Looking for a classic, adorable name for your baby girl? Grandma names are making a comeback!
These timeless names carry a sense of nostalgia and elegance, connecting the past with the present. Here are 15+ vintage gems, rich in history and meaning, that could be the perfect fit for your little one.
Leona
Leona, of Latin origin, means “lioness.” It was most popular in the early 1900s and carries a strong, regal vibe. This name was a top choice for parents during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and it could be coming back around!
Alice
Alice is a classic name with German roots, meaning “noble” or “exalted.” It peaked in popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Alice was a favored name in medieval England and was used by royalty and commoners alike.
Ruth
Ruth, is of Hebrew origin and it means “compassionate friend.” This name was a top choice in the 1920s and 1930s. Ruth has a strong biblical association and was popular among early Jewish and Christian communities.
Vivian
Vivian, from Latin origin, means “alive” or “lively.” This name was especially popular in the early 1900s. Vivian was a common name in ancient Rome as well and continued to be a go-to name for baby girls throughout the Middle Ages.
Ida
Ida is a German monicker that means “industrious” or “prosperous.” It saw its heyday in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ida was popularized by Saint Ida of Herzfeld, a significant figure in early medieval Germany.
Sybil
Sybil has a Greek origin, meaning “prophetess.” This name was popular in the early 20th century. The name has ancient roots, with Sybil being used for women believed to possess prophetic abilities in Greek and Roman mythology. Very cool.
Brenda
Brenda is of Old Norse origin; it means “sword” or “torch.” It was a favorite in the mid-20th century. The name became very popular in the English-speaking world in the early 20th century and peaked in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s.
Pamela
Pamela is a Greek name that means “all sweetness.” It gained popularity in the 1940s and 1950s. The name was first used by the poet Sir Philip Sidney in his 16th-century work “Arcadia” and became widely popular in the mid-20th century.
Lucille
Lucille comes with Latin roots, means “light.” This name was especially popular in the early 1900s. Lucille was a common name in France as well before gaining popularity in the English-speaking world during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Winifred
Winifred, a name that originated in Wales, means “blessed peacemaking.” It was a popular choice in the early 20th century. Saint Winifred, a 7th-century Welsh saint, is one of the notable historical figures with this name, which helped to keep it popular over the years.
Betty
Betty, a shorthand of Elizabeth, means “pledged to God” and is of Hebrew origin. It was most popular in the 1920s and 1930s. The name Betty became a common standalone name in the 20th century, but it originally started as a nickname for Elizabeth — similar to Liz, Libby, or Beth.
Hazel
Hazel has English roots and it means “the hazel tree.” It saw a gain in popularity in the early 20th century. The name was commonly used in the 19th century and has been featured in literature and films, contributing to its timeless appeal.
Mary
Mary is of Hebrew origin, it means “beloved” or “wished-for child.” This name has been consistently popular throughout history, but it peaked in the early 20th century. Mary is arguably one of the most enduring names, with a rich history in biblical and royal contexts.
Harriet
Harriet is a name of German decent, meaning “ruler of the household.” It was a parent favorite in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name Harriet became widespread in English-speaking countries, especially in the United States and England during the 19th century.
Gwendolyn
Gwendolyn comes from Wales and it means “blessed ring” or “fair bow.” This name saw its peak in the early 20th century. Gwendolyn has deep roots in Welsh mythology and history, often associated with figures of beauty and nobility.
Last Updated on August 1, 2024 by Brittany Rae
