1920s Girl Names – Making a Comeback

What if I told you the secret to finding the perfect baby name was hiding in your great-grandmother’s photo album?

Last summer, I discovered a yellowed birth certificate tucked inside my grandmother’s jewelry box—Dorothy Elizabeth, born 1923. The elegant script and timeless name sparked something in me.

Here was a generation of women who danced the Charleston, fought for voting rights, and wore names as bold as their red lipstick. Trust me, there’s something magical about names that have weathered a century and emerged even more beautiful.

Whether you’re expecting a little one, crafting a Jazz Age character, or simply obsessed with vintage aesthetics, these 300+ authentic 1920s girl names capture the glamour, rebellion, and sophistication of the Roaring Twenties.

And here’s the thing—they’re not just making a comeback, they’re leading the vintage name revolution.

Classic Flapper Names: The Original Trendsetters

These are the names that defined the era’s glamorous rebellion. I absolutely love how each one tells a story of elegance meeting independence.

• Dorothy – Greek origin meaning “gift of God”; the #2 name in 1920s America, worn by flapper icons and movie stars alike
• Helen – Greek meaning “bright, shining light”; a timeless beauty that graced Hollywood’s first leading ladies
• Betty – Diminutive of Elizabeth meaning “God is my oath”; the quintessential Jazz Age nickname-turned-formal name
• Ruth – Hebrew meaning “compassionate friend”; biblical roots met modern sass in this 1920s favorite
• Virginia – Latin meaning “pure, virginal”; Southern belle elegance with Northern sophistication
• Margaret – Greek meaning “pearl”; often shortened to Peggy or Maggie by flapper friends
• Frances – Latin meaning “from France”; sophisticated Continental flair for American babies
• Doris – Greek meaning “gift” or “Dorian woman”; silver screen glamour in every syllable
• Mildred – English meaning “gentle strength”; Victorian holdover that flourished in the ’20s
• Alice – German meaning “noble”; down the rabbit hole and into speakeasy culture
• Anna – Hebrew meaning “grace”; simple sophistication that crossed all social classes
• Marie – French form of Mary meaning “beloved”; Continental elegance for American flappers
• Florence – Latin meaning “flourishing, prosperous”; named for the Italian Renaissance city
• Evelyn – English meaning “desired”; soft sounds with strong character
• Martha – Aramaic meaning “lady, mistress”; biblical strength with modern appeal
• Catherine – Greek meaning “pure”; endless nickname potential from Kate to Kitty
• Elizabeth – Hebrew meaning “God is my oath”; the ultimate classic with Jazz Age versatility
• Edith – English meaning “prosperous in war”; literary sophistication meets flapper spirit
• Sarah – Hebrew meaning “princess”; timeless dignity in just two syllables
• Louise – French meaning “renowned warrior”; Continental charm with hidden strength
• Rose – Latin flower name; simple, elegant, utterly romantic
• Lillian – Latin meaning “lily”; delicate beauty with Hollywood connections
• Mary – Hebrew meaning “beloved”; the #1 name that transcended all eras
• Annie – Diminutive of Anna meaning “grace”; Broadway charm and speakeasy sass
• Grace – Latin meaning “grace, blessing”; virtue name that felt modern in the ’20s
• Ethel – English meaning “noble”; sophisticated society name
• Emma – German meaning “universal”; surprising 1920s favorite now back on top
• Clara – Latin meaning “bright, clear”; “It Girl” Clara Bow’s influence
• Bertha – German meaning “bright, glorious”; strong Germanic heritage
• Minnie – Diminutive of Wilhelmina meaning “resolute protection”; playful flapper energy
• Josephine – French meaning “God will increase”; Parisian glamour for American babies
• Gertrude – German meaning “spear of strength”; powerful name with surprising sass
• Hazel – English nature name; vintage gem ready for major comeback
• Ida – German meaning “industrious”; short, punchy, utterly 1920s
• Bessie – Diminutive of Elizabeth; down-to-earth charm with blues music soul
• Pearl – Latin gemstone name; Gilded Age glamour meets flapper sophistication
• Ella – German/English meaning “fairy maiden”; sweet sounds with strong character
• Pauline – Latin meaning “small, humble”; sophisticated ‘-ine’ ending so popular in the ’20s
• Katherine – Greek meaning “pure”; classic spelling with vintage appeal
• Beatrice – Latin meaning “she who brings happiness”; literary and lovely
• Stella – Latin meaning “star”; celestial beauty with Tennessee Williams flair
• Laura – Latin meaning “laurel”; nature elegance that never fades
• Irene – Greek meaning “peace”; soft sophistication with Greek goddess roots
• Gladys – Welsh meaning “ruler”; surprisingly sophisticated when heard fresh
• Violet – Latin flower name; delicate beauty with rebellious Victorian roots
• Julia – Latin meaning “youthful”; classic Roman elegance
• Alma – Latin meaning “nourishing, soul”; short, sweet, spiritually rich
• Agnes – Greek meaning “pure, holy”; vintage charm waiting for rediscovery
• Vera – Russian meaning “faith”; Continental mystery in four letters
• Maxine – Latin meaning “greatest”; powerful ‘-ine’ ending with maximum impact

Discover more timeless options in our biblical girl names collection.

