300 Vintage Hollywood Girl Names Making a Comeback

I still remember the smell of my grandfather’s den in Ohio. It was a mix of cherry pipe tobacco and old paper, a scent that somehow felt like safety. We didn’t have cable. We had a stack of VHS tapes recorded from late-night broadcasts of Turner Classic Movies. That was my education. I’d sit on the shag carpet, watching Bogart and Bacall trade barbs, realizing that the world used to look, sound, and feel different. It had weight.

When my wife and I found out we were having a daughter, that old den was the first place my mind went. We didn’t want a name that would fade away in five years. We didn’t want a “Mc-something” or a misspelled word. We wanted a name with some dust on it. We wanted a name that sounded like it had already lived a life before our daughter even took her first breath.

That search led us down a rabbit hole of Vintage Hollywood Girl Names. And we aren’t alone. I talk to other dads at the playground, pushing swings while holding cold coffees, and the names I hear aren’t trend-chasers. I hear “Ava,” “Clara,” and “Hattie.” We are collectively looking back to move forward. We are looking for names that can command a boardroom just as easily as they can grace a marquee.

Below is the result of my obsession—a deep dive into the names that built the dream factory, stripped of the fluff and ready for the real world.

Also Read: Best Two-Syllable Girl Names and Royal Girl Names

Key Takeaways

• The 100-Year Cycle is Real: If your great-grandmother hated a name, it’s probably cool again. We skip a generation to find the gold.
• Grit Over Glamour: The best vintage names aren’t just pretty; they sound tough. Think “Barbara” or “Joan.”
• The Surname Switch: Using a star’s last name (Harlow, Monroe) is the modern hack for parents who want vintage vibes without the “old lady” stigma.
• Nicknames Matter: A heavy name like “Margaret” gives you a spunky nickname like “Maisie” for the toddler years.

Why Are We Suddenly Ditching Modern Names for the Past?

It’s the vinyl record effect. In a world of streaming, digital perfection, we crave the crackle. We want something tactile. Modern names can feel lightweight, almost disposable. But names from the Golden Age? They have patina.

When I was arguing with my wife about names—and believe me, it was an argument—I kept coming back to the idea of a resume. I wanted my daughter’s name to look solid at the top of a CV. Vintage Hollywood Girl Names carry an inherent authority. They remind us of a time when movie stars weren’t just influencers with ring lights; they were mysterious, untouchable figures who spoke with that weird, wonderful Mid-Atlantic accent.

There is also the “Grandpa Cool” factor. We’ve seen it with boys (Arthur, Archie, Walter), and now it is hitting the girls hard. We are skipping our mothers’ names (sorry, Linda and Susan, though you’re on the list) and going straight to the source: the 1920s and 30s.

Who Were the Pioneers of the Silent Screen? (1910s-1920s)

You have to respect the silent film stars. They didn’t have dialogue to save them. They had to act with their eyes. The names from this era are short, punchy, and incredibly distinct because they had to fit on those black title cards. These weren’t delicate flowers; these women did their own stunts and ran their own studios.

1. Theda Meaning: “Gift of God” Theda Bara was the original goth girl. The “Vamp.” If you want a name that guarantees your kid will be the coolest one in art class, this is it.

2. Clara Meaning: “Bright, clear” Everyone talks about the “It Girl,” but Clara Bow was the It Girl. The name is coming back huge right now. It’s clear, bright, and impossible to misspell.

3. Lillian Meaning: “Lily, purity” Lillian Gish could convey more emotion with a twitch of her nose than most actors can with a monologue. The name is floral but has a steel core.

4. Mabel Meaning: “Lovable” My favorite. It’s clunky in a charming way. Mabel Normand was a comedy genius who threw pies and took falls. It’s a name for a girl with a sense of humor.

5. Gloria Meaning: “Glory” “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.” Gloria Swanson owns this name. It implies fame and praise, but it sounds like old money.

6. Mary Meaning: “Beloved” or “Drop of the sea” Mary Pickford ran Hollywood. Don’t let the simplicity fool you. “Mary” is the ultimate power move in a sea of “Everlys.”

7. Norma Meaning: “Rule” or “Standard” Before she was Marilyn, she was Norma Jeane. Norma Talmadge was also a massive star. It implies someone who sets the bar.

