.” (origin).
Connie	Meaning: “A short form of Constance.” (English origin).
Johanna	Meaning: “God is gracious.” (Hebrew origin).
Stella	Meaning: “Celestial star.” (Latin origin).
Daisy	Meaning: “Daisy flower.” (English origin).
Judith	Meaning: “From Judea; Jewish.” (Hebrew origin).
Sarah	Meaning: “Princess.” (Hebrew origin).
Helena	Meaning: “Sunray, shining light.” (Greek origin).
Bernadette	Meaning: “Strong, brave bear.” (German origin).
Alice	Meaning: “Of the nobility.” (German origin).
Cora	Meaning: “Maiden.” (Greek origin).
Samantha	Meaning: “Name of God.” (Hebrew origin).
Emma	Meaning: “Whole or universal.” (German origin).
Betty	Meaning: “A diminutive form of Elizabeth.” (Hebrew origin).
Dot	Meaning: “Gift of God.” (Greek origin).
Veronica	Meaning: “True image.” (Latin origin).
Dora	Meaning: “Gift.” (Greek origin).
Lula	Meaning: “Famous warrior.” (German origin).
Margaret	Meaning: “Pearl.” (English origin).
Babette	Meaning: “Among English-speaking peoples, a diminutive of Barbara (“the stranger”); in French, a diminutive of Elizabeth (“God is my oath”)..” (French origin).
Flora	Meaning: “Flower.” (Latin origin).
Hattie	Meaning: “Home ruler.” (German origin).
Frances	Meaning: “From France.” (Latin origin).
Marion	Meaning: “A variant form, through the French, of Mary.” (French origin).

Maggie	Meaning: “Pearl.” (English origin).
Nora	Meaning: “Honorable one.” (Latin origin).
Tabitha	Meaning: “Gazelle.” (Aramaic origin).
Tess	Meaning: “Late summer.” (Greek origin).
Frankie	Meaning: “From France.” (Latin origin).
Lillian	Meaning: “Lily flower.” (English origin).
Bea	Meaning: “A diminutive of Beatrice.” (English origin).
Bess	Meaning: “A diminutive form of Elizabeth, to the Lord I consecrate thee.” (origin).
Martha	Meaning: “Lady; mistress of the house.” (Aramaic origin).
Evelyn	Meaning: “Desired one.” (English origin).
Adela	Meaning: “Noble.” (German origin).
Georgette	Meaning: “Farmer.” (Latin origin).
Barbara	Meaning: “Foreign woman.” (Latin origin).
Ella	Meaning: “Other goddess.” (Hebrew origin).
Margot	Meaning: “Pearl.” (French origin).
Estelle	Meaning: “Star.” (Latin origin).
Marilyn	Meaning: “”Tempestuous Mary,” from Mary and the Anglo-Saxon hymn, a torrent.” (Modern origin).
Lena	Meaning: “Woman from Magdala.” (Hebrew origin).
Clara	Meaning: “Bright and clear.” (Latin origin).
Esther	Meaning: “Star.” (Persian origin).
Beatrice	Meaning: “Voyager (through life); blessed.” (Latin origin).
Sally	Meaning: “”The princess,” a diminutive form of Sarah.” (Hebrew origin).
Loretta	Meaning: “”The knowing one,” from the Middle English lore, traditional learning.” (Italian origin).
Joyce	Meaning: “Lord.” (Latin origin).
Lucille	Meaning: “Of the light.” (French origin).
Rose	Meaning: “Rose flower.” (English origin).
Caroline	Meaning: “Free woman.” (French origin).
Elizabeth	Meaning: “God is my oath.” (Hebrew origin).
Alma	Meaning: “Nourishing, kind; soul; young woman; learned.” (Modern origin).
Ivy	Meaning: “Ivy plant.” (English origin).
Viola	Meaning: “Purple.” (Latin origin).
Della	Meaning: “Noble.” (German origin).
Eloise	Meaning: “Healthy one.” (English origin).
Opal	Meaning: “Gem, jewel.” (Indian (Sanskrit) origin).
Louise	Meaning: “Famous warrior.” (German origin).
Bonnie	Meaning: “Fine, attractive, pretty.” (Scottish origin).
Vera	Meaning: “Truth and faith.” (Latin origin).
Polly	Meaning: “A diminutive form or nickname for Mary.” (Latin origin).
Naomi	Meaning: “Pleasant one.” (Hebrew origin).
Mary	Meaning: “Of the sea.” (Latin origin).
Marie	Meaning: “A French form of Mary.” (French origin).
Priscilla	Meaning: “Ancient, venerable.” (Latin origin).
Nellie	Meaning: “Horn; sun ray, shining light.” (Latin origin).
Nell	Meaning: “Horn; sun ray, shining light.” (Latin origin).
Louisa	Meaning: “Famous warrior.” (German origin).
Billie	Meaning: “A feminine diminutive of William.” (English origin).
Annabelle	Meaning: “Lovable and graceful.” (English origin).
Valerie	Meaning: “Strength and vigor.” (French origin).
Constance	Meaning: “Constancy, steadfastness.” (Latin origin).
Dolly	Meaning: “A variant spelling of Dollie.” (English origin).
Victoria	Meaning: “Victory.” (Latin origin).
Eleanora	Meaning: “Sun ray, shining light.” (Greek origin).
Dorothy	Meaning: “Gift of God.” (Greek origin).
Jessa	Meaning: “He sees.” (Hebrew origin).
Charlotte	Meaning: “Free man.” (French origin).
Sophie	Meaning: “Wisdom.” (Greek origin).
Beverly	Meaning: “Beaver stream or meadow.” (English origin).
Emmeline	Meaning: “Work.” (German origin).
Katherine	Meaning: “Pure.” (Greek origin).
Lily	Meaning: “Lily flower.” (English origin).
Claudia	Meaning: “Lame.” (Latin origin).
Olivia	Meaning: “Olive tree.” (Latin origin).
Georgia	Meaning: “Farmer.” (English origin).

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