Parenting

17 Throwback Baby Girl Names With Unique Vintage Cred

ParentingPublished Sep 20, 2023
By Tanvier Peart
Baby NamesBangkokThai/Shutterstock; Artfoliophoto/iStock

Maybe we've been watching too much Bridgerton and Downton Abbey, but there's definitely something about the past that stirs up feelings of elegance and grandeur. For any parents-to-be who might be zeroing in those feelings left over from the Victorian era or that wonderful Jazz Age, history can still teach us a thing or two, including in the realm of baby names.

"Old-fashioned names can be sturdy, quirky, or playful," notes Laura Wattenberg, a baby name expert. "But if there's one feeling that's best captured by an antique, it's elegance -- like the elegance of a long gown back in the days when gowns were still more clothing than costume."

More from CafeMom: 13 Girl 'Nicknames' That Make Adorable First Names

Laura has identified a series of names with throwback elegance that she believes will exhibit true staying power in modern times. As Laura says, "A new group is rising and pushing the opulence and literary style even further."

Here's a look at some of our favorite baby girl names that might be a little vintage, but still exude style and sophistication.

More from CafeMom: 21 Beautiful but Forgotten Victorian Baby Names

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Coralie
Tanya Little/Shutterstock

Coralie

Now here's a baby name that's quite colorful. Coralie, pronounced KOHR-ə-lee, might have you envisioning a snorkeling expedition off an Australian coast -- and for good reason. Coralie is French for "coral" (surprise, surprise!), which could inspire you to take a dive in the ocean or use this pinkish hue in your home as an accent color. 

More from CafeMom: 20 Beautiful Baby Names Inspired by Famous Poets

2/17
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Salome
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Salome

Those who recognize Salome (pronounced SAHL-oh-may) might know she was a girl in the Bible who danced around with John the Baptist's head (yeah, that wasn't very nice) but Salome also happens to be a biblical character who was a boy mom devoted to Jesus. (Much better, right?) Regardless, Salome is Hebrew for "peace" and an adorable baby name option for your little girl.

3/17
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Octavia
Samuel Borges Photography/Shutterstock

Octavia

Not only did Oscar winner Octavia Spencer give this name the thumbs up, but it was also a hit in the 1880s, with 101 per million babies bestowed the name Octavia (pronounced ahk-TAY-vee-ə). Latin for "eighth," Octavia has strong ties to history, as it was also a common title used in the Roman Imperial family. It's regal, catchy, and not a name you hear every day.

4/17
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Isadora
Yuricazac/Shutterstock

Isadora

Anyone a fan of ancient Egypt? If so, you might like the name Isadora. Inspired by Isis, the Egyptian goddess of fertility, Isadora is the female form of Isidoros that means "gift of Isis." Isadora also has ties to Greek, as it hails from dōron, which means "gift."

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Marceline
Tetiana Iatsenko/Shutterstock

Marceline

Thought to be a French variant of Marcella (Latin for "warlike"), Marceline saw great popularity during the 1920s, making it the perfect throwback name for lovers of the Roaring '20s. Marceline also has ties to the planets, as the name means "dedicated to Mars." Needless to say, Marceline is a baby name that's out of this world.

More from CafeMom: Best Baby Names for Girls Based on Their Astrological Sign

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Ariadne
Darren Brode/Shutterstock

Ariadne

If you love unusual names with great meaning, feast your eyes on this beauty. Ariadne, pronounced a-ree-AD-nee (or ah-ree-AHD-nee for a little more flavor), is a Greek mythological character whose name means "devout" or "very holy one." This is a unique title that grants dreamy nicknames like Ari and Aria.

7/17
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Juliette
PhotoDiod/Shutterstock

Juliette

Most of us think of a certain Shakespearean tragedy whenever we hear the name Juliet. which puts us in the arena of accepting the French variant, Juliette. A diminutive of Julie that means "downy-bearded," Juliette is a classy name with true staying power. And how cute is "Jules" as a possible nickname?

