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

  1. Arabelle
    • Origin:

      Variation of Arabella, Latin, Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "yielding to prayer; lovable"
    • Description:

      This more succinct form of the elegant Arabella might appeal to those who are looking for a less popular spin on Annabel or those who like the sounds of Arabella but want something with fewer frills. Given to around 90 girls in 2024, it is around ten times less popular than its longer counterpart.
  2. Evaline
    • Origin:

      Variation of Evelyn or Aveline
    • Description:

      Evaline may be unusual, but there are so many stylish names around right now that sound like it, from Eva to Evelyn to Adeline, that it will feel less distinctive than it is.
  3. Liesel
    • Origin:

      German diminutive of Elizabeth
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Sweet but sleek, and distinctive, Liesel is an old German nickname-name for Elisabeth. It might have once seemed inextricably tied to to its country of origin, but now, like Elsa, Enzo, Saoirse, Freya, Soren, and Heidi, it leans more towards being international and European chic.
  4. Rosanna
    • Origin:

      Combination of Rose and Anna
    • Description:

      Rose lovers today would probably prefer Rosemary, Rosamund, or even Rose itself, all more stylish variations of the name. Some may associate this form of the name with actress Rosanna Arquette and your mom may think of SNL's Rosanne Rosanna-Danna, though that reference is lost on millennials.
  5. Corinna
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "maiden"
    • Description:

      Delicate and gentle old-fashioned name, the kind found in early English poetry. While Corinna and the original Green Korinna are technically diminutives of the ancient Kore, now the popular Cora, this name will often be mistaken for other similar-sounding though unrelated names, such as Karenna. But it's pretty and is backed by more tradition than you'd guess.
  6. Felicia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "lucky"
    • Description:

      A lacy, lucky name very popular in the Hispanic community a decade ago, less so now.
  7. Ludmila
    • Origin:

      Slavic
    • Meaning:

      "beloved of the people"
    • Description:

      This Slavic classic name might begin to make its mark with American parents, what with the growing popularity of the short form Mila. Borne by a tenth century saint who had been a princess from Bohemia, Ludmila is widely used in Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria.
  8. Starla
    • Description:

      Starla is a feminine name that emerged in mid-20th century America as a creative elaboration of the word 'star.' This celestial-inspired name peaked in popularity during the 1970s and early 1980s, reflecting the era's interest in nature-themed and inventive names. With its glamorous connotations and cosmic imagery, Starla suggests brilliance, aspiration, and uniqueness. The name carries a distinctly Americana quality while evoking the beauty of the night sky. Though never extremely common, Starla developed a steady following, particularly in Southern states. The melodic combination of 'star' with the feminine 'la' ending creates a name that feels simultaneously familiar and distinctive.
  9. Josefina
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish feminine form of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"
    • Description:

      Sweet and bright international form of Josephine, used in many European countries with various pronunciations of the initial J. A notable bearer is Josefina "Joey" Guerrero, a Filipina spy during World War II.
  10. Amabel
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "lovable"
    • Description:

      Amabel is an older name than Annabel and a lot more distinctive. Amabel was a very common name in the twelfth and thirteen centuries, then was revived during the nineteenth century British fad for medieval names.
  11. Sharon
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "a plain"
    • Description:

      This Old Testament place name was in the Top 10 fifty years ago, but now Sharon, along with sound-alike Karen, have fallen out of favor.
  12. Leocadia
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "splendid brightness"
    • Description:

      Leocadia marries a mix of sounds: the strength of a lion, with a rhythmic Latin ending.
  13. Jennie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Janet, Jane, Jean, and Jennifer
    • Description:

      Long before the Jennifer Era, Jennie was a fashionable pet form of several names, and was also used independently -- in 1875 it was in the Top 20. Jennie was replaced by the Jenny spelling in the 1960s, and is rarely seen today.
  14. Verna
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "springtime"
    • Description:

      Verna may mean "springtime," but May or Spring is fresher.
  15. Sukie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Susan
    • Description:

      This centuries-old nickname feels fresher and more modern today than Susie or Sue. A good short form if you're tempted by Susan, Susanna, or Susannah; another spelling is Sukey.
  16. Effy
    • Origin:

      Greek, diminutive of Euphemia
    • Meaning:

      "fair speech"
    • Description:

      This can be a short form of any Greek girls' name starting with 'Ef', such as Efstraria or Efrosini. It has also been suggested as a possible nickname for Elizabeth.
  17. Vivia
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Vivian
    • Meaning:

      "life"
    • Description:

      Vivia, the fresh Italian version of newly popular name, streamlines and even vivifies the original.
  18. Brunhilda
    • Origin:

      Norse
    • Meaning:

      "armed for battle"
    • Description:

      Variant of Brunhild, still clad in heavy armor. Though the heroine Brunhilda of Quentin Tarantino's recent film Django Unchained may have given this version of the name new appeal.
  19. Aureliana
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Aurelianus, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "the golden one"
    • Description:

      Aureliana is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'aureus' meaning 'golden' or 'gilded.' It's the feminine form of Aurelianus, which was a Roman family name associated with the emperor Aurelian.
  20. Alys
    • Origin:

      Welsh form of Alice, German
    • Meaning:

      "noble"
    • Description:

      Popular in Wales, familiar across the UK, and ultimately derived from the Germanic Adalheidis, this isn't a creative respelling of a classic, but the Welsh variant of it.

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