Greta is an Old World name long tied to the iconic Garbo, but now synonymous with environmental activism.

Considered ultra debonair in the silent-movie era, Gilbert then went through a nerdy phase, a la Gilbert Gottfried. Now though, like Albert and Alfred and Walter and Frank, it could be in for a style revival.

Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen undoubtedly gave this name a boost. The French pronunciation (jiz-ELLE) gives it a more graceful, balletic, gazellelike feel.

Like Greta, Gretchen is a German Margaret diminutive that has become an American quasi-classic, though not much used today, having dropped off the list in 2009. She was at her high point in the 1970s, making it into the top 200.

Though twin brother Gerald is still in baby name limbo, Geraldine is in line to follow the path of Josephine to imminent revival—even though Gerry is not as spunky a nickname as Josie.

A short form for a whole variety of names, this short form has been used across Europe as a stand-alone since the 1920s. It spiked in popularity in the 1950s, owing to the fame of Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida but faded out of use in the 2000s.

Could cute nickname Gertie, remembered as cute five-year-old Drew Barrymore in E.T., revive the long shunned Gertrude?

Godfrey was very popular in the Middle Ages, but today you're more likely to hear it as a surname than a first name. It has a solid, old-man charm, but a couple of possible deal-breakers: the first syllable being God, and no obvious nickname. Goff, maybe? For a different feel, we also like the Italian artist's version Giotto.

A variation of Giselle.

When it's spelled with two dots over the 'u' in German, Gunther is pronounced GUWN-ter, but it has a much softer sound when the 'h' is voiced by English-speakers, as it was, for example, for the name of a character in Friends.

Griselda is a famous folklore figure, noted for her patience and obedience. Her story has been told by Petrarch, Chaucer, Boccaccio and set to music by Scarlatti, Vivaldi and Massenet.

Gredorius is an extremely rare masculine name with possible Latin or Greek origins. It may be a creative variant of Gregory, which comes from the Greek "gregorios" meaning "watchful" or "alert." The elaborate form suggests connections to ancient Roman or Byzantine naming traditions, where longer, more ornate names were common among nobility and clergy. Gredorius has virtually no statistical presence in modern naming records, making it exceptionally uncommon. Parents choosing this name might be drawn to its classical resonance and distinctive character. The name carries an air of scholarly gravitas and historical weight, potentially connecting its bearer to ancient traditions while standing out dramatically in contemporary settings.

Prospective parents tend to respond more to the softer American pronunciation than the harsher German one, and even more to the Scandinavian version (see GUNNAR).

A bright, musical name, Gisella is the Italian form of the French Giselle. With its zippy "Zella" sound and potential nickname Gigi too, it could make an underused and appealing choice.

Gretta is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Greta, which itself originated as a short form of Margaret or Margareta. With Germanic and Greek roots, the name ultimately derives from 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' Gretta has a classic, slightly vintage feel with its double consonants giving it a more substantial presence than Greta. While never reaching tremendous popularity, the name enjoyed modest usage throughout the 20th century. It carries associations with iconic figures like Greta Garbo, lending it a touch of timeless glamour. Gretta balances familiarity with distinctiveness, offering a recognizable yet not overly common option that works well across various ages.

An undiscovered cousin of Garrett and Gerard. Gerrit has some merit, especially for its arty credentials as the name of several Old Master painters.

Gatsby is one of the most famous literary surnames, borne by the titular character of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. The book's Jay Gatsby gussied up his surname from Gatz, whose meaning is given variously as left-handed, cat, God, and person from Gat. As a first name, it's got a lot of energy and that great literary pedigree.

Grette is a feminine name with Scandinavian origins, likely a variation of Greta or Margareta. These names ultimately derive from Margaret, meaning 'pearl.' In Norse contexts, Grette may also connect to the legendary figure Grettir from Icelandic sagas, though this association is more common with masculine variants. The name has a distinctively Nordic sound while remaining accessible to English speakers. Though uncommon internationally, Grette maintains some usage in Scandinavian countries and communities with Nordic heritage. The name's brevity and strong consonant sounds give it a crisp, clean quality that contrasts with more elaborate feminine names. Its uniqueness makes it appealing to parents seeking distinctive names with cultural roots, particularly those celebrating Scandinavian heritage or drawn to the straightforward elegance of Nordic naming traditions.

Gervas is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the name Gervasius, which may have come from a Germanic element meaning 'spear.' The name has historical significance in Christianity as Saint Gervasius was an early martyr alongside his twin brother Protasius. Gervas represents a shortened or modernized version of the traditional name. More common in parts of Europe, particularly with Eastern European and Latin influences, the name remains quite rare in English-speaking countries. Gervas has a sophisticated, slightly austere quality with its crisp consonants and classical roots. The name's rarity gives it distinction while its historical connections provide it with depth and character.