vintage girl names begging to be rediscovered
- Carolee
Description:
Carolee is a feminine name that emerged as a blend of Carol and the popular suffix '-lee' or as a creative variation of Caroline. With English origins, the name has a vintage charm, having reached modest popularity in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. Carol derives from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man,' while the '-lee' element adds a melodic, feminine touch. Carolee offers a sweet, friendly quality with its bouncy rhythm and familiar sounds while remaining sufficiently uncommon to be distinctive. The name carries associations of joy and celebration through its connection to Christmas carols. For contemporary parents, Carolee represents a retro choice that balances vintage appeal with a continued feeling of freshness and individuality.
- Cecily
Origin:
Feminine variation of CecilMeaning:
"blind"Description:
Cecily is as dainty as a lace handkerchief. Cecily has a wide assortment of namesakes. One Cecily was the mother of King Richard III, whose beauty gained her the title "the Rose of Raby," Cecily Parsley is a Beatrix Potter bunny, Cecily Cardew is a character in The Importance of Being Earnest, and the author of the Gossip Girl books is Cecily von Ziegesar.
- Ceil
Origin:
Short form of Cecilia or CeliaMeaning:
"blind or heavenly"Description:
With the growing popularity of Celia and Cecilia, this vintage canasta-playing nickname name could be due for a comeback.
- Celestia
Origin:
Variation of Celeste, LatinMeaning:
"heavenly"Description:
Celestia is a heavenly name that sounds more ethereal than Celeste, Celestia might make a distinctive, feminine choice if your taste runs toward names like Angelina and Seraphina.
- Celestina
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of CelesteMeaning:
"heavenly"Description:
We are hearing more of such heavenly names as Celeste and Celia, which opens the door to the range of lovely variations rarely heard before. Celestina is one of them, though given the more accessible options, it may be gilding the lily.
- Celestine
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"heavenly"Description:
Celestine is a pretty, crystalline extension (actually a diminutive) of Celeste that would make a choice that is both delicate and strong. It is also a popular name in France.
- Chaney
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"oak tree"Description:
An appealing surname-name that sounds perfectly feminine, unless you consider the association to Vice President Dick.
- Charlaine
Description:
Charlaine is a feminine name of French derivation, created as an elaboration of Charlotte, which itself is the feminine form of Charles, meaning 'free man' or 'strong.' The addition of the '-aine' suffix gives the name an elegant, sophisticated quality. Charlaine emerged primarily in the 20th century as parents sought more distinctive variations of classic names. The name gained some recognition through author Charlaine Harris, known for the Sookie Stackhouse novels that inspired the TV series 'True Blood.' Despite this connection, Charlaine remains uncommon, appealing to those seeking a name with classic roots but distinctive character. With its French-inspired sound and familiar foundation, Charlaine balances traditional substance with unique style.
- Charlyn
Description:
Charlyn is a feminine name that combines elements of 'Charlotte' and the popular suffix '-lyn' or could be viewed as a variation of 'Charlene.' With roots in the masculine name Charles (meaning 'free man'), Charlyn carries connotations of strength and independence. While never reaching widespread popularity, the name saw modest usage in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s. Charlyn offers a slightly softer, more distinctive alternative to Charlotte or Charlene while maintaining their classic appeal. The name has remained uncommon enough to be distinctive yet recognizable, appealing to parents seeking a name with traditional roots but a somewhat unique presentation.
- Charma
Description:
Charma is a feminine name that likely developed as a variant of Karma or as a feminine form of Charm. The name evokes qualities of charisma, allure, and magnetic personality. With its 'ch' beginning and soft ending, Charma has a melodious flow that's pleasing to the ear. While not among common mainstream names, it has occasionally appeared in usage throughout the 20th century, particularly in North America. The name suggests someone with a captivating presence and natural appeal. For parents seeking a name that combines uniqueness with positive connotations and an attractive sound, Charma offers an uncommon yet accessible option with built-in positive associations of charm and grace.
- China
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Long before the current place-name craze, a pair of the more daring pop singers of the Age of Aquarius picked this name for their daughters. Jefferson Airplane's Grace Slick used the conventional spelling, the Mamas and the Papas's Michelle Phillips went further afield with Chynna (of the group Wilson Phillips).
- Chloris
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"pale"Description:
Antiseptic sounding.
- Christella
Origin:
Feminine form of Christopher or Christian, Combination nameMeaning:
"one of carries Christ + star; fairy, all"Description:
Either an alternative feminization to Christina, an elaboration of the French diminutive Christelle , or a compound name, blending the element Christ- with either Stella or Ella. In the case of the latter, it could give you a rather powerful meaning.
- Cipriana
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"from the Island of Cyprus"Description:
Offbeat and romantic place-name.
- Claretha
Description:
Claretha is a feminine name that appears to be a variant of Claritha or an elaboration of Clara. With Latin roots meaning 'bright' or 'clear,' the name carries connotations of clarity, light, and illumination. Claretha emerged in American usage during the early 20th century, particularly in Southern communities, and saw modest popularity through mid-century. The addition of the '-etha' suffix to the classic name Clara creates a more elaborate, rhythmic sound pattern characteristic of naming trends from that era. While never among the most common names, Claretha has a warm, traditional quality with its soft consonants and flowing syllables. The name conveys dignity and a certain vintage charm, connecting to classic naming traditions while maintaining its own distinctive character. Usage has declined in recent decades, making Claretha relatively uncommon among younger generations.
- Claribel
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"bright and beautiful"Description:
Claribel improves on its mother name Clarabelle by distancing itself from the clown and the cow.
- Clarinda
Origin:
Literary elaboration of ClaraMeaning:
"bright, clear"Description:
A poetic name first used in Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" in 1596, it had a literary vogue in the 18th century, especially favored by Robert Burns. "inda" names--Melinda, Belinda, Linda" are not particularly in right now.
- Clelia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"famous"Description:
The obscure yet not unappealing name of a legendary heroine of Rome. The ancient Clelia escaped an Etruscan invader by swimming across the Tiber River.
- Clella
Description:
Clella is a feminine name with possible Latin or Italian origins, potentially derived from names like Clelia or as a diminutive form of names containing 'cle' elements. This uncommon name carries a delicate, melodic quality with its double 'l' sound. Clella was most popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare, giving it a vintage charm. The name may be related to the Latin 'cluere' meaning 'famous' or 'renowned.' Clella possesses an elegant simplicity while remaining distinctive and uncommon, making it appealing for parents seeking a name with classical undertones but little mainstream usage in contemporary society.
- Clemence
Origin:
French feminine variation of ClementMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
Calm, composed, and chic. Often seen with an accent in France, as Clémence.