vintage girl names begging to be rediscovered
- Annella
Origin:
English, ScottishMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Elaboration of Anne
- Annis
Origin:
Variation of AgnesMeaning:
"pure, virginal"Description:
Annis and Anice are both antique variations of Agnes that have fallen out of use, perhaps because of pronunciation problems (ANN-is, or an-EES?)
- Anona
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"corn, grain"Description:
Name of the Roman goddess of harvest and grain, appropriate for a fall baby. And a palindrome too!
- Anselma
Description:
Anselma is the feminine form of Anselm, a name of Germanic origin derived from the elements "ans" (god) and "helm" (helmet, protection), meaning "protected by God" or "divine helmet." The name gained prominence through St. Anselm of Canterbury, an influential 11th-century theologian and philosopher. Anselma has been used primarily in Latin countries and regions with strong Catholic traditions, including parts of Spain, Italy, and Latin America. Though never achieving widespread popularity, it has maintained consistent usage among families valuing its religious significance and historical depth. Anselma conveys a sense of divine protection and scholarly dignity, reflecting its saintly associations.
- Antha
Description:
Antha is a rare feminine name with Greek origins, possibly derived from 'anthos' meaning 'flower.' It may also be considered a variant of the name Anthea, which refers to the Greek goddess of flowers and gardens. Antha carries a delicate, vintage quality that appeals to parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible. While never achieving widespread popularity in the United States or other English-speaking countries, it has maintained a quiet presence throughout the decades. The name conveys a sense of natural beauty and grace, with its soft sounds and floral associations making it an elegant choice for a daughter.
- Aphrodite
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"foam or born from the sea"Description:
The name of the Greek goddess of love has rarely descended to mortal use, though the Roman equivalent Venus, thanks to tennis star Williams, now seems completely possible. But with the new fashion for goddess names, we may see more little Aphrodites in the playground with Jupiter and Juno. Nineteen baby girls received the name in the US last year.
- Apolonia
Description:
Apolonia is a feminine name of Greek origin, derived from Apollo, the Greek god of sun, light, music, and poetry. It can be considered a variant of Apollonia, which gained recognition through Saint Apollonia, an early Christian martyr. The name has been used across various European cultures, particularly in Poland, Spain, and Portugal. Apolonia carries an elegant, classical feeling with its melodic sound pattern. While not among the most common names, it has maintained steady usage throughout history. In recent years, parents drawn to vintage names with historical depth have shown renewed interest in Apolonia, appreciating its sophisticated sound and mythological connections.
- Ara
Origin:
ArmenianMeaning:
"king"Description:
Simple and yet distinctive, Ara is a mythological name of a famously handsome king. Although it originated as a boys' name, in the contemporary US, it's now much more commonly used for girls.
- Arabelle
Origin:
Variation of Arabella, Latin, ScottishMeaning:
"yielding to prayer; lovable"Description:
This more succinct form of the elegant Arabella might appeal to those who are looking for a less popular spin on Annabel or those who like the sounds of Arabella but want something with fewer frills. Given to 120 girls in 2023, it is around ten times less popular than its longer counterpart.
- Aretha
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"virtuous"Description:
There's still only one.
- Aretta
Description:
Aretta is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It could be a variant of Arletta, derived from the Germanic name Arletta, meaning "pledge" or "noble" and "eagle." Alternatively, it might be related to Arietta, a diminutive of the Italian aria, meaning "melody" or "air." As a relatively uncommon name in the United States, Aretta enjoyed modest popularity in the early 20th century but has since become quite rare. The name carries a vintage charm and musical quality that might appeal to parents seeking something distinctive yet melodious for their daughters.
- Arie
Origin:
Variation of Ariel and AriMeaning:
"lion of God"Description:
This spelling variation of trending unisex Ari — both diminutives of Hebrew Ariel — means "lion of God".
- Arizona
Origin:
Place-name from Papago IndianMeaning:
"little springs"Description:
We usually think of place-names as a modern invention, but in fact Arizona ranked on the US Top 1000 from its inception in 1880 until 1911, when it vanished below the surface. It peaked at Number 510 in 1882, before Arizona became a state. One notorious vintage bearer: criminal "Ma" Barker, born Arizona Clark.
- Arthea
Description:
Arthea is a feminine name that likely represents a variation of Althea, which comes from the Greek word 'althein,' meaning 'to heal.' In Greek mythology, Althea was the mother of Meleager. The inserted 'r' gives this variant a distinctive flow while maintaining connections to its healing-associated roots. The name has an elegant, vintage quality that feels both classical and uncommon. Arthea might also be seen as related to the name Arthur, feminized with the -ea ending, potentially suggesting nobility and strength. Though rare in usage, Arthea appeals to parents seeking a name with classical roots but a unique presentation. It combines soft sounds with strength of character, projecting an image of grace, wisdom, and nurturing energy.
- Arthurine
Origin:
Feminine form of Arthur, CelticMeaning:
"bear"Description:
If you're looking for a girl's name that honors an ancestral Arthur, try Artis.
- Artie
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"bear"Description:
Artie is usually short for Arthur, but with boyish nicknames like Billie and Frankie rising it may be time to consider Artie for a girl too. Artie works as a sweet retro tomboy name, a possible nickname for Artemis or Arlette, and a way to honor Grandpa Arthur.
- Asa
Origin:
Hebrew, Japanese, or ScandinavianMeaning:
"healer; morning; of the gods"Description:
A male Biblical name meaning healer, Asa is also an international gem. In Japanese, it means "(born in the) morning". And in Scandinavia, where it's generally spelled Åsa or Ása and pronounced O-sa, it's a popular diminutive form of Old Norse names beginning with the element áss "god".
- Aster
Origin:
English; AmharicMeaning:
"star"Description:
This is a fresh new addition to the botanical list; comedian Gilbert Gottfried made it a real bouquet when he named his daughter Lily Aster. And the name of the little girl on television's Dexter sounds like Aster, but is actually spelled Astor, which brings it more high society name. Aster relates to the Greek word for star. In Ethiopia, Aster is pronounced "ah-STAIR", and is the Amharic variation of Biblical Esther.
- Astrid
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"divinely beautiful"Description:
Astrid has been a Scandinavian royal name since the tenth century, and many people associated it with the Swedish author of the Pippi Longstocking stories, Astrid Lindgren. Astrid is derived from the name Ástríðr, which is made up of the Old Norse elements that mean "god" and "beautiful."
- Athalee
Description:
Athalee is a feminine name of American origin, likely developed as a variation of Athalie or possibly derived from the Greek name Athalia, meaning 'God is exalted.' The name has a melodic, flowing quality with its soft consonants and ending. Athalee emerged primarily in the southern United States during the early 20th century when creative feminine names with lyrical endings were fashionable. Though never widely popular, it experienced modest usage during the 1910s-1930s before declining. The name carries a vintage charm and Southern belle aesthetic that distinguishes it from more common names. With its distinctive sound pattern and relative rarity, Athalee offers an uncommon alternative for parents drawn to vintage Americana names. Its connection to Greek origins adds a subtle classical dimension to this uniquely American creation.