Unusual Antique Baby Names
- Eula
Origin:
Diminutive of EulaliaDescription:
Eula is a slightly sweeter and more compact version of Eulalia. Currently, neither name is given to more than a handful of girls each year. Eula was fairly popular in the US during the early twentieth century, and she last ranked in the Top 1000 in 1960.
- Harmon
Origin:
Irish variation of HermanDescription:
Has a harmonic feel.
- Delphia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"the womb"Description:
Feminization of the Greek place name Delphi (of oracle fame), Delphia could also be used as a nod to American city Philadelphia. Delphine and Delphinia are similar names.
- Rosita
Origin:
Spanish, diminutive of RosaMeaning:
"rose"Description:
This spirited Spanish variation of Rosa was familiar in the mid-20th century, but is used more quietly now. Given to around 35 babies in the US each year, it could work as a fresh alternative to Roberta or Rosie.
- Gussie
Origin:
Diminutive of Augusta, LatinMeaning:
"great, magnificent"Description:
Gussie fits the growing trend of boyish nicknames for girls - alongside Charlie and Frankie. But Gussie is a bit fussy — try Gus.
- Leota
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"of the people"Description:
Leota is an antique name rarely used any more -- it was given to just 8 baby girls in the US in 2021. Some sources says Leota is a Native American name meaning blue flower.
- Era
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Name that enjoyed some popularity early in the 20th century but now is locked in another, ahem, era.
- Hulda
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"sweet, lovable"Description:
Hilda with a stuffed nose.
- Sudie
Origin:
Variation of Susanna, HebrewMeaning:
"lily"
- Elbert
Origin:
English variation of AlbertDescription:
Rocking out on the porch with buddies Hubert, Norbert, and Osbert.
- Lovie
Origin:
Short form of Love, word nameMeaning:
"love"Description:
Lovie is one of a vast number of ie-ending nickname names popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, which means they should be back in style now.
- Tennie
Origin:
Diminutive of Tennessee, CherokeeDescription:
Variation of Tennessee.
- Ouida
Origin:
English diminutiveDescription:
This Victorian pen name is the childish version of the novelist's real name, Louisa, but it has managed to gain a sophisticated image. Ouisa is a similar childhood nickname name.
- Lonnie
- Virgie
- Elnora
Origin:
Contracted form of Eleanora, meaning unknownDescription:
Elnora is best known as the name of the heroine of the early 20th century novel A Girl of the Limberlost. While Elnora might plausibly have many derivations, the most logical is that isn't a contracted form of Eleanora, the Latinate variation of Eleanor.
- Idella
Origin:
Diminutive of Ida, GermanMeaning:
"industrious one"Description:
Ida is one of those terminally old-fashioned names that suddenly sounds fresh again, especially given how fashionable it is in Europe. Ida, usually pronounced ee-da, is a Top 100 name in Scandinavia and German-speaking countries, and is rising more gently in the US.
- Golden
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Like Silver, Golden is a shimmering metallic color name, almost too dazzling for an ordinary girl.
- General
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"general"Description:
General as a name sounds more like a military rank than another word for "widespread". You may find your little General ruling the household.
- Myrtis
Origin:
Greek botanical nameDescription:
This Myrtle variation may not be the most melodious choice but it does have that appealing nature meaning.