8. Anita Meaning: “Grace” Anita Page. It’s got rhythm. It’s high energy. A Spanish variation of Anna that feels spicy and fun.

9. Bebe Meaning: “Baby” Bebe Daniels. Pronounced “Bee-bee.” It’s French, chic, and playfully diminutive, yet she was a powerhouse.

10. Vilma Meaning: “Resolute protector” Vilma Bánky. A silent star from Hungary. If you like Wilma but hate the Flintstones association, swap the W for a V for this strong Germanic name.

The Silent Era Deep Cut

11. Olive (Thomas) – Meaning: “Olive tree” (Symbol of peace)
12. Colleen (Moore) – Meaning: “Girl” (Irish origin)
13. Pola (Negri) – Meaning: “Small” or “Humble”
14. Nita (Naldi) – Meaning: “Grace” (Short for Juanita)
15. Mae (Murray) – Meaning: “Bitter” or “Pearl”
16. Bessie (Love) – Meaning: “Oath of God”
17. Florence (Lawrence) – Meaning: “Flourishing, prosperous”
18. Alice (Terry) – Meaning: “Noble”
19. Blanche (Sweet) – Meaning: “White, fair”
20. Louise (Brooks) – Meaning: “Renowned warrior”
21. Marion (Davies) – Meaning: “Star of the sea”
22. Constance (Talmadge) – Meaning: “Steadfastness”
23. Dolores (del Río) – Meaning: “Sorrows” (Spanish Lady of Sorrows)
24. Fay (Wray) – Meaning: “Fairy”
25. Greta (Garbo) – Meaning: “Pearl”
26. Janet (Gaynor) – Meaning: “God is gracious”
27. Laura (La Plante) – Meaning: “Bay laurel” (Symbol of victory)
28. Myrna (Loy) – Meaning: “Beloved” or “High-spirited”
29. Renée (Adorée) – Meaning: “Reborn”
30. Viola (Dana) – Meaning: “Violet”

Can the 1930s Teach Us How to Be Sophisticated?

Sound arrived, and suddenly everyone needed a voice. The 1930s were about survival (the Depression) and escapism (the movies). The names got sleeker. They feel like silk bias-cut gowns.

31. Marlene Meaning: “Star of the sea” + “Light” Marlene Dietrich in a tuxedo smoking a cigarette. That is the vibe. It’s a German blend of Maria and Magdalene.

32. Jean Meaning: “God is gracious” Jean Harlow. The Platinum Blonde. I love Jean as a first name. It’s short, sharp, and denim-tough.

33. Claudette Meaning: “Lame” or “Enclosure” Claudette Colbert. Despite the odd Latin meaning, the French suffix makes it sound high-class. She hitched a ride in It Happened One Night and won an Oscar.

34. Carole Meaning: “Free man” Carole Lombard. The screwball comedy queen. That “e” at the end is non-negotiable for the vintage look.

35. Ginger Meaning: “Pure” or “Reddish-brown” Ginger Rogers. She did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in heels. If you have a redhead, this is almost mandatory.

36. Hedy Meaning: “Battle” or “War” Hedy Lamarr. She was widely considered the most beautiful woman in the world, and she invented the tech that gave us Wi-Fi. A warrior’s name for a genius.

37. Vivien Meaning: “Alive” Vivien Leigh. Gone with the Wind. One of the most famous roles in history. “Vivien” implies vitality and life.

38. Bette Meaning: “God is my oath” Bette Davis. She had eyes you could drown in and a temper to match. Pronounced “Bet-tee,” it’s a diminutive of Elizabeth.

39. Joan Meaning: “God is gracious” Joan Crawford. Shoulder pads and intensity. It’s a serious name for a serious kid.

40. Barbara Meaning: “Foreign woman” Barbara Stanwyck. She played tough dames who talked fast. “Babs” is a cute nickname waiting for a comeback.

