Old Fashioned Names for Girls - Classic and Vintage Baby Names
Old fashioned baby girl names have a timeless and nostalgic feel. Vintage names like Alice, Clara, Evelyn, and Emma evoke old-world charm while still feeling fresh and relevant today. These charming classics never fall out of favor.
Parents looking for baby name ideas are often drawn to these beautiful monikers of yesteryear that just haven’t gone out of style. An old fashioned girl name conveys tradition, strength of character, and quaint beauty. Unique yet familiar vintage names offer the best of both worlds - a sense of history and individuality.
Alice - Derived from the German name Adalheidis meaning “noble and kind”. Alice is the short form of the name made popular by Lewis Carroll’s classic 19th century novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland featuring the inquisitive heroine Alice. It remains a well-loved literary name bringing to mind courage, curiosity and imagination.
Clara - With Latin roots meaning “bright, clear, famous”, Clara is a gentle name with luminous appeal. The virtuous Santa Clara (“clear light”), friend of Saint Francis of Assisi, lent significance to this moniker which peaked in popularity a century ago but still shines as a top 500 name.
Evelyn - Rooted in French from the masculine name Aveline yet feels distinctly feminine and fresh. Often shortened to perky nickname Evie. First used as an English surname, Evelyn has an upper class vintage vibe while striking the right balance between timeless and contemporary.
Emma - A sweet German baby name meaning “whole” or “universal”. Famously the name of Jane Austen’s matchmaking heroine in the novel Emma, published in 1815. By the 20th century Emma became known as the “quintessential name for a proper young lady” while retaining a lovely innocence.
Josephine - The feminine form of Joseph, which comes from the Hebrew name Yosef meaning "Jehovah increases". Josephine is associated with the iconic Empress Josephine, first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 19th century. It brings to mind nobility, ambition and flair.
Mabel - From the Latin amabilis meaning “lovable”. Mabel peaked in popularity in the early 20th century and has an undeniably adorable, sweet and innocent quality. It calls to mind a hopeful and joyful young girl.
Violet - Derived from the enchanting flower name, evoking color, delicacy and modesty. The name Violet became fashionable in Britain thanks to Benjamin Disraeli’s novel Vivian Grey, published in 1826, which featured a character called Violet Fane.
Eliza - A shortened form of Elizabeth, meaning "pledged to God" from the Hebrew. Eliza has vintage appeal thanks to the key character Eliza Doolittle from George Bernard Shaw’s beloved 1912 play Pygmalion. It conveys a sense of ambition and nobility.
Matilda - From the German Mahthildis meaning “strength in battle”. Matilda has a bold yet quaint quality thanks to the beloved heroine of Roald Dahl's classic children's novel Matilda from 1988. It calls to mind bookishness, grit and an outspoken nature.
Margaret - Derived from the Greek margaritēs meaning “pearl”. Margaret conjures images of innocence and purity, as well as nobility thanks to its association with royalty - it has been borne by several British princesses.
Frances - The feminine form of Francis, which comes from the Latin franciscus meaning “Frenchman”. A sweet, gentle name that calls to mind the virtuous St. Francis of Assisi. Frances also has literary clout thanks to 19th century writer Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Louisa - The feminine form of Louis, rooted in the German Chlodovech, made of hlōd "fame" and wig "war". Made popular by Charles Dickens, who used it for characters in several novels. Louisa carries connotations of warmth and compassion.
Miriam - From the Hebrew name Miryam, the older sister of Moses in the Old Testament. Biblical Miriam was known for her courage and prophetic nature. An ancient name with a mix of strength and virtue - and a softer sound than other “M” names.
Winifred - An antique name meaning “blessed peacemaking” with English and Welsh roots. Winifred was a 7th century Welsh Saint legend says was decapitated by a prince she rejected. The name has a rich history and an air of strength and integrity.
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