Girl Names Close to Extinction
- Adela
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"noble"Description:
A vibrant variation of Adele, with a bit of extra flair from that "-a" ending. It could join the army of popular A girls' names, especially with its tie to the success of singer Adele.
- Adelia
Origin:
Variation of Adela, GermanMeaning:
"noble, nobility"Description:
The super-success of Adele, both the singer and the name, has brought attention to all her cousins — Adela, Adeline, Adelina — and the lovely Adelia. An undiscovered gem just waiting to be discovered.
- Alba
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"white"Description:
Alba is quietly making a behind-the-scenes comeback, perhaps thanks to actress turned baby-product mogul Jessica Alba. Last on the Top 1000 a century ago, the name was given to nearly 200 baby girls in the US last year. Alba might be tomorrow's successor to Ava and Ella. In Spain, Alba ranks among the Top 20 girls' names. Alba is the name of a character in The Time Traveler's Wife.
- Aline
Origin:
Variation of Adeline or AileenDescription:
Aline may have originated as a short form of Adeline in the Middle Ages, but it may also be a variation of the Irish Aileen or Scottish Eileen. Aline dropped off the Top 1000 in the 1950s. Fewer than 40 baby girls were named Aline in the US last year.
- Allegra
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"joyous"Description:
In music, the term allegro means "quickly, lively tempo," which makes this quintessential Bohemian ballet dancer's name all the more appealing. Allegra is one of the most distinctive yet accessible girl names starting with A.
- Alta
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"elevated"Description:
Alta, one of the newer names bookended by the letter A, has a meaning that might raise a child's self-esteem. It was the middle name of First Lady Lady Bird Johnson.
- Alvira
Description:
Alvira is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Elvira, which has Germanic roots meaning 'all-protecting' or 'foreign and strange.' Alternatively, it could be derived from Arabic origins as a variation of Elvira, a name brought to Spain during Moorish rule. Some sources also suggest Latin origins related to 'albus' meaning 'white' or 'pure.' Alvira has a melodic, flowing quality with its three syllables and musical consonants. While never extremely common, the name has maintained a steady presence particularly in Hispanic, Portuguese, and Italian communities. It carries an elegant, somewhat old-world charm that appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth. The name offers the appealing nicknames Alvi or Vira, making it both formal and adaptable.
- Annetta
Description:
Annetta is a feminine name that serves as a diminutive form of Anna, which originates from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' This charming variation emerged in Italian and has spread to other European languages. Annetta offers a more distinctive alternative to the extremely common Anna while maintaining its classical roots and elegant sound. The name enjoyed modest popularity in the early 20th century in America but has become less common in recent decades, giving it a vintage appeal. With its melodious sound and three-syllable rhythm ending in the feminine '-a,' Annetta strikes a balance between familiarity and uniqueness, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth but not overwhelming popularity.
- Arie
Origin:
Variation of Ariel and AriMeaning:
"lion of God"Description:
This spelling variation of trending unisex Ari — both diminutives of Hebrew Ariel — means "lion of God".
- Audie
Description:
Audie is a feminine name with diverse origins, functioning as both a diminutive of Audrey and a name in its own right. Derived from Anglo-Saxon roots, it carries meanings associated with 'noble strength' or 'noble counselor.' The name gained some recognition in America through World War II hero Audie Murphy, though it's traditionally more common for females. With its short, sweet sound and vintage charm, Audie fits well with the trend toward reviving early 20th century names. It provides a less common alternative to popular 'Au-' names like Audrey and Autumn. While never reaching high popularity rankings, Audie has maintained continuous usage throughout the decades. Its simplicity and gentle sound make it appealing to parents seeking a name that's both distinctive and accessible.
- Augusta
Origin:
Feminine variation of Augustus, LatinMeaning:
"great, magnificent"Description:
Augusta is a dignified name reminiscent of wealthy great-aunts, but with the fashion for both August and Gus for boys, Augusta could get some fresh energy.
- Aurore
Description:
Aurore is a feminine name of Latin origin meaning 'dawn.' It's the French form of Aurora, the Roman goddess of the morning. The name evokes images of daybreak, new beginnings, and golden light. In French-speaking countries, particularly France and Canada, Aurore has maintained steady popularity over the centuries. The name carries an air of classic elegance and natural beauty. Its literary connections include the protagonist of George Sand's novel 'Histoire de ma vie.' While less common in English-speaking regions, Aurore offers an alternative to the more widely used Aurora. The name's soft sounds and romantic associations give it a timeless quality. Parents might choose Aurore for its subtle French sophistication or meaningful connection to light and renewal.
- Beulah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"married"Description:
In the Bible, Beulah is a place, not a person, applied to the land of Israel by the prophet Isaiah. The land of Beulah has sometimes been considered a reference to heaven. Beulah began to be used as a given name in England at the time of the Reformation and was used by the seventeenth century Puritans.
- Birdie
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"bird"Description:
Birdie was until recently a middle-aged Ladies' Club member wearing a bird-decorated hat --but now it's just the kind of vintage nickname (think Hattie, Josie, Mamie, Millie) that's coming back into style in a big way. Actress Busy Philipps named her baby Birdie (inspired by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson), as did soap star Maura West.
- Blanche
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"white"Description:
Blanche, which originated as a nickname for a pale blonde and then became associated with the notion of purity, was in style a century ago, ranking in the double digits until 1920. She then had to fight the stereotype of faded Southern belle, a la Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams's A Streetcar Named Desire and Blanche Devereaux in TV's Golden Girls. Now all three of the Golden Girls--Blanche, Rose and Dorothy--could be ready for revival, with Blanche sounding like a stronger, simpler alternative to Bianca.
- Blythe
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"happy, carefree"Description:
Blythe is Nameberry gem — one of those names that visitors to the site are often searching for, despite the fact it's never ranked in the US charts as a given name.
- Caldonia
Description:
Caldonia is a feminine name with Southern American roots, popularized by Louis Jordan's 1945 jump blues hit song 'Caldonia.' The name may be a variation of Caledonia, the ancient Roman name for Scotland, derived from the tribal name 'Caledonii.' Caldonia carries a vintage, soulful quality with its melodic sound and rhythmic cadence. Though never widely common, the name experienced brief recognition during the mid-20th century due to the song's popularity. Caldonia projects warmth, strength, and musical associations, with its flowing syllables and distinctive ending. For modern parents, it offers a unique alternative to more common vintage revivals, bringing to mind the rich cultural heritage of American blues and jazz. The name retains an air of Southern charm and musical nostalgia.
- Carolee
Description:
Carolee is a feminine name that emerged as a blend of Carol and the popular suffix '-lee' or as a creative variation of Caroline. With English origins, the name has a vintage charm, having reached modest popularity in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. Carol derives from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man,' while the '-lee' element adds a melodic, feminine touch. Carolee offers a sweet, friendly quality with its bouncy rhythm and familiar sounds while remaining sufficiently uncommon to be distinctive. The name carries associations of joy and celebration through its connection to Christmas carols. For contemporary parents, Carolee represents a retro choice that balances vintage appeal with a continued feeling of freshness and individuality.
- Cecile
Origin:
French feminine form of CecilMeaning:
"blind"Description:
Cecile is a fairly common French saint's name, scattered throughout classic French literature--in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, in Balzac's Cousin Pons, and Zola's Germinal.
- Celesta
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"heavenly"Description:
The shimmery Celeste has been solidly in the Top 1000 for as long as data has been recorded. The dainty variation Celesta certainly feels useable as well. Other intriguing variations include Celestia and Celestine.