Historic and Vintage Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 3 pages
of 3
English
"loaf-keeper"
If it's royalty you're after, stick with Earl or Prince -- this is too deified.
English, feminine variation of Albert
"noble, bright"
This jazzy old name could make a comeback, the way Josephine and Ella have. In England the name was popularized by Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, after whom her governor…
German
"noble wolf"
Nein.
German variation of Ernest
Concise and clipped European version of the earnest Ernest.
English occupational surname or Norman variation of Edward
"shepherd; wealthy guardian"
Ewart has long been extinct as a first name, and the prominent placement of "ew" and "wart" probably has something to do with it. Ewart originated as a Norman form of Edward and an occupational…
Russian variation of Theodore, Greek
"gift of God"
Feodore is a masculine name with noble Russian roots, serving as a variant of the more common Theodore. Derived from Greek elements meaning 'gift of God,' Feodore carries the same profound meaning…
Franziska is a feminine name of German origin, serving as the female form of Franz (Francis). The name ultimately derives from Latin "Franciscus," meaning "Frenchman" or "free one." Franziska has…
Feminine variation of Joseph, Hebrew
"Jehovah increases"
Josepha is less heard in this country than in other parts of the world, seen as a slightly awkward feminization a la Ricarda and Benjamina. In the U.S., Josephine or Joanna is the more usual feminine…
French feminine version of Leopold
"brave people"
A sophisticated girls' name for those attracted to Leona, Leonie and Leonore.
English surname
"Leofwine's settlement"
The name gained considerable recognition through Dr. David Livingstone, the famous 19th-century Scottish missionary and explorer of Africa. As a first name, Livingstone projects qualities of…
German variation of Louise
See LOUISE.
English and French diminutive of Matilda, German
"battle-mighty"
Maud, lacy and mauve-tinted, was wildly popular a hundred years ago but has been rarely heard in the past fifty. Some stylish parents are starting to choose Maud again, especially as a middle. Maude…
Greek
"honey"
A coffee filter.
Palmerston is a masculine name of English origin, derived from the occupational surname meaning 'one who lives near or tends palm trees' or possibly from a place name combining 'palmer' (a pilgrim…
"elf power,"
With a meaning like "elf power," Alfreda could find some appeal among fantasy enthusiasts. "Freda" makes for a pleasant nickname.
Ruperta is the feminine form of Rupert, originating from Germanic roots meaning "bright fame" or "shining glory." The name comes from the ancient elements 'hruod' (fame) and 'berht' (bright). Though…
"dweller near the temple"
Rather formal word name that has been used occasionally over the years, most notably for the autism activist and animal expert Temple Grandin.
