​
​
Advanced Search

vintage girl names begging to be rediscovered

  1. Glendora

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "gift of the glen"

    • Description:

      A quirky, clunky compound name, blending the nature-related "Glen" with the Greek "dora", giving you a name with the rather poetic meaning of "gift of the glen".
  2. Brita

    • Description:

      Brita is a feminine name with Scandinavian and German origins. It developed as a variant of Bridget (or Brigid), which ultimately derives from the Celtic name meaning 'strength' or 'exalted one.' Particularly popular in Sweden, Norway, and Germany, Brita has a clean, crisp sound that resonates well in Nordic countries. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, it offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar names like Britta or Brigitte. The name carries connotations of strength and resilience, influenced by its etymological roots. In some regions, it may also be associated with the water filter brand, though this commercial connection is separate from its traditional heritage.
  3. Madgie

    • Description:

      Madgie is a charming feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive or nickname form of Margaret or Madge. Its roots trace back to the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' This endearing variation has a vintage, early 20th-century feel that evokes nostalgia for simpler times. Madgie has never been among the most popular names but experienced some usage in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It has a playful, friendly quality with its soft 'g' sound and diminutive ending. In contemporary usage, Madgie might appeal to parents seeking a rare vintage name with historical roots but a sweet, accessible sound. The name balances quaintness with individuality, making it distinctively old-fashioned yet approachable.

  4. Coy

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "shy, taciturn"

    • Description:

      Though rarely heard now, Coy has been around for a century and was not an uncommon name for boys a hundred years ago. There have been a couple of NFL players named Coy, Coy Bowles is in the Zac Brown band, and of course there was Coy Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard. Due to the flirty connotations of the word "coy", McCoy is a more popular and recommended choice today.
  5. Romelle

    • Description:

      Romelle is a feminine name with French influences, possibly derived as a feminine form of Romeo or from Roman. The name combines the romantic associations of Rome with the soft, elegant ending typical of French feminine names. Romelle likely emerged in the early to mid-20th century when French-inspired names gained popularity in English-speaking countries. While never extremely common, the name experienced modest usage during the 1940s-1960s. Romelle carries an air of sophistication and vintage charm with its melodic sound and European flair. The name evokes images of romance and classical beauty while remaining distinctive. For parents seeking a name with French elegance that isn't overused, Romelle offers a refined option with subtle connections to classical history and literature.
  6. Glenora

    • Description:

      Glenora is a feminine name with Scottish and Irish Gaelic roots. It combines 'glen,' meaning 'valley,' with 'ora,' possibly derived from Latin for 'gold' or representing a feminine ending. The name evokes images of serene, golden valleys in the Scottish Highlands or Irish countryside. Glenora has a classic, somewhat old-fashioned charm that connects to nature and Celtic heritage. Though never extremely common, it appeared more frequently in the early 20th century and has remained in limited use since. The name Glenora also appears as a place name in several locations with Celtic connections, including areas in Canada and Scotland.
  7. Chaney

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "oak tree"

    • Description:

      An appealing surname-name that sounds perfectly feminine, unless you consider the association to Vice President Dick.
  8. Loy

    • Description:

      Loy as a feminine name is an uncommon short form that may derive from several sources. It could be a diminutive of Loyola, connected to St. Ignatius of Loyola, or a variant of Lois, which has Greek origins meaning 'better' or 'more desirable.' In some contexts, it might relate to the Old French 'loi' meaning 'law' or serve as a nickname for Eloise or other 'Lo-' names. The name's simplicity gives it a distinctive, modern feel despite its traditional roots. While more commonly used as a masculine name historically (particularly as a short form of Eloy), its clean, crisp sound makes it an appealing unisex option. The name's brevity and distinctive sound make it memorable despite its simplicity.
  9. Annis

    • Origin:

      Variation of Agnes

    • Meaning:

      "pure, virginal"

    • Description:

      Annis and Anice are both antique variations of Agnes that have fallen out of use, perhaps because of pronunciation problems (ANN-is, or an-EES?)
  10. Alcie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alcina, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "strong-willed"

    • Description:

      Alcie and Alsie are antiquated short forms that feel more baby-ready now that names such as Elsie, Elsa, and Isla are becoming popular again. Mother name Alcina was an operatic sorceress who turned men into trees and animals.
  11. Clella

