51 Elegant Vintage Girl Names
When choosing a name for their little one, parents often turn to history for a hidden gem.
Sometimes it’s a family name passed down from older generations. Other times it’s because they appreciate the elegance and charm of a vintage name.
If you’re a fan of period dramas, classic old books, and all things vintage, then this list of 51 elegant baby girl names will be perfect for you.
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51 Elegant Vintage Girl Names and Their Meanings
1. Alice
German for “noble and exalted.” It is a pretty vintage name for a little girl whose eyes are full of wonder.
2. Anna
Anna means “grace” or “favor” in Hebrew. Ann or Anne are good nicknames, but Anna sounds very elegant to be sure.
3. Audra
In Old English, this name means “noble strength.” It’s a perfect name for a strong little girl.
4. Aurora
Latin for “dawn.” A beautiful name that’s used to describe the phenomenon known as the northern lights. It is also the name of Sleeping Beauty, making it quite elegant indeed.
5. Belle
This name is French for “beautiful.” It is also the name of the brave heroine from the tale of Beauty and the Beast.
6. Catherine
Greek for “pure.” The Bible says “Blessed are the pure in heart” in Matthew 5:8. What a sweet vintage name for a blessed baby girl!
7. Caroline
Means “beautiful woman” or “free” in Latin. In German, it means “song of happiness.” In French, it can mean “strong free woman.” No matter the language, it is a pretty name and can be shortened to Carol.
8. Charlotte
French for “petite” or “feminine.” A cute nickname for Charlotte could be Lottie.
9. Claire
Claire means “clear,” “light-colored,” or “bright” in French. It is a vintage name that became popular in the 1970s.
10. Clara
Latin for “bright,” “clear,” or “famous.” It’s the name of the elegant little girl who is the heroine of the famous Nutcracker Ballet.
11. Cynthia
Cynthia means “moon goddess” in Greek. It was a very popular name in the 1950’s, making it a vintage name as well as just being beautiful.
12. Daphne
This name is Greek for “laurel” and is Hebrew for “victory.” It is an older elegant name that would be perfect for your baby.
13. Diana
This name means “divine” and has Latin and Greek origins. Besides being the name of a Roman goddess, Diana is also the name of Anne of Green Gable’s loyal friend in L.M. Montgomery’s classic books. And of course you can’t forget about Princess Diana of Wales.
14. Edith
Old English for “riches and blessed.” Your daughter might not be a rich heiress in a period drama tv show, but if you call her Edith she will have one of the most elegant names in every room she walks into.
15. Eleanor
Eleanor has French and Greek origins and means “light-hearted; shining light.” A cute nickname could be Nora.
16. Elizabeth
Hebrew for “God is my oath.” There have been multiple Queen Elizabeths, including the current Queen of England, making the name very elegant indeed. If you are a fan of the book Little Women, you might like to call your little girl Beth.
17. Eloise
This beautiful name means “famous warrior” in French. If you’ve ever seen any illustrations from the American illustrator, Eloise Margaret Wilkin, then you probably associate the sweet name with adorable vintage art of babies and children.
18. Emily
Emily is Latin for “rival.” The 19th-century poet, Emily Dickinson, changed the way people viewed poetry because she wrote from the heart about her feelings. She would be a great person to name your daughter after.
19. Emma
Emma means “whole” or “universal” in Old Germanic. It happens to be the name of the young and elegant matchmaker in Jane Austen’s book, Emma, who finds true love herself.
20. Ethel
Old English for “noble.” This name was popular in the 1890s and is definitely one of those beautiful old names that needs to come back into popularity again.
21. Evelynn
This name means “beautiful bird” and is of English origin. Nicknames for Evelynn could include Evie and Lynn.
22. Florence
Latin for “blossoming; flourishing.” It has a feminine quality about it and your daughter could also be a namesake of Florence Nightingale, the hardworking and kind British nurse who made a difference wherever she went.
23. Genevieve
Genevieve is French for “woman of the race.” Evie, Vivi, and Genny are some nicknames for this name that are just as elegant as the name itself.
24. Georgianna
An English name that means “farmer” or “merciful.” If you name your daughter Georgianna, you could call her Georgie.
