Retro Chic Girl Names

Emeline

French form of German Amelina

"work"

An old name, with a history separate from Emily and Emma and a different kind of vintage feel, that's a possible alternative to top-of-the-pops names. More common spelling is Emmeline.

Polina

Russian and Basque, feminine variation of Paul

This version of the more familiar Paulina is occasionally used in the US, though some may see it as relating more to the word pole than to the classic Paul.

Bea

English diminutive of Beatrice, Latin

"she who brings happiness"

Bea is a former old lady name that's cute again as a short form — and is now beginning to stand on its own. Bee is a variation that, like Bea, can work as a diminutive for any name that starts with…

Edie

English, diminutive of Edith

"prosperous in war"

Edie is part of the Evie-Ellie et al family of cute and friendly short forms that sometimes stand on its own. Briefly popular in the 1960s, it could well be due for rediscovery. It's already a…

Nautica

American from Latin

"pertaining to ships or sailors"

Nautica is derived from the English word "nautical," which itself comes from the Latin nauticus . It was first recorded as a baby name in 1992 when the American clothing brand had become a national…

Clio

Greek

"glory"

Clio is the name of the ancient Greek mythological muse of history and heroic poetry, one that is rich with modern charm and would make an intriguing choice, especially thanks to its dynamic…

Maryjane

English, combination of Mary and Jane

"drop of the sea, bitter, beloved + god is gracious"

Mary was such a common name for so long that it sprouted a whole family of chimeric name splices: Maryann, Marybeth, Mary-Lousie, ad infinitum. Spiderman 's Mary Jane Watson, the closed toe shoe with…

Rori

Rori is a feminine name with Gaelic origins, though it can occasionally be used for boys as well. Traditionally, it's a feminine variation of Rory, which means 'red king' in Gaelic. The name has a…