vintage girl names begging to be rediscovered
- Estelle
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"star"Description:
Maybe it's because she shares that winning -elle sound with Isabel and Bella, but Estelle is no longer seen as a muumuu-wearing canasta player of a certain age (think George Costanza's mother on Seinfeld or Joey Tribbiani's talent agent in Friends). This could be in part thanks to the young Royal Couple of Sweden, who chose it for their firstborn daughter, or the single-named British R&B singer. It reentered the US Top 1000 in 2012 after a nearly fifty-year absence.
- Estie
Description:
Estie is a charming feminine name that typically functions as a diminutive of Esther, which comes from the Persian word for 'star.' It can also be a nickname for Estelle, meaning 'star' in Latin, or other names beginning with 'Est-'. Estie combines antiquity with a playful, modern feel through its diminutive ending. The name carries a warm, friendly quality while maintaining connections to its more formal roots. Though never widely popular as a given name in its own right, Estie has seen occasional use in Jewish communities where Esther holds particular significance due to its biblical connections. The name's brevity and sweet sound give it an endearing quality, while its relative rarity makes it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.
- Ethelyn
Description:
Ethelyn is a vintage feminine name with Anglo-Saxon roots, derived from the Old English elements 'æðel' meaning 'noble' or 'royal' and 'lyn,' a diminutive suffix implying 'little' or 'beloved.' This charming combination creates the meaning 'little noble one' or 'beloved princess.' Popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ethelyn has that classic, dignified quality reminiscent of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Though it declined in usage mid-century, it's seeing renewed interest among parents drawn to vintage revivals. The name offers several nickname possibilities, including Ethel, Etty, or Lynn. Ethelyn balances formal elegance with a gentle, approachable quality in its full form.
- Ether
Description:
Ether is an uncommon feminine name derived from scientific and philosophical concepts rather than traditional naming conventions. The word 'ether' historically referred to the fifth element in ancient and medieval science, thought to fill the upper regions of space. It was considered the material that made up the heavens and celestial bodies. The name evokes ethereal qualities—lightness, elegance, and otherworldliness. In modern contexts, it might appeal to parents drawn to scientific terminology or abstract concepts as naming inspiration. While quite rare as a given name, Ether offers a distinctive choice with philosophical depth and celestial associations, fitting among other element-inspired names but with a more mystical quality.
- Etoile
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"star"Description:
This French word for star sounds like even more of a celebrity-worthy choice than Star or Esther or Estella or Stella. But count on English speakers who never took high school French to stumble over the pronunciation.
- Etta
Origin:
English and Scottish, short form of any name ending with -etta: Henrietta, Loretta etc.Description:
Thanks to the surprise hit revival of Etta James' song At Last and because of recent interest in vintage style nicknames, Etta has established herself as a possible successor to Emma and Ella. Back in the US Top 1000 as of 2023 and rising rapidly up the UK charts, where it sits in the Top 200, Etta is a snappy, smart and sparky choice.
- Ettie
Origin:
French diminutiveMeaning:
"little"Description:
Ettie or Etty works as a nickname for any name with a prominent "et" sound, usually at the end: think Henrietta, Juliette or Colette. The -ette ending is a French diminutive suffix.
- Eulalia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"sweetly speaking"Description:
Eulalia is a melodious name with a southern drawl, thanks to those lilting double Ls.
- Eulalie
Origin:
French form of Eulalia, GreekMeaning:
"sweetly speaking"Description:
Eulalie hasn't ranked in the US Top 1000 since 1899, but its French roots might make it more appealing to modern ears than its sister Eulalia.
- Euphemia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"fair speech"Description:
Ancient martyr's name that, though not especially appealing, might still be mildly possible, especially for Anglophiles. It was widely used in early Scotland, but was overtaken by its nickname, Effie.
- Eva
Origin:
Latin form of Eve, HebrewMeaning:
"life"Description:
Eva is a simple, classic Hebrew name for girls that recently slipped out of the US Top 100 for the first time in more than a decade. Pronounced either like her more popular sister Ava or less popular sister Eve, Eva is one of the elite group of girl names that mean life.
- Evelia
Description:
Evelia is a feminine name with Latin and Spanish origins. It derives from the Latin name Evelius, which may be related to 'aevum' meaning 'age' or 'eternity.' The name is most prevalent in Hispanic communities, particularly in Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States. Evelia has a melodious quality with its flowing vowels, making it both elegant and accessible. While not among the most common Hispanic names, it has maintained steady usage throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The name carries a timeless quality and often evokes associations with beauty and grace. The nickname Evelie or Eve is sometimes used as a familiar form.
- Everett
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"brave boar"Description:
Everett is a male name that's a prime crossover candidate, much like Eliot, Ellis, and Ellery.
- Evergreen
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"always green"Description:
This offbeat botanical name boasts the trendy Ever sound and a cool wintery vibe. Evergreen was only given to a handful of baby girls in recent years, but would work just as well for a boy.
- Evora
Origin:
Portuguese place nameMeaning:
"yew tree"Description:
Evora is a city in Portugal known for its magnificent Roman aged ruins. It is occasionally seen as a female name, evoking some of the mystique of this region.
- Eddis
- Edilia
- Ellaree
- Elmarie
- Erlys