vintage girl names begging to be rediscovered

Dessie

Dessie is a charming feminine name with multiple origins. Primarily considered a diminutive of Desdemona (from Greek, meaning 'ill-fated'), it's also used as a nickname for names like Desirée (French…

Devera

Latin

"to sweep away"

Devera was the name of a Roman goddess who protected midwives and laboring women. She would use a broom to sweep evil away, referenced in the meaning of her name.

Devora

Hebrew

"bee"

Both a biblical and an Israeli place-name, this can be used as an offbeat substitute for Deborah.

Dezzie

Dezzie is a feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive form of names like Desdemona or Desiree, or possibly as a variant of Daisy. It has a cheerful, playful quality with its 'z' sound and…

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.

Dolly

English, diminutive of Dorothy

"gift of God"

Sweet and cosy with a touch of sass, this nickname-y choice was a familiar option up until the sixties in the US. Then, for a while, it was a bit of a one-person name, associated with singer Dolly…

Dorinda

Greek

"bountiful gift"

Cinderella stepsister type Victorian-valentine name.

Dorothea

Greek

"gift of God"

Dorothea is a romantic Victorian-sounding name that blends elegance, gravitas and a hint of clunkiness too. Popular in the early decades of the twentieth century, it has been off the charts since…

Dossie

Dossie is a feminine name with English origins, emerging primarily as a diminutive form of names like Dorothy, Doris, or Dorcas. This vintage nickname-style name carries a sweet, nostalgic quality…

Dot

English, diminutive of Dorothy

Old-fangled nickname could make dot.com era short form or middle name.

Drema

Drema is an uncommon feminine name with American roots, possibly derived as a variation of 'Drema' or 'Dreama.' The name evokes a sense of dreams and aspiration. While not widely used, it gained…

Drusilla

Latin

"fruitful"

Drusilla is an ancient Roman name, (probably) borne by descendants of Antony and Cleopatra, and is one of the 'illa' names that are ready for a comeback, especially with its cute short form Dru.…

Dulcie

Latin, diminutive of Dulcibella

"sweet"

A sweet-meaning and sounding name dating back to the Roman Empire, and later found in the antebellum South, Dulcie has in the modern era been heard most often in Australia. In Agatha Christie's…