The Ultimate List of Classic Baby Girl Names (with Meanings)

Girl wearing white dressing kissing pregnant moms belly

Choosing a name for your new baby girl is one of the sweetest yet daunting times during your pregnancy. You have the honor and privilege of deciding what your little girl will be called for the rest of her life. Choosing the perfect name is a must, and old-fashioned names are a great place to start looking because they are so timeless.

If you are drawn to old-fashioned girl names, you are in the right place. This list of baby girl names is full of vintage charm and classic inspiration. These names have stood the test of time and are still beloved to this day.

All of these names are beautiful, enduring, and they never go out of style. Best of all, many of them have lovely meanings and rich histories.

Use these names as inspiration for your daughter’s first name or middle name, and create different combinations until you have the perfect name. You will know it when you hear it! Don’t let the task of choosing a name get overly complicated, this shouldn’t cause you stress. Picking a name for your little girl is a great way to bond with your spouse and feel closer than ever. When she is in your arms for the first time, looking up at you, you will say her name and know this sweet bundle of joy is going to make a difference in the world someday. She is going to run and jump and talk, people will call her name (the name you worked so hard to choose), and she will answer. But all of that is someday. For now, enjoy the coos and the wonder of welcoming a new baby into the world.

Why Choose a Classic Name

Classic baby girl names are comforting and strong, age well, and work across generations. If you want a name that feels grounded and elegant yet familiar, without being overly trendy, these names are the way to go.

In addition to traditional names simply sounding comforting, many also carry significance within families. Naming your daughter after someone important to you will mean the world to that person. Many traditional girl names are family traditions for good reason. Ask your grandmother if her name is a family name, and you may just get a lovely name story and find out the special meaning behind a beloved name. Family names are often a popular choice for those wanting to preserve their cultural heritage or honor an important family member.

As a mama who loves tradition (and knows the importance of a good baby name list!), I’ve gathered the most timeless, beautiful, and meaningful names for your baby girl. Use this list to find the perfect name for your daughter!

Baby girl holding hands with mom and dad

Timeless Favorites

Beloved for generations, these old-fashioned names are simple, strong, and feminine. The women who hold these names are strong and brave, yet kind. They know who they are and aren’t afraid to be themselves.

Anna– “grace or favor” (Hebrew)

Sarah– “princess” (Hebrew)

Emily– “rival or industrious” (Latin)

Julia– “youthful” (Latin)

Rachel– “gentle” (Hebrew)

Emma– “whole or universal” (German origin)

Evelyn– “desired or wished for, beautiful” (English and French)

Anne– “grace or favor” (Hebrew)

Diane– “divine or heavenly” (French)

Allison– “noble or exalted” (German and Scottish)

Two girls standing in a field wearing cowgirl hats

Southern Charm and Cottagecore Classics

Soft and full of heart, these traditional names are sweet as honey. These old-fashioned girl names remind me of sitting on the porch on a warm southern evening, watching the kids play in the field. As I call to them to come home, these are the names I can hear myself saying.

June– “young” (Roman)

August– “inspiring, reverence, awe, or admiration” (Roman)

Claire– “bright” (French)

Mary Anne– “wished-for child, grace or favor” (Hebrew)

Mae– “Goddess of Spring, beloved, lovable, or rebellious” (Hebrew and British)

Daisy– “innocence and purity” (Greek origin)

Pearl– “preciousness, beauty, and rarity” (English)

Harper– “someone who plays a harp” (English and Scottish)

Aurora– ”goddess of dawn, beauty, light, start of a new day” (Roman)

AnnMarie– “favored grace or bitter star of the sea” (Hebrew)

Girl running through a field wearing a yellow dress

Nature-Inspired Classics

Discover a sweet and serene vintage name inspired by nature. These names are tranquil, yet when I hear them, I hear a strength from within. Each of these names represents a woman who is wise in her own way and in touch with nature.

Willow– “graceful, willow tree” (Old English)

Sage– “wisdom and knowledge” (Latin, English, French)

Rosemary– “dew of the sea, love, fidelity, and remembrance” (Latin)

Rose– “flower, beauty, love, femininity, purity” (Latin origin)

Lily– “purity, Innocence, and beauty” (Latin and English)

Ivy– “growth, resilience, and eternity” (Old English)

Hazel– “wisdom, protection, and fertility” (Old English)

Iris– “rainbow” (Greek)

Luna– “moon, beauty, mystery, night sky” (Roman)

Violet– “purple, delicate, faithfulness, modesty” (Latin)

Baby girl playing on a path in the woods

Biblical Names

Find a classic biblical name with deep roots in scripture, perfect for families that value faith and tradition. Each of these women is from the Bible and is worth learning about, especially if you choose to name your daughter after one of them. Give your baby girl the gift of a name from an admirable woman.

