AHEAD: A curated list of timeless girls’ names with traditional charm.

Classic names aren’t just old-fashioned. They’re timeless, they’re classy, and they tend to age well.

Below, you’ll find a hand-picked list of classic girl names that have been in style year after year. They’re just as cool today as they were 100 years ago—or 200 years ago for that matter!

Related: 250 Old-Fashioned Vintage Girl Names for Modern Babes

Undeniably classic girl names

These beautiful names are generally agreed upon to be classic!

Abigail

• Name meaning: My father’s joy.
• Popularity: Abigail ranks #31 and Abby is #623.

Related: Middle Names for Abigail

Alice

• Name meaning: Noble.
• Popularity: #65

Anne

• Name meaning: Grace.
• Popularity: Anna ranks #79, Ana ranks #224, and Anne is #581.

Clara

• Name meaning: Clear and bright.
• Popularity: #99

Elizabeth

• Name meaning: Oath.
• Popularity: #15

Jane

• Name meaning: Noble or gracious.
• Popularity: #281

Josephine

• Name meaning: Jehovah increases.
• Popularity: #64

Katherine or Catherine

• Name meaning: Pure.
• Popularity: Katherine ranks #169 and Catherine is #332.

Lillian

• Name meaning: Lily flower.
• Popularity: Lillian ranks #55 and Lilian is #558.

Margaret

• Name meaning: Pearl.
• Popularity: Margaret ranks #132 and Maggie ranks #293.

Marie

• Name meaning: Drop of the sea; or beloved.
• Popularity: #650

Rose

• Name meaning: Flower.
• Popularity: Rose ranks #124 and Rosie is #470.

Sarah

• Name meaning: Princess.
• Popularity: Sarah ranks #89 and Sara is #189.

Sophia or Sofia

• Name meaning: Wisdom.
• Popularity: Sophia ranks #5 and Sofia ranks #12.

Sophie

• Name meaning: Wisdom.
• Popularity: #60

Victoria

• Name meaning: Winner.
• Popularity: #45

If you like this first batch of classic girl names you’ll also like these Victorian names.

Popular classic names today

This next list contains classic girl names that were popular 200 years ago but have started to feel modern again!

Adeline

• Name meaning: Noble.
• Popularity: Adeline ranks #71 and Adaline is #192.

Amelia or Emilia

• Name meaning: Work.
• Popularity: Amelia ranks #4 and Emilia ranks #42.

Related: Middle Names for Amelia

Audrey

• Name meaning: Noble strength.
• Popularity: #74

Ava

• Name meaning: Life. Bird. Island. Water.
• Popularity: #8

Caroline

• Name meaning: Free woman or strong.
• Popularity: #83

Charlotte

• Name meaning: Free woman. The most populous city in North Carolina.
• Popularity: #3

Related: Middle Names for Charlotte

Claire

• Name meaning: Clear or bright.
• Popularity: Claire ranks #67 and Clare ranks #991.

Delilah

• Name meaning: Delicate.
• Popularity: #52

Eleanor

• Name meaning: Shining light.
• Popularity: #14

Emily

• Name meaning: Rival or to excel.
• Popularity: Emily ranks #18 and Emely ranks #423.

Emma

• Name meaning: Whole.
• Popularity: #2

Related: Middle Names for Emma

Evelyn

• Name meaning: Wished for child.
• Popularity: Evelyn ranks #9 and Evelynn ranks #320.

Everly or Everleigh

• Name meaning: Brave.
• Popularity: Everly ranks #69 and Everleigh ranks #149.

Grace

• Name meaning: Goodness.
• Popularity: Grace ranks #39 and Gracie ranks #249.

Hannah

• Name meaning: Grace.
• Popularity: Hannah ranks #48, Hanna isn’t ranking, and Hana ranks #714.

Related: Middle Names for Hannah

Isabella

• Name meaning: Promise.
• Popularity: Isabella ranks #7 and Isabela ranks #164.

Ivy

• Name meaning: An evergreen climbing plant.
• Popularity: #37

Lucy

• Name meaning: Light.
• Popularity: Lucy ranks #40 and Lucie isn’t ranking.