The 1930s Supporting List

41. Myrna – Meaning: “Beloved”
42. Rosalind (Russell) – Meaning: “Gentle horse” or “Beautiful rose”
43. Loretta (Young) – Meaning: “Laurel”
44. Sylvia (Sidney) – Meaning: “From the forest”
45. Miriam (Hopkins) – Meaning: “Wished-for child”
46. Kay (Francis) – Meaning: “Pure”
47. Ruby (Keeler) – Meaning: “Deep red precious stone”
48. Glenda (Farrell) – Meaning: “Fair and good”
49. Paulette (Goddard) – Meaning: “Small, humble”
50. Ida (Lupino) – Meaning: “Industrious one”
51. Merle (Oberon) – Meaning: “Blackbird”
52. Greer (Garson) – Meaning: “Watchful, guardian”
53. Luise (Rainer) – Meaning: “Renowned warrior”
54. Maureen (O’Sullivan) – Meaning: “Star of the sea”
55. Olivia (de Havilland) – Meaning: “Olive tree”
56. Priscilla (Lane) – Meaning: “Ancient”
57. Gail (Patrick) – Meaning: “Father’s joy”
58. Ann (Dvorak) – Meaning: “Grace”
59. Eleanor (Powell) – Meaning: “Bright, shining one”
60. Frances (Dee) – Meaning: “From France” or “Free man”

What Did the War Years Do to Girls’ Names? (1940s)

The 40s stripped away the fluff. The world was at war. Women were working in factories and flying planes. The names reflected a utilitarian beauty. They are solid, reliable, and grounded.

I met a lady named Lauren at a diner once, told me she was born in ’45. She said her dad named her after Bacall because he fell in love with “The Look.” That story stuck with me. Names are rarely just words; they are memories of who our parents admired.

61. Lauren Meaning: “Laurel plant” Lauren Bacall. The voice. The attitude. It symbolizes victory and honor.

62. Ingrid Meaning: “Fair, beautiful” Ingrid Bergman. Casablanca. “Here’s looking at you, kid.” A strong Norse name.

63. Rita Meaning: “Pearl” Rita Hayworth. Gilda. Short for Margarita. Rita is snappy, full of life, and synonymous with the bombshell era.

64. Gene Meaning: “Well-born, noble” Gene Tierney. A hauntingly beautiful face. Spelled “Gene” for a girl, it is incredibly chic and rare today.

65. Veronica Meaning: “True image” Veronica Lake. The peek-a-boo hairstyle. It’s a long name, but “Ronnie” is a killer nickname.

66. Lana Meaning: “Little rock” or “Calm as still waters” Lana Turner. Discovered at a soda fountain. It’s short, sultry, and vowel-heavy.

67. Ava Meaning: “Life” or “Bird” Ava Gardner. She was a firecracker. The name is huge now, but don’t let popularity scare you off. It’s popular for a reason.

68. Esther Meaning: “Star” Esther Williams. The swimmer. If you live near the ocean, this Persian-origin name is a winner.

69. Judy Meaning: “Praised” Judy Garland. You can’t hear this name without thinking of rainbows. It’s tragic but full of hope.

70. Hattie Meaning: “Home ruler” Hattie McDaniel. The first Black actor to win an Oscar. Hattie is crushing it in the UK charts and is just starting to heat up here.

The Noir & Wartime File

71. Yvonne (De Carlo) – Meaning: “Yew wood”
72. Linda (Darnell) – Meaning: “Pretty”
73. Dorothy (Lamour) – Meaning: “Gift of God”
74. Jane (Russell) – Meaning: “God is gracious”
75. Susan (Hayward) – Meaning: “Lily”
76. Alexis (Smith) – Meaning: “Defender”
77. Donna (Reed) – Meaning: “Lady”
78. Ella (Raines) – Meaning: “All, completely” or “Fairy maiden”
79. June (Allyson) – Meaning: “Young” (Month of June)
80. Lizabeth (Scott) – Meaning: “God is my oath”
81. Martha (Vickers) – Meaning: “Lady, mistress of the house”
82. Patricia (Neal) – Meaning: “Noble”
83. Peggy (Cummins) – Meaning: “Pearl”
84. Ruth (Roman) – Meaning: “Compassionate friend”
85. Shirley (Temple) – Meaning: “Bright meadow”
86. Teresa (Wright) – Meaning: “To harvest”
87. Virginia (Mayo) – Meaning: “Maiden, virgin”
88. Wanda (Hendrix) – Meaning: “Wanderer” or “Shepherdess”
89. Gloria (Grahame) – Meaning: “Glory”
90. Cyd (Charisse) – Meaning: “Lord” (derived from Sid)

Did the 1950s Make Names Too Frilly?