Mary– “beloved, wished-for child” (Hebrew)

Elizabeth– “God is my oath, God’s promise” (Hebrew)

Esther– “morning star” (Hebrew)

Ruth– “friend or companion” (Hebrew)

Joanna– “God is gracious” (Hebrew)

Lydia– “beautiful one, noble one” (Greek)

Naomi– “pleasantness, beautiful, or gentle” (Hebrew)

Abigail– “father’s joy” (Hebrew)

Mirium– “wished-for child or rebellion” (Hebrew)

Hannah– “Grace or favor” (Hebrew)

Leah– “Weary or delicate” (Hebrew)

Rebekah – “To tie or bind” (Hebrew)

Martha– “Lady” (Aramaic)

Phoebe– “Bright, pure, or radiant” (Greek)

Priscilla – “Ancient or venerable” (Latin)

Baby girl asleep with a big purple bow on her head

Vintage Names

These names are full of charm and are simply timeless. They remind me of sipping tea with my grandmother as we talk about life. They are a constant in a world of uncertainty; you know you can count on someone with one of these names.

Mabel– “lovable” (Latin)

Edith– “rich, happy, or war” (Old English)

Dorothy– “gift of God” (Greek)

Josephine– “God will add” (Hebrew)

Olivia– “olive tree, peace” (Greek)

Lucy– “light” (Latin)

Shirley– “bright meadow” (English)

Clara– bright, clear, or famous” (Latin)

Ada– “noble or happy” (German)

Betty– “short for Elizabeth” (Hebrew)

Helen– “torch or light” (Greek)

Baby girl wearing big floral/lace headband

Royal and Regal Names

Elegant names with a graceful and dignified feel. These names are often used in the royal family, and they exude grace and confidence, each holding deep meanings. Women with these names aren’t afraid of the world; they know exactly who they are and are here to make a difference.

Charlotte– “Free woman” (Princess Charlotte of Wales)

Elizabeth– “God is my oath” (Queen Elizabeth I & II)

Victoria– “Victory” (Queen Victoria of the UK)

Catherine– “Pure” (Catherine the Great, Princess of Wales)

Alexandra– “Defender of mankind” (Queen Alexandra of the UK)

Margaret– “Pearl” (Princess Margaret, sister of Queen Elizabeth II)

Eleanor– “Light” or “shining one” (Eleanor of Aquitaine)

Isabella– “Devoted to God” (Queen Isabella of Castile)

Anne– “Grace” (Queen Anne of Great Britain, Princess Anne)

Sophia– “Wisdom” (Princess Sophia of Hanover)

Matilda– “Battle-mighty” (Empress Matilda of England)

Helena– “Bright, shining light” (Princess Helena, daughter of Queen Victoria)

Louise– “Renowned warrior” (Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll)

Beatrice– “She who brings happiness” (Princess Beatrice of York)

Eugenie– “Wellborn, noble” (Princess Eugenie of York)

Amelia– “Work” or “industrious” (Princess Amelia, daughter of George III)

Mary– “Beloved” (Queen Mary I & II)

Adelaide– “Noble kind” (Queen Adelaide of the UK)

Caroline– “Free woman” (Queen Caroline of Ansbach)

Augusta– “Majestic or venerable” (Princess Augusta, mother of George III)

Virtuous Names

These names are inspired by traditional values and virtues. When I hear these names, they give me a sense of calm and hope for the future. The baby girls who receive these names are sure to bring light to those around them.

Grace– “favor or blessing” (Latin)

Hope– “optimism, trust, faith” (Old English)

Faith– “trust or belief” (English)

Mercy– “kindness, compassion, forgiveness” (Latin)

Joy– “great pleasure or happiness” (Latin)

Amity – “Friendship” (Latin)

Felicity– “Happiness, good fortune” (Latin)

Harmony– “Peaceful blending, unity” (Greek)

Liberty– “Freedom” (Latin)

Constance– “Steadfast, faithful” (Latin)

Little girl wearing a red dress walking in a field

Literary Classics

These names come from classic stories, revered authors, and inspiring characters. This collection of classic names from literature is sure to make every book lover’s heart sigh as it remembers the beautiful stories associated with them.

