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vintage girl names begging to be rediscovered

  1. Corliss

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "carefree person"

    • Description:

      Corliss, eccentric yet well-established, has an independent and artistic air.
  2. Maire

    • Origin:

      Finnish, Irish variation of Mary

    • Meaning:

      "sweet; drop of the sea, bitter"

    • Description:

      Both Maire and Mare have begun making inroads with parents seeking novel yet authentic ways of honoring an ancestral Mary. The Finnish variation derives from the word mairea, meaning "sweet."
  3. Estie

    • Description:

      Estie is a charming feminine name that typically functions as a diminutive of Esther, which comes from the Persian word for 'star.' It can also be a nickname for Estelle, meaning 'star' in Latin, or other names beginning with 'Est-'. Estie combines antiquity with a playful, modern feel through its diminutive ending. The name carries a warm, friendly quality while maintaining connections to its more formal roots. Though never widely popular as a given name in its own right, Estie has seen occasional use in Jewish communities where Esther holds particular significance due to its biblical connections. The name's brevity and sweet sound give it an endearing quality, while its relative rarity makes it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

  4. Almina

    • Description:

      Almina is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It might be a variant of Almina or Wilhelmina, combining 'al' (all) with 'mina' (love). In Arabic contexts, it could relate to 'al-Aminah' meaning 'the trustworthy one' or 'the honest one.' The name has historical usage in various European and Middle Eastern countries but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Almina gained some recognition through Almina Herbert, Countess of Carnarvon, who was the wife of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon who famously funded the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb.
  5. Cleora

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "glory"

    • Description:

      Cleora is a now-extinct name (there were no babies named Cleora recorded in the U.S. since 1982) that achieved some standing in the early 20th century thanks to the craze for all things Egypt-related. A range of Cleopatra diminutives, including Cleo, Cleora, Cleona, and Cleola, made the Top 1000 then as the ancient tombs were opened in Egypt.
  6. Odetta

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "wealthy"

    • Description:

      The memorable folk singer, an early single-name celeb, brought this into the spotlight. The French variation is Odette.
  7. Pollyanna

    • Origin:

      English compound name, Polly + Anna

    • Meaning:

      "beloved + grace"

    • Description:

      Has become a byword in English for an overly optimistic person, thanks to the eponymous children's book heroine. Polly is an antiquated short form of Mary.
  8. Alta

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "elevated"

    • Description:

      Alta, one of the newer names bookended by the letter A, has a meaning that might raise a child's self-esteem. It was the middle name of First Lady Lady Bird Johnson.
  9. Aretha

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "virtuous"

    • Description:

      There's still only one.
  10. Jayce

    • Description:

      Jayce is a name that, while traditionally masculine, has been increasingly used for girls. Originally a variant spelling of Jason (meaning 'healer' in Greek), Jayce has developed as a distinct name with a modern, unisex appeal. For girls, it represents the growing trend of adopting names once considered exclusively male. With its short, crisp sound and contemporary 'y' spelling, Jayce feels fresh and distinctive. The name has gained moderate popularity since the 2000s, appealing to parents seeking something slightly unconventional yet accessible. The feminine use of Jayce reflects changing attitudes toward gender-neutral naming practices.
  11. Aurore

    • Description:

      Aurore is a feminine name of Latin origin meaning 'dawn.' It's the French form of Aurora, the Roman goddess of the morning. The name evokes images of daybreak, new beginnings, and golden light. In French-speaking countries, particularly France and Canada, Aurore has maintained steady popularity over the centuries. The name carries an air of classic elegance and natural beauty. Its literary connections include the protagonist of George Sand's novel 'Histoire de ma vie.' While less common in English-speaking regions, Aurore offers an alternative to the more widely used Aurora. The name's soft sounds and romantic associations give it a timeless quality. Parents might choose Aurore for its subtle French sophistication or meaningful connection to light and renewal.
  12. Zaida

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "properous"

    • Description:

      Could be some disconnect between spelling and pronunciation.
  13. Gladiola

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "little sword"

    • Description:

      An attractive update to Gladys.

      Gladiola is a character in the 1991 novel and 1995 film How to Make an American Quilt

  14. Roy

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "red"

    • Description:

      If girls have adopted Ray, why not Roy.
  15. Lillis

    • Description:

      Lillis is a charming feminine name with Scandinavian and English roots. It evolved as a diminutive form of Elizabeth or Lily, carrying the essence of delicacy and grace associated with the flower. In Swedish tradition, Lillis functions as an affectionate nickname, conveying sweetness and endearment. While relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, Lillis offers a distinctive alternative to more popular flower-inspired names. Its gentle sound pattern with the double 'l' creates a melodic quality that feels both vintage and fresh. The name maintains a quiet presence in Nordic countries but remains a rare gem elsewhere, appealing to parents seeking a name with subtle elegance and historical connections without widespread popularity.

  16. Claribel

    • Origin:

      English combination of Clara + -bel, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bright + beautiful"

    • Description:

      Claribel improves on its mother name Clarabelle by distancing itself from the clown and the cow.
  17. Gisele

    • Description:

      The French variation of Giselle was made famous by the spectacular Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen.
  18. Fabiola

    • Origin:

      French, Spanish, Italian, and German variation of Fabia

    • Meaning:

      "bean grower"

    • Description:

      Fabiola was the romantically elaborate name of a saint who organized the first hospice. Neither Fabiola nor Fabia appear on the most recent US extended list of names given to five or more babies, though Fabiana and Fabianna are both used.
  19. Lucette

    • Origin:

      French diminutive of Lucy

    • Meaning:

      "little light"

    • Description:

      Popular in the 1930s in France, this is a diminutive of Lucy (or Lucie).
  20. Serene

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Description:

      Serena in all its variant spellings is such a widely-used name that reducing it to its root word, Serene, might not occur to some. But like Pax and Clement, Serene is an excellent name for a calm child.