Choosing a baby name is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming when there are so many beautiful options. If you’re searching for traditional baby girl names with meaning, this list gathers hundreds of classic, elegant, vintage, and biblically rooted choices in one easy place.
Traditional girl names carry a sense of history and timelessness. They have stood the test of time, often admired for their meaningful origins, soft sounds, and enduring charm.
This post was updated for 2026 to include even more classic options.
💡Looking for more inspiration? See all our curated name collections in our full baby names guide.
Quick Picks: Best Traditional Girl Names With Meanings
If you’re short on time, here are some of the most classic, meaning-rich choices:
- Abigail – “my father is joyful”
- Charlotte – “free man”
- Elizabeth – “pledged to God”
- Clara – “bright, clear”
- Julia – “youthful”
- Margaret – “pearl”
- Rose – “rose, flower”
- Sarah – “princess”
- Anna – “grace”
- Jane – “God is gracious”
- Katherine – “pure”
- Victoria – “victory”
Looking for something more specific? Use the sections below to explore classic, elegant, vintage, biblical, and even one-syllable traditional names.
Popular Traditional Girl Names
These names frequently appear near the top of the Social Security Administration’s rankings. They’re familiar, timeless, and widely loved.
Abigail
Derived from Hebrew, meaning “my father is joyful” or “source of joy.”
Amelia
A German name meaning “work” or “industrious.”
Ava
A Latin name meaning “life” or sometimes associated with “bird.”
Charlotte
A French name meaning “free man” or “petite.”
Elizabeth
A Hebrew name meaning “pledged to God” or “God is abundance.”
Emma
A German name meaning “universal” or “whole.”
Emily
A Latin name meaning “rival” or “industrious.”
Grace
A Latin-origin name meaning “grace” or “favor.”
Harper
An English name meaning “harp player.”
Isabella
A Hebrew and Spanish/Italian name meaning “devoted to God” or “God’s oath.”
Lily
A Latin name referring to the flower symbolizing purity.
Madison
An English name meaning “son of Maud” or “son of Matthew.”
Mia
A Scandinavian name meaning “mine” or “beloved.”
Olivia
A Latin name meaning “olive tree” or symbolizing peace.
Sophia
A Greek name meaning “wisdom” or “skill.”
Victoria
A Latin name meaning “victory” or “conqueror.”
Classic Traditional Girl Names
These names are long-standing favorites with strong historical roots.
Alice
Derived from Old French Aalis, meaning “noble” or “exalted.”
Caroline
A feminine form of Charles, meaning “free man” or “strong.”
Catherine
Derived from Greek Aikaterine, meaning “pure” or “clear.”
Clara
From Latin clarus, meaning “clear” or “bright.”
Diana
A Roman name associated with the goddess of the moon and hunting.
Eleanor
An Old French/Provencal name meaning “light” or “other Aenor.”
Fiona
A Scottish name meaning “fair” or “white.”
Georgina
A feminine form of George, meaning “farmer” or “earthworker.”
Hannah
A Hebrew name meaning “favor” or “grace.”
Helen
A Greek name associated with brightness and beauty.
Irene
From Greek Eirene, meaning “peace.”
Julia
A Latin name derived from Julius, meaning “youthful” or “downy.”
Katherine
A Greek name meaning “pure” or “unsullied.”
Lucy
Of Latin origin, meaning “light.”
Margaret
Derived from the Greek Margarites, meaning “pearl.”
Matilda
A Germanic name meaning “strength in battle.”
Nora
A diminutive of Eleanor, meaning “light” or “honor.”
Penelope
A Greek name meaning “weaver,” also linked to mythological cleverness.
Rebecca
A Hebrew name meaning “captivating” or “to bind.”
Rose
A classic floral name symbolizing love, beauty, and passion.
Sarah
A Hebrew name meaning “princess” or “noblewoman.”
Violet
From the Latin viola, referring to the violet flower.
💡Expecting twins? Here’s our full list of Twin Girl Names with classic, modern, and floral combinations.
Vintage Traditional Girl Names
Vintage names carry charm, nostalgia, and a soft, old-fashioned warmth. These options feel timeless yet distinctive.
Adeline
Derived from the Germanic name Adelheid, meaning “noble” or “nobility.”
Agnes
A Greek name meaning “pure” or “chaste.”
Beatrice
An Italian name meaning “bringer of joy” or “blessed.”
Cecilia
Derived from the Roman family name Caecilius, meaning “blind” or “unseen.”
Cora
A Greek name meaning “maiden” or “heart.”