    • Origin:

      Variation of Clelia, McClellan, Claudia, or Ella

    • Meaning:

      "famous; descendent of Faolán; fairy maiden, all, completely; lame, enclosure"

    • Description:

      A jazzy and catchy sounding name, Clella has a variety of possible origins. One possibility is that it comes from Cloelia or Clelia, an Ancient Roman name and its Italian variant, meaning "famous" or "reputable". Alternatively, it's a feminine spin on two different surnames: the English Clelland, meaning "clay land", or the Irish McClelland, meaning "descendant of Faolán" or more poetically, "descendent of the wolf".
  12. Angelia

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "angel"

    • Description:

      Angelia, also called Angelos, was a daughter of Zeus and Hera. She stole her mother's anointments and gave them to Europa, then to escape her mother's wrath went into hiding.
  13. Garland

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      Garland is fragrant and celebratory, and also has a celebrity-tribute tie to the star of The Wizard of Oz.
  14. Lethia

    • Description:

      Lethia is a feminine name with Greek origins, possibly derived from 'Lethe,' one of the five rivers of the Greek underworld associated with forgetfulness and oblivion. In mythology, souls would drink from this river to forget their earthly lives before reincarnation. Alternatively, some connect Lethia to 'Alethia,' meaning 'truth' in Greek. The name has an ethereal, mysterious quality with its unusual letter combination and classical roots. Lethia enjoyed brief popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare. Despite its scarcity, the name offers a distinctive choice with its soft sound, ancient connections, and enigmatic background, appealing to parents seeking something both uncommon and historically rich.
  15. Dezzie

    • Description:

      Dezzie is a feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive form of names like Desdemona or Desiree, or possibly as a variant of Daisy. It has a cheerful, playful quality with its 'z' sound and '-ie' ending that gives it a vintage nickname charm. Dezzie peaked in limited popularity during the early 20th century when diminutive nicknames were commonly used as given names. The name carries a friendly, approachable feeling while maintaining a touch of uniqueness. As with many nickname-style names, Dezzie has an inherent sweetness and informality that some parents find appealing as an alternative to more formal traditional names.
  16. Genevie

    • Description:

      Genevie is a feminine name that appears as a shortened form or variation of Genevieve. The name Genevieve comes from Germanic origins, meaning 'tribe woman' or possibly 'woman of the race.' Genevie maintains the elegant, French-inspired quality of the original while offering a more concise form. The traditional Genevieve has connections to the patron saint of Paris, giving it deep historical roots. Genevie presents a more streamlined alternative that maintains the sophisticated sound while being slightly less formal. Though uncommon in official records, it provides an option for parents who appreciate the classic name but desire something slightly more distinctive.

  17. Raelene

    • Description:

      Raelene is a feminine name with modern origins, emerging as a creative variation combining elements of Rachel and traditional '-lene' or '-leen' endings popular in the mid-20th century. This melodic name carries a soft, feminine quality with its flowing syllables. While not derived from specific historical roots, Raelene represents the trend of name innovation that became popular in America during the 1950s and 1960s. The name experienced modest popularity in the United States and Australia during this period but has remained relatively uncommon, making it a distinctive choice. Raelene offers a balance between uniqueness and familiarity, with its recognizable sounds but uncommon arrangement. The name often evokes associations with gentleness and individuality.
  18. Izora

    • Origin:

      Variation of Isaura
  19. Victorine

    • Origin:

      French variation of Victoria, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "victory"

    • Description:

      Victorine is appealing if you know it's an authentic vintage French girls' name, less so if you assume it's an awkward feminization, ala Davette or Richardine.
  20. Lynell

    • Description:

      Lynell is a feminine name with a modern sound but vintage origins, likely developing as a creative variation of names like Lynn, Lynette, or Linell. The first element may connect to the Welsh word 'llyn' meaning 'lake' or Anglo-Saxon 'lin' meaning 'flax' or 'waterfall.' Lynell emerged in American naming patterns during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s when distinctive 'Lyn-' names gained popularity. Though never reaching the Top 1000 names in the US, it represents the trend toward creating unique yet melodic feminine names with recognizable elements. The name carries a graceful, somewhat sophisticated quality with its flowing sounds and subtle nature connection, appealing to parents seeking something distinctively feminine without being overly common or elaborate.