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

  1. Virginie
    • Origin:

      French variation of Virginia, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "virginal, pure"
    • Description:

      Say Virginie they way they do in Paris -- VAIR-zhin-ee -- and it sounds elegant and appealing. But Americans might pronounce it like virgin-y, which is a no-go.
  2. Viv
    • Description:

      Viv is a feminine name that functions as both a standalone name and a diminutive of Vivian, Vivienne, or Viviana. These names derive from the Latin "vivus" meaning "alive" or "lively." Viv embodies this meaning perfectly with its short, vibrant sound. The name's brevity gives it a modern, punchy quality while maintaining connections to its more traditional longer forms. Viv gained some recognition through notable bearers like British actress Vivien Leigh (who was sometimes called Viv) and more recently through characters in film and literature. As a standalone name, Viv remains relatively uncommon, giving it distinctiveness while still being recognizable and easy to pronounce across various cultures.
  3. Vivia
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Vivian
    • Meaning:

      "life"
    • Description:

      Vivia, the fresh Italian version of newly popular name, streamlines and even vivifies the original.
  4. Vivian
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "life"
    • Description:

      Vivian, once an elderly lady name, is on the rise, along with all form of girl names that mean life -- from Zoe to Eva to those who share the vivid Viv syllable. It was one of the fastest-rising names of 2023, vaulting into the Top 100.
  5. Viviana
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "life"
    • Description:

      Lively and rhythmic version of Vivian heard in Italy and Spain. Viviana is right on trend today, fitting in with other frilly, girly favorites like Isabella, Eliana, and Ariana. It may also be spelled as Bibiana. A fast rising names of 2023, Viviana has been in the US Top 500 since the 2000s.
  6. Viviane
    • Origin:

      French variation of Viviana or Vivien
    • Description:

      Viviane is one of a cluster of names that may or may not be related. They include the Latin Viviana, which means life, and its modern forms Vivian and the French form Vivienne. But Vivien, pronounced identically, may be a literary invention connected instead to Ninian. Some sources also connect the Viv variations to the Irish Bebinn, the name of the goddess of childbirth, or Bevin.
  7. Vivianna
    • Description:

      Vivianna is a feminine name derived from Latin roots, elaborating on the name Vivian or Viviana, ultimately from 'vivus' meaning 'alive' or 'full of life.' This melodic four-syllable name carries connotations of vitality, energy, and vibrance. Vivianna appears across several European naming traditions, particularly in Italian, Spanish, and Latin American cultures. The extra syllable adds a flowing, romantic quality to the already lyrical Viviana. While less common than Vivian or Viviana, Vivianna has maintained steady if modest usage. The name's repeated 'vi' sound creates a pleasing rhythm, while the 'anna' ending connects it to classic feminine names. Vivianna offers the perfect balance of familiarity and distinction, conveying both timeless elegance and life-affirming meaning.

  8. Vivien
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "life"
    • Description:

      Vivien (Scarlett O'Hara) Leigh was born Vivian. Some sources give Vivien as a relative of the Irish goddess name Bebinn and a literary name invented by Tennyson. Others say it's related to the Latin-based Viviana, meaning life. This spelling of the name is as legitimate as many others.
  9. Vivienne
    • Origin:

      French variation of Vivian
    • Meaning:

      "life"
    • Description:

      Vivienne is an elaborated Gallic version of the name Vivian, chosen first by Rosie O'Donnell for her daughter and then catapulted to superstardom when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie used it for their twin daughter. An adult namesake is the British designer Vivienne Westwood. Rosie O'Donnell also has a daughter named Vivienne, known as Vivi.
  10. Viviette
    • Origin:

      French variation of Vivian
    • Meaning:

      "life"
    • Description:

      Embroidered lace hankie of a name, used in a Thomas Hardy novel. That literary cred lends some gravitas.
  11. Velebeth
    • Venerande
      • Venturina
        • Verdinia
          • Viatrix
            • Vitalia
              • Vivvie
                • Vola
                  • Vollrathine
                    • Walburga
                      • Origin:

                        German
                      • Meaning:

                        "strong protection"
                      • Description:

                        An ancient saint's name belonging to an 8th century English missionary. Variants include Walpurga and Walpurgis.