Choosing a name for your baby girl is an exciting yet daunting task. While you want a name that sounds beautiful, many parents strive to select more uncommon girl names that are not overly popular but also not too unusual or odd. In recent years we have seen once well-known girl names going extinct as parents seek out rare, antique alternatives that are poetic and whimsical.
Bringing back an extinct girl name can be a way to give your daughter a unique identity that celebrates past generations. Names that were fashionable decades ago can have a vintage charm while still working for a modern little girl. If you love history and want to revive an antique name, explore this list of girl names that are disappearing in popularity but deserve to be rediscovered.
Emmeline - Meaning "work" or "effort," Emmeline has Old German origins and a lyrical sound. The name Emmeline has creative flair and echoes acclaimed writers like Emmeline Pankhurst.
Pearl - Both a name and a birthstone, Pearl calls to mind the precious gems created inside oysters. It comes from the Latin "perula" meaning "legendarily formed from drops of water." Luminous Pearl is a graceful name choice with depth.
Verna - From Latin roots, Verna references spring or youth. This sweet floral name bloomed in the early 1900s and has a gentle, feminine air.
Winifred - An English name meaning "blessed peacemaking," Winifred has Celtic roots and a wholesome image. Nickname Winnie or Fredie give this name playful personality.
Harriet - A feminine form of Henry, Harriet means "home ruler" and has Germanic origins. This sturdy vintage name carries literary weight from heroines like Harriet Beecher Stowe.
Edith - From Old English elements meaning "wealth" and "war," Edith calls to mind honored figures like Edith Wharton. But its soft sound also gives Edith contemporary appeal.
Mildred - A beloved name for centuries, Mildred means "gentle strength" reflecting its German roots. While considered old-fashioned now, Mildred could make a comeback.
Cecelia - The feminine form of Cecil from the Roman clan name Caecilius, Cecelia means blind one. But its airy sound belies that meaning, making it a lilting choice.
Mabel - From the Latin "amabilis" meaning "lovable," Mabel has vintage appeal. It brings to mind charming old-fashioned heroines.
Maude - A variation of Matilda, Maude has Germanic elements meaning "mighty in battle." While uncommon now, Maude has spunk and strength.
Leona - Meaning "lioness," Leona is a feminine name with an untamed spirit from its roots. Actress Leona Lewis gives it modern spark.
Alma - With Latin origins meaning "nourishing," Alma is a soulful name choice reflecting kind-heartedness.
Goldie - Originally a nickname for someone with golden hair, Goldie is an upbeat charmer of a name that shines.
Vesta - Coming from Roman mythology, Vesta refers to the virgin goddess of home and family. An unconventional option, Vesta has a clean and quirky style.
Odessa - A lyrical place name drawing from a Ukrainian port city, Odessa captures old world charm. Its melody gives it intrigue.
Delta - Referencing the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet, Delta has geometric appeal. It calls to mind Southern beauty and resilience.
Willa - A feminine form of William, Willa means "resolute protection" and has Germanic roots. Willa Cather gives this name literary gravitas.
Leila - With origins meaning "night" in Arabic and Persian languages, Leila is an exotically beautiful choice brimming with romance.
Allegra - From the Italian word meaning "cheerful," light-hearted Allegra is a melodic pick with smiles built in.
Annabelle - A blend combining Anna and belle, Annabelle beautifully merges gracious meaning. Its whimsy evokes childhood innocence.
Corinne - From the Greek Kore meaning "maiden", Corinne has bouncing rhythm and energy. Nickname Cory keeps it cute and fun.
Avis - Connecting to birds in Latin, Avis has flight and freedom ingrained in this crisp vintage name. It soars through history dating back centuries.
Vada - From Old English roots, Vada means "from the wood" referencing a rustic forest setting. Rare and refined, Vada could see a comeback.
Esme - Thought to mean "esteemed" or “loved” in French, Esme offers warmth and depth paired with global flair.
Greer - With Scottish origins meaning "watchful, alert", Greer carries strength and resilience though its pronunciation is light.
Dulcie - From the Latin "dulcis" translating to "sweet", cheerful Dulcie brims with sugary charm and positivity.
Blythe - An English name meaning "cheerful", happy-go-lucky Blythe always lifts your mood. Its energy translates across decades.
Wren - Derived from the tiny songbird, Wren captivates with its melody and connection to creative pursuits.
Maren - A Scandinavian name meaning "of the sea", Maren implies imaginative depths and adventures waiting offshore.
Avis - Connecting to birds in Latin, Avis has flight and freedom ingrained in this crisp vintage name. It soars through history dating back centuries.
Lumen - From the Latin word for "light", Lumen illuminates with positivity. Its radiance outpaces its rarity.
Maris - Meaning "of the sea", Maris captures oceanic beauty in its short and sweet simplicity, making small waves.
Elke - The German diminutive for Elizabeth meaning “God is bountiful," charming Elke feels special and precious.
Twila - An English invention likely related to "twilight", magical Twila dazzles and delights at first sight.
Post Comment Cancel Reply