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

Lorna

English literary name

One of those names like Pamela, Vanessa and Wendy, Lorna was invented for a particular literary character--the protagonist of the 1869 novel Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore--and then perpetuated as…

Lula

Diminutive of any Lu name

Lula is one of the livelier nickname-names with the fashionable double-L sound: It joins Lulu, Lila, Lily, and Lou among the trendiest names today. Lula might be short for Talula and sisters or for…

Lisette

French, diminutive of Elizabeth or Lise

"pledged to God"

Lisette, also spelled Lizette, is a dainty,, if somewhat dated, Gallic offshoot of Elizabeth. It reached its U.S. peak of popularity in 1999, then fell off the list in 2001. Lisette Model (born…

Lizette

French, diminutive of Elizabeth

"pledged to God"

Whether you spell it Lisette or Lizette, a somewhat dated diminutive that nevertheless retains some charm.

Annabeth

Combination of Anna and Beth

This is a long-recognized smoosh name merging Anna with the short form of Elizabeth, and is one of the prettiest combo names, a possible alternative to Annabel. Annabeth Chase is one of the main…

Eloisa

Italian and Spanish variation of Eloise

"healthy; wide"

Eloisa captures a lovely name back from the spoiled little girl at the Plaza. Historical romance writer Eloisa James has helped make this antique name sound fresh and sassy again.

Micheline

French, feminine variation of Michael

One of those quintessentially French names still wearing a beret, also too tied to the image of tires.

Michelina

Italian diminutive of Michele, feminine form of Michael, Hebrew

"who is like God"

Michelina Matelli was a wealthy Italian woman who became a nun. She was made Saint Michelina in the 1700s.

Angeline

French variation of Angela

"angel"

With Angelina becoming so popular thanks to Ms. Jolie, this could be a new twist—but everyone will always misunderstand it as Angelina. While it currently ranks at Number 951 in the US, it's Number…

Ellenor

Ellenor is a graceful feminine name, functioning as a variant spelling of Eleanor. Derived from the Provençal name Aliénor, it blends Occitan and Greek elements, with possible meanings including…

Antonia

Latin

"from Antium"

Antonia is stronger than most feminized boys’ names , reflecting the pioneer spirit of Willa Cather's classic novel My Antonia . Antonia is hovering near the bottom of the US popularity list, which…

Edwige

French from German Hedwig

"war"

Haitian writer Edwidge Danticat highlighted this sophisticated, chignon-wearing choice for literate parents.

Marlena

Marlena is a feminine name with various European origins, primarily formed as a blend of 'Maria' and 'Elena' or 'Magdalena.' The name carries a romantic, elegant quality while maintaining strength.…

Amabelle

Variation of Amabel

This unusual Belle name just might have a chance at greater visibility in this era of all names bell-related, from Queen Isabella to the upwardly mobile Belle and Annabelle to -- why not-- Amabelle.

Jess

Short form of Jessica, Hebrew

"behold or wealthy"

Many variations of Jessica, including Jessie and Jessa, are used on their own, but Jess is an exception, given to only a handful of baby girls last year. But Jess is certainly the name that many…

Ermine

French

"weasel"

Fur names. We don't think so.

Christiana

Latin feminization of Christian, Greek from Latin

"follower of Christ"

Not cutting edge, but still graceful and feminine. Parents who care about style may pass on all names Chris (or Kris) related, which were so popular in the second half of the 20th century. But…

Robina

Feminine variation of Robin

Heard in Scotland, not in Schenectady.

Sue

Diminutive of Susan

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

Suellen

Compound name, blending Susan and Ellen

"shining lily"

Suellen is a smoosh name that combines two classic names into one that feels both mid-century and modern, a little like Carolyn, a bit like Elowen. Notably used by Margaret Hill in her novel, Gone…