Vintage girl names are making a massive comeback with new parents. The usual modern monikers like Jennifer and Chloe are being overtaken by classic names like Josephine and Constance in popularity. Though there are some uncommon old-fashioned names which parents avoid (sorry, Bertha), it’s becoming increasingly trendy to give your newborn baby girl a vintage name.
Why are these more traditional choices becoming fashionable again, and what names are considered classic girls’ names? We have a list of 10 of the best old-fashioned girls’ names which are suddenly cool again! Learn more about what each name means, famous figures who bear these unusual vintage names, and how to pronounce them correctly! Who knows? You may find the perfect name for your coming bundle of joy in our list!
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What Is A Vintage Name?
A vintage name is simply a name that was more common in earlier decades, but has fallen out of favour recently because it sounded old-fashioned. Many olden-day names like Enid and Delphine were considered perfectly normal in the ‘50s and ‘60s, but as tastes changed, parents began to choose more modern names to suit the changing times. Names like Taylor and Anya quickly overtook these once-typical Ada and Blanche, and for a while, parents continued to avoid classic choices so their children wouldn’t have “‘old woman’ names.
However, as these classic names faded away from classroom rolls, a new generation of parents started digging them up. The olden day names are now considered retro chic!
Our 10 Favourite Vintage Girls’ Names: They’re Back In Fashion!
10. Audrey
A Connection With Old Hollywood Glamour
Pronounced ‘aw-dree’, this English name means ‘noble strength’ and is most popular in France, Belgium, and Canada. This old female name dates back to the Middle Ages, but Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn was responsible for its popularity in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Another famous Audrey is French actress Audrey Tautou.
9. Agnes
A Name That Connotes Purity
Long connected to the famous St Agnes, this Greek name meant purity and innocence. It was one of the most popular names in England for over 400 years. Over the last two decades, it had faded in popularity, but this retro girl name is now making a comeback. We suspect it has a lot to do with the adorable little Agnes in Despicable Me. It’s traditionally pronounced ‘agh-nes’, but you can use the French pronunciation of ‘ahn-yez’ for a unique twist.
8. Eleanor
Regal, Powerful, Strong
This old baby name is pronounced ‘eh-leh-nor’ and has roots in France! Though its original meaning is unknown, it appears to be an Anglicised version of Alienor, which means ‘other Aenor’ in Provencal. This was because the name was meant to distinguish the rebellious Eleanor of Aquitane from her mother, Lady Aenor. The strong royal connection kept this name stylish in France despite its medieval origins, and it continues to be associated with nobility.
7. Sylvia
Associated With Nature And Poetry
Pronounced ‘sil-vee-ah’, this beautiful name means ‘from the forest’ in Latin and was a very popular name for girls in the ‘30s and ‘40s in America and England. It’s always been popular in France in its variant ‘Sylvie’. One of the most famous Sylvias is considered one of the greatest confessional poets of all time: Sylvia Plath.
6. Josephine
Stylish Namesakes Kept It Trendy Despite The Old-Fashioned Meaning
Though it’s not a common name, two of the coolest women in history have borne this name: Empress Josephine Bonaparte, and the singer and dancer Josephine Baker. It’s pronounced ‘jow-seh-feen’ and means ‘God will grow’ in French. It’s most popular in France, but it’s currently in the world’s top 100 most popular baby names for girls!
5. Louise
A Name Fit For A Princess
This name is pronounced ‘loo-eez’ and means ‘renowned warrior’. It’s always been a name of choice for European royal families. It’s still one of the most common names in France, but it’s suddenly very chic in America and England today. Famous actress Louise Brooks has always given this name an association with elegance, so a comeback was just a matter of time!
4. Victoria
It’s Still One Of The Most Popular Old Girl Names!
This name immediately brings to mind the formidable Queen Victoria, one of the longest-reigning monarchs in English history. Pronounced as ‘vik-to-ree-ah’, this classic name was popular in the late nineteenth century, but has managed to remain popular even into the Aughties. This may have a lot to do with its simple, powerful meaning translated from Latin: victory.
3. Charlotte
Ladylike But Not Fussy, This Name Is Still A Favourite Among Parents
Chelsea Clinton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Colin Hanks have all chosen to name their daughters Charlotte, and we can see why! Despite the fact that it’s a retro name, it’s elegant and sophisticated, and is a name of choice with the British royal family. The Princess of Cambridge is named Charlotte, but a more recent namesake is the iconic character Charlotte of the smash hit show Sex and the City. Pronounced as ‘shar-loht’, this name means ‘free man’.
2. Emilia
Pop Culture Has Made This Old Name Cool Again
A pretty name with Spanish and Hungarian roots, it means ‘rival’ and is currently a common choice in Iceland, Austria and Finland. This name has been a classic choice since Shakespearean times and is pronounced as ‘i-mee-lee-uh’. Its ascent as a top baby name pick is probably due to actress Emilia Clarke, who starred in the massive hit show Game of Thrones.
1. Clara
This Classic Girls’ Name Has Eclipsed Many Modern Ones In Popularity
Once seen as the less sophisticated, old-woman version of ‘Claire’, this vintage girl’s name is now considered the more fashionable choice. It’s one of the most popular names for girls in 2019! Pronounced as ‘klah-rah’, this name means ‘clear and bright’ in Latin. Famous Claras include the original It Girl, Clara Bow, and Red Cross founder Clara Barton.
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