Not necessarily. The 50s were a weird mix. You had the hyper-feminine bombshells (Monroe) and the cool, detached princesses (Grace Kelly). The names split right down the middle.

91. Marilyn Meaning: “Drop of the sea” + “Lake” It’s almost too iconic, right? But “Marilyn” is actually a beautiful, flowing name if you can separate it from the merch.

92. Audrey Meaning: “Noble strength” Audrey Hepburn. The antidote to Marilyn. It’s neat, tidy, and elegant.

93. Grace Meaning: “Grace of God” Grace Kelly. It’s a virtue name, but she gave it a backbone.

94. Elizabeth Meaning: “God is my oath” Elizabeth Taylor. She dominated the era. It’s the versatile classic—Liz, Beth, Eliza, Buffy. Take your pick.

95. Sophia Meaning: “Wisdom” Sophia Loren. She brought the Italian heat. A Greek name that implies deep intelligence.

96. Brigitte Meaning: “Strength” or “Exalted one” Brigitte Bardot. The French kitten. “Bri” is a cute short form for this powerful Gaelic-root name.

97. Kim Meaning: “Bold family” or “From the royal fortress” Kim Novak. Vertigo. Before the reality stars took over, Kim was icy and mysterious.

98. Natalie Meaning: “Birthday of the Lord” (Christmas) Natalie Wood. A beautiful Russian/French name that works year-round.

99. Debbie Meaning: “Bee” Debbie Reynolds. Okay, “Debbie” feels a bit soccer mom, but “Deborah” (the root) is ripe for a return.

100. Eartha Meaning: “Earth” or “Worldly” Eartha Kitt. “Santa Baby.” A name connected to the ground, grounded and sultry.

The Mid-Century Mix

101. Sandra (Dee) – Meaning: “Defender of men”
102. Doris (Day) – Meaning: “Gift of the ocean”
103. Leslie (Caron) – Meaning: “Garden of holly”
104. Mitzi (Gaynor) – Meaning: “Bitter” or “Rebellious”
105. Pier (Angeli) – Meaning: “Stone” or “Rock”
106. Piper (Laurie) – Meaning: “Pipe player”
107. Stella (Stevens) – Meaning: “Star”
108. Tippi (Hedren) – Meaning: “Sweetheart” (nickname origin)
109. Ursula (Andress) – Meaning: “Little female bear”
110. Vera (Miles) – Meaning: “Faith” or “Truth”
111. Arlene (Dahl) – Meaning: “Pledge”
112. Carroll (Baker) – Meaning: “Free man”
113. Diane (Varsi) – Meaning: “Divine”
114. Elaine (Stewart) – Meaning: “Bright, shining light”
115. Gena (Rowlands) – Meaning: “Noble birth”
116. Hope (Lange) – Meaning: “Hope” (Virtue name)
117. Janis (Paige) – Meaning: “God is gracious”
118. Jayne (Mansfield) – Meaning: “God is gracious”
119. Julie (London) – Meaning: “Youthful”
120. Mamie (Van Doren) – Meaning: “Pearl”

Why Are Surnames the New First Names?

This is my favorite hack. You love the Golden Age, but you don’t want to name your kid “Ethel.” Fine. Use the last name. It’s a trick I see sophisticated parents using in Social Security Administration data. It sounds modern, unisex, and expensive.

121. Monroe Meaning: “Mouth of the river” I know three little girls named Monroe. It works.

122. Harlow Meaning: “Rock hill” or “Army hill” Nicole Richie did it, and suddenly it was everywhere. It has that cool “Willow” vibe but with more edge.

123. Bardot Meaning: “Small packsaddle” (Metaphor for burden bearer) For the brave. It’s a statement.

124. Garbo Meaning: “Spear” (derived from Ger-) Maybe too much? Or maybe just enough.

125. Hepburn Meaning: “High burial mound” Forget Audrey, go with Hepburn. Call her “Heppie” if you have to.

126. Temple Meaning: “Dweller near the temple” Shirley. A sweet nature-adjacent name that isn’t flower-based.

127. Davis Meaning: “Son of David (Beloved)” Bette. Usually a boy’s name, but on a girl? Very high-fashion.

128. Garland Meaning: “Wreath” or “Prize” Judy. It sounds festive and decorative.

129. Kelly Meaning: “War” or “Bright-headed” Grace. It was a massive first name in the 90s, but as a surname tribute, it feels fresh again.