25. Giselle
The name Giselle has French and German origins and means “pledge.” It is a feminine name with an elegance that is fit for a princess.
26. Gwendolyn
Welsh for “fair bow” or “blessed ring.” A good nickname for Gwendolyn is Gwen.
27. Hannah
Hannah is Hebrew and means “favor” or “grace.” It is a beautiful old Bible name perfect for a baby girl.
28. Ivy
An Old English and Latin name that means “vine.” I always picture this vintage name for a little green-eyed girl who loves playing outdoors.
29. Isabel
This name has multiple origins and meanings. In Hebrew, it means “devoted to God.” In Spanish, it means “God is my oath.” Variations of the name are equally as elegant; Isabella or Isabelle.
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30. Jade
A short and sweet name that means “stone of the colic” or “stone of the side.” If you’ve ever seen a Jade stone in person, then you know how beautiful and elegant it is.
31. Jane
An English name that means “God is gracious.” What more elegant name than that of the famous English novelist, Jane Austen!
32. Julia
The name Julia is of Roman origin and means “supreme God.” It has a vintage flair for sure and a nickname for your little one could be Jules.
33. Kathleen
An Irish name that means “pure.” Such an elegant and lovely pick and is so pure of heart.
34. Lavina
Latin for “woman of Rome.” Lavinia is a beautiful feminine name for your baby girl.
35. Louisa
Louisa is French and means “famous warrior.” Grace and strength might not have been seen to go hand-in-hand in the past, but there is definitely elegance in the discipline and courage it takes to be a warrior!
36. Lucy
Lucy means “light” in Latin. It’s a pretty vintage name and might remind you of the Chronicles of Narnia because of Queen Lucy being the little girl who discovered the magical land in the books. And of course you can’t forget about Lucille Ball from the classic TV show, I Love Lucy.
37. Lydia
Greek for “beautiful one” or “noble one.” In the Bible, Lydia was a woman business owner. This is a great name for your strong and elegant girl.
38. Margot
This name is a French version of Margaret and means “pearl.” Whether you call your daughter Margaret or Margot, it’s an elegant choice for sure!
39. Marigold
Marigold means “resplendent Mary” in English. It’s also the name of a cheerful little flower that is a part of the aster/daisy family. Such a beautiful vintage name that suggests sunshine and radiance.
40. Martha
Latin for “the lady” or “the mistress.” Martha would be such a great name for the little lady of your house.
41. Mary
This name came from the Hebrew name Miriam, and it means “beloved.” Surely the Virgin Mary was beloved by God if she was the mother of Jesus.
42. Ophelia
In Greek, Ophelia means “aide” or “benefit” and in French, it means “helpful woman.” It’s also the name of the heroine from the Shakespeare play, Hamlet.
43. Rosamund
A German name meaning “pure rose,” “rose of the world,” or “horse protection.” A sweet nickname for your baby girl could be Rosie.
44. Rose
This name is Old English for “famous type.” The rose is the most romantic of all the flowers, making it a perfect vintage name for your little girl.
45. Ruth
Ruth is a Hebrew name and means “friend.” In the Bible, Ruth is a daughter-in-law who is faithful and good. What a legacy for that name and a great pick for your daughter.
46. Sara
Sara means “princess” in Hebrew. This name can also be spelled Sarah and is the perfect choice for your little princess!
47. Scarlett
An English name that means “red.” Red is the color of love and romance, making Scarlett a romantic vintage name for your little one.
48. Susan
Susan is Hebrew for “lily.” What could be a better name than that of a beautiful spring flower for your little baby girl?
49. Sybil
Greek for “oracle” or “seer.” Your baby might not be a prophetess, but you can be sure she will have a beautiful vintage name if you call her Sybil.
50. Violet
Violet means “purple” in Latin. The little violet flower is well-known for its tiny heart-shaped leaves and beautiful scent. A great nickname for Violet is Vi.
51. Vivian
An English and French name that means “alive.” Such a pretty name for a lively little girl. It can also be spelled Vivianne, and some good nicknames are Vi, Viv, and Vivi.
What About You?
What vintage name is your favorite? Which one do you think is the most elegant? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this post with all your expecting friends.