Literary & Artistic Names: The Creative Set

These names carry the creative spirit of the Roaring Twenties—poets, writers, and artists who changed culture forever.

• Zelda – Yiddish meaning “blessed”; made iconic by Zelda Fitzgerald, the quintessential flapper wife
• Edna – Hebrew meaning “rejuvenation”; popularized by poet Edna St. Vincent Millay
• Willa – German meaning “resolute protection”; literary grace from Willa Cather
• Sylvia – Latin meaning “from the forest”; poetic nature name
• Georgia – Greek meaning “farmer”; artistic flair with Southern charm
• Daphne – Greek meaning “laurel tree”; mythological beauty
• Iris – Greek meaning “rainbow”; artistic and botanical
• Cora – Greek meaning “maiden”; simple elegance with literary roots
• Nora – Irish meaning “light”; sleek sophistication
• Elsie – Scottish diminutive of Elizabeth; artistic nickname charm
• Cecilia – Latin meaning “blind”; musical patron saint’s grace
• Rosalind – Germanic meaning “gentle horse”; Shakespearean elegance
• Imogen – Celtic meaning “maiden”; literary rarity
• Winifred – Welsh meaning “blessed peacemaking”; artistic vintage charm
• Harriet – French meaning “estate ruler”; literary strength
• Constance – Latin meaning “steadfast”; elegant virtue name
• Beatrix – Latin meaning “she who brings happiness”; artistic sophistication
• Adelaide – German meaning “noble natured”; elegant Continental flair
• Cordelia – Celtic/Latin meaning “heart, daughter of the sea”; Shakespearean beauty
• Lenore – Greek meaning “light”; poetic melancholy beauty
• Margot – French diminutive of Margaret; artistic Parisian charm
• Colette – French meaning “people of victory”; literary French elegance
• Fern – English nature name; botanical artistic simplicity
• Mavis – French meaning “songbird”; musical vintage charm
• Opal – Sanskrit gemstone name; artistic Gilded Age glamour
• Eugenia – Greek meaning “wellborn”; refined artistic elegance
• Adeline – German meaning “noble”; sweet vintage revival
• Sybil – Greek meaning “prophetess”; mystical literary appeal
• Prudence – Latin virtue name meaning “caution”; understated elegance
• Clementine – Latin meaning “mild, merciful”; sweet vintage charm
• Agatha – Greek meaning “good”; mystery writer sophistication
• Gwendolyn – Welsh meaning “white ring”; Celtic literary beauty
• Theodora – Greek meaning “gift of God”; powerful feminine elegance
• Matilda – German meaning “battle-mighty”; literary strength
• Penelope – Greek meaning “weaver”; mythological literary charm
• Miriam – Hebrew meaning “wished-for child”; biblical artistic grace
• Cecily – Latin meaning “blind”; elegant variation
• Esther – Persian meaning “star”; biblical literary beauty
• Lydia – Greek meaning “from Lydia”; biblical artistic elegance
• Phoebe – Greek meaning “bright, pure”; mythological literary charm
• Tabitha – Aramaic meaning “gazelle”; biblical vintage appeal
• Rosemary – Latin meaning “dew of the sea”; herbal literary elegance
• Millicent – German meaning “strong in work”; vintage sophistication
• Lucille – French meaning “light”; musical comedic glamour
• Marcella – Latin meaning “warlike”; strong literary elegance
• Blanche – French meaning “white”; Southern literary drama
• Dorothea – Greek meaning “gift of God”; elaborate Dorothy variation
• Genevieve – French meaning “woman of the race”; Continental literary charm
• Louisa – German meaning “renowned warrior”; literary classic
• Wilhelmina – German meaning “resolute protection”; strong vintage elegance

Find more creative inspiration in our flower names for girls guide.

Hollywood Golden Age Names: Silver Screen Sirens

The 1920s birthed Hollywood, and these names carry that silver screen magic. Trust me, every one of these names could headline a marquee.