130. Leigh Meaning: “Meadow” or “Pasture” Vivien. Simple, clean, Southern.

The Last Name List

131. Astaire – Meaning: “Occipital bone” (French place name)
132. Bacall – Meaning: “Bottle” (Romanian origin)
133. Ball (Lucille) – Meaning: “Round” or “Dweller on a knoll”
134. Bergman – Meaning: “Mountain man”
135. Blair – Meaning: “Plain” or “Field”
136. Caron – Meaning: “Pure”
137. Chaplin – Meaning: “Clergyman”
138. Crawford – Meaning: “Crow ford”
139. Day – Meaning: “Day servant”
140. Darnell – Meaning: “Hidden nook”
141. Dunne – Meaning: “Dark, brown”
142. Fontaine – Meaning: “Fountain” or “Spring”
143. Gardner – Meaning: “Keeper of the garden”
144. Gabor – Meaning: “God is my strength”
145. Hayworth – Meaning: “Hedged enclosure”
146. Holliday – Meaning: “Holy day”
147. Hudson – Meaning: “Son of Hud (Hugh)”
148. Lake – Meaning: “Body of water”
149. Lane – Meaning: “Path” or “Roadway”
150. Loy – Meaning: “Faithful”
151. Neal – Meaning: “Cloud” or “Champion”
152. O’Hara – Meaning: “Descendant of the sharp one”
153. Paige – Meaning: “Young servant”
154. Parker – Meaning: “Park keeper”
155. Pickford – Meaning: “Ford at the peak”
156. Powell – Meaning: “Son of Howell (Eminent)”
157. Reed – Meaning: “Red-haired”
158. Reynolds – Meaning: “Powerful counsel”
159. Rogers – Meaning: “Famous spear”
160. Russell – Meaning: “Little red one”
161. Shearer – Meaning: “One who shears sheep”
162. Sheridan – Meaning: “Searcher” or “Wild one”
163. Stanwyck – Meaning: “Stone wall”
164. Swanson – Meaning: “Son of Swan (Boy servant)”
165. Taylor – Meaning: “Cutter of cloth”
166. Tierney – Meaning: “Lord” or “Master”
167. Turner – Meaning: “Works with a lathe”
168. Velez – Meaning: “Crow” or “Watchful”
169. West – Meaning: “From the west”
170. Wood – Meaning: “From the forest”

What About the “Ugly-Cool” Character Actresses?

We focus on the ingenues, but the character actresses had the best names. These are the names for parents who shop at thrift stores and listen to indie folk. They are “ugly-chic.” They might raise an eyebrow at the baby shower, but by kindergarten, everyone will wish they thought of it.

171. Agnes Meaning: “Pure” or “Holy” Agnes Moorehead. She played the witchy mother in Bewitched. The name is uncompromising.

172. Thelma Meaning: “Will” or “Volition” Thelma Ritter. She played the cynical maid or the best friend. She stole every scene.

173. Eve Meaning: “Life” Eve Arden. The principal in Grease, but a huge star in the 40s.

174. Zsa Zsa Meaning: “God is my oath” (Hungarian variation of Susan/Elizabeth) Zsa Zsa Gabor. It’s fun to say. Try saying it without smiling.

175. Elsa Meaning: “God is my oath” Elsa Lanchester. The Bride of Frankenstein. A horror icon name.

176. Una Meaning: “One” or “Lamb” Una O’Connor. That high-pitched scream! A unique Irish name.

177. Beulah Meaning: “Married” Beulah Bondi. It sounds like the deep South.

178. Spring Meaning: “To burst forth” Spring Byington. Yes, her name was Spring. How modern is that?

179. ZaSu Meaning: “Lily” (Combination of Eliza and Susan) ZaSu Pitts. Named after her aunts Eliza and Susan. You won’t find another kid with this name.