Related: Middle Names for Lucy

Lydia

• Name meaning: Beautiful one.
• Popularity: #97

Madeline

• Name meaning: Woman from Israel.
• Popularity: #94

Margot or Margo

• Name meaning: Pearl.
• Popularity: Margot ranks #144 and Margo ranks #542.

Nora

• Name meaning: Light.
• Popularity: Nora ranks #25 and Norah ranks #201.

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Olivia

• Name meaning: Olive tree.
• Popularity: #1

Related: Middle Names for Olivia

Penelope

• Name meaning: Weaver.
• Popularity: #23

Related: Middle Names for Penelope

Scarlett

• Name meaning: Red.
• Popularity: Scarlett ranks #17, Scarlet and Scarlette aren’t ranking.

Valentina

• Name meaning: Strength.
• Popularity: #49

If you like these trendy but classic girl names you may like this list of modern names for your 2025 baby.

Timelessly elegant girls’ names

These classic girl names have always been (and will probably always be) viewed as sophisticated.

Alexandra

• Name meaning: Defender.
• Popularity: #204

Related: Middle Names for Alex

Anastasia

• Name meaning: Resurrection.
• Popularity: #167

Annabelle

• Name meaning: Graceful and beautiful.
• Popularity: #339

Arabella

• Name meaning: Yielding to prayer.
• Popularity: #228

Aurelia

• Name meaning: Golden one. Also a type of jellyfish.
• Popularity: #371

Celeste

• Name meaning: Heavenly.
• Popularity: #274

Corinne

• Name meaning: Girl or maiden.
• Popularity: This classic name recently fell out of the top 1000.

Daphne

• Name meaning: Laurel tree.
• Popularity: #241

Related: Tree Names for Girls

Eloise

• Name meaning: Healthy.
• Popularity: #74

Emmeline

• Name meaning: Work.
• Popularity: #948

Evangeline

• Name meaning: Bearer of good news.
• Popularity: #212

Florence

• Name meaning: Prosperous.
• Popularity: #520

Francesca

• Name meaning: From France; or free person.
• Popularity: #376

Isabelle

• Name meaning: Promise.
• Popularity: Isabelle ranks #159 and Isabel ranks #164.

Juliana or Julianna

• Name meaning: Youthful.
• Popularity: Juliana ranks #248 and Julianna ranks #330.

Madeleine

• Name meaning: Woman from Israel.
• Popularity: #444

Octavia

• Name meaning: Eighth.
• Popularity: #279

Ophelia

• Name meaning: Help.
• Popularity: #267

Serena

• Name meaning: Peace and tranquility.
• Popularity: #375

Theodora

• Name meaning: Gift of God.
• Popularity: #772

Vivian or Vivienne

• Name meaning: Life.
• Popularity: Vivian ranks #87 and Vivienne ranks #239.

If you like these classic girl names you’ll also like this huge list of elegant names and these long names.

Cute classic girl names for 2025

All of these classic baby girl names sound friendly and sweet!

Annie

• Name meaning: Grace.
• Popularity: #203

Belle

• Name meaning: Beautiful.
• Popularity: This pretty name dropped off the top 1000 list after 2022.

Clementine

• Name meaning: Mild and merciful; or citrus fruit.
• Popularity: #543

Colette

• Name meaning: People of victory.
• Popularity: #442

Coraline

• Name meaning: Diminutive of coral.
• Popularity: #724

Daisy

• Name meaning: Flower.
• Popularity: #110

Related: Nature Girl Names

Elsie

• Name meaning: Pledged to God.
• Popularity: #163

Freya

• Name meaning: Lady. Noble person. A goddess associated with love, beauty, war and death.
• Popularity: Freya ranks #136 and Freyja ranks #627.

Greta

• Name meaning: Pearl.
• Popularity: #933

Mabel

• Name meaning: Lovable.
• Popularity: #278

Related: Girl Names that Mean Love

Maisie

• Name meaning: Pearl.
• Popularity: #293

Mercy

• Name meaning: Compassion.
• Popularity: #833

Molly

• Name meaning: Rebellious.
• Popularity: Molly ranks #208 and Mollie isn’t ranking.

