vintage girl names begging to be rediscovered
- Alexine
Origin:
Variation of Alexin, Alexinus, or Alexandrine, GreekDescription:
Alexine could be a diminutive for the classic name Alexandra, a short form of Alexandrine, or a feminine form of the French Alexin, a variation of Alexinus. Alexine Tinne (born Alexandrine "Alexine" Pieternella Françoise Tinne) was a 19th century Dutch explorer and the first European woman to cross the Sahara, while radio DJ and influencer Alexine Sy is a contemporary bearer.
- Alida
Origin:
Diminutive of AdelaideDescription:
Alida had a brief flurry of popularity a hundred years ago but is rarely used today. But given the rise of so many names related to Adelaide and Adeline, Alida might be rediscovered.
- Allegra
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"joyous"Description:
In music, the term allegro means "quickly, lively tempo," which makes this quintessential Bohemian ballet dancer's name all the more appealing. Allegra is one of the most distinctive yet accessible girl names starting with A.
- Allene
Description:
Allene is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive as a variation of Aileen or Eileen (from the Gaelic 'Eibhlín,' meaning 'bright, shining one'), or it could be a feminized form of Allen/Allan (of Celtic origin meaning 'handsome' or 'cheerful'). The name saw modest popularity in the United States in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1910s and 1920s, but has since become quite uncommon. Allene has an elegant, vintage quality with its soft sounds and classical feel. The distinctive spelling with double 'l' and ending 'e' gives it a refined appearance. The name carries connotations of brightness and beauty while remaining understated and sophisticated.
- Almeda
Description:
Almeda is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the word 'almus' meaning 'nourishing' or 'kind.' It may also be connected to the Spanish term 'alameda,' referring to a tree-lined avenue or a poplar grove. The name was moderately popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare. Almeda carries connotations of nurturing and natural beauty, evoking images of serene pathways bordered by stately trees. While uncommon today, it represents a classic naming style with a melodic quality that could appeal to parents seeking a vintage name with subtle elegance.
- Almina
Description:
Almina is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It might be a variant of Almina or Wilhelmina, combining 'al' (all) with 'mina' (love). In Arabic contexts, it could relate to 'al-Aminah' meaning 'the trustworthy one' or 'the honest one.' The name has historical usage in various European and Middle Eastern countries but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Almina gained some recognition through Almina Herbert, Countess of Carnarvon, who was the wife of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon who famously funded the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb.
- Almira
Description:
Almira is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, possibly derived from Arabic "al-amirah" meaning "princess" or "commander," or from Germanic elements meaning "noble" and "famous." The name also has connections to Latin "mirus" meaning "wonderful." Almira has historical usage across several cultures, including Hispanic, Turkish, Arabic, and Eastern European communities. It enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the late 19th century. The name appears in literary works, including as a character in Handel's opera "Rinaldo." With its melodious sound and multicultural heritage, Almira offers a distinctive yet accessible option with elegant overtones. Its relative rarity in contemporary Western naming makes it stand out while its traditional roots give it substance and history.
- Aloha
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"hello; goodbye"Description:
Aloha is more familiar but less namelike than Alohi, a Hawaiian name that means bright and shining. However, with the rise of word names, Aloha might make an undeniably cool and modern choice. Aloha Wonderwell (born Idris Hall) was dubbed "The World's Most Widely Travelled Girl" in the 1920s.
- Aloma
Origin:
Invented nameDescription:
Aloma is a name invented for a Hawaiian dancer, the title character in a 1925 play later adapted twice as a film. But long before that, it was also used by the medieval scholar Ramón Llull, possibly as a feminine form of Alomar (from the Germanic name Aldemar, "old + famous"). The Catalan author Mercè Rodoreda used it for the heroine of her novel Aloma/, making it a classic Catalan literary choice.
It has not been used enough to make the US charts since the 1980s, but would fit with the trend for liquid-sounding, multicultural names like Alaia and Alina.
- Alora
Origin:
Variation of Eliora, HebrewMeaning:
"the Lord is my light"Description:
Alora feels like a hybrid name – part authentic, part synthetic – maybe because it is. It squeaked onto the Top 1000 in 2017 as part of the trend for girls' names starting and ending with A, and has since increased its popularity, recently entering the Top 200. It is likely a spelling variant of Elora, but also sounds a lot like the Italian word allora, meaning "so, then, therefore, well".
- Alpha
Origin:
Greek, first letter of the alphabetDescription:
The first letter of the Greek alphabet ande the brightest star in every constellation, this would make an interesting choice for a first daughter, though it does give off some spectral sci-fi reverberations--and references to the term "alpha male.".
- Alta
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"elevated"Description:
Alta, one of the newer names bookended by the letter A, has a meaning that might raise a child's self-esteem. It was the middle name of First Lady Lady Bird Johnson.
- Althea
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"with healing power"Description:
Althea is a poetic, almost ethereal name found in Greek myth and pastoral poetry, associated in modern times with the great tennis player Althea Gibson, the first African-American to win at Wimbledon.
- Alvina
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"elf-friend"Description:
This variation of the more well known Alvin adds an unusual and feminine touch to the original. It sounds a bit more like what it means--"elf friend."
- Alvira
Description:
Alvira is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Elvira, which has Germanic roots meaning 'all-protecting' or 'foreign and strange.' Alternatively, it could be derived from Arabic origins as a variation of Elvira, a name brought to Spain during Moorish rule. Some sources also suggest Latin origins related to 'albus' meaning 'white' or 'pure.' Alvira has a melodic, flowing quality with its three syllables and musical consonants. While never extremely common, the name has maintained a steady presence particularly in Hispanic, Portuguese, and Italian communities. It carries an elegant, somewhat old-world charm that appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth. The name offers the appealing nicknames Alvi or Vira, making it both formal and adaptable.
- Alvis
Description:
Alvis is a unique feminine name with Germanic origins, though it's more commonly used as a masculine name in some cultures. The name derives from Old Norse elements meaning "all-wise" or "all-knowing." As a feminine name, Alvis is exceptionally rare, giving it a distinctive quality. The name has historical connections to Norse mythology, where Alvis was a dwarf known for his wisdom. For girls, this name offers a blend of strength and wisdom with a subtle vintage charm. While uncommon in contemporary usage for females, its uniqueness makes it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a name with depth and historical significance. The name's soft sound contrasts nicely with its strong meaning.
- Amada
Origin:
Feminine variation of Amado, SpanishMeaning:
"loved"Description:
Amada is an unusual Spanish name that's becoming more famous thanks to Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes, who named their second daughter Amada Lee and their first Esmeralda Amada. Amada was also the name of two characters played by Mendes and, not coincidentally, her grandmother's name. In 2015, it was used for only 21 girls while brother name Amado was used for twice as many girls, but we predict the name will become more popular thanks to its new star power. Related names include the Latin saints' name Amatus, the musical Amadeo, and even Amy and Amanda.
- Amaryllis
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"to sparkle"Description:
If you love both unique baby names and flower names for girls, Amaryllis might be a perfect choice for you.
- America
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Given to children of both sexes as far back as colonial times, this carries a lot of baggage. However, parents continue to take the risk. Actress America Ferrera may be have inspired some families to choose the name. Ferrera's Honduras-born mother shares her unusual name.
- Angelia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"angel"Description:
Angelia, also called Angelos, was a daughter of Zeus and Hera. She stole her mother's anointments and gave them to Europa, then to escape her mother's wrath went into hiding.