Many old-fashioned girl names are making a comeback, proving that there’s something special about these classic names.
From Mary and Margaret to Clara, Agnes, and Elizabeth, traditional girl names are full of history but also provide a unique option for your little one.
Take a look at some of the most popular old-fashioned girl names with nicknames, pretty alternatives, or unique twists.
This includes many vintage girl names you don’t hear anymore.
In this article, we’ll take a look at different old-fashioned girl names across many different categories.
Let’s take a look:
Old-Fashioned Girl Names – 1800s
1) Alice: While Alice is undoubtedly an old-fashioned name, it remains in style today due to its cute nickname options like Allie or Alicia.
2) Jessica: Jessica has been around since Shakespearean times and hasn’t lost popularity over the centuries. Cute nicknames for Jessica include Jess or Jessie.
3) Eleanor: Eleanor is derived from the Greek “ηλεκτρον” meaning “shining one.” Nicknames for Eleanor include Ella, Ellie, and Nell.
4) Sarah: Sarah has been a classic name since Biblical times and is still in vogue today with nicknames like Sara or Sadie.
5) Emma: Emma is derived from the Germanic word “ermen” meaning “whole or universal.” It also had cute nicknames of Emmie or Emmy.
Old-Fashioned Girl Names – 1900s
1) Margaret: Margaret is derived from the Latin word “margarita” which means pearl. Nicknames for Margaret include Maggie, Margie, and Meg.
2) Dorothy: Dorothy is derived from the Greek “doron” meaning “gift.” In addition to Dorothy, nicknames include Dolly and Dot.
3) Laura: Laura is derived from the Latin word “laurus” meaning laurel tree or sweet bay tree. Nicknames for Laura include Lola or Laurie.
4) Evelyn: Evelyn is derived from an old French name Aveline and means “desired one.” Nicknames also include Evie or Lynn.
5) Grace: Grace is a timeless classic that has been around since the Middle Ages. Cute nicknames for Grace include Gracie or Gray.
75 RARE VINTAGE BABY NAMES FOR GIRLS (1890-1970s) | UNIQUE VINTAGE BABY NAME LIST
Old-Fashioned Girl Names with Nicknames
1) Mary: Mary is derived from the Hebrew word “miryam” meaning “wished-for child.” Nicknames include Maria, Molly, and Mariah.
2) Elizabeth: Elizabeth is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba and means “God is my oath.” Cute nicknames are Beth, Betsy, and Liz.
3) Anne: Anne is derived from the Hebrew name Hannah which means “graceful one.” Nicknames are Annie or Anna.
4) Margaret: Margaret has numerous nicknames including Peggy, Margie, Maggie, and Meg.
5) Clara: Clara is derived from the Latin word “clarus” meaning “clear” or “bright.” Nicknames include Claire and Clarissa.
Old-Fashioned Girl Names in -ie
1) Allie: Allie is a nickname for Alice and means “noble.”
2) Susie: Susie is a Baby Name Wizard-approved pet form of Susan which means “lily.”
3) Millie: Millie is derived from the name Amelia and means “industrious one.”
4) Jennie: Jennie is derived from Jennifer which means “fair one.”
5) Hattie: Hattie is derived from Harriet and means “estate ruler.” Nicknames include Hatty or Hettie.
6) Addie: Short for Addision.
Old-Fashioned Girl Names for Dogs
1) Daisy: Daisy was once used as a pet name for Margaret, and means “day’s eye.”
2) Molly: Molly is derived from Mary and means “bitter.”
3) Bella: Bella is a nickname for Isabella which means “beautiful one.”
4) Sophie: Sophie is derived from the Hebrew name Shoshanna and means “rose.”
5) Penny: Penny is a pet form of Penelope, which comes from Greek mythology and means “weaver.” Nicknames include Penn or Peony.
