vintage girl names begging to be rediscovered

  1. Jemma
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Gemma
    • Description:

      Jenna is overheated, but Jemma is still cool. Jemma and Gemma are most heard in Australia but are increasingly used in other countries.
  2. Jerusha
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "inheritance"
    • Description:

      This biblical name of the mother of King Jotham of Judah has an appealing soft Russian accent.
  3. Jetta
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "jet"
    • Description:

      Although this is a legitimate name, most people would associate it with a line of Volkswagens -- you'd be better off choosing a Mercedes.
  4. Joella
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "the Lord is God"
    • Description:

      Most modern parents would drop the Jo, leaving the superpopular Ella.
  5. Joetta
    • Description:

      Joetta is a feminine name with American origins, functioning primarily as a combination name blending Jo (from Josephine or Joan) with the feminine suffix -etta. This type of combined name became popular in the mid-20th century United States as parents sought unique yet familiar-sounding names. Joetta peaked in popularity during the 1940s and 1950s but has since become less common, giving it a vintage charm today. The name carries connotations of the biblical Joseph (meaning 'God will add') through its Jo- prefix, while the diminutive -etta ending adds a touch of delicacy and femininity. Joetta balances nicely between uniqueness and accessibility with its recognizable sounds and straightforward pronunciation.

  6. Joey
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Joanna or Josephine, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"
    • Description:

      Fun, friendly and fresher than Jo or Josie as a nickname for Joanna or Josephine. Joey can be thought of as one of the Stevie/Billie/Frankie boyish nicknames for girls so fashionable today.
  7. Jolene
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Stuck in the shadow of the old Dolly Parton song. In spite of its dated feel, Jolene reentered the charts in 2010 and has been rising in recent years.
  8. Joretta
    • Description:

      Joretta is a feminine name that likely represents an elaboration of the name Jora or a feminine form of George. The name George derives from Greek 'georgos' meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' Joretta was most popular in the United States during the 1930s-1950s, giving it a vintage charm that resonates with current trends of reviving mid-century names. The name has a melodic flow with its three syllables and soft ending. While never extremely common, Joretta has a familiar sound pattern that follows traditional feminine naming conventions. It strikes a balance between uniqueness and accessibility, making it appealing to parents seeking distinctive yet pronounceable names. Joretta carries connotations of groundedness and connection to nature through its possible etymological roots.
  9. Josetta
    • Description:

      Josetta is a feminine name that serves as an elaborate variation of Josette, which itself is a French diminutive of Josephine (meaning 'God will add'). This elegant name carries a vintage charm with its flowing syllables and romantic sound. While never achieving widespread popularity, Josetta has appeared occasionally throughout the 20th century, particularly in the 1920s-1940s. It has a distinctive quality that combines classical elements with a touch of uniqueness. The name has a sophisticated, somewhat literary feel that might appeal to parents seeking something uncommon but accessible. Josetta's rhythm gives it a musical quality, and its connection to the Joseph family of names provides it with deep historical roots while maintaining a feminine elegance. The name is recognizable without being common, making it an intriguing choice for those seeking balance between familiarity and uniqueness.

  10. Josette
    • Origin:

      French,pet form of Josephine, feminine of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"
    • Description:

      One of the group of French 'ette'-ending names that emigrated to this country in the last century, though never as popular as some others, such as Claudette and Paulette--it did have a little six-year flurry here between 1967 and 1973. Josette may be feminine and flirty, but, given the choice, most parents today would prefer Josephine.
  11. Jossie
    • Description:

      Jossie is a feminine name that functions as a diminutive of names like Jocelyn, Josephine, or Josette. With English and French influences, it carries a sweet, endearing quality through its 'ie' ending, which traditionally signals affection. The name has a bright, cheerful sound that conveys a sense of warmth and friendliness. While not among the most common girls' names, Jossie has maintained steady if modest usage throughout the years. It offers families a less formal alternative to longer classics while retaining their historical roots. The spelling variation with double 's' distinguishes it from similar nicknames like Josie, giving it a slightly more distinctive written appearance.
  12. Juliet
    • Origin:

      English from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "youthful or sky father"
    • Description:

      One of the most romantic names, the lovely and stylish Juliet seems finally to have shaken off her limiting link to Romeo. In Shakespeare's play, it was Juliet who said "What's in a name?"
  13. Junella
    • Description:

      Junella is a feminine name that appears to be a modern elaboration of June, which derives from the Roman goddess Juno, the protector of women and marriage. The suffix '-ella' adds a diminutive, affectionate quality to the name. Junella combines the simple elegance of June with a more elaborate, melodic ending. This uncommon name has a vintage feel while maintaining a fresh appeal for modern parents seeking distinctive options. The name evokes early summer with its connection to June, suggesting warmth, growth, and new beginnings. While rare in usage statistics, Junella fits with the trend of reviving and elaborating shorter classic names with musical endings.

  14. Justine
    • Origin:

      French feminine variation of Justin
    • Meaning:

      "fair, righteous"
    • Description:

      Justine is a French name that's never reached the popularity we think it deserves. Like its far-more-common brother Justin, Justine is sleek, and sophisticated, but still user-friendly.
  15. Janith
    • Jaris
      • Jearl
        • Jelene
          • Jeralyn
            • Jetty