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HelpWhat is the most beautiful classic name for girls?
What is the most beautiful classic name for girls, if you had to pick one? Why did you pick it?
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Grace.
Simple, elegant and stunning.
Simple, elegant and stunning.
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Alice
I have to go with Alice because it is elegant without being over-the-top. It is straight to the point, used by royalty, and could work for either a humble or stately character. It is also my grandmother's name, and my No. 1 choice for a daughter.
I have to go with Alice because it is elegant without being over-the-top. It is straight to the point, used by royalty, and could work for either a humble or stately character. It is also my grandmother's name, and my No. 1 choice for a daughter.
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Margaret! :)
I loved it for years before we ever gave it to our daughter. I just love the sound, it's so jewely feeling when you say it. And it's a pretty red, and it fits any kind of person, but it has a very sweet and domestic but strong feeling that I love. And it has tons of nickname options which I think is fun. And lots of good historical namesakes. The list goes on and on. :)
I loved it for years before we ever gave it to our daughter. I just love the sound, it's so jewely feeling when you say it. And it's a pretty red, and it fits any kind of person, but it has a very sweet and domestic but strong feeling that I love. And it has tons of nickname options which I think is fun. And lots of good historical namesakes. The list goes on and on. :)
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There are so many I love, but if I had to pick it'd be Georgiana (George-ee-ah-nuh), if it's not more on the vintage side, because it is an interesting and different name that has a beautful sound an look, as well as literary connections (Georgiana Darcy from Pride and Prejudice), and for me it honours both my grandma (Georgina) and my mum (through her middle name- Ann). Fae was a very close runner up for its stunning beauty (both verbally and visually), and magical quality.
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Julia, Katherine, Josephine or Elizabeth.
I'm not a big fan of Elizabeth, but I think it looks/sounds awesome in pretty much any combo, same goes with Katherine but I like that one more.
Josephine sounds great with a lot of names as well. And Julia is very beautiful, but I don't get the same classic feel from it as I get from mainly Katherine and Elizabeth.
I'm not a big fan of Elizabeth, but I think it looks/sounds awesome in pretty much any combo, same goes with Katherine but I like that one more.
Josephine sounds great with a lot of names as well. And Julia is very beautiful, but I don't get the same classic feel from it as I get from mainly Katherine and Elizabeth.
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Ann / Anne...?
I'm speaking from a purely Anglophone perspective. While I don't know if it's necessarily regarded as a "beautiful" name by a lot of people, it's simplicity and utility have solidified it as a classic for almost a millennium. Although there is still the question: "with or without the 'e'?"
Others have already brought up Catherine / Katherine, Elizabeth, Isabel, Julia, and Maria / Mary.
I'm speaking from a purely Anglophone perspective. While I don't know if it's necessarily regarded as a "beautiful" name by a lot of people, it's simplicity and utility have solidified it as a classic for almost a millennium. Although there is still the question: "with or without the 'e'?"
Others have already brought up Catherine / Katherine, Elizabeth, Isabel, Julia, and Maria / Mary.
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For me, Minnie. It is short but sweet as well. It is also timeless and unique.
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Minnie? Timeless?
I really don't think you can call Minnie timeless. It had its heyday in the late 19th and early 20th century and then it disappeared very quickly.
I really don't think you can call Minnie timeless. It had its heyday in the late 19th and early 20th century and then it disappeared very quickly.
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Agree.
I'm afraid that Minnie does not meet my definition of "classic" as outlined below. A case of it not meeting the criteria regarding frequency of use. Nor is it in any way unique. As a matter of fact, if it were unique, that would bar it from being a classic. To be honest, I'm not on board with the contention that what is and isn't classic is "slippery" and open to interpretation. Words have meanings, and the word "classic" has one. I can't go along with "This name is classic because I like it and I say it is.". This is totally separate from opinions, which are subjective and to which everyone is entitled. A good example of that is your choice of Maria. I heartily dislike the name, but it is a classic.
I'm afraid that Minnie does not meet my definition of "classic" as outlined below. A case of it not meeting the criteria regarding frequency of use. Nor is it in any way unique. As a matter of fact, if it were unique, that would bar it from being a classic. To be honest, I'm not on board with the contention that what is and isn't classic is "slippery" and open to interpretation. Words have meanings, and the word "classic" has one. I can't go along with "This name is classic because I like it and I say it is.". This is totally separate from opinions, which are subjective and to which everyone is entitled. A good example of that is your choice of Maria. I heartily dislike the name, but it is a classic.
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Funnily enough, I named my first daughter Caroline because the name I'd thought I was going to use just didn't look right on her. And I went all through my every name book and ... Caroline worked better than anything else. So, that would be my pick.
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Seraphine
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Myrtle
Of course, what else? ;-)
Of course, what else? ;-)
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Myrtle is nice, but I wouldn't call it a classic. In my opinion, classics are names which have been consistently populat for many many years. Like Elizabeth - Elizabeth was popular in the 1600s, the 1800s, and is still popular now. I don't think Myrtle fits that category.
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Pretty much.