Olive

• Name meaning: A shade of green. Fruit of an olive tree.
• Popularity: #181

Opal

• Name meaning: Precious stone.
• Popularity: #488

Pearl

• Name meaning: Gem.
• Popularity: #805

Penny

• Name meaning: Weaver.
• Popularity: #676

Rosalie

• Name meaning: Rose.
• Popularity: #182

Sadie

• Name meaning: Princess.
• Popularity: #59

Violet

• Name meaning: Purple.
• Popularity: Violet ranks #16, Violeta ranks #652, and Violette ranks #984.

Related: Middle Names for Violet

Willa

• Name meaning: With gilded helmet, will, desire, protection.
• Popularity: #428

If you like these cute classic girl names for 2025 you might also like this list of short names.

Simple classic names for girls

If frilly isn’t your thing, you might like this batch of simple but refined classic girl names.

Ada

• Name meaning: Noble or ornament.
• Popularity: #177

Alma

• Name meaning: Nourishing or nurturing.
• Popularity: #461

Amy

• Name meaning: Beloved.
• Popularity: #200

Etta

• Name meaning: Keeper of the home.
• Popularity: #938

Faye

• Name meaning: Fairy.
• Popularity: #500

Flora

• Name meaning: Flowers or plants.
• Popularity: #685

June

• Name meaning: Sixth month.
• Popularity: #171

Lena

• Name meaning: Ray of light.
• Popularity: #272

Related: Names that Mean Sun

May or Mae

• Name meaning: Bitter or pearl. The 5th month. A hawthorn tree.
• Popularity: May is not currently popular but Mae ranks #506.

Myra

• Name meaning: Beloved or admirable. Sweet-smelling oil.
• Popularity: #594

Prue

• Name meaning: Good judgment.
• Popularity: This one-syllable girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Ruth

• Name meaning: Friend.
• Popularity: #187

Tessa

• Name meaning: One who harvests.
• Popularity: #324

Thea

• Name meaning: Gift of God.
• Popularity: #321

Vera

• Name meaning: Faith.
• Popularity: #223

If you like these simple classic names for 2025 you’ll also like this list of 3-letter girl names and these 4-letter girl names.

Classic girl names that aren’t currently popular

I hesitated to include these on our list, simply because most don’t make the top 1000 baby names list, making them less “timeless”.

That said, these traditional names might just have the classic vibe that you’re going for!

Antoinette

• Name meaning: Priceless one.
• Popularity: This A name isn’t ranking.

Constance

• Name meaning: Steadfastness.
• Popularity: This C name isn’t ranking.

Cordelia

• Name meaning: Daughter of the sea.
• Popularity: This great mermaid name isn’t ranking.

Delphina or Delphine

• Name meaning: The French word for dolphin. Woman from Greek city, Delphi.
• Popularity: This Greek girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Eugenie

• Name meaning: Wellborn or noble.
• Popularity: This E name isn’t ranking.

Francine

• Name meaning: From France; or free person.
• Popularity: This F name isn’t ranking.

Frederica

• Name meaning: Peaceful ruler.
• Popularity: This classic girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Gretchen

• Name meaning: Pearl.
• Popularity: This G name hasn’t ranked since 2008.

Guinevere

• Name meaning: White wave.
• Popularity: This classic name isn’t ranking.

Harriet

• Name meaning: Home.
• Popularity: This classic name isn’t ranking.

Henrietta

• Name meaning: Estate ruler.
• Popularity: This H name isn’t in the top 1000.

Isadora

• Name meaning: Gift of the goddess Isis.
• Popularity: This I name is not in the top 1000.

Leonora or Leonore

• Name meaning: Light.
• Popularity: Neither version of this L name is ranking.

Margery or Marjorie

• Name meaning: Pearl.
• Popularity: Neither spelling of this classic name is ranking.

Marion

• Name meaning: Drop of the sea; or beloved.
• Popularity: This M name isn’t ranking.

Odette

• Name meaning: Wealthy.
• Popularity: This O name isn’t ranking.

Philomena

• Name meaning: Lover of strength.
• Popularity: This 4-syllable girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Prudence

• Name meaning: Careful.
• Popularity: This P name isn’t ranking.

Tabitha

• Name meaning: Gazelle or graceful.
• Popularity: This T name isn’t ranking.

Willamina

• Name meaning: With gilded helmet. Will. Desire. Protection.
• Popularity: This classic girls’ name isn’t ranking.

