Are you looking for a classic British name for your baby girl? This list of old fashioned English girls names will help you find the perfect baby name for your new daughter.
Why Choose a Traditional Name?
So why is it a good idea to choose an old fashioned English girls name for your daughter?
Traditional names are great because they’re easily recognizable and easy to pronounce. Your child won’t constantly have to correct the spelling or pronunciation of their name.
You can be confident that these names will stand the test of time and not sound dated when your child is an adult.
An old fashioned English girls name makes a great choice for all these reasons!
This post contains affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase after clicking on a link on this page. Read more here.
Old Fashioned English Names for Girls
So, let’s get on to the old fashioned English girls names!
Abigail
From Hebrew, meaning ‘My father is joy’. Popular in England in the 16th and 17th centuries, its popularity was revived in the 20th century.
Ada
Ada is an old fashioned English girls name meaning ‘nobility’ or ‘noble’. It’s a pretty vintage name that hasn’t been overused yet, and might be the perfect name for you!
Adelaide
This is the English version of the Germane name Adalhedis. Like Ada, this name means ‘noble’ or ‘nobility’. Addie would make a great nickname for Adelaide.
Agnes
Agnes is a name stemming from the Greek name, Hagne, meaning ‘pure’. Agnes is a very old name. Saint Agnes was a popular Christian saint.
Alberta
The feminine form of Albert, Alberta means ‘noble and bright’. Prince Albert was the king consort of Queen Victoria, and their daughter was named Princess Louise Alberta, making Alberta a popular name in Victorian times.
Alexandra
The feminized version of Alexander, which means ‘protector of man’. Alexandra was a popular name among British royals.
Alice
Alice is an English baby name that has gone through several transitions, but originally stemmed from the German name Adelaide, meaning ‘nobility’. Alice is a simple, but pretty vintage name that isn’t overused. It became very popular after Alice in Wonderland was published in the 19th century, but has fallen in popularity over the past few decades. If you’re looking for a recognizable, but uncommon baby name, Alice might be perfect for you!
Allison
Variation of Alice, which means ‘noble’.
Alma
Alma originally comes from Latin and means ‘nourishing’ or ‘life-giving’. The Battle of Alma was a battle in 1837 in the Crimea which was a victory for Britain and its allies. The baby name, Alma, gained popularity after this.
Amabel
Amabel is the medieval feminine form of Amabilis, meaning ‘loveable’. It’s a fun twist on Annabelle, but is actually a much older name!
Amanda
Amanda was first used in the 13th century in Britain. In Latin, it means ‘worthy of love’. Amanda is a classic name, popular from the Victorian times right up to today.
Amelia
Amelia is one of my favorite old fashioned English girls names. Amelia is a variant of Amalia, meaning ‘work’, ‘industrious’, or ‘striving’. It was made popular by the daughters of George II and III.
Amy
Amy is the English version of the French baby name, Amee. It means ‘beloved’. Amy was a popular character in Louisa May Alcott’s book, Little Women, which was published in 1868-69. As such, the name grew in popularity in the late Victorian times.
Ann
Ann is the English spelling of the name; Anne is French. Ann is a variant of Hannah, a Hebrew name meaning ‘grace’. Annie makes a cute nickname for a little girl, while Ann is simple, but lovely.
Audrey
Audrey is yet another name whose meaning stems back to the Germanic word for nobility. Audrey Hepburn is the most famous bearer of the name Audrey, which gives the name a connection with Old Hollywood glamour. This is a name that is becoming more popular in the 21st century.
Beth
A shortened form of Elizabeth, meaning ‘my God is an oath’, or Bethany, a biblical city.
Bertie
Bertie is a nickname for Alberta, which means ‘noble and bright’. Prince Albert was the king consort of Queen Victoria, and their daughter was named Princess Louise Alberta, making Bertie a popular name in Victorian times.
Bessie
Bessie is a nickname for Elizabeth, which means ‘God is my oath’. It can be used as a nickname or stand as its own name.
Betty
Bette is another vintage name that evokes Old Hollywood glamour. Betty can be a nickname of Elizabeth, meaning ‘my God is plentiful’.
