Are you looking for a beautiful vintage name for your new baby girl? The trend of vintage baby names is far from over, but some of the more well known choices like Sophia and Isabella are overdone and very common. This list of over 60 pretty vintage names for girls will help you find a lovely name for your little girl!
Old Fashioned Girls Names
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For the past decade or more, vintage names have been on the rise, especially for girls. These ‘grandmother names’ or ‘old lady names’ have become very popular. We first heard of names like Sophia and Isabella re-entering and then topping baby name lists in the early 2000’s.
This trend has not slowed down over the past decade or two, and old fashioned names are still all the rage. Vintage names are super elegant and it’s very easy to find super cute nicknames that are a bit more casual and fun (click here to read my list of vintage names with cute nicknames).
Apart from the more common old fashioned names, you may not know a lot of vintage names. Well don’t worry; I’m here to help. I rounded up my favorite vintage names, from the common to the unique, to help you find the perfect name for your new daughter.
Before we get to the list of names, I have a super quick question for you. Have you started your Amazon Baby Registry yet? Amazon makes registering so easy for you and your guests! Not to mention, you’ll receive an awesome Welcome Box valued at $35. Click here to sign up for your Amazon Baby Registry now!
Pretty Vintage Names
Ok, without further ado, here’s my list of pretty vintage names for girls.
Ada
Ada is a vintage name originating from Germany. It means ‘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.
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!
Amelia
Amelia is a variant of Amalia, a Germanic name meaning ‘work’, ‘industrious’, or ‘striving’. It was made popular by the daughters of George II and III, as well as the aviation icon, Amelia Earhart.
Annalise
Annalise is a Scandinavian baby name that combines two names, Anna (full of grace) and Liese (God is my oath). Annalise is a beautiful and delicate name that hasn’t been overused since the trend of vintage girls names started.
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.
Beatrice
Beatrice is a beautiful French/Italian baby name, stemming from the Latin word Beatrix, which means ‘she who makes happy’.
Bette
Bette is another vintage name that evokes Old Hollywood glamour. Bette comes from the French and can be a nickname of Elizabeth, meaning ‘my God is plentiful’.
Blanche
This name, coming from the Normans in the Middle Ages, means ‘to make white’ and can refer to purity and innocence. It can be a nickname for someone with blonde hair.
Cecily
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!
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’.
Cora
Cora was first used in the 19th century novel, The Last of the Mohicans. It comes from the Greek name, Kore, which means ‘maiden’.
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.
Daphne
This vintage name is veeeeeery old and comes from the Greek. In Greek mythology, Daphne was the name of a nymph and daughter of the river-god Penelus. Daphne was a very popular name in the mid-century and is gaining popularity again in the past few years.
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.
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.
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Dorothy
Dorothy is a pretty vintage name that hasn’t seen a resurge in popularity like many other vintage girl names. Dorothy originates from the Greek word for ‘gift’. Dottie makes a super cute nickname for Dorothy!
Effie
Effie means ‘pleasant speech’ in Greek and is the shortened form of Euphemia. It’s another vintage name that is not over-used today.
Eleanor
Eleanor stems from the old French name, Alienor. Eleanor of Aquitaine, the 12th century queen, made the name well known.
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!
Evangeline
Evangeline is an elegant vintage girl name which stems from the Greek. Meaning ‘bringer of good news’, Evangeline is a lovely choice for your daughter. This name is synonymous with Longfellow’s infamous poem of the same name.
Evelyn
This lovely old fashioned name originates from the British surname, Aveline, and is associated with peace and harmony.
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.
Frances
The female version of Francis, Frances comes from the Latin word for France, or ‘free one’.
Genevieve
Genevieve has roots in French or German meaning tribe woman. It’s popularity peaked in the early 20th century, but is on the rise again today.
Georgia
Georgia is a particularly lovely vintage 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 girls name meaning ‘glory to God’.
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.
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Ida
Ida is a name that comes from several different cultures including the German (meaning ‘to work’), Old Norse (after the goddess, Iounn), and the Anglicization of the Irish saint, Ide.
Imogene
Imogene was first recorded in Shakespeare’s play, Cymbeline. It’s thought to stem from the Gaelic word inghean, meaning ‘maiden’.