Pretty Old-Fashioned Girl Names
1) Mallory – A French name meaning “unfortunate”
2) Maisie – A Scottish pet form of Margaret, which means “pearl”.
3) Addison – An English name meaning “son of Adam”
4) Hazel – An English name derived from the hazel tree, which symbolizes wisdom and learning.
5) Delilah – A Hebrew name meaning “delightful one”. Nicknames include Deli or Lila.
6) Rosalind – A Latin name meaning “beautiful rose”. Nicknames include Rose, Rosie, and Lindy.
7) Priscilla – A Latin name meaning “ancient one”. Nicknames include Prissy or Cilla.
8) Ophelia – a Greek name meaning “helpful”. This name is often associated with Shakespearean plays and is also the namesake of an eclectic indie rock band.
9) Phoebe – A Greek name meaning “bright” or “radiant”. Nicknames include Pheebz or Feebs.
10) Eliza – An English variant of Elizabeth which means “God is my oath”. Nicknames include Ellie or Liza.
UNIQUE & FORGOTTEN VINTAGE BABY NAMES FROM THE 1900’s for BOYS & GIRLS
Beautiful Old-Fashioned Girl Names
1) Augusta – A Latin name meaning “great” or “majestic”. Nicknames include Gussie or Gus.
2) Cora – An English name derived from the Greek “Kore”, which means “daughter of Demeter”. Nicknames include Cory or Corrie.
3) Adeline – A French variant of the German name Adelina that means “noble one”. Nicknames include Addy, Adele, and Liney.
4) Winifred – An old Welsh name meaning “blessed peace”. Popular nicknames are Winnie and Freddy.
5) Vivian – A Latin name meaning “lively”. Nicknames include Viv, Vi, or Viva.
6) Matilda – An old Germanic name meaning “powerful battler”. Nicknames include Tilly or Mattie.
7) Cecilia – A Latin name derived from the Greek “Kelos” which means “blind one”. Nicknames include Celia, Ceci, and Lia.
8) Beatrice – A Latin name with Italian origins that means “bringer of joy”. Popular nicknames are Bea or Trixie.
9) Esther – A Hebrew name derived from the Persian word for “star”. Popular nicknames are Hester or Essie.
10) Rebecca – A Hebrew name meaning “to bind” with popular nicknames of Becky, Becca, and Bex.
Uncommon Old-Fashioned Girl Names
1) Hortense – A French name derived from the Latin word for “garden”. Nicknames include Horty or Tessa.
2) Seraphina – A Hebrew name meaning “burning one”, commonly associated with the seraphim angels of heaven. Nicknames include Sera and Fina.
3) Eloisa – An Italian variant of Louise that means “famous warrior”. Nicknames include Elle, Lola, and Ise.
4) Marigold – An English name derived from the flower of the same name which symbolizes comfort, strength, and joy.
5) Zinnia – Another flower-based name derived from the flower of the same name, which symbolizes lasting affection.
6) Olympia – A Greek name meaning “of Olympus”, associated with the home of all Greek gods and goddesses. Nicknames include Oly or Lylla.
7) Anastasia – A Greek name meaning “resurrection”. Nicknames include Stacey or Ana.
8) Delphine – A French name derived from the Greek word for “dolphin” and meaning “of the sea”. Popular nicknames are Delphi or Phina.
9) Imogene – An English variant of Latin Inimicus that means “friend to everyone”. Nicknames include Immy, Gigi or Gena.
10) Penelope – An English name derived from Greek mythology which means “weaver”. Nicknames include Penn or Peony.
11) Honorata – A Latin name meaning “honor” that comes from the same root word as honor and honorable. Nicknames include Honor, Nora, or Tate.
12) Seraphina – A Hebrew name meaning “burning one”, commonly associated with the seraphim angels of heaven. Nicknames include Sera and Fina.
13) Abigail – An English variant of Hebrew Abigayil that means “father rejoices”. Commonly used nicknames are Abby or Gigi.
