vintage girl names begging to be rediscovered

The feminine form of Avelino, a Spanish name after the Italian saint Andrea Avellino (which in itself comes from an Italian town also named Avellino). It was fairly well-used in Spain in the first half of the 20th century

Popular Portuguese and Spanish name that refers to "dulce nombre de Maria" -- the sweet name of the Virgin Mary. English variant Dulcie has a different pronunciation, and is significantly less popular in the US, given to 8 babies compared to the 438 girls called Dulce in 2024.

A unique international short form of Margaret, now associated with Facebook and Instagram and with "meta" fiction, books, TV shows, and similar that are self-referential.

Willia is a feminine name that serves as a variation of the more common Wilhelmina or a feminine form of William. Derived from Germanic roots, the elements 'wil' meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection' combine to give the name a meaning of 'resolute protector.' Willia has an old-fashioned charm that resonates with vintage name enthusiasts. More popular in the early 20th century, it has become relatively uncommon in contemporary usage. The name carries a gentle, classic quality while maintaining feminine strength. Willia offers a sweet alternative for parents who appreciate traditional names but want something less frequently used than Willa or Wilhelmina.

Adda is an ancient feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Welsh tradition, it derives from the name Adam, meaning "earth" or "mankind." In Germanic usage, it may be a diminutive of Adelaide, meaning "noble kind." The name also appears in Scandinavian countries and has historical usage in Eastern Europe. Adda is notable for its simplicity and symmetry, featuring just two syllables with repeated consonants. Despite its historical roots, the name remains uncommon in contemporary English-speaking countries. Adda carries a gentle sound with vintage charm, appealing to parents seeking a short, distinctive name with cross-cultural significance. Its brevity and easy pronunciation make it accessible across language barriers.

Usually seen in the Appalachian Mountain region.

Possibly a variation of the ultra-popular Greek Zoe, Zoa was given to around 2 dozen baby girls each recent year.

Most modern parents would drop the Jo, leaving the superpopular Ella.

As Elodie filters into the mainstream, parents may turn to the rarer Spanish form Elodia as an alternative.

A zingy nickname-style name that was used occasionally in the early twentieth century, and returned to the charts in 2020. There are no obvious names it could be short for, which is all the more reason to use it on its own. In Kate Manning's historical novel My Notorious Life, the character Annie Muldoon gets the nickname Axie because she "axes" so many questions.

Paz, currently represented by actresses Paz Vega and Paz de la Huerts, would make a sparkling middle name choice. It originated as a title of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Peace, and is one of the names that mean peace, derived from the Latin word "pax".

Name that enjoyed some popularity early in the 20th century but now is locked in another, ahem, era.

Verlie is a feminine name with American roots, emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries during a period when creative variations of existing names became popular. It may have evolved as a diminutive form of Vera (meaning 'truth' or 'faith') or as a variant of Virlie. The name reached its peak popularity in the United States around the 1910s-1920s but has since become quite rare. Verlie carries a vintage charm characteristic of names from that era, with a gentle, melodic quality. The name evokes images of Southern grace and old-fashioned femininity. Today, Verlie might appeal to parents seeking an uncommon vintage revival name with a soft sound and nostalgic appeal.

Not quite Beatrice or Letitia, but Leatrice still has a gently old-fashioned charm of its own, a kind of silent movie star aura, as in one of the top actresses of that era, Leatrice Joy. Largely due to her popularity, Leatrice was in the Top 1000 from 1922 to 1943, reaching a high of 350 in 1927.

One of many Spanish elaborations of Rosa.

An attractive Scandinavian take on Helga, or a potential Helen nickname.

A word that's been used, very infrequently, as a name for hundreds of years. Interesting sound and meaning.

This Old Testament name is traditionally masculine, but with its lyrical Ls, sounds just as nice on a baby girl.

Thera is a feminine name with ancient Greek origins, derived from the island of Thera (modern Santorini) in the Aegean Sea. The name carries historical significance as this island was home to an important Minoan civilization before a volcanic eruption dramatically altered it around 1600 BCE. Thera has a timeless, ethereal quality with its soft sounds and classical roots. Though uncommon in modern usage, it appeals to parents drawn to names with historical depth and Mediterranean connections. The name evokes images of azure waters and ancient cultures, giving it an exotic yet accessible feel. Thera combines strength and femininity with its brief yet melodious pronunciation.