After extensive searching for and debating about the perfect name for their child, many parents reach a dilemma. They want their child to have a name that's "cool" without being trendy. Since vintage baby names have recently gained in popularity, one solution is to pick a classic baby name. These names strike the perfect balance between hip, sophisticated and time-honored.
Here are 10 vintage baby girl names to consider, along with their meanings. Some of these names seem to be popular year after year, while others tend to stay a bit more under the radar. Since the popularity of a name may be a consideration, each name is followed by its ranking according to the Social Security Administration in 2008.
More Popular Classic Girl Baby Names & Name Meanings
- Anna – Ranked #26: This Hebrew name means "gracious, full of grace." Popular variations include Anne and Annie.
- Elizabeth – Ranked #9: An English name meaning "pledged to God," Elizabeth is the girl's name most linked to British royalty. Elizabeth comes with a long list of nicknames to choose from, ranging from Liz or Libby to Ellie or Beth.
- Lillian – Ranked #29: Latin for "lily," this flower name represents beauty and innocence. "Lily" is also a common nickname for Lillian.
- Olivia – Ranked #6: Olivia means "olive branch" in Latin, which can be scene as a symbol of peace, beauty and fruitfulness. This name was first used in Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," possibly as the feminine of "Oliver".
- Sophia – Ranked #7: A Greek name meaning "wisdom." The French version, Sophie, is commonly used as a nickname for Sophia.
Less Popular Classic Girl Baby Names & Name Meanings
- Audrey – Ranked #44: An English name meaning "noble strength." St. Audrey lived around the year 640 and founded the abbey of Eli.
- Charlotte – Ranked #87: A French name meaning "womanly and feminine," Charlotte is the feminine version of Charles. Charlotte, NC was named for Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. A long standing popular name in the UK and New Zealand.
- Jane – Ranked #390: The feminine version of John, Jane means "God is gracious" and is an English name. The novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte helped make this name a classic.
- Julia – Ranked #40: A Latin name meaning "youthful," it is the feminine version of Julius or Julio. Famous namesakes include Julia Roberts and Julia Stiles.
- Violet – Ranked #184: A Latin flower and color name, Violet means "purple." The beauty of the violet flower is represented in this name.
Finding the perfect baby name for their child can be a very challenging part of becoming a new parent. These baby names may give parents looking for classic baby names some ideas. Parents can also see the meanings of classic baby names in order to find the perfect name for their child.
For vintage names for boys, check out Vintage Boy Baby Names & Name Meanings.
For information about nicknames check out Cool Nicknames for Classic and Popular Baby Girl Names.
For more information about how popular a baby name is, check out the Social Security Administration's baby name popularity guide at the Social Security Administration.
Kara Gleghorn - Kara Gleghorn is freelance writer and stay at home mom of 3 currently residing in Rochester, NY. She has a B.S. from Penn State University ...
