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American Gothic

vintageluvs
By vintageluvs
Updated Mon May 22 2023
  1. Almira

    • Description:

      Almira is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, possibly derived from Arabic "al-amirah" meaning "princess" or "commander," or from Germanic elements meaning "noble" and "famous." The name also has connections to Latin "mirus" meaning "wonderful." Almira has historical usage across several cultures, including Hispanic, Turkish, Arabic, and Eastern European communities. It enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the late 19th century. The name appears in literary works, including as a character in Handel's opera "Rinaldo." With its melodious sound and multicultural heritage, Almira offers a distinctive yet accessible option with elegant overtones. Its relative rarity in contemporary Western naming makes it stand out while its traditional roots give it substance and history.
  2. Almeron
    • Cleopatra

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "glory of the father"

      • Description:

        A royal name in ancient Egypt that's never quite made it to the modern world, though nickname Cleo is widely used. Other now-extinct Cleopatra diminutives, including Cleora and Cleola, achieved some popularity in the early 20th century when there was a crazy for all things Egypt-related as the ancient tombs were opened and artifacts displayed. In the US, Cleopatra became a popular silent film in 1917 starring Theda Bara.
    • Dolphorus
      • Elvira

        • Origin:

          Spanish

        • Meaning:

          "white, fair"

        • Description:

          Before there was the campy TV Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, Elvira was the long-suffering wife of Don Juan, and remnants of those negative, gothic images still cling to it, though they are fading.

          Other references include the romantic film Elvira Madigan, based on a real person, and the main ghostly character in Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, as well as appearances in several operas.

      • Eforah
        • Ercelia
          • Idella

            • Origin:

              Diminutive of Ida, German

            • Meaning:

              "industrious one"

            • Description:

              Ida is one of those terminally old-fashioned names that suddenly sounds fresh again, especially given how fashionable it is in Europe. Ida, usually pronounced ee-da, is a Top 100 name in Scandinavia and German-speaking countries, and is rising more gently in the US.
          • Lanzara
            • Ora

              • Origin:

                Latin

              • Meaning:

                "prayer"

              • Description:

                Short and slight, with great potential now that names like Ava, Ida and Orla are popular. Ora Beach is a tourist destination on Seram Island, Indonesia.
            • Oreb
              • Pallas

                • Origin:

                  Greek

                • Meaning:

                  "wisdom"

                • Description:

                  This rarified Greek name -- in classical mythology Pallas Athena was the goddess of wisdom and the arts -- might appeal to literary-minded parents. Among the raft of stylish girl names that start with P, Pallas is one rare choice that is often overlooked....but shouldn't be.
              • Palmyra

                • Origin:

                  Greek, place name

                • Meaning:

                  "palm tree; pilgrim"

                • Description:

                  An ancient city in modern-day Syria, which occasionally makes the roster of girl names. Its etymology is uncertain — locally it is called Tadmor, and Palmyra is the Greek version — but it has traditionally been associated with palm trees. It may also be a feminine form of the Italian Palmiro, meaning "pilgrim", ultimately from palma, again meaning "palm tree".
              • Parintha
                • Roxanna

                  • Origin:

                    Persian

                  • Meaning:

                    "little star"

                  • Description:

                    Spelled with one 'n', this was the name of the wife of Alexander the Great, and is more attractive than the better-known Roxanne.
                • Vinette

                  • Description:

                    Vinette is a delicate feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Vina or a feminine version of Vincent. The suffix '-ette' traditionally indicates smallness or endearment in French. This elegant name peaked in limited popularity during the early to mid-20th century but remains quite rare today. Vinette carries a vintage charm and sophistication typical of French-derived names, with its gentle yet refined sound. The name's connection to Vincent links it to the Latin meaning 'conquering' or 'victorious,' though as a diminutive form, it adopts a more graceful, delicate character. Primarily found in French-speaking regions and occasionally in the Caribbean, Vinette appeals to parents drawn to uncommon names with subtle European elegance and a touch of nostalgic appeal.