Dorothy
From the Greek name Dorothea, meaning “gift of God.”
Edith
An Old English name meaning “rich battle” or “warfare.”
Elsie
A diminutive of Elizabeth, meaning “pledged to God.”
Estelle
Derived from the French word for “star.”
Evelyn
From the surname Aveline, meaning “desired” or “wished for.”
Flora
Derived from the Latin word for “flower”; also the Roman goddess of spring.
Florence
A Latin name meaning “flourishing” or “prosperous.”
Georgia
The feminine form of George, meaning “farmer” or “earthworker.”
Hazel
An Old English name referring to the hazelnut tree.
Hattie
A diminutive of Harriet, meaning “ruler of the home.”
Ida
Derived from the Germanic element id, meaning “work” or “labor.”
Iris
From the Greek word for the iris flower.
Lillian
Derived from the Latin for “lily.”
Louise
From the Germanic name Ludwig, meaning “famous warrior.”
Mabel
From the Latin amabilis, meaning “lovable.”
Mae
A diminutive of Mary, meaning “beloved.”
Margot
A French form of Margaret, meaning “pearl.”
Mildred
Derived from Old English elements meaning “gentle strength.”
Olive
Derived from the Latin oliva, meaning “olive tree.”
Opal
A gemstone name derived from the Sanskrit word upala, meaning “precious stone.”
Pearl
Derived from the Latin perla, meaning “pearl.”
Phoebe
A Greek name meaning “bright” or “radiant.”
Ramona
A Spanish name meaning “wise protector.”
Ruby
A gemstone name meaning “red.”
Stella
From the Latin word for “star.”
Thelma
A Greek name meaning “will” or “volition.”
Vera
A Slavic and Latin name meaning “faith” or “truth.”
Viola
Derived from the Latin viola, meaning “violet.”
Vivian
From the Latin vivus, meaning “alive.”
Elegant Traditional Girl Names
These names have a graceful, refined feel. They’re timeless, classic, and often associated with sophistication.
Alessandra
An Italian name meaning “defender of mankind.”
Anastasia
A Greek name meaning “resurrection” or “rebirth.”
Arabella
Derived from Latin, meaning “lovely” or “beautiful.”
Aurora
A Latin name referring to the dawn or the Roman goddess of the dawn.
Camilla
Of Latin origin, meaning “young ceremonial attendant.”
Celeste
Derived from Latin, meaning “heavenly” or “celestial.”
Celine
A French name meaning “heavenly” or “moon.”
Clarissa
Derived from the Latin clarus, meaning “bright” or “clear.”
Emilia
From the Roman family name Aemilius, meaning “rival” or “striving.”
Evangeline
A Greek name meaning “bearer of good news.”
Genevieve
Of French origin, meaning “woman of the people.”
Isabella
A Spanish and Italian name meaning “devoted to God” or “God’s oath.”
Juliette
A French diminutive of Julius, meaning “youthful” or “downy.”
Luciana
Derived from the Roman name Lucius, meaning “light.”
Madeline
A French name meaning “high tower” or “woman from Magdala.”
Natalia
Derived from the Latin word for “Christmas” or “birth.”
Octavia
A Latin name meaning “eighth.”
Penelope
A Greek name meaning “weaver” or “weaver of dreams.”
Rosalind
From the Germanic name Rosalinda, meaning “beautiful rose.”
Seraphina
Of Hebrew origin, meaning “burning ones” or “fiery ones.”
Valentina
A Latin name meaning “strong” or “healthy.”
Vivienne
A French name meaning “alive” or “full of life.”
Gabrielle
A feminine form of Gabriel, meaning “God is my strength.”
Helena
A Greek name associated with beauty and brightness.
Isla
A Scottish name meaning “island.”
Josephine
A French name meaning “God will add.”
Juliana
A feminine form of Julian, meaning “youthful” or “downy.”
Lydia
A Greek name meaning “beautiful one” or “noble one.”
One-Syllable Traditional Girl Names
Short, strong, timeless. These one-syllable names work beautifully as first or middle names and have the simple, classic feel many parents love.
Anne
A Hebrew name meaning “grace” or “favor.”
Bea
A diminutive of Beatrice, meaning “bringer of joy.”
Belle
Derived from the French word for “beautiful.”
Beth
A shortened form of Elizabeth, meaning “pledged to God.”
Blake
An Old English name meaning “black” or “dark.”
Blythe
An Old English name meaning “joyous” or “cheerful.”
Brooke
A nature name referring to a small stream.
Claire
From Latin clarus, meaning “clear” or “bright.”
Dawn
A name referring to the sunrise.
