Naming a child can be a daunting task for parents. It is a pressure that always requires help from outside. If you are expecting a baby girl and considering giving her a name that stands the test of time, you are at the very right place.
This article is compiled with most old-fashioned girl names that are currently making a comeback. Old-fashioned girl names are not just names; they are stories wrapped in time, each carrying their piece of history.
Read on for more inspiration of amazing names that are enjoying a revival at this moment. Also, this article has categorized various names you can choose from.
Reasons for the resurgence in the popularity of old-fashioned baby girl names
- A nostalgic connection to the past
By reconnecting us to past relationships and experiences, we are given a chance by nostalgia to strengthen our bonds and it encourages our being. Nostalgia has multifaceted roles in our life and the resurgence of this old-fashioned baby name is one of them.
- Symbolizing strength and character
Choosing a name for your baby girl is a special experience, and opting for an old-fashioned baby girl name adds an extra layer of uniqueness and charm. In itself, they say ‘old is gold’. Hereby, symbols of strength and character are held in most old names.
- Simplicity and authenticity
Simplicity interplays memory, emotion, cognition, and social connection. This is why you should be simple when picking your little girl’s name. Moreover, you should stay true to her name as well—authenticity. It is having respect for your values, preferences, and abilities. Mostly, simplicity and authenticity will reside around your culture and religion.
- Unique Identity in a Modern World
This is not as common as giving your baby girl a unique identity that sets her apart in today’s lives. These names carry a charm that most modern names might miss. Old-fashioned names are on the rise, and for a good reason: each carries a story, history, and personality. Your child can partake of them too; she is not an exemption.
Cute Old-Fashioned Girl Names
Thinking about an old name but one that is still cute? Here we go.
1. Ada
This cute name is typically the short name for Adeilade, which is another old-fashioned name. It is derived from a German word that means “noble”
2. Clara
This cute name has Latin roots and means “clear,” “bright,” or “famous.” A popular nickname is Clarissa.
3. Edwina
This is the female form of the name Edwin. In Old English, the name means “rich friend.”
4. Elsa
This is a short form of Elisabeth and has German and Scandinavian roots. Like many of the other cute old-fashioned baby girl names on this list, Elsa has a whimsical sound.
5. Francine
This is the French female version of the male name Francois, which is the French version of Francis.
6. Georgina
This name is derived from the male name George, which in Greek means “farmer.” Other variants include Georgia, and the nicknames Georgie or Gina.
7. Henrietta
Another spelling of this name is Henrietta. Both are the French feminine form of Henri, which has German roots and means “home-ruler.”
8. Mona
This is the English version of the Irish name Muadhnait, which means “little noble one.” The cute girl’s name is also sometimes associated with a Greek word that means “one”.
10. Hirley.
This name derives from a place name and means “bright clearing.” A famous bearer of this cute girl’s name was actress Shirley Temple.
Unique Old-Fashioned Baby Girl Names
Being unique is sometimes very encouraging. Try these unique names for her.
1. Elspeth
This is the Scottish form of Elizabeth, which means “my God is my oath” in Hebrew. But in this version, the name doesn’t sound as serious and is instead a little more playful.
2. Faye
This simple name means “fairy” in Middle English. It also has roots in Old French, in which it means “fate.”
3. Gretchen
This is the German diminutive of Margareta. Other variants include Greta or Gretel.
4. Constance
This is the English form of the Latin name Constantia, which means “constant.” The daughter of William the Conqueror was named Constance.
5. Aster
Based on the name of the flower, which means “star” in Greek, this girl’s name is uncommon and unique.
6. Blanche
This name was originally a French nickname meaning “fair” or “white.” The name originated in Spain as Blanca before spreading to France when a Spanish princess with the name married a French king.
7. Mabel
This is the medieval version of the name Amabilis, which means “lovable.”
8. Maeve
This is the English version of the Gaelic name Medb, which means “intoxicating.”
9. Nadine
This is the French version of the Slavic name Nadia, which means “hope.”
Timeless Elegance: Early 20th-Century Names
Standing the test of time is equivalent to being elegant, Read on for some elegant 20th-century names.