8/17
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Theodora
Amelia Fox/Shutterstock

Theodora

Children are truly the gift that keeps on giving. If you're looking for a name to reflect that, hone in on Theodora. Greek for "God's gift," this name combines the Greek theos (God) and dōron (gift), which kinda makes it perfect. Theodora was a hit during the '20s, and we think it will continue to make a splash today.

More from CafeMom: 25 Gorgeous Greek Baby Names for Girls

9/17
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Valentina
spass/Shutterstock

Valentina

The name Valentina is a nostalgic choice that definitely makes for a fashionable title, assuming parents are into the whole designer thing. But what's interesting about the name Valentina is its meaning. Inspired by the Latin Valentinus that comes from valens, Valentina means "strong" and "powerful," which are perfect attributes you want your daughter to have.

10/17
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Beatrice
Nina Buday/Shutterstock

Beatrice

Children make the world a happier place, no matter how many times they drive you nuts. One throwback name that helps reassert this notion is the classic Beatrice. Inspired from the Latin beatrix, Beatrice means "she who brings happiness," which is a darling title for any little girl. Plus, lovers of the name Beatrice can use cute short names like Bea and Bebe.

11/17
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Cordelia
santypan/Shutterstock

Cordelia

Lovers of the hit '90s TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer will likely love the name Cordelia (well, maybe not). Once a popular title during the 1880s, Cordelia has Latin and Celtic origins as it's thought to mean "heart" and "daughter of the sea." And for all you Shakespeare buffs, Cordelia tips her hat to King Lear, as it's the name of his youngest daughter.

More from CafeMom: 21 Totally Rad Baby Girl Names Inspired by Your Fave '90s TV Shows

12/17
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Magnolia
Sergey Nivens/Shutterstock

Magnolia

Flower-inspired baby names will forever have a fragrant aroma among parents. One option expectant moms and dads should consider is Magnolia, which was all the rage bloom during the 1900s. And if that doesn't sway ya, Magnolia is a great baby name choice for parents who love Chip and Joanna Gaines and their ever-growing Magnolia brand.

13/17
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Apollonia
postolit/Shutterstock

Apollonia

Greek mythology aficionados will recognize Apollo as the sun god and lover of music and medicine who was likely all the rage around Mount Olympus. And, should you want a fierce alternative for your little goddess-in-training, consider Apollonia, which definitely packs a punch. Apollonia is strong, timeless, and a throwback baby name no one will ever forget.

14/17
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Celestina/Celestine
Patricia Marks/Shutterstock

Celestina/Celestine

Parents looking for a baby name among the stars should fix their gaze to Celestina and Celestine. Both Latin for "heavenly," Celestine is a variation of the French Celeste, while Celestina is an Italian alternative for extra flavor. Hey, at least you have a few options with this name, right?

More from CafeMom: 20 Heavenly Baby Girl Names for Your Little Angel

15/17
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Eleanora
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Eleanora

It's safe to assume that almost every parent wants his or her child to be a "light" in this world who shines as "bright" as possible. Well, you just might be able to achieve this, figuratively speaking. by bestowing Eleanora upon your daughter. As the name is inspired by the Greek Helenē that comes from ēlē, your special girl can be a guiding light who will pass the "torch" to others, hopefully spreading kindness and all of that good stuff.

16/17
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Wilhelmina
spass/Shutterstock

Wilhelmina

Little girls are badasses in their own right. They're fierce, strong, and certainly a force to be reckoned with. One name that reflects all these #GirlPower vibes is Wilhelmina, which is German for "resolute protector." A determined and unwavering guardian? Yeah, this baby name totally rocks!

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Newborn baby
Halfpoint/iStock

Hazel

Hazel was once one of the top 100 girl names of the late 1800s and early 1900s and we think it is totally ready for a comeback. Hazel is a nature inspired name, as it comes from the hazel tree or hazel color. It was historically popular in the UK, Canada, and the US and we think there were good reasons for that!

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