I agree with the other poster who responded that it's one of the most timelessly beautiful names along with Elizabeth.
I agree with the other poster who responded that it's one of the most timelessly beautiful names along with Elizabeth.
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Sylvia
I don't have a specific reason, I just think it's so beautiful and I love the meaning.
I don't have a specific reason, I just think it's so beautiful and I love the meaning.
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I'm going to go with Elizabeth, which I've always loved and thought was beautiful sounding and elegant.
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Theodosia
It's been one of my top faves for ages and ages and it hasn't ranked in the top 1000 since the 1880s/1890s lol Does that count for classic? I think it's a shame it hasn't been more popular because I think it's just so beautiful in a classic, storybook kind of way.
I actually went to look at my top 25 pnl list here and as I was going through them I was like "most of these are classic, in my opinion" lol
Here's my top 25, in order starting with my most absolute fave:
Theodosia (peaked at 547 in 1880, hasn't ranked since 1895)
Lenora (peaked at 181 in 1881, hasn't ranked since 1975)
Mina (peaked at 175 in 1880, didn't rank between 1945-2001, but is rising again!! Was at 753 in 2013)
Gwendolyn (peaked at 112 in 1951 and 1953, and has never not ranked)
Genevieve (peaked at 76 in 1914 and 1916, and has never not ranked)
Charlotte
Freya
Eseld
Georgiana
Edurne
Adela
Lyra
Clara
Petra
Lysandra
Belen
Artemisia
Astrid
Ourania
Ilona
Amelia
Winter
July
Itonia
Deva
It's been one of my top faves for ages and ages and it hasn't ranked in the top 1000 since the 1880s/1890s lol Does that count for classic? I think it's a shame it hasn't been more popular because I think it's just so beautiful in a classic, storybook kind of way.
I actually went to look at my top 25 pnl list here and as I was going through them I was like "most of these are classic, in my opinion" lol
Here's my top 25, in order starting with my most absolute fave:
Theodosia (peaked at 547 in 1880, hasn't ranked since 1895)
Lenora (peaked at 181 in 1881, hasn't ranked since 1975)
Mina (peaked at 175 in 1880, didn't rank between 1945-2001, but is rising again!! Was at 753 in 2013)
Gwendolyn (peaked at 112 in 1951 and 1953, and has never not ranked)
Genevieve (peaked at 76 in 1914 and 1916, and has never not ranked)
Charlotte
Freya
Eseld
Georgiana
Edurne
Adela
Lyra
Clara
Petra
Lysandra
Belen
Artemisia
Astrid
Ourania
Ilona
Amelia
Winter
July
Itonia
Deva
This message was edited 1/22/2015, 5:44 PM
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Elizabeth/Isabel
I guess this is hard to define because what do you mean by "classic". For me, since my first language is English, I think, "What name could I have if I was transported in time to England in the 1500s, or really a lot of Europe?" Unfortunately this leaves out Charlotte, Caroline, and other names I think became more popular later on. Though, I still consider them classics. (Like I said, hard to define.)
I like Elizabeth or Isabel (more popular in some countries). I think Isabel (I know we are more used to Isabelle or Isabella, but this is the version I've seen on some sites. I'd have to check primary sources) is more classically beautiful, while Elizabeth has a regalness to it for obvious reasons.
Same name, different versions, so... I don't have to chose. ;)
I guess this is hard to define because what do you mean by "classic". For me, since my first language is English, I think, "What name could I have if I was transported in time to England in the 1500s, or really a lot of Europe?" Unfortunately this leaves out Charlotte, Caroline, and other names I think became more popular later on. Though, I still consider them classics. (Like I said, hard to define.)
I like Elizabeth or Isabel (more popular in some countries). I think Isabel (I know we are more used to Isabelle or Isabella, but this is the version I've seen on some sites. I'd have to check primary sources) is more classically beautiful, while Elizabeth has a regalness to it for obvious reasons.
Same name, different versions, so... I don't have to chose. ;)
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Lucy. It's always been a fave of mine and I don't know if I could pass up the opportunity of using it, given the chance. That said, it is incredibly popular here in Australia and I do tend to favour names that aren't really popular. It is a gorgeous name though.
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Catherine / Katherine
Catherine (or Katherine) is lovely & strong, elegant & sprited. I just love the sound.
Catherine (or Katherine) is lovely & strong, elegant & sprited. I just love the sound.
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Josephine
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Victoria
Because it's beautiful and classic. LOL. I picked it because while I think there are others just as classic, there are none as beautiful.
Because it's beautiful and classic. LOL. I picked it because while I think there are others just as classic, there are none as beautiful.
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Hah! Is this inspired by the nameberry blog du jour?
I've never got the meaning of 'classic name' because it varies from culture to culture, and what is classic to one generation might not be to the older generations. I dunno. I've just always found it a bit of a slippery word. That said, why the hell not...
Susannah. Or Susanna.
I think it's very pretty, very sensible, and has been used for a good while. I like the sound. And I don't totally love Susanna written down, even though it's the most modern, streamlined, international version... but there's something about Susannah that I really do like. Just that extra 'h' rounds it off.