1. Olivia
It means evergreen beauty (olive tree). Olivia holds a blend of charm and modern popularity. Moreso, it is a name that never goes out of style.
2. Grace
This name has dignity, elegance, and refinement. A timeless beauty and simplicity of old names.
3. Evelyn
This is a special name that means a beautiful bird. It is a sweet choice name that radiates a vintage charm.
4. Amelia
Amelia is an old name that means ‘hard-working’. It was most popular in the 1900’s but has again taken its peak.
5. Martha
Its meaning is from the Aramaic, which means ‘a lady of the house’. It waned in popularity in the 1800s, but it is now enjoying a revival.
6. Dorothy
It means a ‘gift from God’. From its meaning, who can resist its vintage charm?
7. Clementine
Great for fans of old-fashioned names, it means mild and merciful.
8. Edith
Edith has the meaning ‘rich and blessed’. You might prefer the shortened ‘Edi’ if you are looking to pick from old similar baby names.
9. Stella
Unsurprisingly and given its beautiful charm, it means a ‘star’.
Names Inspired By Iconic Actresses And Figures From The Golden Age Of Hollywood
If you love television and film, here are names inspired by iconic actresses you would love.
1. Viola
It is already a pretty name that your girl will look special in. Viola Davis is the best-known Hollywood actress in the movies Fences and The Help.
2. Audrey
The actress appeared in several classic films, including Sabrina, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Roman Holiday, for which she won an Oscar in the “Best Actress” category.
3. Kerry
Kerry Washington gained recognition as Olivia Pope in Scandal. She won several nominations, including an Emmy nomination for her work on the show.
4. Marilyn
Marilyn Monroe is one of the most celebrated actresses of all time and played lead roles in the movies Some Like It Hot, The Misfits, and How To Marry A Millionaire. She won Golden Globe Awards.
5. Laverne
Laverne Cox has shattered several ceilings. She became the first transgender actress to be nominated for an Emmy.
6. Lupita
She graduated from Yale School of Drama’s acting program and garnered acclaim for her breakout role in 12 Years A Slave. Since then, she has been in several successful films, including Star Wars.
7. Marion
Marion Cotillard’s parents were also actors. She started acting as a child and her first role was in one of her father’s plays.
8. Ingrid
Ingrid Bergman was from Swedish actress who remains one the most iconic actresses in Hollywood. She starred in several classics like Dr. Jekyll and Mr hide.
9. Marisa
Marisa Tomei is best known for her work in In The Bedroom. Marisa has ever been nominated for several awards throughout her acting career.
Biblical and Time-Honored Religious Names
Are you religious and would want your child to only have Biblical names? We got you too.
1. Abigail
Abigail is a special name that means the ‘cause of joy’.
2. Elisabeth
This old name has stood the test of time, and it means God is my oath. It is also spelled as Elizabeth.
3. Eve
The name Eve has its origin from the beginning. It means living.
4. Faith
Faith is a virtue name that means ‘trust’ or ‘belief’. It is derived from the Latin word fire.
5. Grace
It is inspired by the Latin word gratia. The name means ‘courteousness’ or ‘politeness’.
6. Eunice
This one refers to ‘the one who conquers’, it implies a happy ending.
7. Esther
The name Esther means a star. It also signifies a ‘star of joy’ and a ‘star of hope’.
8. Hannah
Hannah means gracious or Favour. The name also means a woman who personifies ideal motherhood.
9. Jedida
From the Old Testament, the name means ‘beloved’. Your little angel is your beloved(Jedida).
Conclusion: Embracing the Beauty of Old-Fashioned Names
Nowadays, it seems that everything vintage is back in style, and baby names are no exception. These girls’ names evoke feelings of elegance, sophistication, and enchantment that are timeless.
If you’re hesitant about a unique name choice as a first name, you might want to consider it as a middle name. No matter which name girl you choose, one thing is for sure: your daughter will have a unique and timeless name that she will carry throughout her life. So take inspiration from these names and find the perfect fit for your little one.