Elle
A French name meaning “she.”
Faith
A virtue name representing belief and trust.
Fern
A plant-inspired name referencing green foliage.
Grace
A Latin-derived name meaning “grace” or “favor.”
Hope
A virtue name expressing optimism.
Jade
A gemstone name symbolizing beauty and clarity.
Jane
A feminine form of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
Jean
Another feminine form of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
Joan
A medieval variant of Joan/Johanna, meaning “God is gracious.”
Joy
A cheerful name meaning “joy” or “delight.”
June
Derived from the name of the month.
Kate
A diminutive of Katherine, meaning “pure.”
Lane
An English name meaning “narrow path” or “lane.”
Leigh
An Old English name meaning “meadow” or “clearing.”
Liv
A Scandinavian name meaning “life.”
Mae
A diminutive of Mary, meaning “beloved.”
Nell
A diminutive of Helen, meaning “bright, shining one.”
Paige
Originally an occupational surname meaning “page” or “servant.”
Pearl
From the Latin perla, meaning “pearl.”
Quinn
An Irish name meaning “counsel” or “wisdom.”
Rae
A diminutive of Rachel, meaning “ewe.”
Rose
A classic floral name symbolizing love and beauty.
Ruth
A Hebrew name meaning “compassionate” or “friend.”
Sage
A nature name referring to the aromatic herb.
Skye
A name referring to the sky or the Isle of Skye.
Sloane
An Irish surname meaning “raider” or “warrior.”
Sue
A diminutive of Susan, meaning “lily.”
Tess
A diminutive of Theresa, meaning “harvest.”
Vail
From a French surname meaning “valley.”
Wren
A bird-inspired name referring to a small, agile songbird.
Yvonne
A French name meaning “yew tree” or “archer.”
Zayn
An Arabic name meaning “beauty” or “grace.”
Zane
A form of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
Biblical Traditional Girl Names
Biblical names have deep history, spiritual significance, and a timeless quality that has kept them popular for generations. These names come directly from scripture or biblical narratives and remain meaningful choices for families today.
Abigail
A wise and compassionate woman in the Old Testament. Hebrew origin meaning “my father is joyful” or “source of joy.”
Anna
A prophetess who recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Hebrew origin meaning “grace” or “favor.”
Deborah
A prophetess and judge who led Israel to victory. Hebrew origin meaning “bee” or “industrious.”
Delilah
Known from the story of Samson. Hebrew origin meaning “delicate” or “weak.”
Elizabeth
Mother of John the Baptist. Hebrew origin meaning “pledged to God” or “God is abundance.”
Esther
A courageous queen who saved her people. Persian origin meaning “star.”
Eve
The first woman in scripture. Hebrew origin meaning “life” or “living.”
Hannah
Mother of Samuel. Hebrew origin meaning “favor” or “grace.”
Jemima
Daughter of Job, known for her beauty. Hebrew origin meaning “dove.”
Joanna
A follower of Jesus who witnessed the Resurrection. Hebrew origin meaning “God is gracious.”
Leah
Jacob’s first wife. Hebrew origin meaning “weary” or “delicate.”
Lydia
An early Christian convert. Greek origin meaning “from Lydia” or “beautiful one.”
Mary
Mother of Jesus. Hebrew origin meaning “beloved” or “wished-for child.”
Miriam
Sister of Moses and Aaron. Hebrew origin meaning “wished-for child” or “rebellious.”
Naomi
Mother-in-law of Ruth. Hebrew origin meaning “pleasantness.”
Phoebe
A deaconess in the early church. Greek origin meaning “bright” or “radiant.”
Priscilla
A teacher and early Christian leader. Latin origin meaning “venerable” or “ancient.”
Rachel
Beloved wife of Jacob. Hebrew origin meaning “ewe.”
Rebekah
Wife of Isaac. Hebrew origin meaning “captivating” or “to bind.”
Ruth
Known for loyalty and devotion. Hebrew origin meaning “compassionate” or “friend.”
Sarah
Wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac. Hebrew origin meaning “princess.”
Susanna
A follower of Jesus. Hebrew origin meaning “lily.”
Tabitha
A beloved woman who was restored to life in the New Testament. Aramaic origin meaning “gazelle.”
Zipporah
Wife of Moses. Hebrew origin meaning “bird” or “sparrow.”
Additional Biblical Girl Names
These names appear in scripture or biblical genealogies and carry traditional significance.
Abiah
Associated with several figures in the Old Testament. Hebrew origin meaning “God is my father.”
