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

  1. Cory

    • Origin:

      English variation of Corey, Irish, or diminutive of any Cor-beginning name

    • Meaning:

      "from the hollow"

    • Description:

      This Corey variation is getting a fresh shot of style juice thanks to young It Girl Cory Kennedy (not to be confused with RFK daughter, filmmaker Rory Kennedy).
  2. Roselyn

    • Origin:

      Combination name of Rose and Lynn

    • Description:

      Roselyn was a frequent member of the US Top 1000 in the early twentieth century until it dropped off the charts in 1954. It didn't return until 2003.
  3. Prunella

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "small plum"

    • Description:

      Most ella names are hot, but this is one that won't catch fire because of the disagreeable connotations of prunes.
  4. Lucrecia

    • Description:

      Lucrecia is a feminine name with ancient Roman origins, derived from the Latin name Lucretia. It carries the meaning "wealth" or "profit," stemming from the Latin word "lucrum." The name has profound historical connections, most notably to Lucretia, a legendary Roman woman whose tragic fate reportedly sparked the overthrow of the Roman monarchy. Lucrecia is particularly popular in Spanish-speaking countries and Latin America. The name conveys strength, dignity, and classical elegance. Throughout history, notable bearers include artists, nobility, and cultural figures. While maintaining its classical roots, Lucrecia offers a distinctive alternative to more common Latin-derived names, blending historical significance with a melodious quality that transitions beautifully across different cultures.
  5. Timothea

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "honoring god"

    • Description:

      Previously Timothy's dusty and outdated sister, now actually feels fresher than its brother name. With Thea names right on trend at the moment, this could be a surprising and even more unusual alternative to Theodora or Dorothea for lovers of vintage names and that stylish Thea sound.
  6. Thekla

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "fame of God"

    • Description:

      Deriving from the ancient Greek name, Theokleia, Thekla is a contracted form that appears in the New Testament. According to the Acts of Paul, Thekla (or Thecla) is a 1st century saint and the first virgin martyr who angers her mother and her suitor by vowing to remain chaste after hearing Paul speak.
  7. Gwenore

    • Origin:

      Variation of Guinevere

    • Meaning:

      "white shadow, white wave"

    • Description:

      An offbeat way to get to Gwen.
  8. Cordula

    • Description:

      Cordula is a feminine name with ancient Latin origins, derived from 'cor' or 'cordis,' meaning 'heart.' This elegant name gained prominence through Saint Cordula, a legendary companion of Saint Ursula who was martyred in Cologne, Germany during the early Christian era. While popular in German-speaking countries and parts of Eastern Europe throughout history, Cordula remains quite rare in English-speaking regions. The name carries connotations of courage and devotion, as Saint Cordula was said to have initially hidden from persecution but later voluntarily surrendered to share her companions' fate. Its distinctive sound combines classical depth with an unusual melodic quality that appeals to parents seeking uncommon names with historical significance.

  9. Yolande

    • Description:

      Yolande is a feminine name of medieval French origin derived from the Germanic elements 'yol' meaning 'viking' or 'valiant' and 'lande' meaning 'land' or 'territory'. It was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest and gained popularity throughout medieval Europe. The name has royal connections, having been borne by several medieval queens and noblewomen, including Yolande of Aragon in the 15th century. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Yolande has maintained a consistent presence, appreciated for its elegant, vintage sound and distinctive character. Alternative forms include Yolanda, Iolanthe, and Violante, which evolved in different European languages.
  10. 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.
  11. Maye

    • Description:

      Maye is a feminine name with multiple potential origins, primarily derived from the Old French word 'mai' referring to the month of May, symbolizing springtime, renewal, and growth. Alternatively, it may come from the Irish Gaelic 'Mágh' meaning 'plain' or serve as a variant of Mae or May. The name carries a vintage charm that has experienced modest revivals in contemporary naming trends. Notably, the name gained some recognition through Maye Musk, model and mother of entrepreneur Elon Musk. With its short, sweet sound and positive seasonal associations, Maye offers simplicity with substance. Its single-syllable clarity combined with the distinctive 'ye' ending creates a name that balances classic appeal with a touch of uniqueness.
  12. 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.
  13. Adelais

    • Description:

      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, type). Popular among European nobility during the Middle Ages, Adelais carries an aristocratic, vintage charm. The name fell from common usage by the Renaissance but has seen occasional revivals among those appreciating historical names. Its pronunciation (AD-eh-lays) offers a pleasing rhythm, while its spelling evokes images of medieval courts and chivalry. Though rare today, Adelais provides a distinctive alternative to the more common Adelaide or Adeline, appealing to parents seeking names with historical depth and feminine elegance.

  14. Jeannette

    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Jeanne

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Jeannette is a feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive of Jeanne (the French form of Jane/Joan). Ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, the root of John meaning 'God is gracious,' Jeannette carries this blessing within its charming diminutive form.
  15. Clarabelle

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bright and beautiful"

    • Description:

      A combination name that might be dismissed as a clown and cow name. The sounds are nevertheless pretty and the meaning is good - though spellings Claribel or Clarabel might help distance it from the cow association.
  16. Dulcy

    • Description:

      Dulcy is a charming feminine name with English origins, typically considered a diminutive form of Dulcie or Dulcibella. These names derive from the Latin 'dulcis,' meaning 'sweet' or 'gentle.' The name evokes qualities of sweetness, kindness, and warmth through both its meaning and its soft sound. Dulcy has never been widely popular but maintains a quaint, vintage appeal that occasionally resurfaces in naming trends. Its relatively uncommon usage makes it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell. Dulcy's old-fashioned charm gives it a nostalgic quality reminiscent of earlier eras, particularly the early 20th century. The name carries pleasant associations with sweetness while remaining unpretentious and approachable.
  17. Fausta

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "fortunate"

    • Description:

      Though often heard in the Hispanic and Italian communities, it hasn't made an impact here, perhaps because of the connection to the character of Faust and his pact with the devil. Variations: FAUSTINA, FAUSTIA, FAUSTIANA
  18. Albina

    • Description:

      Albina is a feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'albus' meaning 'white' or 'bright.' The name suggests qualities of purity, clarity, and radiance. Historically popular across Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia, Poland, Slovenia, and Albania, Albina has been used since ancient Roman times. In Catholic tradition, Saint Albina was a 3rd-century martyr. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century in Slavic countries but became less common in recent decades. Albina offers a classical European sound with a delicate yet distinctive quality. In some cultures, it's associated with the dawn or morning light, symbolizing new beginnings and hope.
  19. Tricia

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Patricia

    • Meaning:

      "noble, patrician"

    • Description:

      Back in Patricia's midcentury heyday, Patty/Patti was the plebeian nickname while Tricia/Trisha and Tish/Trish carried a snobby-yet-insubstantial image associated with then First Daughter Tricia Nixon.
  20. Friederike

    • Description:

      Friederike is a feminine German name derived from the Germanic elements "fridu" meaning "peace" and "ric" meaning "ruler" or "power." It's essentially the female form of Friedrich (Frederick in English). The name has deep historical roots in German-speaking countries, where it has been used since medieval times. Friederike Gossweiler, a Swiss mathematician, and Friederike Mayröcker, an Austrian poet, are notable bearers of the name. While common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Friederike remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name carries an elegant, classical European quality with a strong cultural heritage, appealing to parents looking for a distinctive name with substantial historical significance.