Birdie
Birdie means ‘bright, famous’ or ‘little bird’. It has roots in English, German and Swedish. This name is making a revival as some celebrities, including Busy Philips and Maura West, have named their daughters Birdie.
Beatrice
Beatrice is actually a beautiful French baby name, stemming from the Latin word Beatrix, which means ‘she who makes happy’. However Beatrice was commonly used in England. Queen Victoria named her daughter Beatrice.
Bethany
After the biblical town of Bethany, which was the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha.
Catherine/Katherine/Kathryn
All three spellings of this classic name made the top 200 girl names in the 1880’s. Their origin comes from the Greek word for ‘pure’. Interesting fact: Catherine is spelling with both a C and a K because when the name came to Britain, the Anglo-Saxons did not yet have a K in the English alphabet.
Cecily
Cecily is another really lovely old fashioned English girls names. Cecily is a female version of the name Cecil, a founder of a sect of Christianity. It literally means ‘blind’. Cecily is a lovely spin on the name Cecilia. It’s one of those lovely and not so well know vintage names and is one of my personal favorites!
Charity
This lovely name comes from the English word, charity, which means ‘generous love’. It came into fashion during the Protestant Reformation with Puritans.
Cherry
Cherry can stand as a name on its own, after the small red fruit, or it can be a nickname for Charity. It became popular in the late 19th century.
Clara
I love the simplicity of the name Clara, which is related to the more common name, Claire. It comes from the Latin word for ‘clear’ or ‘bright’.
Crystal
The name Crystal refers to the clear glass and has been used in a given name since the 19th century.
Daisy
Daisy is a super cute vintage name that you don’t often hear these days. The name is, of course, after the flower of the same name. The flower name comes from the Old English word meaning ‘day’s eye’. It is also a common nickname for Marguerite, the French name for the flower.
Della
Della is the feminine form of the name Dell, and refers to a dell, or small valley. Della was quite popular in the 19th century. It’s a lovely vintage name that hasn’t regained popularity as quickly as many other.
Dollie
Dollie is a nickname for Dorothy, meaning ‘gift of God’. In the Victorian times, it also stood as a name on its own.
Dora
Dora is a shortened form of Dorothy (meaning ‘gift’ in Greek). It was very popular in Victorian times. One of the main characters in Dicken’s David Copperfield was named Dora. Dora is a fun alternative to Cora, Flora, Nora, etc.
Elizabeth
A popular name among queens and royals, most notably Queen Elizabeth I and II, meaning ‘my God is an oath’.
Eleanor
Eleanor is a English baby name meaning ‘bright shining one’ in Greek. It was derived from the French name, Alienor.
Eliza
Eliza is an English name meaning ‘my God is an oath’. This is a great Victorian girl name that hasn’t regained its popularity as quickly as others.
Emma
Meaning ‘whole’ or ‘universal’. Emma has been quite popular for the past few decades and was in the Victorian times as well.
Etta
Etta is the shortened form of Henrietta (meaning ‘estate owner’). It’s often associated with Etta James (whose given name was actually Jamesetta), the matriarch of soul, which gives it a cool, retro vibe!
Evelyn
This lovely old fashioned English girls name originates from the British surname, Aveline, and is associated with peace and harmony.
Faith
The meaning of Faith is simply the word ‘faith’, or ‘unquestioning belief’. It first became popular among the Puritans in England in the 17th century.
Felicity
Felicity is a beautiful vintage name meaning either ‘happiness’ or ‘good fortune’. Either meaning is as lovely as the name is!
Fern
The name Fern comes from the plant of the same name. This name’s popularity peaked at the dawn of the 20th century, but is surfacing again. It’s the perfect combination of vintage and earthy-boho!
Florence
Florence is a name derived from Saint Florentia, a Roman martyr. Florence means ‘blossoming’ in Latin.
Georgia
Georgia is a particularly lovely Victorian girl name that I personally adore. The feminized form of George, Georgia means ‘farmer’ or ’tiller of the soil’. Although certainly not as popular today as it was in the 19th century, Georgia is on the rise and is a common vintage name today.
