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

Carlene

English feminization of Carl or Charles, German, French

"free man"

A handful of baby girls are still named Carlene every year, but today other feminizations of Charles or Carl, from Carly to Charlotte, are much more popular.

Belinda

Spanish or German

"pretty one, or, serpent"

Belinda, cousin of Linda and Melinda, enjoyed a brief return to the Top 1000 from 2005 through 2013, only to fall off again in 2014. A name that some may consider a modern spin on the midcentury…

Rosine

Diminutive of Rose, Latin

"rose, a flower"

Rosine can be thought of as a short form of the classic flower name Rose. It's similar to the Irish Róisín, though that is pronounced roh-sheen.

Harriett

English

"home ruler"

This alternative spelling of Harriet has always ranked in the England top 1000, reaching as high as the top 50 in the late 1800s. The extra T changes nothing about the pronunciation but adds a little…

Christiane

German and French feminine form of Christian

There are not one but two notable modern women with this name: journalist Christiane Amanpour and physician/author Christiane Northrup. In Germany, the pronunciation is kris-tee-AH-na while in…

Christine

French variation of Christina

"Christian"

Christine was the dominant feminine variation of Christopher forty or fifty years ago, when French E -endings were preferred over A s; it was a Top 20 name for several years, from 1966 to 1974. But…

Auguste

French form of Augustine, Latin

"great, magnificent"

If you live in an English-speaking country, there are so many variations of this august name that would make life simpler.

Dominique

French, feminine variation of Dominic, Latin

"belonging to a lord"

Had a surge of popularity in the Dynasty days, now has subsided in the wake of fresher French choices like Destry and Delphine, though it retains its sense of sophistication. It's one of the most…

Carola

Carola is a feminine name with Latin and Germanic origins. It is the feminine form of 'Carol' or 'Karl,' meaning 'free man' or 'strong woman.' Popular throughout Europe, particularly in Germany,…

Hertha

Hertha is a feminine name with Germanic and Norse origins, connected to the Old Norse goddess Jörð (Earth). The name literally translates to 'earth goddess' or 'mother earth', embodying fertility,…

Virginie

French variation of Virginia, Latin

"virginal, pure"

Say Virginie they way they do in Paris -- VAIR-zhin-ee -- and it sounds elegant and appealing. But Americans might pronounce it like virgin-y, which is a no-go.

Clemence

French feminine variation of Clement

"mild, merciful"

Calm, composed, and chic. Often seen with an accent in France, as Clémence.