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

Althea

Greek

"with healing power"

Althea is a poetic, almost ethereal name found in Greek myth and pastoral poetry, associated in modern times with the great tennis player Althea Gibson, the first African-American to win at…

Donata

Latin

"given"

Evokes a sympathetic feeling of generosity and charity.

Ronnie

Latin

"she who brings victory; true image"

Androgynous nickname for Veronica, Rhonda or Rona. Traditionally a male nickname for Ronald, Ronnie s finding new life as a girl's name amid the rising trend of boyish nicknames for girls. With its…

Embeth

English combination of Emma + Beth

"universal + pledged to God"

South African-raised actress Embeth Davidtz added this unique smooth name to the mix. Perfect if you can't decide between Emma and Elizabeth and more unusual than Annabeth.

Verna

Latin

"springtime"

Verna may mean "springtime," but May or Spring is fresher.

Alberta

English, feminine variation of Albert

"noble, bright"

This jazzy old name could make a comeback, the way Josephine and Ella have. In England the name was popularized by Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, after whom her governor…

Albertina

Diminutive of Alberta, feminine form of Albert, German

"noble, bright"

Albertina is a dainty, antiquated -- dare we say demure? -- pet name for Alberta, the feminine spin on the once-popular Albert. With Albert one of the classic boys' names due for a comeback, we can…

Albertine

French feminine variation of Albert

"bright, noble"

Albertine and Alberta are old-fashioned feminizations ala Geraldine and Roberta: a little bit clunky, a little bit regal, just waiting for a celeb to use them to make them cool again. Familiar in…

Cheryl

Modern invented name, variation of Cherie, French

"darling"

As frozen in the pre-Beatles era as short white gloves.

Sherry

Phonetic variation of French Cheri; also a Spanish fortified wine

Peppy cheerleader name of the 1960s and 70s that's sure to evoke the Four Seasons song of that name.

Shirl

Shirl is a feminine name that emerged as a diminutive of Shirley, which originated as an English surname derived from Old English words meaning 'bright clearing' or 'bright meadow.' Reaching peak…

Janie

Diminutive of Jane, English

"God is gracious"

Will this old-fashioned nickname make a comeback, now that Jane has shed her "plain" image? Janie is cute and approachable, and would stand as well on the birth certificate as Josie and Jessie do…

Portia

Latin

"pig"

Portia is a perfect role-model name, relating to Shakespeare's brilliant and spirited lawyer in The Merchant of Venice , and is now also a Hunger Games name . Another Shakespearean Portia was the…

Marian

French medieval variation of Marie, Hebrew

"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

Marian's (and sister spelling Marion's) image has gone through a sea change of late, recalling less middle-aged matron and more Robin Hood's romantic Maid Marian. Some influences: the SJ Parker-M.…

Livvie

Livvie is a charming feminine name that traditionally functions as a diminutive of more formal names like Olivia, Livia, or Elizabeth. With its cheerful sound and friendly vibe, Livvie evokes a sense…

Rosamunde

Rosamunde is a feminine name of Germanic origin, combining the elements "hros" (horse) and "mund" (protection). It gained literary recognition through the 19th-century play "Rosamunde, Princess of…

Dulcia

Latin

"sweet"

Has a sweetness via its relation to such words as dulcet; other similar possibilities are DULCE, DULCINA, and the down-home DULCIE. Though this Latin names for girls is rarely heard in contemporary…

Dulcina

Dulcina is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'dulcis' meaning 'sweet' or 'pleasant.' This charming name evokes a sense of gentleness and delicacy. While not among the most common names…

Gwendoline

Variation of Gwendolen, Welsh

"white ring"

The Gwendoline form may introduce pronunciation confusion -- does that last syllable rhyme with wine or win or when? We vote Gwendolen as not only the most proper but the clearest spelling, followed…

Lizabeth

Lizabeth is a shortened form of Elizabeth, carrying the same Hebrew heritage meaning 'God is my oath' or 'pledged to God.' This streamlined version eliminates the initial 'E' while maintaining the…