Adah
One of the earliest women mentioned in Genesis. Hebrew origin meaning “adornment.”
Athaliah
A queen of Judah. Hebrew origin meaning “Yahweh is exalted.”
Bathsheba
Mother of Solomon. Hebrew origin meaning “daughter of the oath.”
Candace
A queen of Ethiopia mentioned in Acts. Meaning “queen mother.”
Chloe
Mentioned in 1 Corinthians. Greek origin meaning “green shoot” or “blooming.”
Dinah
Daughter of Jacob and Leah. Hebrew origin meaning “judged” or “vindicated.”
Dorcas
Also known as Tabitha, known for charity. Greek origin meaning “gazelle.”
Elisha
A name shared by women in genealogies. Hebrew origin meaning “God is salvation.”
Hagar
Mother of Ishmael. Hebrew origin meaning “flight.”
Huldah
A prophetess consulted by King Josiah. Hebrew origin meaning “weasel” or “mole.”
Junia
Mentioned in Romans; associated with early Christian leadership. Latin origin meaning “youthful.”
Lois
Grandmother of Timothy. Greek origin meaning “more desirable” or “better.”
Martha
Sister of Mary and Lazarus. Aramaic origin meaning “lady” or “mistress.”
Mary Magdalene
Follower of Jesus. Means “from Magdala,” a town near Galilee.
Michal
Daughter of King Saul. Hebrew origin meaning “brook” or “stream.”
Milcah
A woman mentioned in the genealogies of Genesis.
Mira
Listed in genealogical records leading to King David.
Puah
One of the Hebrew midwives who defied Pharaoh. Hebrew origin meaning “splendid.”
Rizpah
A concubine of Saul known for her devotion. Hebrew origin meaning “glowing ember.”
Salome
Associated with Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Hebrew origin meaning “peace.”
Serah
Daughter of Asher. Hebrew origin meaning “abundance.”
Tamar
Multiple women in the Bible bear this name. Hebrew origin meaning “date palm.”
Unique but Traditional Girl Names
These names have classic roots but aren’t as widely used today. They offer timeless charm with a distinct, unexpected twist.
Beatrix
Of Latin origin meaning “voyager” or “she who brings happiness.”
Celeste
Derived from Latin meaning “heavenly” or “celestial.”
Dahlia
A Scandinavian floral name, inspired by the dahlia flower.
Elodie
Of French origin meaning “foreign riches” or “wealthy.”
Flora
From Latin meaning “flower,” also the Roman goddess of spring.
Genevieve
French origin meaning “woman of the race” or “white wave.”
Imogen
A Celtic name meaning “maiden” or “innocent.”
Juniper
A Latin name inspired by the evergreen shrub.
Lavender
An English nature name referring to the fragrant lavender plant.
Magnolia
A Latin name inspired by the magnolia flower.
Ophelia
A Greek name meaning “help” or “aid.”
Rosalind
A Germanic name meaning “gentle horse” or “beautiful rose.”
Seraphina
A Hebrew name meaning “burning one” or “fiery-winged.”
Theodora
A Greek name meaning “gift of God.”
Verity
A Latin name meaning “truth.”
Wren
An English name referring to the small, melodious bird.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traditional Girl Names with Beautiful Meanings
Names like Elizabeth, Katherine, Margaret, Sarah, Anna, and Julia are among the most enduring and widely recognized traditional girl names.
Names such as Mary, Sarah, Hannah, and Esther have been documented for thousands of years and remain in use today.
Traditional names with powerful meanings include Abigail (“joy”), Clara (“bright”), Margaret (“pearl”), Naomi(“pleasantness”), and Victoria (“victory”).
Names like Abigail, Hannah, Leah, Sarah, Ruth, Naomi, and Esther remain consistently popular across generations.
Refined names that still feel classic include Juliana, Genevieve, Anastasia, Clara, Lillian, and Vivienne.
Simple, timeless choices include Anne, Jane, Claire, Mae, Pearl, Tess, and Wren.
More Baby Girl Name Ideas
Whether you love something timeless or slightly unexpected, traditional baby girl names offer beautiful meaning and lasting charm. When you’re ready to explore more ideas, these lists may help.
- Feminine Baby Girl Names
- Best Classic Baby Girl Names
- Best Hebrew Baby Girl Names
- Earthy Baby Girl Names
- Best Four Letter Names For Your Baby
- Long Baby Girl Names
- Baby Girl Names That Mean ‘New Beginning’
- Strong Baby Girl Names & Their Meaning
- Whimsical Baby Girl Names
- Pink-Inspired Names for Your Baby Girl
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
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