Old fashioned girl names evoke images of simpler times past when courting was genteel and ladies wore elegant dresses. These vintage old time girl names recall grandmothers and great-grandmothers while also feeling fresh and pretty for modern babies. Classic female names never truly go out of style but periodically regain popularity as parents search for meaningful monikers with history.
Josephine - Means "Jehovah increases" or "May Jehovah add/give increase." Josephine comes from the Hebrew name Yosef, which was derived from the verb yasaf, meaning "to increase." A feminine form of Joseph, Josephine is an old fashioned name dating back to the 18th century when it was popularized by Josephine Bonaparte, Napoleon's beloved wife.
Edith - From the Old English name Eadgyth, composed of the elements ead "wealth, fortune" and gyth "war." It was popular among Anglo-Saxons in the Middle Ages. Edith has a vintage charm and intelligent yet soft image thanks to famous namesakes like author Edith Wharton.
Millicent - Feminine form of the male name Milo, which is thought to be derived from the Germanic element mil, meaning "work." The meaning behind Millicent is "industrious" or "hardworking." Millie is a cute nickname. While not currently fashionable, Millicent has an antique flair.
Mabel - From the Latin amabilis meaning "lovable." Made popular in the 19th century by poet Thomas Gray's poem "Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College" which contains the line "To each his sufferings: all are men, Condemned alike to groan; The tender for another's pain, The unfeeling for his own." Mabel exudes old-timey sweetness and charm.
Ethel - From the Old English name Æðel meaning "noble." Popular in the late Victorian era. Ethel has vintage appeal and darling nickname possibilities like Ettie.
Matilda - Female form of the Germanic name Mathildis meaning "strength in battle." Empowering meaning and formerly royal status make Matilda an underused antique name choice.
Winifred - Welsh name composed of the elements wine "blessed, fair" and frid "peace." Saintly sounding Winifred was the name of a 7th-century saint. Sweet nickname option: Winnie.
Florence - Feminine form of Roman family Cluentius, derived from Latin florens "prosperous." Florence calls to mind the elegant Italian city. Great opera singer Florence Foster Jenkins popularized it.
Henrietta - Feminine form of Henry meaning "ruler of the home." Henrietta was favored by European royalty including wife of English King Charles I. Cute nicknames abound like Hattie and Etta.
Miriam - Beloved Old Testament name meaning "wished-for child." Simple, gentle Miriam possesses a quiet strength thanks to its biblical ties.
Vera - Russian name meaning "faith" though also associated with the Latin verus "true." Boosted by playwright Oscar Wilde naming his daughter Vera. Also ties to the phrase "vera icon" meaning true image.
Olive - From the olive tree which symbolizes peace, calmness, and grace. Sweet Olive nicknamed Ollie or Livvie reflects old-fashioned purity.
Lydia - Feminine form of biblical Lydius meaning "from Lydia." Ancient region Lydia is tied to the lovely purple dye trade. Lydia has an antique eccentricity perfect for a free-spirit.
Flora - Fresh and floral name from the Latin flos meaning "flower." In Roman mythology, Flora is the goddess of spring and blossoms. Vintage botanical name full of charm.
Pearl - Derived from the gemstone pearl symbolizing innocence. Dainty sounding Pearl calls to mind The Scarlet Letter character as well as jazz icon Pearl Bailey.
Viola - Latin name meaning "violet flower." Color name Viola has artistic overtones thanks to Shakespeare's heroine Viola from Twelfth Night. Cool nickname option: Vee.
Maud - Teutonic name meaning "mighty in battle" yet sounds feminine and gentle. Lucy Maud Montgomery brought attention to the name in the 20th century with her Anne of Green Gables books.
Irene - From the Greek Eirene meaning "peace." Irene was the name of a Greek goddess who personified peace and harmony. Serene sound reflects its significace.
Verna - Feminine name based on Latin vernus meaning "springlike." Verna hints at mental images of nature renewing itself each year with the spring season.
Elva - Variant of Scandinavian name Alva meaning "elf" or "magically empowered." Mystical and whimsical image makes Elva a charming antique name.
Velma - Origin uncertain though possibly derived from Wilhelmina meaning "resolute protector." Famously wore glasses in Scooby-Doo TV series. Cute nicknames: Vel, Minnie.
Myra - Greek name meaning "perfume." Soothing sound is reminiscent of exotic scents and oils. Simple spelling avoids confusion yet retains elegant essence.
Greta - German diminutive of Margareta meaning "pearl." Rising in popularity thanks to Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg though Greta Garbo gives it an Old Hollywood vibe.
Hilda - Teutonic name composed from hild meaning "battle." While the ferocious meaning contrasts the sweet sound, strong yet lovely Hilda has vintage appeal.
Rosalind - Spanish and Italian compound name meaning "beautiful rose." Shakespeare utilized Rosalind in comedy As You Like It. Intelligent, romantic name for bookish beauties.
Agnes - Greek name derived from hagnos meaning "pure" or "holy." Sweet and saintly sounding, Agnes ranked in top 100 names for decades but faded only to regain momentum.
Elsie - Pet form of Elizabeth meaning "my God is bountiful." Innocent and whimsical Elsie peaked in popularity a century ago but hasn't lost its antique charm.
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