Winifred or Winnifred

• Name meaning: Peaceful friend or blessed peacemaker.
• Popularity: Winifred is back on the charts again after last appearing in the top 1000 in 1965! It’s currently ranked #967. Winnifred isn’t ranking.

If you like these uncommon classic girl names you might also like this list of southern names for 2025.

Names you probably forgot were old-fashioned

I don’t know about you, but I had no idea that the following names were so popular in the 1800s!

These names are perfect if you want something classic that still feels fit for a modern little girl born in 2025.

Adele

• Name meaning: Noble.
• Popularity: #823

Amanda

• Name meaning: Worthy of love.
• Popularity: #484

Aurora

• Name meaning: Dawn.
• Popularity: #22

Related: Middle Names for Aurora

Bridget

• Name meaning: Strength.
• Popularity: #748

Cora or Kora

• Name meaning: Maiden.
• Popularity: Cora ranks #93 and Kora is #533.

Elise or Elyse

• Name meaning: Abundance.
• Popularity: Elise ranks #274 and Elyse is #806.

Eliza

• Name meaning: Pledged to God.
• Popularity: Eliza ranks #116 and Elisa is #422.

Ella

• Name meaning: Fairy maiden.
• Popularity: #32

Related: Middle Names for Ella

Eva

• Name meaning: Life.
• Popularity: #112

Eve or Evie

• Name meaning: Life.
• Popularity: Eve ranks #600 and Evie ranks #265.

Hazel

• Name meaning: Of the Hazelnut tree.
• Popularity: #19

Josie

• Name meaning: Jehovah increases.
• Popularity: #108

Julia

• Name meaning: Youthful.
• Popularity: #122

Laura

• Name meaning: Bay laurel plant (a symbol of victory or honor).
• Popularity: #224

Lily

• Name meaning: Flower.
• Popularity: #20

Millie or Milly

• Name meaning: Having strength or being industrious.
• Popularity: Millie ranks #102 and Milly isn’t ranking.

Phoebe

• Name meaning: Shining one. A medium-sized bird native to North and South America.
• Popularity: #191

Related: Bird Names for Girls

Portia

• Name meaning: Pig. (But remember it as a character in a Shakespeare play instead). Also a moon of Uranus.
• Popularity: This outer space name is not currently ranking in the top 1000.

Ruby

• Name meaning: Strong red gemstone.
• Popularity: #66

Stella

• Name meaning: Star.
• Popularity: #46

Valerie

• Name meaning: Strength.
• Popularity: Valerie ranks #144 and Valery ranks #822.

If you like these modern-feeling classic girl names for 2025 you might also like this list of names for rainbow babies.

These names give me old-lady vibes

This is purely a matter of opinion, but to me, these names feel more outdated than “classic”, per se. (I know, it’s a fine line.)

Clearly, not everyone agrees with me! All of the following names are currently ranking in the top 1000.

Beatrice

• Name meaning: Bringer of joy.
• Popularity: #715

Bellamy

• Name meaning: Beautiful friend.
• Popularity: This B name ranks #828 for girls and #749 for boys.

Carmen

• Name meaning: Garden or fertile land.
• Popularity: #434

Celia

• Name meaning: Heavenly.
• Popularity: #829

Dorothy

• Name meaning: Gift of God.
• Popularity: #467

Edith

• Name meaning: Prosperous in war.
• Popularity: #504

Esme

• Name meaning: Beloved.
• Popularity: #325

Estelle or Estella

• Name meaning: Star.
• Popularity: Estelle ranks #711 and Estella ranks #610.

Esther

• Name meaning: Star.
• Popularity: #138

Related: Hebrew Girl Names

Frances

• Name meaning: From France; or free person.
• Popularity: Frances ranks #405. Francis ranks #458 for boys and isn’t ranking for girls.