Jane (as in Jane Austen or Jane Eyre)- “God is Gracious” (Hebrew)

Louisa (Louisa May Alcott) – “Renowned warrior” (German)

Alice (Alice in Wonderland) – “Noble” (German)

Matilda (Matilda by Roald Dahl) – “Battle-mighty” (German)

Beth (Little Women by Louisa May Alcott)- “house of figs” (Hebrew)

Charlotte (Charlotte Brontë) – “Free woman” (French)

Beatrix (Beatrix Potter) – “She who brings happiness” (Latin)

Anne (Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables) – “Grace” (Hebrew)

Ramona (Ramona Quimby series by Beverly Cleary) – “Wise protector” (Spanish)

Matilda (Matilda by Roald Dahl) – “Battle-mighty” (German)

Alice (Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll) – “Noble” (German)

Wendy (Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie) – Possibly “friend” or invented name

Josephine (Jo March from Little Women) – “God will increase” (Hebrew)

Daisy (The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald) – “Day’s eye” (Old English)

Emma (Emma by Jane Austen) – “Whole or universal” (German)

Newborn baby girl wrapped gently in cloth and sleeping on a blanket

Old-Fashioned & Elegant: Longer Names to Love

This list is for those dreaming of meaningful baby girl names inspired by the early 1900s. These old-fashioned names feel elegant and sophisticated, as if the woman has a strength from within. The women with these names can endure hardship and are better for it.

Adelaide– “noble kind or noble nature” (German)

Beatrice– “She who brings happiness” (Latin)

Cecilia– “Blind, shining of wisdom or lily of heaven” (Latin origin, lovely musical vibe)

Dorothea– “Gift of God” (Greek)

Eleanora– “shining light or light” (Greek and French)

Evelina– “desired, wished for child, radiance” (French)

Genevieve– “Woman of the family” (Old French)

Henrietta– “home ruler” (Germanic)

Isadora– “Gift of Isis” (Greek)

Josephine– “God will increase” (French and English)

Lavinia– “woman of Rome” (Latin)

Marguerite– French form of Margaret, meaning “pearl” (French)

Millicent– “Strong in work” (Old French)

Rosalind– “Pretty rose or gentle horse” (Latin)

Theodora– “God’s gift” (Greek)

Wilhelmina– “Determined protector, or desire” (German)

Augusta– “Majestic, venerable, or great” (Latin)

Bernadette– “Brave as a bear” (French)

Gwendolyn– “White ring or blessed bow” (Welsh)

Seraphina– “Fiery one” (Hebrew)

baby girl wearing a fluffy pink skirt asleep

Most Popular Names in Recent Years

According to the United States Social Security Administration, these are the most popular names today. I was surprised to find the classic nature of each of these names. Looks like we’re all searching for a traditional name for our daughters. Each of these girls will grow up to do amazing things in the world.

Olivia– “olive tree, peace” (Greek)

Emma– “whole or universal” (German)

Charlotte– “petite” (French)

Amelia– industrious, striving” (German)

Sophia– wisdom (Greek)

Final Thoughts

Choosing the perfect first name for your baby girl is such a meaningful and fun part of the journey of motherhood. It’s more than just a name- it’s something she will carry for a lifetime.

Traditional names have a way of being comforting as well as timeless. They’re rooted in history and rich with meaning. Whether you are drawn to something vintage, biblical, literary, or simply beautiful, I hope this list gave you some great baby name inspiration.

As you are testing out popular classic girl names versus more unique girl names, try writing them out next to your last name and see how they look and sound together. New parents often feel overwhelmed when choosing their baby’s name. Refer back to this list, and start keeping a list of all your favorite names. Make sure to write down the ones that cause something to stir in your heart when you hear them. Imagine yourself rocking your baby and whispering that name to her to calm her down. Imagine yourself cheering for her from the sidelines, what name are you calling? Consider all the different stages of her life, what name feels fitting for her? Write it down. Say it to yourself. You will know when you have found the perfect name for your little girl.

At the end of the day, the right name is the one that sits right in your heart when you imagine whispering it to your sweet new baby for the first time.

You got this, mama! Let me know your favorite name in the comments!