Isadora
Isadora is a great alternative to the more common Isabelle. It stems from Greek and Latin and means ‘gift of Isis’ (Isis was the principal goddess of Egypt). Izzy or Dora would both make cute nicknames!
Josephine
Josephine is the feminized form of Joseph and means ‘God increases’. The wife of Napolean, was a notable Josephine. Josephine’s popularity peaked around 1910, but is making a comeback. It’s a great choice for those looking for a vintage name that has not been overused, but isn’t uncommon.
Josie
Josie is a French name that means ‘God increases’. It can be a nickname for Joanne or Josephine, or can stand alone.
June
The name June is inspired by the month of June, or the Roman goddess, Juno, the protector of women and marriage.
Lena
Lena is the shortened form of Elena or Helena, meaning ‘torch’ or ‘light’.
Lillian
The name Lillian is a form of Lily, which honours the lily flower.
Loretta
Loretta is a beautiful Italian baby name, meaning ‘laurel’ or ‘bay’.
Lucille
Lucille is the French form of Lucia, which means ‘torch’ or ‘light’.
Lula
Lula can be its own name or a nickname for any name that starts with ‘Lu’ (Think Lucille, Lucy, etc.).
Mabel
This English name originally stems from the Latin, and means ‘lovable’.
Mae
Mae can either be a shortened form of Mary or Margaret, or after the month of May (originally after the Roman goddess, Maia).
Maeve
This Irish name refers to the warrior queen of Ireland and means ‘the cause of great joy’ or ‘she who intoxicates’.
Magnolia
Magnolia is a beautiful vintage name that evokes the South (made popular by the novel and musical, Showboat). The Magnolia flower is named after Pierre Magnol. The name Magnolia was quite popular between 1880 and 1940, and is now making a comeback.
Marcella
Marcella means ‘warlike’ in Latin. Marcela (alternate spelling) was the most beautiful woman in Don Quixote.
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!
Margeurite
The French form of Margaret, Margeurite is a tad fancier and gives a unique spin on this beautiful name.
Matilda
Matilda is a German name meaning ‘battle-might’. I love that this frilly sounding name has such a strong meaning behind it!
Mattie
Mattie seems like a very modern, unisex name, but it’s actually been around for centuries. It’s s diminutive for Matilda, meaning ‘strength in battle’.
Maude
Maude is a variation of the name Matilda, and means ‘strength in battle’.
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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.
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 Twelveth Night, and was a spin off from Oliva or Oliver, both of which are names that honour the olive tree.
Olive
This French 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.
Penelope
Penelope means ‘weaver’ in Greek. Penelope was the faithful wife who waited at home for Odysseus in the Odessy.
Rosa
Rosa is a Spanish and Italian vintage girl name that means ‘rose’ in Latin. Rosa is a little more unique than the classic Rose, but is just as sweet.
Rosalie
Rosalie is a gorgeous vintage French baby name. It comes from the Latin word ‘rosa’, meaning ‘rose’. Rosalie is a really lovely alternative to Rose, if you’re looking for something a little more fancy.
Rose
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 Hollywood feel, as several famous Old Hollywood actresses, such as Rosemary Clooney, had this name.
Ruby
Ruby is a vintage 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.
Ruth
Meaning ‘friend’ in Hebrew, Ruth is a simple, but lovely vintage girls name. This is another name whose popularity peaked in the first decades of the 20th century. Ruth has not made the comeback some other vintage girl names have, so if you’re looking for an easily recognizable, but uncommon name, Ruth could be perfect for you.
Sadie
Sadie is another gorgeous old fashioned name that is making a comeback. It means ‘princess’ in Hebrew.
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.
Suzannah
Suzannah is a Hebrew name meaning ‘lily’. It’s still a fairly uncommon baby name that has not risen in popularity as others have in the past few years. I love the vintage nickname, Suzie, for Suzannah!
Vera
This is a super recognizable, but unique vintage name that is very hip at the moment. Vera is a Russian baby name meaning ‘faith’. This could be the perfect baby name if you’re looking for a mix of frill, yet simplicity!
Viola
Viola is an Italian vintage girls name. It comes from Latin and means ‘violet. Viola Davis is a well-known actress with this beautiful name.
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. You have several different spelling options, the conventional English Vivian, or the French Vivianne.
Well, those are my top pretty vintage names for girls. I hope this list has helped you find the perfect baby name for your new daughter!
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