14) Cordelia – A Latin name meaning “heart”, derived from the root word for cordial and coronary. Nicknames include Delia or Cordy.
15) Portia – A Latin name with Shakespearean references that means “offering”. Nicknames include Port or Porscha.
16) Sabrina- An English variant of the Welsh Severn which means ‘from the river Severn’. Popular nicknames are Bree, Bri, and Sabby.
17) Arabella – An Italian name meaning “beautiful one” derived from the Latin term for beautiful flower.
Unique Classic Girl Names
1) Adelaide – A German name meaning “noble one”. Common nicknames are Addie, Delia or Della.
2) Philomena – A Greek name derived from the words for “love” and “strength”, often associated with the Roman goddess of love and beauty. Nicknames include Mena or Mina.
3) Guinevere – An old Welsh name that means “white wave” and is most commonly associated with the legendary King Arthur’s queen. Nicknames include Gwen or Vivi.
4) Bronwyn – An old Welsh name derived from two ancient Celtic words that mean ‘light-haired’ and ‘fair’. Nicknames include Bron or Wyn.
5) Antigone – A Greek name derived from two words that mean “against birth”, often associated with the tragic heroine of Sophocles’ play. Nicknames include Anthea or Tige.
6) Octavia – A Latin name meaning “eighth-born”, derived from the same root word as octave and October. Nicknames include Tavvy or Vee.
7) Prudence – An English variant of French Prudentia that means “wise one”, often associated with being careful and judicious in decision making. Popular nicknames are Pru or Dencey.
Sassy Old Lady Names
1) Effie – A Greek name derived from the same root word as euphoria, meaning “joyful”. Nicknames include Efrina or Fiefer.
2) Hortense – A French name derived from the Latin word for “garden”. Nicknames include Horty or Tessa.
3) Hilda – An old Germanic name that means “battle of war” and is often associated with strength and courage in battle. Common nicknames are Hildy or Hilla.
4) Josephine – An English variant of Hebrew Yosef which means “God will increase”, often associated with faithfulness and fertility. Common nicknames are Josie or Fifi.
5) Matilda – An old Germanic name that means “battle-mighty” and is often associated with strength in adversity. Common nicknames are Tilda, Tillie or Mattie.
6) Wilhelmina – An old Germanic name meaning “resolute protector” that is often associated with loyalty and bravery. Nicknames include Mina, Willa or Millie.
7) Eudora – A Greek name derived from two words that mean “good gift”, typically associated with generosity and kindness. Popular nicknames are Dora or Dodo.
Vintage Girl Names and Meanings
1) Genevieve – A French name derived from the Latin word for “tribe” and is often associated with being a leader or having leadership qualities. Nicknames include Genny, Viv or Evie.
2) Isadora – An old Greek name that means “gift of Isis”, often associated with the Egyptian goddess of fertility and motherhood. Common nicknames are Izzy or Dora.
3) Minerva – An old Roman name derived from the same root word as mintage and miner, which means “intelligent one”. Popular nicknames are Minnie or Nerva.
4) Olivia – An English variant of Latin Oliver which means “elf army”, often associated with being a source of strength and protection. Nicknames include Livvy or Livia.
5) Penelope – An old Greek name that means “weaver” and is often associated with loyalty and patience in enduring hardships. Common nicknames are Penny or Nellie.
6) Seraphina – A Hebrew name derived from the same root as seraphim which means “fiery one” usually associated with being angelic, wise, and divinely inspired. Nicknames include Fina or Sera.
7) Ursula – An old Latin name derived from the same root word as ursus which means “bear-like” and is often associated with strength and courage. Common nicknames are Ulla or Ursie.
Royalty Girl Names and Meanings
1) Alexandra – A Greek name derived from the same root words as Alexander, meaning “protector of mankind”. Nicknames include Lexi, Sandy or Allie.
