Old fashioned girl names, just like fashion trends, always manage to come back into style—usually a few generations after their last popularity spike. (So expect to see names like Jennifer, Jessica, and Lisa coming back into style in about 50 years!) Consider these 20 classic girl names which are ripe for a comeback—if they haven’t already started their ascent in popularity.
Adeline
One of our favorite old fashioned girl names has become red-hot—even as variant spellings like Adalynn take root.
Alice
Most famously the heroine of the classic Wonderland tales, Alice is currently making a bit of a comeback in popularity.
Aurelia
If you’re looking for vintage baby names, Aurelia should top your list. This ancient Roman era name means “gold,” and recently reentered the top 1000 girl names after a six-decade absence.
Beatrice
One of the most beloved old fashioned girl names, Beatrice means “she who brings happiness,” and it was used for one of Shakespeare’s most beloved heroines in Much Ado About Nothing, and as big-sister “Beezus” in the beloved Ramona children’s series.
Charity
An old-school virtue name, Charity connotes kindness and compassion.
Clara
This pretty classic is making a comeback, thanks to the Doctor Who companion.
Clementine
This sweet name means mercy—and has an association with the small and sweet citrus fruit—but it’s still associated with that tragic folk song.
Dorothy
Most popular around the time Judy Garland wore the ruby slippers in the technicolor classic Wizard of Oz, Dorothy is due for a comeback. It’s one of the old fashioned girl names, and means “gift from God.”
Edith
Consider this one of the oldest of the old girl names. Edith means “prosperous,” and was a top 40 baby name pick for a half century before beginning a steady decline. It’s enjoyed a huge resurgence over the past decade.
Georgiana
A feminization of the affable George, Georgiana shares its meaning, “farmer.” If you’re big into classic English literature, you’ll remember several Georgianas appearing in favorite books, but especially as Darcy’s young sister in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
Harriet
One of the vintage girl names that’s just starting to make a comeback, Harriet has a strong meaning—ruler—and some cool namesakes, including Underground Railroad heroine Harriet Tubman and the kids’ classic character, Harriet the Spy.
Helena
A name that means “bright, shining light,” Helena’s a softer take on Helen, another one of those vintage girl names we love. Helena appears in Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, and in the Harry Potter series, as the ghost of the daughter of one of Hogwarts founders.
Louisa
Louisa is a fierce name—literally. It means “brave warrior,” and it’s finally back into the top 1000 names after a 50-year hiatus.
Mabel
A recent darling among celebs who love vintage girl names—including Dermot Mulroney, Bruce Willis, and Russell Brand—Mabel is just outside the top 500 girl names in the U.S. It has a lovely meaning—“lovable.”
Martha
The name of the very first First Lady has Biblical roots—and it’s also connected to lifestyle guru Martha Stewart, and to the capable workforce in the Handmaid’s Tale. The name means “lady.”
Matilda
Thanks to the Broadway musical and its use for celebrity offspring, Matilda has become one of the most stylish old-fashioned girl names. It means “mighty.”
Pearl
These luminescent jewels from the sea make one of the lovelier classic girl names.
Sylvie
A sweet variant on the also-lovely Sylvia, Sylvie just broke into the top 1000. It means “from the forest.”
Theodora
If you love vintage baby names, Theodora should be right up your alley. It’s a common name amongst Greek royalty, and means “gift of God.”
Winifred
You can pay homage to a male Fred in your family with this winning name. Winifred is a Welsh name that means “blessed peacemaking,” and comes with a few sweet nicknames—Winnie or Fred.
Photo: Getty
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