Gloria
Gloria is a pretty old fashioned English girls name meaning ‘glory to God’.
Grace
From the English word, grace, and the Latin, gratia, meaning God’s favour. Grace Kelly, later Princess Grace of Monaco, popularized this name in the 1950’s, but it was also quite common in Victorian times.
Hattie
Hattie is a nickname for Harriet, the female form of Harry (a nickname for Henry) which means ‘home ruler’. Hattie was the 33rd most popular girls name in Victorian times.
Hazel
This pretty vintage name stems from the brown colour, or the hazel tree. It’s been in use since the 19th century. This name is another example of a perfect cross between a vintage name and an earthy, boho name for a baby girl.
Related Posts:
75 Pretty One Syllable Girl Names
101 Adorable Classic Girl Names
Celestial Girl Names Inspired by Stars and Constellations
Gorgeous Victorian Names for Girls
Holly
The name Holly comes from the holly tree, a coniferous tree whose berries are traditionally used to decorate for Christmas.
Honour
The name Honour is inspired by the virtue of honour, meaning ‘integrity’. It first became popular with Puritans in the 17th century.
Hope
The name Hope is another virtue name used first by the Puritans. Hope is one of the virtue names that remains quite popular today.
Imogene
Imogene is a beautiful old fashioned English girls name that is still not that common. Imogene was first recorded in Shakespeare’s play, Cymbeline. It’s thought to stem from the Gaelic word inghean, meaning ‘maiden’.
Ina
Ina comes from the Anglo-Saxon name for ‘home’ or ‘to entertain’ and means ‘queen’. Ina is also a nickname for any name ending in -ina, such as Marina and Christina.
Ivy
After the climbing plant. Ivy represents fidelity.
Jane
Feminine form of John, meaning ‘Jehovah has been gracious’.
Joy
Joy is another virtue name made popular by 17th century Protestants. It means ‘delight’ or ‘great happiness’.
June
The name June is inspired by the month of June, or the Roman goddess, Juno, the protector of women and marriage.
Kate/Katie
Kate and Katie are diminutives of Catherine/Katherine, which mean ‘pure’, regardless of the spelling.
Lavender
Lavender is a beautiful old fashioned English baby name that is in honour of the lavender flower.
Lillian
The name Lillian is a form of Lily, which honours the lily flower.
Lorna
This name was created by R.D. Blackmore as the title character for his novel, Lorna Dune and was possibly inspired by the place name, Lorne.
Lottie
This is often a nickname for Charlotte, meaning ‘petite’, but can stand on its own as a name.
Louisa
Louisa is the Latin feminine form of Louis, meaning ‘famous warrior’.
Louise
Louise was the 38th most popular name in the 1880’s. It’s an old German name meaning ‘famous warrior’. Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter was named Louise, making it a popular choice in the Victorian era.
Lynn
Lynn is derived from an English place-name, or a the Welsh word for lake.
Mabel
This English name originally stems from the Latin, and means ‘lovable’.
Related Posts:
Short Names for Girls with Three Letters
200 Pretty and Unique Girl Names
Vintage and Elegant Girls Names with Cute Nicknames
Lydia
Lydia means ‘kind, kindred spirit’. It peaked in the 1880’s and is steadily making a comeback in the 21st century.
Mabel
This English name originally stems from the Latin, and means ‘lovable’.
May
Mae can either be a shortened form of Mary or Margaret, or after the month of May (originally after the Roman goddess, Maia).
Margaret
Margaret means ‘pearl’ in Greek. Margaret has often been a name given to members of royalty. It was popular in the early 20th century and is making a comeback!
Martha
Martha means ‘the lady, the mistress’, and comes from Aramaic. Martha is featured in the New Testament as the sister of Lazarus.
Mary
Anglicized version of Maria, whose original meaning is possibly meaning ‘sea of bitterness’, or ‘beloved.’
Matilda
Matilda is a German name meaning ‘battle-might’ or ‘glorious in battle’. I love that this frilly sounding name has such a strong meaning behind it!
Maud
Maud is a variation of the name Matilda, and means ‘strength in battle’.
