vintage girl names begging to be rediscovered

Natalina is a feminine name of Italian and Latin origin, serving as an elaborate form of Natalia. Derived from the Latin 'natalis' meaning 'birthday' or 'birth,' it traditionally referenced children born on Christmas Day, carrying connections to the Nativity. This melodic, four-syllable name combines the popularity of Natalie with a distinctly Italian flair through its characteristic '-ina' diminutive ending. While common in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities, Natalina remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, offering a distinctive option for parents seeking Italian heritage names. The name conveys elegance and femininity while maintaining connections to celebration, new beginnings, and the Christmas season.

One of the boys' names that sounds fresher today for a girl. Second-best-spelling for boys, Neal, may work even better for girls.

Nellia is a feminine name with various potential origins. It may be a variant of Nella or Nellie, which are diminutives of names like Eleanor, Helen, or Cornelia. The name has a delicate, vintage quality that evokes the early 20th century while still feeling accessible to modern ears. With roots potentially connecting to Greek 'helene' (bright, shining light) or Latin 'cornelius' (horn), Nellia carries subtle connotations of brightness and strength. Though relatively uncommon in contemporary naming statistics, Nellia provides an alternative to more popular options like Ella or Bella while maintaining a similar melodic quality. The name's soft sounds and feminine ending make it appealing to parents seeking something traditional yet distinctive for their daughters.

This sweet nickname name has seen a recent revival in the US, breaking the Top 1000 in 2019 for the first time in 40 years. By 2023, Nellie became one of the fastest rising girl names, chasing sister name Eleanor up the charts. Nellie is an elaboration of Nell, a medieval diminutive of names starting with El, such as Eleanor and Ellen. It may have arisen from the affectionate phrase "mine El" which was later reinterpreted as "my Nel".

Netta ranked in the US Top 1000 in the 1880s, when it was often used as a short form of names such as Jeanette, Annette, and Antoinette. In Jewish families, Netta was typically seen as a variation of the Hebrew name Neta.

You may never have known a Nettie personally, but there well might be one hidden in your family history, considering that she was a Top 100 name until 1901 and stayed on the Social Security list until 1962.

Named for its snowcapped mountains, Nevada is a state name which, unlike Carolina, Montana, and Dakota, has been relatively undiscovered. Warning: today's unvisited place-name could become tomorrow's trampled tourist attraction.

Modern parents tend to reject Puritan names, but Noble was a Puritan favorite worth revival. Integrity and generosity are attractive qualities in anyone, so it's apparent why parents are starting to notice Noble once again, along with other virtue names like Wisdom and Loyal.