Certain biblical names have been widely common for thousands of years, but most other names tend to fall in and out of vogue throughout history. In this article, we’ll be talking about some of the most popular vintage girl names, and we’ll be taking a look at the stories, the people, and the etymology that inspired them.
Although they may sound a bit too much like ‘olden-day names’, the history and grandeur behind these unusual vintage names is something that the years can’t tarnish.
RELATED: ‘90s baby names are making a comeback
Why Are These Names Are Getting Popular Again?
So, what’s with the sudden surge of old-fashioned girls names? There’s a lot of reasons! For one, people are becoming less religious, so biblical names aren’t as popular. Another reason is that we as a society are becoming more interested in history – just look at all the history-themed movies and TV series that have become popular in the last decade. And finally, traditional names have always had this aura of magnificence that names like “Amy” or “Kim” just can’t match.
Millennial parents are now embracing the “old woman-ness” of a name! In today’s internet-centric world these ‘old’ baby names are considered traditional chic. Tastes have changed and old names are now cool again.
The Top 5 Old Female Names Of All Time
Archaic and beautiful or simple yet pretty, here’s our list of retro girl names for you to take inspiration from:
5. Wilhemina
Pronunciation: wil-heh-MEE-nə
Origin: the Netherlands, the 1950s
Meaning: resolute protector
This old girl name has plenty of power and punch behind it. Commonly given to monarchs and matriarchs, it’s the perfect name to give to any baby girl that has a whole lot of destiny in front of her.
Famous Namesakes: Wilhelmina Grubby-Plank (Harry Potter) and Wilhelmina of the Netherlands (Dutch monarch)
4. Eleanor
Pronunciation: EH-lə-nohr
Origin: Greek, the 1910s
Meaning: light, torch, brightness
Striking yet simple. This name just rolls off the tongue; the phonetics have a gentle and regal quality to them which has made this a popular name of choice for royalty and powerful families alike.
Famous Namesakes: Eleanor Roosevelt (First Lady of the United States) and Eleanor of Aquitaine (Queen consort of France in the middle ages)
3. Henrietta
Pronunciation: hehn-ree-EH-tə
Origin: French, the 1880s
Meaning: ruler of the home
The name seems to attach itself to influential women who have made a lot of difference in the world. From science to royalty, the Henrietta’s of history have often been associated with progress and power.
Famous Namesakes: Henrietta Maria of France (Princess of France then Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland) and Henrietta Lacks (donor of the first immortal human cell line)
2. Beatrix
Pronunciation: BEE-ə-triks or BEE-triks
Origin: Latin, peaked from 1800-1900s
Meaning: voyager or traveller
This beautiful name is best suited to a baby girl who has a knack for a Nomadic lifestyle. It’s an energetic name that speaks to a young girls thrill of the adventure and her fascination with the world at large.
Famous Namesakes: Beatrix of Swabia (Holy Roman Empress) and Beatrix Potter (English author of The Tale of Peter The Rabbit)
1. Elizabeth
Pronunciation: eh-LI-zə-behth
Origin: Hebrew, the 1800s
Meaning: God is my oath
Like the monarch herself, Elizabeth is one of those names with staying power. Regal yet spirited, it’s a name that’s both feminine and powerful. Perfect for a lively and intelligent baby girl!
Famous Namesakes: Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and Elizabeth Banks (American actress)
Conclusion
The wonderful thing about names like these is the sheer antiquity and culture that’s attached to them. While these names may sound old, they’re a powerful relic of the intricate history of women and the history of human civilisation as we know it.
RELATED: ‘Mary’ becomes top pick for royal baby name
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