2) Beatrice – An Italian name derived from the Latin word for “blessed”, often associated with being a blessing to others. Popular nicknames are Bea or Trixie.
3) Cleopatra – An ancient Egyptian name that means “glory of her father”, typically associated with beauty, intelligence and power. Common nicknames are Cleo or Patty.
4) Elizabeth – An old Hebrew name derived from the same root word as Elisheva which means “God is my oath”, often associated with being faithful and loyal. Nicknames include Liz, Ella or Beth.
5) Giselle – An old French name meaning “pledge”, typically associated with strength and perseverance in facing challenges. Popular nicknames are Gis or Ellie.
6) Helen – A Greek name derived from the same root word as Helena which means “light”, often associated with brilliance and radiance. Common nicknames are Nellie or Lena.
7) Victoria – An old Latin name that means “victory”, often associated with success and triumph in the face of adversity. Nicknames include Tori or Vicky.
Old English Girl Names
and Meanings
1) Aelfrida – An old English name that means “elf strength”, often associated with being brave and determined. Nicknames include Elfie or Frida.
2) Edith – An old English name derived from the same root word as Eadgyth which means “rich” and is typically associated with wealth and abundance. Popular nicknames are Edie or Daisy.
3) Freya – An Old Norse name that means “mistress”, usually associated with beauty, sensuality and charm. Common nicknames are Frey or Fria.
4) Gwendolyn – An old Welsh name meaning “fair bow”, often associated with being graceful and noble. Nicknames include Gwen or Lyn.
5) Hilda – An old Germanic name that means “battle”, typically associated with courage and strength in the face of adversity. Popular nicknames are Hildy or Hil.
6) Matilda – An old German name derived from the same root word as Mahthilde which means “might in battle”, usually associated with power and determination. Common nicknames are Mattie or Tillie.
7) Winifred – A Welsh name that means “blessed peacemaking” typically associated with contentment and serenity. Nicknames include Winnie or Freda.
Strong Classic Girl Names and Meanings
1) Amelia – An old German name derived from the same root word as Amalia which means “industrious”, often associated with being hardworking and determined. Nicknames include Amy or Lia.
2) Bernadette – A French variant of an old German name meaning “brave bear”, usually associated with courage and strength in difficult times. Popular nicknames are Bernie or Dettie.
3) Caroline – An old French name derived from the same root word as Charles which means “free man”, usually associated with independence and self-determination. Common nicknames are Cara or Liney.
4) Diana – An ancient Roman name that means “heavenly”, often associated with purity and beauty. Nicknames include Di or Annie.
5) Emily – An old German name derived from the same root word as Amalia which means “industrious”, typically associated with hard work and ambition. Popular nicknames are Em or Millie.
6) Francesca – An old Italian name meaning “free woman”, usually associated with independence and self-determination. Common nicknames are Fran or Chessa.
7) Irene – An old Greek name meaning “peaceful”, often associated with serenity and contentment. Nicknames include Rena or Irina.
Short Old-Fashioned Girl Names
1) Agnes – An old Greek name derived from the same root word as Hagne which means “pure”, typically associated with innocence and purity. Popular nicknames are Aggie or Ness.
2) Clara – An old Latin name that means “bright”, usually associated with intelligence and wisdom. Common nicknames are Clary or Rai.
3) Evelyn – A French variant of an old German name meaning “wished-for child”, often associated with being cherished and beloved. Nicknames include Evvie or Lynn.
4) Florence – An old Latin name that means “blossoming flower”, typically associated with beauty and grace. Common nicknames are Flo or Flora.
5) Grace – An old English name meaning “graceful”, usually associated with elegance and poise. Popular nicknames are Gracie or Gussy.
6) Lena – An old Greek name derived from the same root word as Helene which means “light”, often associated with brilliance and radiance. Nicknames include Nellie or Elly.
7) Margaret – An old Greek name that means “pearl”, typically associated with wealth and abundance. Common nicknames are Maggie or Meg.
