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

Zelma

German, diminutive of Anselma

"God helmet"

Familiar in the US, Brazil, and Latvia in the early 20th century, Zelma has been off the radar for some time. While the Selma-Thelma-Velma connection might date it, with Zelda and Alma sparking…

Anselma

Anselma is the feminine form of Anselm, a name of Germanic origin derived from the elements "ans" (god) and "helm" (helmet, protection), meaning "protected by God" or "divine helmet." The name gained…

Frederica

Feminine variation of Frederick, English from German

"peaceful ruler"

Frederica is an interesting possibility for the parent unintimidated by its old-fashioned formality, and who can appreciate the vintage charm and verve lurking beneath its stuffiness. The name…

Wilfrieda

Wilfrieda is a feminine name that serves as the female counterpart to Wilfred, derived from Anglo-Saxon origins. The name combines the elements "wil" meaning will or desire and "frið" meaning peace,…

Wilfreda

English

"purposeful peace"

Hopelessly nerdy.

Pamela

English

"all honey"

Pam was a somewhat pampered prom queen of the sixties who was never called by her full name, which is a pity because Pamela is so mellifluous and rich in literary history. A Top 25 name from the late…

Pam

Diminutive of Pamela, English

"all honey"

This mild-mannered short form was Queen of the Prom in the fifties and sixties, but today is mostly heard on TV's The Office (and of course as one of the founders of Nameberry). While about 100 baby…

Cindy

English diminutive of Cynthia, Greek, or Lucinda, Spanish and Portuguese

"moon goddess, woman from Kynthos; "

Cindy as a name in its own right made it into the Top 20 in 1957 and remained a Top 200 girls' name until the end of the 20th century. Although it's fallen precipitously since then and left the Top…

Cynthia

Greek

"moon goddess; woman from Kynthos"

Sleek and serious, yet bright and energetic at the same time, Cynthia appears in classic mythology as an epithet for Artemis or Diana. While it is now a more neglected choice, it was once hugely…

Joanie

Diminutive of Joan, English

"God is gracious"

Although Joan was the more popular name in the 20th century, it's the nickname Joanie that is coming back in style, in tune with the likes of Bonnie, Margot, and Billie, or Sadie, Elsie, and Libby. A…

Cammie

Cammie is a feminine name that typically functions as a diminutive form of names like Camilla, Cameron, or Campbell. With Scottish and Latin origins, its ultimate meaning relates to 'one who assists…

Alexandrina

Greek, variation of Alexandra,

"defending men"

Alexandrina is the most elaborate and unusual of the Alex- girls's names.The real first name of Queen Victoria, who was given it in honor of her godfather, Alexander I of Russia (her childhood…

Alexandrine

Variation of Alexandra, Greek

"defending men"

Alexandra is a name with many international variations, elaborations and short forms, and Alexandrine is one of the more unusual, found mostly in France and Germany. Another, Alexandrina, was the…

Victorina

Victorina is a feminine name derived from the Latin name Victoria, meaning "victory." This elaborated form adds a romantic, ornate quality to the more common Victoria, particularly in Spanish,…

Nicoline

Nicoline is a feminine name of Greek origin, functioning as a derivative of Nicholas (Nikolaos), which combines 'nike' (victory) and 'laos' (people), meaning 'victory of the people'. This elegant…

Nicolina

Diminutive of Nicola

Another light new twist in the Nicole family.

Suzie

Short form of Suzanne, Hebrew

"lily"

Suzie (and Susie) was the one of the It Nicknames of midcentury America, right up there with Debbie and Kathy. Suzie and all her sisters are off their popularity peak now, but not forever. Look for…

Vicki

Vicki is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Victoria, which derives from Latin meaning "victory." This shorter, friendlier version gained significant popularity as an independent…

Vicky

Diminutive of Victoria

"victory"

This once vivacious midcentury nickname is rarely used for modern babies.

Romilda

Romilda is a feminine name with Germanic origins, composed of the elements 'hrom' meaning 'fame' and 'hild' meaning 'battle' or 'warrior.' This powerful combination creates a name signifying 'famous…