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vintage girl names begging to be rediscovered

  1. Devera

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "to sweep away"

    • Description:

      Devera was the name of a Roman goddess who protected midwives and laboring women. She would use a broom to sweep evil away, referenced in the meaning of her name.
  2. Garnet

    • Origin:

      Jewel name, from the French

    • Meaning:

      "pomegranate"

    • Description:

      One of the jewel names in use a hundred years ago, due for revival along with sisters Ruby and Pearl.
  3. Netta

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of names ending in -ette or -etta, or variation of Neta, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "plant"

    • Description:

      Netta ranked in the US Top 1000 in the 1880s, when it was often used as a short form of names such as Jeanette, Annette, and Antoinette. In Jewish families, Netta was typically seen as a variation of the Hebrew name Neta.
  4. Erie

    • Description:

      Erie is an uncommon feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Erie Native American tribe and the Great Lake named after them, giving it a natural, geographical connection. The name could also relate to the Old English 'eerie,' meaning fearful or mysterious, though this association is less common. As a given name, Erie has remained quite rare throughout history, never achieving widespread popularity. It offers a concise, distinctive option for parents seeking a name with natural connections that's easy to spell and pronounce. The name's brevity and open 'e' ending give it a light, airy quality that feels both distinctive and unpretentious.

  5. Jerusha

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "inheritance"

    • Description:

      This biblical name of the mother of King Jotham of Judah has an appealing soft Russian accent.
  6. Willodean

    • Origin:

      American

    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection + valley; resolute protection + high ranking priest; willow valley"

    • Description:

      The Social Security Lists show this name to have been used throughout the 1920s and 30s especially in Southern states, where it likely appealed alongside Clarabel and Marigold. It feels part double-barrel, part surname, and part nature-inspired, which may encourage more parents to consider it in the future.
  7. Merrill

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "sea-bright"

    • Description:

      Merrill, once fairly common for males, is rarely used for girls (or boys either, for that matter) with this spelling. Chef Emeril Lagasse dropped the initial E from his name and called his daughter Meril.
  8. Joretta

    • Description:

      Joretta is a feminine name that likely represents an elaboration of the name Jora or a feminine form of George. The name George derives from Greek 'georgos' meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' Joretta was most popular in the United States during the 1930s-1950s, giving it a vintage charm that resonates with current trends of reviving mid-century names. The name has a melodic flow with its three syllables and soft ending. While never extremely common, Joretta has a familiar sound pattern that follows traditional feminine naming conventions. It strikes a balance between uniqueness and accessibility, making it appealing to parents seeking distinctive yet pronounceable names. Joretta carries connotations of groundedness and connection to nature through its possible etymological roots.
  9. Aletha

    • Description:

      Aletha is a feminine name with ancient Greek origins, derived from 'aletheia' meaning 'truth' or 'sincerity.' This elegant and uncommon name carries philosophical associations with truth-seeking and honest character. Aletha experienced modest popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare, giving it a vintage appeal for modern parents seeking distinctive options. The name offers a sophisticated sound with its soft 'th' consonant blend while remaining relatively straightforward to pronounce. Aletha shares some phonetic qualities with more common names like Alethea, Aletha, and Alicia, but maintains its own distinctive character. Its meaning connecting to truth and authenticity makes it particularly meaningful for parents valuing these qualities.
  10. Junella

    • Description:

      Junella is a feminine name that appears to be a modern elaboration of June, which derives from the Roman goddess Juno, the protector of women and marriage. The suffix '-ella' adds a diminutive, affectionate quality to the name. Junella combines the simple elegance of June with a more elaborate, melodic ending. This uncommon name has a vintage feel while maintaining a fresh appeal for modern parents seeking distinctive options. The name evokes early summer with its connection to June, suggesting warmth, growth, and new beginnings. While rare in usage statistics, Junella fits with the trend of reviving and elaborating shorter classic names with musical endings.

  11. Talitha

    • Origin:

      Aramaic

    • Meaning:

      "little girl"

    • Description:

      Talitha appears in the Bible as words Jesus says to awaken a young girl whose parents feared she was dead. It has been used in the US since colonial times. Talitha is also the name of two stars in Ursa Major, where it's related to the Arabic word for "third." Talitha definitely makes a fresh spin on Tabitha or Talisa.
  12. Curtis

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "courteous, polite"

    • Description:

      Best-selling Prep author Curtis Sittenfeld made this one of the many boy names for girls" gaining in popularity and acceptability.
  13. Cleotilde

    • Origin:

      Variation of Clotilde, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese

    • Meaning:

      "famous in battle"

    • Description:

      A rare and warmer version of Clotilde, in combination with the Greek name Cleo. The first recorded use of Cleotilde was in 1894. It peaked in 1924 when 16 baby girls were named Cleotilde.
  14. Dorinda

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "bountiful gift"

    • Description:

      Cinderella stepsister type Victorian-valentine name.
  15. Artie

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "bear"

    • Description:

      Artie is usually short for Arthur, but with boyish nicknames like Billie and Frankie rising it may be time to consider Artie for a girl too. Artie works as a sweet retro tomboy name, a possible nickname for Artemis or Arlette, and a way to honor Grandpa Arthur.
  16. Katina

    • Description:

      Katina is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from Katerina or Katharina, ultimately meaning "pure." In Greek culture, it's often used as a diminutive of Katerina. The name carries a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and gentle ending. Katina experienced modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s but has since become less common, giving it a distinctive quality today. The name projects sophistication while maintaining warmth and accessibility. Its international appeal crosses cultural boundaries, recognizable in both Greek communities and beyond. Katina often evokes images of Mediterranean charm and classic beauty. For parents seeking a name with authentic Greek heritage that remains relatively uncommon, Katina offers both cultural depth and phonetic appeal.

  17. Lovina

    • Description:

      Lovina is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be derived from Latin 'lovina' relating to love, or could be a variant of Lavinia, an ancient Roman name associated with Latin settlers. Some suggest it may be a combination of 'love' with the feminine suffix '-ina.' The name has historical usage among the Amish communities in the United States, particularly notable in the Lovina settlement in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. There is also a beach called Lovina in Bali, Indonesia. The name has a gentle, melodious quality with its soft consonants and flowing rhythm. Though never extremely common, Lovina offers vintage charm while remaining recognizable. It provides an uncommon alternative to more familiar names like Lavinia or Loveday.

  18. China

    • Origin:

      Place-name

    • Description:

      Long before the current place-name craze, a pair of the more daring pop singers of the Age of Aquarius picked this name for their daughters. Jefferson Airplane's Grace Slick used the conventional spelling, the Mamas and the Papas's Michelle Phillips went further afield with Chynna (of the group Wilson Phillips).
  19. Minta

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Araminta, invented hybrid name

    • Description:

      Minta is an eighteenth century short form of a literary beauty still used in England today, but yet to be discovered by American baby namers. It has a fresh and dainty feel.
  20. Ethelyn

    • Description:

      Ethelyn is a vintage feminine name with Anglo-Saxon roots, derived from the Old English elements 'æðel' meaning 'noble' or 'royal' and 'lyn,' a diminutive suffix implying 'little' or 'beloved.' This charming combination creates the meaning 'little noble one' or 'beloved princess.' Popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ethelyn has that classic, dignified quality reminiscent of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Though it declined in usage mid-century, it's seeing renewed interest among parents drawn to vintage revivals. The name offers several nickname possibilities, including Ethel, Etty, or Lynn. Ethelyn balances formal elegance with a gentle, approachable quality in its full form.