vintage girl names begging to be rediscovered

Samella

Samella is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Samuella, a feminine form of Samuel (Hebrew for 'heard by God' or 'name of God'), with the '-ella' diminutive…

Seferina

Seferina is a feminine name with Spanish and Portuguese roots, derived from the masculine name Seferino, which comes from the Latin Severinus meaning 'stern' or 'serious.' This elegant name carries…

Selby

English

"from the willow farm"

Selby, a rarely heard British surname, feels sleeker and more distinctive than Shelby. Todd Selby, known primarily by his last name, is a hip photographer of interiors.

Severina

Latin, feminine variation of Severino

"stern, serious"

Not only stern and serious, but a little too severe.

Sylvania

Sylvania is a feminine name derived from Latin elements 'silva' or 'sylva' meaning 'forest' or 'woods', combined with the suffix '-ia' denoting 'land of'. The name literally translates to 'woodland'…

Tennie

Diminutive of Tennessee, Cherokee

"bend in the river; meeting place"

A short form of Tennessee.

Texanna

Texanna is a feminine name that likely developed as a place-name derivative honoring the state of Texas. Created by adding the feminine suffix '-anna' to 'Tex,' the name evokes the spirit and…

Texas

Place-name, Caddo

"friend"

If you like your place names bold and undiscovered and if you like Dallas but don't want something in the US Top 1000, then Texas might just be for you. Sporadically and quietly used for girls since…

Theda

Short form of Theodora or Theodosia, Greek

"gift of God"

Theda is most famous as the name of silent film vamp Theda Bara. Today most fashionable little Theodoras and Theodosias are called Thea, but Theda makes an intriguing change.

Theone

Greek

"godly"

A solid, if somewhat serious Greek name. Theoni and Theona are variants. This might be a possibility if you're looking for an unusual route to Thea.

Theora

Greek

"a thinker, watcher; gift of god"

There are two ways to look at Theora. On one hand, it's a contracted form of Theodora, blending the appeal of both Thea and Dora. In this case, it would mean "gift of god". On the other hand,…

Thera

Thera is a feminine name with ancient Greek origins, derived from the island of Thera (modern Santorini) in the Aegean Sea. The name carries historical significance as this island was home to an…