Forgotten Vintage Gems For Modern Baby Girls

A nickname name heard in Spanish-speaking cultures, might lead to "loopy" jokes here.

Mable is a vintage feminine name, primarily a spelling variant of Mabel, which derives from the Latin 'amabilis' meaning 'lovable.' This particular spelling was quite popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in the United States. Like many names from that era, Mable experienced a decline mid-century but has potential for revival as part of the trend toward reclaiming vintage names. It carries a sweet, unpretentious charm with its simple sound and straightforward spelling. The name evokes images of warmth and accessibility, with a touch of old-fashioned character. After decades of relative obscurity, Mable now offers an appealing alternative to more common vintage revivals, combining familiarity with relative uniqueness in today's naming landscape.

There's only one. Okay, two.

An interesting and rhythmic name often heard in the Native American community; in fact,in the Gold Rush era in California and Nevada, it was so common that it became a generic English term for a Native American woman.

The name of the capital city of the Philippines is just conceivable as a baby name, giving off the faint scent of vanilla.

Marvel, now a character name in The Hunger Games series, was a miracle name of yesterday, on the girls' Social Security list until 1941 and reaching a high of 487 at the turn of the last century, when Marva was also in style.

Maude, also spelled Maud, is a lacy, mauve-tinted name that was wildly popular a hundred years ago, but has been rarely heard in the past fifty. Some stylish parents are starting to choose it again, especially as a middle.

Mayme is a vintage feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Mary or Mae. Popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mayme has a sweet, old-fashioned charm that speaks to simpler times. The name reached its peak popularity in the United States around 1900, when it ranked within the top 300 names. By the mid-20th century, it had declined significantly, and today it's considered quite rare, giving it a distinctive quality. Mayme has roots in the Hebrew name Mary, meaning 'bitter' or 'beloved,' though as a nickname it took on a more affectionate, familiar quality. With the current revival of vintage names, Mayme occasionally attracts parents seeking an uncommon name with historical substance and a friendly, approachable sound.

Australian opera singer Nellie Melba—self-named for her hometown of Melbourne—inspired this now-dated name more associated today with a peach dessert and dietetic toast.

Melvina ranked in the Top 1000 for over 65 years in the US, coinciding to a large extent with the years its much more popular masculine counterpart Melvin ranked in the Top 100. Today, Melvin is still hanging on in the Top 1000 for boys, but Melvina hasn't been given to more than 20 babies in a year since 1991.

She'd better be. Merry is one of the classic names for Christmas babies.

One of those pan-European nickname names much more familiar in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe than in the US, though related name Mina is making a comeback here. Light and bright, it could be an alternative to Mila, Minnie, or Millie.

Mitzi is a spunky German nickname name that might appeal to parents drawn to the genre of lively vintage chorus girl names that proliferated in 1930's musicals. Lively entertainer Mitzi Gaynor--who was originally named Francesca Marlene de Czani von Gerber--made the name notable in mid-century America.

Long in our category of so-far-out-it-will-always-be-out category, once seen as a gum-cracking 1940's telephone operator, we think it's time to reassess Myrtle, and look at is as a nature name, a plant with pink or white aromatic berries. Ruled by Venus, myrtle is a plant associated with love, peace, fertility and youth.

Naoma is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, derived from the word 'no'am' meaning 'pleasantness' or 'sweetness'. It's considered a variant of the Biblical name Naomi, who was Ruth's mother-in-law in the Old Testament. Naoma carries the same connotations of gentleness and beauty as Naomi, but with a slightly different pronunciation that emphasizes the middle 'o' sound. The name enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century but has since become quite rare, giving it a vintage charm. Its melodic quality and meaningful etymology make it an appealing option for parents seeking a name that is both traditional and uncommon.

Named for its snowcapped mountains, Nevada is a state name which, unlike Carolina, Montana, and Dakota, has been relatively undiscovered. Warning: today's unvisited place-name could become tomorrow's trampled tourist attraction.

Noreen's in limbo, especially now that Nora has made a comeback.

Novella is a feminine name with Latin and Italian roots, derived from 'novus' meaning 'new' or 'young.' Beyond its literal meaning, Novella carries literary associations as it refers to a short prose narrative in Italian literature – longer than a short story but shorter than a novel. This connection gives the name intellectual and artistic connotations. While not among the most common names, Novella has maintained a steady presence in Italian communities and has seen occasional usage internationally. The name carries a romantic, melodic quality typical of Italian feminine names, with its soft consonants and vowel ending. Novella offers a beautiful option for parents seeking a name with literary flair and a touch of European elegance.

Oliva is a feminine name with Latin roots, serving as a variation of Olive or Olivia. Derived from the Latin word for the olive tree, 'oliva,' it symbolizes peace, fertility, and victory in classical traditions. While less common than Olivia, which has enjoyed significant popularity in English-speaking countries, Oliva is more frequently found in Spanish, Italian, and Scandinavian regions. The name carries the same gentle, natural elegance as its variations but with a slightly more distinctive edge. Its connection to the olive branch as a symbol of peace gives it a meaningful depth beyond its pleasing sound. The name offers the cute nickname option of Liv or Livvy.