Genevieve

• Name meaning: Tribal woman.
• Popularity: #166

Gwendolyn

• Name meaning: White ring.
• Popularity: #380

Judith

• Name meaning: Woman from Judea.
• Popularity: #903

Louise

• Name meaning: Famous warrior.
• Popularity: #586

Lucille

• Name meaning: Light.
• Popularity: #285

Maeve

• Name meaning: She who intoxicates.
• Popularity: #73

Magdalena

• Name meaning: From Magdala, Israel.
• Popularity: #908

Marilyn

• Name meaning: Mary + Lynn. Drop of the sea or beloved + lake.
• Popularity: #742

Shelby

• Name meaning: Estate on the ledge.
• Popularity: #662

Sylvie

• Name meaning: From the forest. Woman of the woods.
• Popularity: #425

If you happen to love any of the classic girl names in this batch, please ignore my old lady classification. 🙂

Predictions for 2025

These three names show every sign of being 2025’s breakout classics.

Aurelia

Aurelia has rocketed up the charts, with its biggest jump ever in 2023 (+117 spots to #371). After barely making the top 1000 in 2012, this celestial beauty has shown unstoppable momentum.

The name combines two major trends: heavenly meanings (like top-10 Luna) and elegant “lia” endings (like #4 Amelia). Its recent gains are actually accelerating – each year’s jump is bigger than the last.

Currently, the highest it’s been since the 1930s, Aurelia shows all the signs of a name about to explode in popularity.

Fun fact: Aurelia means “golden” in Latin, and like its meaning, this name’s future looks bright. With its antique charm and modern sound pattern, Aurelia hits the sweet spot between unique and familiar.

Florence

Florence is experiencing a stunning revival, climbing over 450 spots since its 2017 reappearance in the top 1000. Each jump is getting bigger, with 2023 seeing its largest gain yet (+102 spots to #521).

The cultural momentum is perfect: Florence Pugh’s star keeps rising (Dune 2 in 2024), vintage names are trending, and nature names remain hot. Plus, its cousin “Flora” is also surging up the charts.

Here’s what makes Florence particularly exciting: it was a top-10 name in the early 1900s (reaching #7!). Unlike many trending names that are in uncharted territory, Florence has proven it can be a major hit in American naming.

With consistently accelerating gains and major cultural momentum building, Florence shows every sign of being 2025’s breakout vintage revival.

Margot

Margot is having its moment, rising to #148 in 2023 – its highest ranking ever. After years of steady climbing, this elegant French classic is perfectly positioned for a major surge.

The Barbie effect hasn’t even hit the rankings yet (2023 data predates the movie). With Margot Robbie’s continued visibility through 2024 (Olympics coverage, awards season, new projects), this name’s cultural momentum is still building.

What’s remarkable about Margot’s rise is its consistency – since reappearing in 2013 at #944, it’s made nothing but upward moves. Its recent acceleration (+45 spots in 2023) suggests the name is just hitting its stride.

For parents seeking something classic yet current, Margot hits a sweet spot: it’s sophisticated without being stuffy, French without being flashy, and familiar without being common. With Barbie’s cultural impact still unfolding, Margot might just be the next Daphne-style breakthrough.

What makes these three names particularly exciting for 2025?

Each shows a different path to potential viral status – Aurelia riding multiple modern trends, Florence reclaiming past glory, and Margot breaking new ground.

Yet all three share key success markers: they’re accelerating rather than slowing down, they aren’t dependent on a single trend or influence, and each appeals to slightly different naming styles while remaining solidly classic.

If you’re hunting for the next breakout classic name, one of these three might just be it.

More baby names for girls:

• 115 Magnificent Royal Girls’ Names
• Twin Girl Names: 120 Cool Pairings
• 57 Gorgeous Girl’s Names that Mean Graceful

Final thoughts on classic baby girl names

In compiling this list, I did my best to stick to names that aren’t just old-fashioned, but timeless. This is what truly makes them “classics”.

As you’ve seen, the names above have been in style year after year. They’re just as cool today as they were 100 years ago—or 200 years ago for that matter!

No matter their length, meaning, or number of syllables, it’s a safe bet that these particular baby names will age well.

Hopefully, you’ve found a few lead contenders on this list of classic girl names for 2025, or at least come away with some baby name inspiration.

Whether you prefer a name that’s undeniably classic, currently popular, timelessly elegant, cute, simple, rare, or old-fashioned, all of these girls’ names are beautiful choices.

Here is a great resource for narrowing down a beautifully flowing middle name next.

Congratulations and good luck choosing the perfect classic name for your daughter!

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The source for popularity data is SSN.

This article was originally published on Mar 30, 2022 and was updated on Nov 12, 2024.

Classic Girl Names