Grandma Names

Helene

French variation of Helen

"bright, shining one"

Whether it's pronounced with an "een" or an "aine" or an "enn" sound at the end, Helene doesn't feel as current the more forthright Helen or the airier Helena. Helene reached a high of Number 228 in…

Hilda

German

"battle woman"

Short for Brunhilda, the operatic Valkyrie of Teutonic legend, Hilda still has not quite shaken off that image that image. Though with the resurgence of Matilda, she might just have a bit of a…

Jean

English and Scottish, from French variation of Johanna

"God is gracious"

Originally a feminine of John, Jean was popular in Scotland long before it found favor elsewhere, and had its most shining moment here in the era of Jean Harlow (born Harlean), ultimate symbol of…

Sue

Diminutive of Susan

Much-used midcentury diminutive, now fallen far from favor even as a middle name.

Tinnie

Tinnie is a feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive nickname for names like Christina, Martina, or Ernestine, though it has occasionally been used as a given name in its own right. With…