I also like: Beatrix, Caroline (makes me think of crinoline, and has this dainty, lacy, starched feel to it), Iris, Madeline, Camil...
Damn, no Camille is my favourite. Def.
Anyway... Genevieve, Cecilia, Miriam, Eva, Georgia, Augusta, Nina (!), Marguerite, Lucille, Wilhelmina, Cordelia, Ivy, Vivian, Dorothea, Octavia, Antonia, Leonora, Clementine ... were all in the top 500 in the 1880s, and are around to some degree today, so does that make them classic? They're also great choices!
I've never got the meaning of 'classic name' because it varies from culture to culture, and what is classic to one generation might not be to the older generations. I dunno. I've just always found it a bit of a slippery word. That said, why the hell not...
Susannah. Or Susanna.
I think it's very pretty, very sensible, and has been used for a good while. I like the sound. And I don't totally love Susanna written down, even though it's the most modern, streamlined, international version... but there's something about Susannah that I really do like. Just that extra 'h' rounds it off.
I also like: Beatrix, Caroline (makes me think of crinoline, and has this dainty, lacy, starched feel to it), Iris, Madeline, Camil...
Damn, no Camille is my favourite. Def.
Anyway... Genevieve, Cecilia, Miriam, Eva, Georgia, Augusta, Nina (!), Marguerite, Lucille, Wilhelmina, Cordelia, Ivy, Vivian, Dorothea, Octavia, Antonia, Leonora, Clementine ... were all in the top 500 in the 1880s, and are around to some degree today, so does that make them classic? They're also great choices!
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Ha, no it wasn't inspired by nameberry but now I'm going to read today's blog. Usually I avoid it because their writing style dances on my nerves.
I asked the "classic" question partly so that I could get a sense of each person's definition of classic, because, as you said, it's so "slippery" :)
I asked the "classic" question partly so that I could get a sense of each person's definition of classic, because, as you said, it's so "slippery" :)
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Ha! Ah, the world is full of coincidences like that :)
I must say, the nameberry blog post wasn't particularly enlightening.
I must say, the nameberry blog post wasn't particularly enlightening.
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Since I didn"t give a definition of what I think classic means in my initial response I will do so now. To me, classic is old, has a sound etymology, and has seen frequent use. I do see some names here designated as classics by users which I disagree are classics. The most common reason for my disagreement is that I don"t think the name has seen frequent enough use. I believe that Victoria meets all of those criteria, which is why it was my answer. If I'd given my daughter a name that doesn't, it would not have been my answer simply because it's the name of my daughter.
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Camille is lovely!
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It really is!
I'm not sure why I have such an attachment to it, but it's one of my huge list of names that not only do I like but that I'd realistically consider using in real life if I were ever to have a daughter.
I'm not sure why I have such an attachment to it, but it's one of my huge list of names that not only do I like but that I'd realistically consider using in real life if I were ever to have a daughter.
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My mother's middle name was Camille and she hated it and was embarrassed by it. So much so that I remember that she scolded my sister for including it on her application for a Social Security card. My sister pointed out that she had had to do so because the form specifically had asked for "mother's full name at her birth". That meant no substituting her maiden name for Camille, which is what my mother usually did. But that was Mom, a devotee of mid-twentieth-century popular names. No thinking outside the box.
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Aw, that's a shame. I love Camille. It's feminine and pretty without being OTT, girly or daft. I can't see much embarassing about it.
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Wasn't there a book called "Camille"?
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It was a novel by Alexander Dumas, "La Dame aux camelias", published in 1848. This actually translates to "The Lady of the Camellias", but it became known in the English-speaking world as "Camille". It was made into a play in 1852. There was a movie version "Camille" starring Greta Garbo and released in 1936. Contrary to what might be logically assumed, the main character's name is not Camille. It's Marguerite. She is known as the Lady of the Camellias because she is a woman who is kept by various lovers and she wears a white camellia when she is available to them and a red one when she is not.
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Jane.
Understated, elegant, with a tiny hint of a spark. It's tried and true.
Understated, elegant, with a tiny hint of a spark. It's tried and true.
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Grace.
Its an iconic name that is graceful and elegant and never goes out of style.
Its an iconic name that is graceful and elegant and never goes out of style.
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My ear is in love with Sophia, pronounced "so-FIE-uh", and I love the meaning as well.
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Maria
It's completely feminine, completely timeless, completely egalitarian, and can be pictured on a woman of just about any ethnicity or background. And there is no heavy nickname baggage attached to it.
It's completely feminine, completely timeless, completely egalitarian, and can be pictured on a woman of just about any ethnicity or background. And there is no heavy nickname baggage attached to it.
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LOL, all I can think of when I hear Maria is a really dark, middle-aged, overweight, heavily mustached woman.
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I'm gonna go with Charlotte. I think it's classic, strong, and feminine without being overly frilly. It's not as dowdy as some of the other classic names I like (Eleanor, Edith. My gut reaction is to choose Eleanor but I think alone it can be frumpy). I think Charlotte sounds good with a lot of middle names and has a lot nickname potential.
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