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

Lorena

Spanish variation of Lorraine

"from the province of Lorraine"

A feminine name heard most often in the Hispanic community. Surprisingly, Lorena was on the US Top 1000 list of girls' names for an impressive 130 years, from 1880 until falling off in 2011. We do…

Millicent

German

"strong in work"

Combining the mild and the innocent, this sweet and feminine name is worthy of a comeback, in the mode of Madeline and Cecilia. Its original, also attractive form is Melisende, which came from…

Dolores

Spanish

"lady of sorrows"

Though it's related to the Virgin Mary, this name was once perceived as the height of sensuality, a role since taken over by nicknames Lola and Lolita. Dolores is one of the many titles given to the…

Sudie

Variation of Susanna, Hebrew

"lily"

Clarinda

Literary elaboration of Clara

"bright, clear"

A poetic name first used in Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" in 1596, it had a literary vogue in the 18th century, especially favored by Robert Burns. "inda" names--Melinda, Belinda, Linda" are…

Sookie

Variation of Sukey, pet form of Susanna

"lily"

This spelling seems to be taking off as a result of media appearances as characters in first "Gilmore Girls" and then as Sookie Stackhouse, the Anna Paquin character in "True Blood," based on "The…

Isabetta

Short form of Elisabetta, Italian variation of Elizabeth

"pledged to God"

Isabetta is a charming spin on both the Elizabeth and Isabella families and a new way to go if you love the originals but want something more, well, original. Isabetta Rose is the name chosen by…

Constantina

Latin, female variation of Constantinus

"constant, unchanging"

Constantina is a pretty, feminissima, if lengthy, variation on the Constance theme. The fourth century Constantina, also known as Constantia and Constantiana, was the eldest daughter of Roman Emperor…

Elinore

Elinore is a feminine name that represents a variation of Eleanor, a name with Greek origins meaning 'bright, shining one' or 'light.' This spelling variant maintains the elegant, classic feel of…

Susanna

Hebrew

"lily"

Susanna is an old and under-appreciated name, perhaps because of the recent overpopularity of Susan, that is certainly due for a comeback. The Susannah spelling is just as appropriate as Susanna. The…

Mauricette

Mauricette is a feminine French name derived from Maurice, which comes from the Latin name Mauritius, meaning 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish.' The feminine suffix '-ette' adds a delicate, diminutive…

Brenda

Scottish

"blade of a sword"

First the heroine of Sir Walter Scott's 1822 novel The Pirate , then a glamorous 1940s debutante, then the troubled twin on Beverly Hills 90210, and now fading in favor of more modern Brenna, Briana,…

Jennet

Old English short form of Jean or Janet

"God is gracious"

It feels like a slenderized modern version, but Jennet actually has deep roots. Could this plucky name rescue Janet and Jenny from their datedness?

Thomasine

Thomasine is the feminine form of Thomas, a name of Aramaic origin meaning "twin." This elegant variation emerged during medieval times when feminizing male names by adding suffixes like "-ine" or…

Adelais

Adelais is a feminine name of Old German origin, representing a beautiful medieval variant of Adelaide. The name means 'noble kind' or 'of noble type,' combining 'adal' (noble) and 'heid' (kind,…

Magdalene

Spelling variation of Magdalen

"woman from Magdala or high tower"

This name made famous in the New Testament has gone from crusty grandma to sleek and chic in recent years, or is it months? The name's image is perhaps helped by the fact that Mary Magdalene was one…

Claudine

French feminine variation of Claude

There are much chicer versions of this name today, such as Claudie, Claudia, or Claude itself. Claudine is a name wobbling on the edge of extinction.

Diane

French variation of Diana, Latin

"divine"

Like Joanne and Christine, middle-aged Diane has been overshadowed by the a-ending version of her name. Diane has a definite mid-century feel; it was a Top 20 name from 1946 to 1959. Though it has…

Marlene

German variation of Madeline; combination of Mary and Magdalen

Marlene Dietrich made it famous when she condensed her first two names, Maria and Magdalena. Now more often pronounced with two syllables rather than three.

Darlene

English

"darling"

A modern(ish) invented name, only in widespread use since the 20th century. It is a combination of the English word darling and the popular midcentury suffix -lene. It was recently used on a…