Southern Old-Fashioned Girl Names
1) Adelaide – An old German name derived from the same root word as Adelheid which means “noble”, usually associated with grace and nobility. Nicknames include Addy or Delia.
2) Belle – An old French name meaning “beautiful”, often associated with attractiveness and charm. Popular nicknames are Bella or Ella.
3) Daisy – An old English name that means “eyes of day”, typically associated with beauty and innocence. Common nicknames are Daze or Dayzie.
4) Evangeline – An old Greek name derived from the same root word as Evangelos which means “good news”, usually associated with joy and hope. Nicknames include Eve or Evie.
5) Harriet – An old English name derived from the same root word as Hthilde which means “might in battle”, typically associated with power and determination. Popular nicknames are Mattie or Tillie.
6) Josephine – An old French name that means “God increases”, often associated with faithfulness and trustworthiness. Common nicknames are Jo or Josie.
7) Magnolia – A Southern name that means “magnificent flower”, usually associated with beauty and grace. Nicknames include Maggie or Nola.
French Old-Fashioned Girl Names
1) Amelie – An old French name meaning “hardworking”, often associated with ambition and determination. Popular nicknames are Amy or Melle.
2) Beatrice – An old Latin name derived from the same root word as Viatrix which means “voyager”, usually associated with journeying and exploration. Nicknames include Bea or Trixie.
3) Cecile – An old French name that means “blind”, typically associated with insight and understanding. Common nicknames are Cissy or Cece.
4) Danielle – A French variant of an old Hebrew name meaning “God is my judge”, usually associated with justice and righteousness. Nicknames include Dani or Elle.
5) Eloise – An old French name derived from the same root word as Hloise which means “famous war”, typically associated with strength and courage. Popular nicknames are Ellie or Lola.
6) Fleur – A French name that means “flower”, often associated with beauty and nature. Common nicknames are Flo or Flora.
7) Genevieve – An old French name derived from the same root word as Ginevra which means “white wave”, usually associated with grace and elegance. Nicknames include Genie or Vivi.
Old Ladies Names (Old Woman Names)
1) Agnes – An old Greek name derived from the same root word as Hagns which means “pure”, usually associated with purity and innocence. Nicknames include Aggie or Nessa.
2) Bertha – An old German name meaning “bright one”, typically associated with intelligence and wisdom. Common nicknames are Bertie or Bess.
3) Clarice – A French variant of an old Latin name meaning “bright fame”, often associated with success and renown. Popular nicknames are Clary or Rai.
4) Edith – An old English name that means “rich in war”, usually associated with strength and courage. Nicknames include Edie or Dottie.
5) Frida – An old German name derived from the same root word as Friedrich which means “peaceful ruler”, typically associated with leadership and authority. Common nicknames are Freda or Frieda.
6) Gertrude – A German name that means “spear of strength”, often associated with power and independence. Popular nicknames are Gertie or Trudy.
7) Hortense – A French name derived from the same root word as Ortenzia which means “keeper of the garden”, usually associated with nurturing and compassion. Nicknames include Horty or Nessa.
Old-Fashioned Girl Names That Start With… (A-Z)
We go letter by letter with old-fashioned girl names alphabetically:
A – Adelaide, Agnes, Amelia
B – Bertha, Beatrice, Bridget
C – Cecile, Cora, Clarice
D – Danielle, Dolores, Delphine
E – Eloise, Emmeline, Edith
F – Fleur, Faithful, Frida
G – Genevieve, Gertrude, Gloria
H – Harriet, Hattie, Hortense
I – Isabelle, Irene, Imogen
J – Josephine, Juliette, Jane
K – Kaia, Kitty, Karen
L – Louise, Lucille, Lydia
M – Magnolia, Millicent, Maeve
N – Nancy, Nora, Noelle
O – Opal, Olivia, Octavia
P – Penelope, Persephone, Polly
Q – Queenie, Quilla, Quintessa
R – Ruthie, Ramona, Rosemary
S – Sophie, Sibylle Serena
T – Teresa, Theodora Tabitha
U – Ursula, Una, Unity
V – Violette, Vanora, Verity
W – Winifred, Wren, Wilhelmina
X – Xenia, Xanthe, Xaviera
Y – Yvette, Yehudit, Yolanda
Z – Zelda, Zahra, Zinnia, Zoey
FAQs – Old-Fashioned Girl Names
What is a good old-fashioned name for a girl?
