vintage girl names begging to be rediscovered

  1. Estalee
    • Evadna
      • Evanelle
        • Evola
          • Ezella
            • Fabiola
              • Origin:

                French, Spanish, Italian, and German variation of Fabia
              • Meaning:

                "bean grower"
              • Description:

                Fabiola was the romantically elaborate name of a saint who organized the first hospice. Neither Fabiola nor Fabia appear on the most recent US extended list of names given to five or more babies, though Fabiana and Fabianna are both used.
            • Fae
              • Origin:

                Spelling variation of Faye, English
              • Meaning:

                "fairy"
              • Description:

                Now that Faye is back on the Top 1000 after a decades-long absence, its spelling variations are being revived as well. Fae was given to nearly as many baby girls last year as Fay and may be especially attractive as a middle name option.
            • Fanchon
              • Origin:

                French variation of Frances
              • Meaning:

                "from France; free man"
              • Description:

                Fanchon is a sweet and affectionate Gallic choice.
            • Farrell
              • Origin:

                Irish
              • Meaning:

                "courageous"
              • Description:

                Farrell is usually considered a boy's name, though the soft sound of this Irish surname makes it perfectly appropriate for a girl, reminiscent of Farrah.
            • Faustina
              • Origin:

                Latin
              • Meaning:

                "fortunate one"
              • Description:

                A name with several distinguished namesakes: the wife of ancient Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, a famous Italian opera singer, and two Catholic saints--making it both substantial and unusual.
            • Faustine
              • Origin:

                Latin, feminine variation of Faust
              • Meaning:

                "fortunate one"
              • Description:

                Faustine has a positive meaning, although the association with the character who sold his soul to the devil may be off-putting. This name is among the Top 100 girls' names in France, but was given to fewer than five baby girls in the US last year.
            • Fayette
              • Description:

                Fayette is a feminine name with French origins, derived from the word 'fay' meaning 'fairy' or 'faith.' It gained recognition in America through the influence of the Marquis de Lafayette, a French military officer who fought in the American Revolutionary War. As a place name, various counties and towns across the United States bear this name in his honor. As a personal name, Fayette carries an elegant, sophisticated quality with historical significance. Though never extremely common, it experienced modest popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Fayette remains a distinctive choice that balances uniqueness with historical resonance and a touch of French refinement.
            • Fayne
              • Description:

                Fayne is a distinctive feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Old English word 'fain' meaning 'glad' or 'willing,' or could be a variant of Faye, which comes from the Middle English word for 'fairy.' The name has an ethereal, somewhat mystical quality with its unique spelling and pronunciation. Fayne remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with a delicate yet strong sound. Though never having reached mainstream popularity, it occasionally appears in English-speaking countries, particularly among families looking for names with an antique or literary feel. The name's brevity and distinctive 'y' spelling give it a contemporary edge while maintaining connections to traditional naming patterns.
            • Felisa
              • Description:

                Felisa is a feminine name with Spanish and Latin origins, derived from the Latin "felix" meaning "happy" or "fortunate." This charming name has been used primarily in Spanish-speaking cultures since the medieval period, often associated with Saint Felisa, an early Christian martyr. The name exudes a gentle elegance while carrying the uplifting meaning of happiness and good fortune. Felisa reached modest popularity in Spain and Latin American countries throughout the 20th century but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. The name has a delicate, feminine sound with its soft consonants and melodic ending. For parents seeking a name with Spanish heritage that's recognizable yet not overused, Felisa offers a beautiful option with a positive meaning and cross-cultural appeal.

            • Fern
              • Origin:

                English
              • Meaning:

                "plant name"
              • Description:

                Of all the botanicals, Fern has been one of the slowest to move back from the front parlor into the nursery, despite the appealing girl character in the children's classic Charlotte's Web. Fern was most popular from the turn of the last century through the 1940s, reaching a high of #152 in 1916. We can certainly see her rejoining the long list of popular greenery names.
            • Fleurette
              • Description:

                Fleurette is a delicate feminine name of French origin, derived from 'fleur' meaning 'flower,' with the diminutive suffix '-ette' adding a sense of daintiness—essentially meaning 'little flower.' This charming name evokes images of springtime blossoms and carries a distinctly romantic, vintage French aesthetic. While never achieving widespread popularity, Fleurette has maintained a consistent presence as a rare and elegant choice. The name reached modest recognition in the early 20th century, particularly in French-speaking regions and among Francophiles. Fleurette offers a more elaborate and sophisticated alternative to the simpler Flora or Fleur. With its unmistakably French character and botanical associations, Fleurette remains a graceful option for parents drawn to names with European flair and natural beauty.
            • Florella
              • Description:

                Florella is a delicate feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'flora' meaning 'flower.' This charming elaboration adds the diminutive suffix '-ella,' creating a name that essentially means 'little flower' or 'flowering one.' Popular during the Victorian era when floral names were fashionable, Florella has since become quite rare, maintaining an antique, romantic quality. The name shares roots with Flora, Florence, and other botanical names while offering a more ornate and distinctive alternative. With its melodic three-syllable rhythm and flowing sound, Florella exemplifies the 19th-century preference for elaborate, nature-inspired feminine names. Though uncommon in contemporary use, Florella appeals to parents seeking a vintage name with natural associations and inherent femininity.
            • Florence
              • Origin:

                Latin
              • Meaning:

                "flourishing, prosperous"
              • Description:

                Florence is back, returning to the US Top 1000 girl names in 2017 after a nearly 40 year absence. Other English-speaking countries have been quicker to welcome Florence back into fashion.
            • Florida
              • Origin:

                Place name and Spanish from Latin
              • Meaning:

                "flowery"
              • Description:

                Lacks the cachet of some newer place-names.
            • Floris
              • Description:

                Floris is a feminine name with elegant Latin and Dutch origins, derived from 'flos' meaning 'flower.' In Dutch tradition, it appears as the feminine form of Floris (a male name), while in other contexts, it stands as a distinct floral-inspired name. The name carries associations with blooming, flourishing, and natural beauty. Historically, Floris has been used across several European countries, particularly in the Netherlands. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar flower names. Floris combines a classic heritage with a crisp, modern sound, appealing to parents seeking a name that is both botanical and sophisticated.