vintage girl names begging to be rediscovered

Toby is an early unisex name with a Shakespearean pedigree; when used for a girl it retains its tomboyish quality. Fits well with the growing trend of boyish nicknames for girls -- alongside rising choices like Frankie and Stevie. Toby peaked as a girl's name in 1936 and was last on the charts in 1975. Though, it's been slowly rising in recent years with nearly 100 baby girls named Toby in 2023.

Old-fangled nickname could make dot.com era short form or middle name.

Mauve-tinted nickname with vintage charm that could just follow in the footsteps of ABBIE. More prominent now as the nickname for the Texas A&M sports teams.

Marine was trending for a long time in France, but the far right politician Marine (born Marion) LePen has dampened the mood.

Dessie is a charming feminine name with multiple origins. Primarily considered a diminutive of Desdemona (from Greek, meaning 'ill-fated'), it's also used as a nickname for names like Desirée (French for 'desired') or Odessa (derived from a Ukrainian city name). Additionally, Dessie is the name of a city in Ethiopia, giving it geographical significance. The name peaked in popularity in the early 1900s in the United States, particularly in southern regions, and carries a sweet, vintage quality. With its soft sounds and approachable nature, Dessie evokes a friendly, warm personality. Though relatively uncommon today, it maintains appeal for parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name with historical roots and a gentle, feminine quality.

Evelia is a feminine name with Latin and Spanish origins. It derives from the Latin name Evelius, which may be related to 'aevum' meaning 'age' or 'eternity.' The name is most prevalent in Hispanic communities, particularly in Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States. Evelia has a melodious quality with its flowing vowels, making it both elegant and accessible. While not among the most common Hispanic names, it has maintained steady usage throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The name carries a timeless quality and often evokes associations with beauty and grace. The nickname Evelie or Eve is sometimes used as a familiar form.

The obscure yet not unappealing name of a legendary heroine of Rome. The ancient Clelia escaped an Etruscan invader by swimming across the Tiber River.

A flower name containing both beauty and power, Lotus has significance in both Buddhism and Hinduism, symbolizing purity, grace and spiritual growth — not to mention a familiar yoga position.

Mossie is a feminine name with Irish origins, traditionally used as a nickname for Maurice (for males) or Maureen (for females). In Irish contexts, it's pronounced more like 'MOH-shee' and has been used as an independent given name for generations, particularly in rural communities. The name has a gentle, vintage quality reminiscent of simpler times. Outside Ireland, Mossie might evoke associations with moss—the soft green plant—lending nature-inspired overtones. While uncommon in most English-speaking countries today, it retains usage within Irish families honoring heritage. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its soft sounds and diminutive ending, making it feel simultaneously quaint and affectionate. Mossie represents a connection to Irish naming traditions while maintaining a distinctive character.

Familiar through the similarly pronounced TV Warrior Princess, Xena, this name ultimately derives from the Greek Xenia, meaning "guest, foreigner, hospitality". Familiar in the early 19th century in the US, it may also be used as a short form of Alexina, Rozina, Zenobia, and similar.

Luetta is a feminine name that emerged as a diminutive form of Louise or Lou. It combines elements of Lou with the feminine suffix -etta, creating a delicate and melodious sound. The name has American origins and was more popular in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1910s and 1920s. Luetta conveys a sense of vintage charm and sweetness. Though it has decreased in popularity over recent decades, it maintains appeal for parents seeking a unique name with historical roots. The name carries connotations of gentleness and femininity, with the potential nicknames Lou or Etta offering versatility.

This variation of the more well known Alvin adds an unusual and feminine touch to the original. It sounds a bit more like what it means--"elf friend."

Not only stern and serious, but a little too severe.

This offbeat botanical name boasts the trendy Ever sound and a cool wintery vibe. Evergreen was only given to a handful of baby girls in recent years, but would work just as well for a boy.

Feminization of the Greek place name Delphi (of oracle fame), Delphia could also be used as a nod to American city Philadelphia. Delphine and Delphinia are similar names.

Name of a town in Scotland that has a feminine strength.

In Japan, color names are used to symbolize human qualities, and the green hues of Midori name are said to represent fame. While it is a unisex choice in its native Japan, Midori is predominantly used on girls.

A feminine form of Oliver and a diminutive of Olive, Olivette could make an interesting choice for those who love Colette and Violette, but also Olivia. It was used in the 19th century French opera Les noces d'Olivette and ranked in the Top 500 in France in the early half of the 20th century.

Adelita is a more recent entry into the popular group of girl names starting with Adel -- Adele, Adela, Adeline, and Adelaide. Adelita is technically a diminutive itself, but also carries the nickname Alita.

Marilee is one of the cheeriest – if least substantial – combinations of Mary with another name.