Unusual Antique Baby Names

  1. Eula
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Eulalia
    • Description:

      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.
  2. Harmon
    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Herman
    • Description:

      Has a harmonic feel.
  3. Delphia
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. Rosita
    • Origin:

      Spanish, diminutive of Rosa
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  5. Gussie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Augusta, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  6. Leota
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Era
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Name that enjoyed some popularity early in the 20th century but now is locked in another, ahem, era.
  8. Hulda
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "sweet, lovable"
    • Description:

      Hilda with a stuffed nose.
  9. Sudie
    • Origin:

      Variation of Susanna, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "lily"
  10. Elbert
    • Origin:

      English variation of Albert
    • Description:

      Rocking out on the porch with buddies Hubert, Norbert, and Osbert.
  11. Lovie
    • Origin:

      Short form of Love, word name
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  12. Tennie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Tennessee, Cherokee
    • Description:

      Variation of Tennessee.
  13. Ouida
    • Origin:

      English diminutive
    • Description:

      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.
  14. Lonnie
    • Virgie
      • Elnora
        • Origin:

          Contracted form of Eleanora, meaning unknown
        • Description:

          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, German
        • Meaning:

          "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 name
        • Description:

          Like Silver, Golden is a shimmering metallic color name, almost too dazzling for an ordinary girl.
      • General
        • Origin:

          Word name
        • Meaning:

          "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 name
        • Description:

          This Myrtle variation may not be the most melodious choice but it does have that appealing nature meaning.