vintage girl names begging to be rediscovered

Jacinta, the Spanish word for hyacinth, is a lot softer and sweeter than the English version. The correct Spanish pronunciation is ha-SEEN-ta, though many English speakers would say ja-SIN-ta. Although the name is slightly different, Jacinta is largely associated at present with Australian-born actress Jacinda Barrett.

Now that Jacob has been the top boys' name for several years, this may come to the fore, the way Michaela did after Michael's long reign at Number One. For now, it's one of the more unusual girl names starting with J.

James for a girl? Believe it or not, this is one of the boy names for girls" gaining a lot of attention these days, since Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds shocked the world by choosing it for their eldest daughter in 2014 (after his late father).

Janaan is a feminine name of Arabic origin that carries the beautiful meaning of 'heart' or 'soul.' In some contexts, it can also mean 'garden' or 'paradise,' evoking images of natural beauty and serenity. The name has a gentle, flowing quality when pronounced, with emphasis typically placed on the second syllable (ja-NAAN). While not widely used in Western countries, Janaan has steady popularity in Arabic-speaking regions, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, and among Palestinian communities. The name has cross-cultural appeal due to its soft sound and profound meaning. For parents seeking a name with Middle Eastern roots that still feels accessible to English speakers, Janaan offers an elegant option that bridges cultures while conveying notions of inner beauty and emotional depth.

No, we don't consider Jane too plain. In fact, for a venerable and short one-syllable name, we think it packs a surprising amount of punch, as compared to the related Jean and Joan.

A sweet and sprightly feminine form of John.

Could run into pronunciation confusion.

Jannie is a feminine name with multiple origins, functioning as a diminutive of Janet or Janice, which ultimately derive from Jane (a feminine form of John, meaning 'God is gracious'). In Dutch and Afrikaans communities, Jannie serves as a diminutive of Jan (the Dutch equivalent of John). The name has a warm, friendly quality with its diminutive '-ie' ending giving it a naturally affectionate feel. Jannie was relatively popular in the United States during the early-to-mid 20th century but has declined in usage in recent decades. In South African communities, particularly among Afrikaans speakers, it remains in use for girls. The name carries a vintage charm that connects to its peak era while maintaining a sweet, unpretentious quality that some parents appreciate for its simplicity and traditional roots.

Jayce is a name that, while traditionally masculine, has been increasingly used for girls. Originally a variant spelling of Jason (meaning 'healer' in Greek), Jayce has developed as a distinct name with a modern, unisex appeal. For girls, it represents the growing trend of adopting names once considered exclusively male. With its short, crisp sound and contemporary 'y' spelling, Jayce feels fresh and distinctive. The name has gained moderate popularity since the 2000s, appealing to parents seeking something slightly unconventional yet accessible. The feminine use of Jayce reflects changing attitudes toward gender-neutral naming practices.