Old-Fashioned, Vintage, Retro, Classic, Eclectic, Unusual and Uncommon Names for Girls

Grizel is a feminine name with Scottish origins, derived from the medieval name Griselda, which comes from Germanic elements meaning 'gray' and 'battle.' It gained prominence in Scottish literature and history as a name associated with patience and endurance. Grizel was moderately popular in Scotland between the 16th and 18th centuries but remains rare today. The name has a distinctive sound that combines antiquity with a certain strength and resilience. Its Scottish heritage gives it cultural depth, while its unusual nature makes it stand out among more common names. Grizel offers a connection to Celtic traditions with a memorable and unique quality.

Difficult name familiar here mainly via D. H. Lawrence's Women in Love.

Guilla is an uncommon feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Guillermina, the Spanish feminine form of William, meaning 'resolute protector' or 'determined guardian.' Alternatively, it could relate to the Italian name Guilia (Julia) or have connections to medieval European names. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and distinctive double 'l' sound. Guilla remains quite rare in English-speaking countries, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking uniqueness. The name carries an elegant, somewhat exotic flair while remaining relatively straightforward to pronounce. Its scarcity gives it a special quality, though this may occasionally lead to pronunciation or spelling clarifications.

Gunda is a feminine name with Germanic and Scandinavian roots. It derives from the Old Norse element 'gundr' meaning 'battle' or 'war,' highlighting the warrior traditions in Norse culture. In some contexts, it's considered a shortened form of longer names containing this element, such as Gundhild or Gundrada. The name has maintained modest popularity in Nordic countries, particularly Norway and Sweden, as well as in northern Germany. In India, Gunda also exists as an unrelated name with different origins. The name carries a strong, determined quality with its sharp consonants, reflecting its militant etymology. Despite its ancient origins, Gunda has a distinctive, somewhat uncommon sound that sets it apart in contemporary naming landscapes.

At the very least, shorten it to Hilda.

This popular old Swedish name is not one that would appeal to many modern American parents, though shortening it to Nilla helps.

While Gwen may have originated as a short form of Gwendolen and Gwendolyn, these days it frequently stands on its own. Rocker Gwen Stefani has given it a shot of cool, and parents are choosing it as a standalone more and more often—Gwen hopped back onto the US Top 1000 in 2013 after an absence of over 30 years. Gwen could also be short for Guinevere.

Gwendolen, an ancient Welsh favorite, retired decades ago in favor of the short form Gwen, but now, as in the case all across the naming board, the nickname has faded and the more distinguished original is up for reappraisal.

The Gwendoline form may introduce pronunciation confusion -- does that last syllable rhyme with wine or win or when? We vote Gwendolen as not only the most proper but the clearest spelling, followed by Gwendolyn, with Gwendoline a distant third.

One spelling variation that's more popular than the original, this somewhat old-fashioned name might be in honor of poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the first African-American to win a Pulitzer prize for poetry, or may be a way to get to the modern short form Gwen.

Quirky but tough, Gwenna is a name of both Cornish and Breton origin that might work as a long form for Gwen for those unsure of Gwendolen, but fans of Tessa and Willa.

An offbeat way to get to Gwen.