vintage girl names begging to be rediscovered

Genevie is a feminine name that appears as a shortened form or variation of Genevieve. The name Genevieve comes from Germanic origins, meaning 'tribe woman' or possibly 'woman of the race.' Genevie maintains the elegant, French-inspired quality of the original while offering a more concise form. The traditional Genevieve has connections to the patron saint of Paris, giving it deep historical roots. Genevie presents a more streamlined alternative that maintains the sophisticated sound while being slightly less formal. Though uncommon in official records, it provides an option for parents who appreciate the classic name but desire something slightly more distinctive.

Gillie is a charming feminine name with Scottish and English origins. It developed primarily as a diminutive of names like Gillian, Jillian, or Gilda, though it can also be related to the Scottish occupational term 'gillie,' referring to an attendant or hunting guide in the Highlands. With its friendly '-ie' ending, Gillie has a warm, approachable quality that feels both vintage and playfully modern. While never reaching widespread popularity, the name has maintained consistent, if limited, usage particularly in Scotland and England. Gillie appeals to parents seeking a name with Celtic connections and a friendly, unpretentious character. Its short, sweet nature makes it distinctive while still being easy to pronounce and spell.

Gisella is a feminine name with Germanic origins, derived from 'gisil' meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage' (in ancient times, noble children were sometimes exchanged as political hostages to ensure peace between kingdoms). It's a variant of Giselle, which gained recognition through the romantic ballet of the same name. The name has been used across Europe for centuries, particularly in Germany, Italy, and Hungary, where Saint Gisela was the wife of King Stephen I. Gisella carries an elegant, classical quality with its melodic sound and romantic associations. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, it maintains steady usage among parents drawn to its international appeal and sophisticated sound.

Gladiola is a character in the 1991 novel and 1995 film How to Make an American Quilt

Glennis is a feminine name with Celtic and Scottish origins, deriving from the Welsh 'glân' meaning 'clean' or 'pure,' or possibly from Scottish place names containing 'glen' (valley). The name gained modest recognition in the mid-20th century, notably through Glennis Yeager, wife of famous test pilot Chuck Yeager. Glennis balances uniqueness with recognizability—distinctive enough to stand out while remaining familiar in sound. The name has a crisp, tailored quality that combines strength with femininity. Though never extremely common, Glennis saw peak usage in the 1940s and 1950s in the United States. Today, it offers parents seeking vintage revival names an option that hasn't yet experienced the full resurgence of other mid-century choices.

Gwenneth is a feminine name of Welsh origin, an elaborated form of Gwen, which means 'white,' 'fair,' or 'blessed' in Welsh. It shares roots with names like Guinevere and Jennifer, all stemming from the Welsh element 'gwen.' The spelling with double 'n' and 'th' ending gives Gwenneth a distinctly Celtic feel while maintaining a romantic, medieval quality. Less common than the variant Gwyneth (popularized by actress Gwyneth Paltrow), Gwenneth offers a slightly different take on this traditional Welsh name. It peaked in popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon. The name evokes images of Celtic heritage, fairy tales, and has an elegant, somewhat aristocratic bearing that appeals to parents drawn to names with historical depth and cultural significance.