180. Celeste Meaning: “Heavenly” Celeste Holm. It means heavenly, literally.

The Character Actress Collection

181. Ada – Meaning: “Noble”
182. Aline – Meaning: “Noble”
183. Ann – Meaning: “Grace”
184. Billie (Burke) – Meaning: “Resolute protection”
185. Bonita – Meaning: “Pretty”
186. Butterfly (McQueen) – Meaning: “Butterfly”
187. Carmen – Meaning: “Garden” or “Song”
188. Claire – Meaning: “Bright, clear”
189. Cora – Meaning: “Maiden”
190. Dinah – Meaning: “God has judged”
191. Edna – Meaning: “Pleasure” or “Delight”
192. Ethel – Meaning: “Noble”
193. Fanny – Meaning: “Free man”
194. Flora – Meaning: “Flower”
195. Gale – Meaning: “Jovial” or “Storm”
196. Gladys – Meaning: “Land” or “Nation”
197. Hermione (Gingold) – Meaning: “Messenger” (feminine of Hermes)
198. Ilka – Meaning: “Bright, shining light”
199. Ina – Meaning: “Entertainer” or “Queen”
200. Isobel – Meaning: “God’s promise”
201. Jeanette – Meaning: “God is gracious”
202. Jessie – Meaning: “Wealthy”
203. Josephine – Meaning: “Jehovah increases”
204. June – Meaning: “Young”
205. Katina – Meaning: “Pure”
206. Leila – Meaning: “Night” or “Dark beauty”
207. Lila – Meaning: “Night” or “Play”
208. Lucille – Meaning: “Light”
209. Madge – Meaning: “Pearl”
210. Margaret (Hamilton) – Meaning: “Pearl”
211. Marie – Meaning: “Star of the sea”
212. Marjorie – Meaning: “Pearl”
213. May – Meaning: “The fifth month” or “Hawthorn flower”
214. Mercedes – Meaning: “Mercies”
215. Mildred (Pierce!) – Meaning: “Gentle strength”
216. Millicent – Meaning: “Strong in work”
217. Minnie – Meaning: “Of the mind, intellect”
218. Nancy – Meaning: “Grace”
219. Nina – Meaning: “Little girl”
220. Patsy – Meaning: “Noble”
221. Pearl – Meaning: “Precious gemstone”
222. Polly – Meaning: “Star of the sea” (Variation of Molly)
223. Rosalind – Meaning: “Beautiful rose”
224. Rose – Meaning: “Rose flower”
225. Sara – Meaning: “Princess”
226. Selma – Meaning: “God’s helmet” or “Safe”
227. Sylvia – Meaning: “From the forest”
228. Tullia – Meaning: “To raise up”
229. Verna – Meaning: “Springtime”
230. Virginia – Meaning: “Maiden”

Is There Room for European Flare?

Hollywood wasn’t just Americans. It was a refugee camp for European talent escaping the war. These names bring a continental sophistication. They smell like espresso and expensive perfume.

231. Anouk Meaning: “Grace” Anouk Aimée. Distinctly French variation of Anna.

232. Leslie Meaning: “Garden of holly” Leslie Caron. An American in Paris.

233. Simone Meaning: “Hearkening” Simone Signoret. A heavy, beautiful French name.

234. Gina Meaning: “Queen” Gina Lollobrigida. The Italian rival to Sophia.

235. Danielle Meaning: “God is my judge” Danielle Darrieux.

The Import List

236. Anna (Magnani) – Meaning: “Grace”
237. Bella – Meaning: “Beautiful”
238. Capucine – Meaning: “Nasturtium flower”
239. Claudia – Meaning: “Lame” or “Enclosure”
240. Dalia – Meaning: “Branch” or “Fate”
241. Elke – Meaning: “Noble”
242. Françoise – Meaning: “Frenchman”
243. Giovanna – Meaning: “God is gracious”
244. Isabella – Meaning: “God is my oath”
245. Jeanne – Meaning: “God is gracious”
246. Juliette – Meaning: “Youthful”
247. Lea – Meaning: “Weary” or “Lioness”
248. Lili – Meaning: “Lily” or “God is my oath”
249. Lucia – Meaning: “Light”
250. Maria – Meaning: “Beloved”
251. Melina – Meaning: “Honey”
252. Micheline – Meaning: “Who is like God?”
253. Monica – Meaning: “Advisor”
254. Pier – Meaning: “Rock”
255. Romy – Meaning: “Dew of the sea”
256. Rossana – Meaning: “Dawn”
257. Silvana – Meaning: “Of the forest”
258. Senta – Meaning: “Assistant”
259. Ursula – Meaning: “Little bear”
260. Valentina – Meaning: “Strong, healthy”

Can We Reclaim the “Old Lady” Names?

