Old-Fashioned, Vintage, Retro, Classic, Eclectic, Unusual and Uncommon Names for Girls

Clothilde

French from German

"famous in battle"

Pronounced klo-TEELD, this name is well used in France, but rarely heard here; it has a chic and sophisticated air.

Rosalyne

Rosalyne is a feminine name that blends classical elegance with a unique spelling variation. Derived from names like Rosalind or Rosaline, it ultimately traces back to Latin and Germanic roots…

Benjamina

Hebrew

"daughter of the right hand"

The kind of feminized male name that never caught on.

Raphaela

Hebrew, feminine variation of Raphael

"God has healed"

A euphonious and lovely name with a dark-eyed, long-flowing-haired image, Raphaela is, like Gabriella and Isabella, beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream.

Jeannette

French, diminutive of Jeanne

"God is gracious"

Jeannette is a feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive of Jeanne (the French form of Jane/Joan). Ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, the root of John meaning 'God…

Zenaida

Greek

"the life of Zeus; dedicated to Zeus"

A powerful name with an intriguing air of antiquity, Zenaida has the freshness of Zephyr and Azalea too. Meaning "life of Zeus" or "dedicated to Zeus", it was notably borne by the first-century…

Aloisa

German variation of Louisa

"renowned warrior"

Obscure form of an old-fashioned favorite that's poised to make a comeback. This version, which owes as much to Alison as to Louisa, has a stylish A beginning and a multi-syllabic feminine grace.

Docia

Docia is a vintage feminine name with Greek origins, functioning as a diminutive of Eudocia, meaning 'good teaching' or 'good doctrine.' The name enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during…

Dosha

Dosha is a feminine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Ayurvedic tradition, 'dosha' refers to one of three energies believed to circulate in the body and govern physiological activity,…

Doshie

Doshie is a feminine name with American roots, particularly associated with the Southern United States. It likely originated as a nickname or diminutive form, possibly derived from names like…

Beth

English diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew

"pledged to God"

The sweetest and most sensitive of the pet names for Elizabeth, now also one of the most dated.

Meggie

Meggie is a diminutive form of Margaret, which derives from the Greek word "margarites" meaning "pearl." This affectionate nickname has a sweet, friendly quality that has made it endure through…

Debbie

English diminutive of Deborah, Hebrew

"bee"

The quintessential friendly fifties name, nearly epidemic in its day. Now many grownup Debbies have reverted to the full and lovely form of their name, which modern parents often avoid because of the…

Josepha

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…

Clotilde

Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese

"famous in battle"

A romantic rarity, derived from the Old German name Chlotichilda, meaning "famous in battle." Saint Clotilde was a Frankish queen, wife of Clovis I, who played a role in the spread of Christianity.

Clotilda

German

"famous in battle"

Old and aristocratic European name that would be tough for an American kid to pull off.

Mechtilde

Mechtilde is a feminine name with deep Germanic medieval roots, representing an older form of the name Matilda. It derives from the German elements 'macht' meaning might or strength and 'hild'…

Philippine

French, feminine variation of Philippe

"lover of horses"

Philippine might be taken as an ethnic identification rather than a name in the U.S. Philippa would be more easily understood, though if you don't mind eternally correcting people, Philippine can…

Adelheid

German and Dutch form of Adelheidis, German

"noble, nobility"

The ancient German name Adelheidis gave rise to both Adelaide and Adelheid. While Adelaide is more popular and better known internationally, Adelheid is still used occasionally in Germany, the…

Antoinette

French feminine diminutive form of Antoine

"priceless one"

This feminization of Anthony, like other early French forms, such as Babette and Nanette, is not heard as often as it once was, but it could be time for a reappraisal of this delicate Gallic choice.…