Marigold
The name Marigold is derived from the yellow flower of the same name.
Marion
Variant of the French name, Marie. Marion means ‘sea of bitterness’, or ‘beloved’ Maid Marion is Robin Hood’s companion in the famous English Legend.
Millie
Millie can be a shortened form of several names, including Amelia, Camilla, Melissa, Mildred or Millicent. It means ‘industrious’.
Minnie
Minnie is traditionally a shortened form of the Hebrew name, Miryam, meaning ‘sea of bitterness’, but can also be a nickname for any ‘M’ name, including Mary, Margaret, Minerva, etc.
Mollie
Mollie is a derivative of Mary, meaning ‘sea of bitterness’
Myra
Myra is a name created by the 17th century poet, Fulke Greville. It possibly comes from myrrh, which is myrra in Latin.
Myrtle
The name Myrtle comes from the plant of the same name.
Nancy
Nancy is a diminutive of Ann and means ‘grace’. Nancy peaked in the 1930’s.
Nora
Nora originally emerged as a shortened form of Eleanor, meaning ‘light’ or Honora meaning ‘honour’.
Olivia
Olivia was first used in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and was a spin off from Oliva or Oliver, both of which are names that honor the olive tree.
Olive
This girl’s name honours the olive tree. It’s a less common alternative to Olivia. Olive has risen in popularity in the past few years.
Opal
An opal is the name of an iridescent gemstone, which is the birthstone for October. The word opal means jewel in Sanskrit. Like other gemstones, Opal became popular in the Victorian era, peaking in early 20th century. It’s certainly a unique name that is also lovely!
Pearl
Pearl comes from the gemstone. It stems from Latin and is often associated with innocence and modesty. It’s often associated with water and the moon.
Rose/Rosie
Rose is a classic and beautiful English name. Rose was brought to England by the Normans, it stems from the Germanic word meaning ‘horse’. It is also associated from the Latin word for ‘flower’ or ‘rose’.
Rosemary
This beautiful vintage baby name means ‘dew of the sea’, after the herb, rosemary. It can also be a combination of Rose and Mary. Rosemary is yet another alternative to the traditional name, Rose. Rosemary has a vintage Holywood feel, as several famous Old Hollywood actresses, such as Rosemary Clooney, had this name.
Ruby
Ruby is a Victorian girl name after the gemstone of the same name, which means ‘red’ in Latin. Ruby’s popularity peaked around the turn of the century, but is starting to re-emerge as a popular name.
Sadie
Sadie is another gorgeous old fashioned name that was quite popular in England. It means ‘princess’ in Hebrew.
Sarah/Sara
Sarah means ‘princess’ or ‘woman of high rank’ in Arabic, Hebrew and Persian. In the Old Testament, Sarah is the wife of Abraham. Sarah is a common name in England.
Sophia/Sophie
Meaning ‘wisdom’ in Greek. Sophia Loren was a famous actress of the past.
Stella
This vintage baby name comes from Latin and means ‘star’. It peaked in popularity in the 1880’s, but has risen again in the past decade.
Susan
Susan means ‘lotus flower’ in Greek. It’s also a variant of the Hebrew name, Susannah, meaning ‘to be joyful’.
Tillie
This is one of the more unique but super cute old fashioned English girls names. Tillie is a shortened form of Matilda, which is a lovely name meaning ‘glorious in battle’.
Victoria
Roman goddess of victory. Queen Victoria popularized this name in the 19th century.
Violet
The name Violet comes from the purple colour, or the small purple flower. It’s been popular in Scotland since the 16th century and in England since the 19th century.
Virginia
Virginia stems from the Latin and means ‘virginal or pure’. Virginia is a super vintage name that is barely used anymore. It has two adorable nicknames, Ginny or Ginger.
Vivian
Vivian means life and comes from the Latin. It’s the perfect old fashioned name that is uncommon, but very recognizable.
Winifred
Winifred is a Welsh and Old English girls name, meaning ‘joy and peace’.
Name meanings sourced from Behind the Name
So mamas, I hope this list helps you find the perfect old fashioned English name for your new little bundle of joy!
Like this post? Pin it for later!
