Old-Fashioned, Vintage, Retro, Classic, Eclectic, Unusual and Uncommon Names for Girls

This can be a short form of any Greek girls' name starting with 'Ef', such as Efstraria or Efrosini. It has also been suggested as a possible nickname for Elizabeth.

The feminine version of the common Welsh name Glyn became somewhat known in this country via the charming Welsh actress Glynis Johns. Variations include Glenys and Glynys. With other Welsh names--Gwyneth, Bronwyn, Bryn, Griffith--now on the American table, Glynis could make a distinctive tribute to an Uncle Glenn.

Form of Brunhild

The Spanish version, with its -eena ending, takes the name out of the Oh My Darlin' realm, which for many American parents may be just the thing.

A handful of baby girls are still named Carlene every year, but today other feminizations of Charles or Carl, from Carly to Charlotte, are much more popular.

Sallie ranked highest along with other -ie ending girls' names in the 1800s. It's been downhill since then for Sallie, though she didn't fall off the Top 1000 until 1970.

Susanne is a feminine name representing a French and German variation of Susan, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Shoshana meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' With its elegant double 'n' and silent 'e' ending, Susanne offers a sophisticated European flair compared to the more straightforward Susan or Suzanne. The name enjoyed modest popularity throughout the mid-20th century, particularly in Germanic and Scandinavian countries. Susanne carries the same gentle, timeless quality as other forms of the name while providing a distinctive spelling. The name has musical associations through Leonard Cohen's famous song 'Suzanne,' which has sometimes been rendered as 'Susanne' in translations. With its balanced two-syllable structure and soft consonants, Susanne presents an option that feels both classic and refined, appealing to parents seeking a name with cross-cultural appeal and enduring elegance.

Evokes a sympathetic feeling of generosity and charity.

Variant of Brunhild, still clad in heavy armor. Though the heroine Brunhilda of Quentin Tarantino's recent film Django Unchained may have given this version of the name new appeal.

Jan, not short for Janet or Janice but standing on its own, ranked in the Top 200 throughout the 1950s but dropped off the Top 1000 in the 1980s and now is a truly extinct name, given to fewer than five baby girls in the US each year.

Bobbsey Twins-era nickname name that could find new life via Nan, heroine of The Nanny Diaries. Nan was also the nickname of Annabel St George, the protagonist of Edith Wharton's novel "The Buccaneers".

Hypatia, an ancient Greek name, has a distinguished namesake: Hypatia of Alexandria was an early philosopher and scholar of mathematics and astronomy--as well as inventor of several scientific instruments.

Sleek and sophisticated.

Albina is a feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'albus' meaning 'white' or 'bright.' The name suggests qualities of purity, clarity, and radiance. Historically popular across Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia, Poland, Slovenia, and Albania, Albina has been used since ancient Roman times. In Catholic tradition, Saint Albina was a 3rd-century martyr. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century in Slavic countries but became less common in recent decades. Albina offers a classical European sound with a delicate yet distinctive quality. In some cultures, it's associated with the dawn or morning light, symbolizing new beginnings and hope.

Monika is a feminine name primarily of Latin origin, being a variant spelling of Monica. The name derives from the Latin 'moneo' meaning 'to advise' or 'to remind.' Monika is particularly popular in Central and Eastern European countries, including Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, and Hungary, where this spelling is preferred over the more Anglicized 'Monica.' The name gained international recognition through Saint Monica, the persistent and prayerful mother of Saint Augustine. Monika has a melodic quality with its soft consonants and balanced syllables. While the 'Monica' spelling peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1970s, the 'Monika' variant maintains steady usage particularly in European countries and among families honoring their European heritage.

A once very common Irish diminutive of Bridget that has unfortunately been associated since the 18th century with a pejorative slang term for an old or fussy woman.

Part Susanna, part Suzanne, Suzanna is a smidge less attractive than either of those classic options but still carries some appeal. But you (and your child) WILL be spelling it forever.

The name of medieval French saint, similar to Sally Field's name, Bertrille, on the old The Flying Nun sitcom, leading some to expect the word "Sister" in front of it.

Name for a seventh child, back when people had them.