There are many beautiful old-fashioned names for girls, some of which include:
- Emma
- Olivia
- Charlotte
- Amelia
- Sophia
- Ava
- Isabella
- Elizabeth
- Abigail
- Emily
These names are classic and have been popular for many years.
They are timeless and can be used for girls of any age.
What are good vintage names?
Vintage names are those that were popular in the past but have fallen out of favor in recent years. Some good vintage names for girls include:
- Beatrice
- Daisy
- Florence
- Gladys
- Louise
- Mabel
- Mildred
- Ruby
- Violet
- Winnie
These names are all classic and have a charming, old-fashioned feel to them.
They are also unique and not commonly used in modern times, which can make them a great choice for parents who want their child to have a distinctive name.
What is a rare female name?
There are many rare and unique names for girls that are not commonly used.
Examples of rare female names include:
- Astrid
- Birdie
- Cordelia
- Esme
- Juniper
- Kinsley
- Lark
- Lyra
- Mirabelle
- Willow
These names are all uncommon and have a distinctive, one-of-a-kind feel to them.
They are also often considered to be beautiful and elegant, making them a great choice for parents who want their child to have a unique and special name.
What is the most elegant girl name?
Elegant girl names are those that have a sophisticated and refined feel to them.
Some of the most elegant girl names include:
- Aurora
- Charlotte
- Claire
- Genevieve
- Josephine
- Penelope
- Sophia
- Victoria
- Zephyr
- Zora
These names are all beautiful and have a timeless, classical feel to them.
They are often considered to be elegant and sophisticated, making them a great choice for parents who want their child to have a name that is both stylish and refined.
What are some uncommon, old-fashioned, baby girl names?
There are many uncommon and old-fashioned baby girl names that are not commonly used in modern times.
Examples of these names include:
- Adeline
- Cordelia
- Edith
- Felicity
- Henrietta
- Isadora
- Lillian
- Phoebe
- Rosalind
- Theodora
These names are all beautiful and have a charming, vintage feel to them.
They are also not commonly used in modern times, making them a great choice for parents who want their child to have a unique and special name.
Conclusion – Old-Fashioned Girl Names
These old-fashioned girl names are timeless and classic, yet still have a contemporary twist to them.
We looked at vintage names across the following categories:
- Old-Fashioned Girl Names – 1800s
- Old-Fashioned Girl Names – 1900s
- Old-Fashioned Girl Names with Nicknames
- Old-Fashioned Girl Names in -ie
- Old-Fashioned Girl Names for Dogs
- Pretty Old-Fashioned Girl Names
- Beautiful Old-Fashioned Girl Names
- Uncommon Old-Fashioned Girl Names
- Unique Classic Girl Names
- Sassy Old Lady Names
- Vintage Girl Names and Meanings
- Old English Girl Names
- Strong Classic Girl Names
- Short Old-Fashioned Girl Names
- Southern Old-Fashioned Girl Names
- French Old-Fashioned Girl Names
- Old Ladies Names (Old Woman Names)
- Old-Fashioned Girl Names That Start With… (A-Z)
Whether you want a popular name with nicknames or an uncommon pick that pays homage to your family heritage, these old-fashioned names are sure to stand the test of time.
With so much variety, there is something for every taste and style!
Consider these classic names when searching for the perfect moniker for your little one!
