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

Nanette

French diminutive of Anne

"grace"

There was a time when French names like Annette, Paulette – and Nanette – were chic, but now, we'd have to say "No, no, Nanette".

Rosy

Rosy is a charming feminine name that originated as a diminutive of Rose or Rosa. Rose derives from the Latin 'rosa,' referring to the beloved flower symbolizing love and beauty. Rosy also relates to…

Rosey

Rosey is a charming feminine name that functions both as a diminutive of Rose and as a variant spelling of Rosie. With its floral origins, it carries the symbolism of the rose flower—beauty, love,…

Sallie

Spelling variation of Sally, diminutive of Sarah, Hebrew

"princess"

Sallie ranked highest along with other -ie ending girls' names in the 1800s. It's been downhill since then for Sallie, though she didn't fall off the Top 1000 until 1970. Last year, only a couple…

Mollie

Variation of Molly

This new/old spin on Molly -- nickname-names with the ie ending were particularly popular at the turn of the last century -- that has landed this name in the US Top 1000.

Cassie

Diminutive of Cassandra, Greek

"prophetess"

Though not much in use, still retains a cozy Little House on the Prairie-type pioneer feel.

Tessy

Tessy is a charming feminine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a diminutive form of Tess, Teresa, or Theresa. These parent names derive from the Greek 'therizo,' meaning 'to…

Tessie

English, diminutive of Theresa, Greek

"to reap, gather"

With Tillie a new favorite of avant-garde parents, the British music-hall Tessie might conceivably follow.

Theresa

English form of the Spanish Teresa

"to harvest"

The popular appeal of the strong, intelligent Saint Teresa of Avila, combined with the selfless compassion of the more recent Mother Teresa, have fused to give this second-tier classic a somewhat…

Eveleen

Eveleen is a feminine name of Irish origin, serving as a variant of Evelyn or a diminutive form of Eve. The name combines the Hebrew "Eve" (meaning "life" or "living one") with the characteristic…

Alethea

Greek

"truth"

Alethea, the name of the Greek goddess of truth, came into fashion in England in the 16th century, in tandem with the virtue names. Alethea may find new favor now, thanks to its similarity to Athena,…

Corinna

Greek

"maiden"

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,…

Diantha

Greek

"divine flower"

Diantha, a mythological flower of the supreme Greek god Zeus, is a melodious and more unusual cousin of Diana, heard most often in The Netherlands. Some similar choices: Diandra and Dianthe.

Dianthe

Dianthe is a rare feminine name with Greek origins, derived from the elements 'dia' meaning 'divine' or 'heavenly' and 'anthos' meaning 'flower.' This beautiful combination creates the poetic meaning…

Beverly

English

"dweller near the beaver stream"

The remarkable success of the girls' name Everly makes a revival of the name Beverly seem possible. More commonly a masculine name in the 19th century, it began to be used for girls in the early…

Jill

Diminutive of Gillian or Juliana

"youthful"

Probably due to its nursery rhyme association, Jill has the perpetual air of a rosy-cheeked tot -- even though it is one of the oldest names on the roster, a medieval variation on the Roman Julia.…

Berenice

Greek

"she who brings victory"

A name with a surprising amount of history--it was the name of the wife of Ptolemy I of Egypt, occurs in the New Testament, and belonged to a fourth century saint. In the US, it has long been spelled…

Ally

Spelling variation of Allie

This spelling variation of the popular girls' nickname ranks behind the more traditional form—Allie (Number 255). This spelling could be hurt by the word name ally, which bears a different…

Hepzia

Hepzia is a feminine name of Hebrew origin, likely a variant of Hephzibah, which appears in the Bible and means 'my delight is in her.' This rare name carries spiritual significance, as in the Old…

Clio

Greek

"glory"

Clio is the name of the ancient Greek mythological muse of history and heroic poetry, one that is rich with modern charm and would make an intriguing choice, especially thanks to its dynamic…