Look, I get it. “Edna” is a hard sell. But listen to me: The coolest names are always the ones that feel a little risky at first. Five years ago, nobody wanted to be named “Hazel” or “Olive.” Now they are everywhere. If you want to be ahead of the curve, you have to dig into the nursing home roster.

261. Agatha Meaning: “Good, honorable” Christie? Maybe. But it sounds academic.

262. Alberta Meaning: “Noble and bright” Bertie is a cute nickname.

263. Alma Meaning: “Nourishing” or “Soul” Hitchcock loved this name.

264. Arletta Meaning: “Lion of God” Uncommon and lovely.

265. Augusta Meaning: “Majestic, exalted” Great dignity.

266. Bernadette Meaning: “Brave as a bear” Bernie.

267. Bernice Meaning: “Bringer of victory” Maybe too far?

268. Beryl Meaning: “Sea-green jewel” A gem name that isn’t Ruby or Pearl.

269. Beulah Meaning: “Married” Again, bold.

270. Cornelia Meaning: “Horn” Elegant.

271. Della Meaning: “Noble” Street and Perry Mason.

272. Dixie Meaning: “Tenth” Bing Crosby’s first wife.

273. Dora Meaning: “Gift” The Explorer hurt this one, but it’s vintage.

274. Dorothy Meaning: “Gift of God” Dot or Dottie. Adorable.

275. Edith Meaning: “Prosperous in war” Edith Head. The glasses. The bangs. Icon.

276. Edna Meaning: “Rejuvenation” The best friend.

277. Effie Meaning: “Well-spoken” Hunger Games brought it back slightly, but it’s pure vintage.

278. Eleanora Meaning: “Sun ray” Longer version of Eleanor.

279. Elsie Meaning: “God is my oath” The cow? Maybe. But it’s sweet.

280. Enid Meaning: “Soul” or “Life” Wednesday on Netflix gave this a boost.

281. Estelle Meaning: “Star” Getty. Or Costanza. But “Stella” is hidden inside.

282. Etta Meaning: “Ruler of the home” James. Place. Cool.

283. Eudora Meaning: “Good gift” Welty. Writer vibes.

284. Eula Meaning: “Sweet-spoken” Southern charm.

285. Eunice Meaning: “Good victory” Kennedy Shriver.

286. Fern Meaning: “Fern plant” Charlotte’s Web. Nature + Vintage.

287. Florence Meaning: “Blossoming” Florence Pugh is making this huge again.

288. Gertrude Meaning: “Spear of strength” Trudy!

289. Goldie Meaning: “Made of gold” Hawn.

290. Harriet Meaning: “Estate ruler” Hattie.

291. Henrietta Meaning: “Estate ruler” Etta or Hattie again.

292. Hester Meaning: “Star” Prynne.

293. Hilda Meaning: “Battle woman” Strong German roots.

294. Imogene Meaning: “Maiden” Coca. Funny lady.

295. Irene Meaning: “Peace” Dunne. Goodnight Irene.

296. Iris Meaning: “Rainbow” Apfel.

297. Josephine Meaning: “Jehovah increases” Baker. Jo.

298. Lorraine Meaning: “From Lorraine, France” Back to the Future mom.

299. Louella Meaning: “Famous warrior” The gossip columnist.

300. Lupe Meaning: “Valley of the wolf” Vélez. The Mexican Spitfire.

Final Thoughts

Naming a human is terrifying. You are handing them their first identity. But looking back at Vintage Hollywood Girl Names gives you a safety net. You aren’t picking a random collection of vowels; you are picking a name that has already survived the test of time. These names have been on red carpets, in war bonds drives, and in black-and-white masterpieces.

So, turn off the baby name apps. Go watch The Philadelphia Story. Listen to the credits. Your daughter’s name is probably scrolling past you right now, written in white text on a black background, waiting for its second act.

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