• Clara – Latin meaning “bright, clear”; Clara Bow, the original “It Girl”
• Greta – German meaning “pearl”; pre-Garbo glamour waiting for stardom
• Lillian – Latin meaning “lily”; Lillian Gish, silent film’s first lady
• Mary – Hebrew meaning “beloved”; Mary Pickford, America’s sweetheart
• Gloria – Latin meaning “glory”; Gloria Swanson’s dramatic flair
• Joan – Hebrew meaning “God is gracious”; future Hollywood legend name
• Jean – French form of Jane meaning “God is gracious”; sleek sophistication
• Mae – English meaning “pearl”; Mae West’s future sultry appeal
• Myrna – Irish meaning “beloved”; Hollywood’s sophisticated lady
• Norma – Latin meaning “from the north”; Norma Talmadge’s influence
• Olive – Latin nature name; Olive Thomas’s tragic beauty
• Marion – French diminutive of Mary; Marion Davies’s charm
• Pola – Polish meaning “poppy”; Pola Negri’s exotic allure
• Theda – Greek meaning “gift of God”; Theda Bara’s vamp appeal
• Lila – Arabic/Hebrew meaning “night”; starlet sophistication
• Carole – French meaning “free man”; future Lombard elegance
• Mabel – Latin meaning “lovable”; Mabel Normand’s comedic charm
• Constance – Latin meaning “steadfast”; Constance Talmadge’s grace
• Dolores – Spanish meaning “sorrows”; dramatic silver screen beauty
• Alma – Latin meaning “soul”; mystical Hollywood appeal
• Anita – Spanish diminutive of Anna; Anita Stewart’s stardom
• Corinne – Greek meaning “maiden”; Hollywood sophistication
• Diana – Latin meaning “divine”; goddess-level glamour
• Estelle – Latin meaning “star”; celestial Hollywood beauty
• Loretta – Italian diminutive of Laura; future Hollywood royalty
• Marian – Hebrew meaning “wished-for child”; elegant variation
• Paulette – French diminutive of Paula; Parisian Hollywood charm
• Natalie – Latin meaning “Christmas day”; timeless starlet appeal
• Rita – Spanish diminutive of Margarita; future Hayworth glamour
• Tallulah – Native American meaning “leaping water”; Tallulah Bankhead’s drama
• Vivian – Latin meaning “alive”; vivacious Hollywood spirit
• Barbara – Greek meaning “foreign”; future Stanwyck sophistication
• Billie – English meaning “resolute protection”; tomboy Hollywood charm
• Claudette – French diminutive of Claudia; Claudette Colbert’s future fame
• Dolly – Diminutive of Dorothy; playful starlet charm
• Fay – French meaning “fairy”; Fay Wray’s ethereal beauty
• Ginger – English spice name; future Rogers elegance
• Harlow – English surname meaning “rock hill”; future Jean Harlow glamour
• Hedy – Greek meaning “sweet”; future Lamarr sophistication
• Ingrid – Scandinavian meaning “beautiful”; Nordic Hollywood appeal
• Jane – English meaning “God is gracious”; simple starlet elegance
• Kay – English meaning “rejoice”; sleek Hollywood simplicity
• Lauren – Latin meaning “laurel”; sophisticated starlet quality
• Marlene – German meaning “star of the sea”; Dietrich’s future mystique
• Maureen – Irish meaning “bitter”; Celtic Hollywood beauty
• Miriam – Hebrew meaning “wished-for child”; biblical starlet grace
• Nancy – Hebrew meaning “grace”; girl-next-door Hollywood charm
• Olivia – Latin meaning “olive tree”; de Havilland’s future elegance
• Patricia – Latin meaning “noble”; sophisticated ’20s foundation
• Rosalind – Germanic meaning “gentle horse”; Russell’s future wit

Browse more classic options in our classic girl names collection.

Jazz & Music-Inspired Names: The Rhythm Section

The soundtrack of the 1920s deserves its own name collection. These names swing with musical history and cultural revolution.

• Bessie – Diminutive of Elizabeth; Bessie Smith, Empress of the Blues
• Ella – German/English meaning “fairy maiden”; future jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald
• Billie – English meaning “resolute protection”; jazz and blues spirit
• Mamie – Diminutive of Mary; Mamie Smith’s groundbreaking influence
• Ethel – English meaning “noble”; Ethel Waters, jazz pioneer
• Josephine – French meaning “God will increase”; Josephine Baker’s Parisian jazz
• Adelaide – German meaning “noble”; jazz-age sophistication
• Dinah – Hebrew meaning “judged”; blues queen appeal
• Alberta – German meaning “noble, bright”; blues heritage
• Lavinia – Latin meaning “purity”; melodic elegance
• Lucinda – Latin meaning “light”; rhythmic sophistication
• Magnolia – Latin flower name; Southern jazz beauty
• Ramona – Spanish meaning “wise protector”; musical romance
• Clarissa – Latin meaning “bright, clear”; musical clarity
• Cordelia – Celtic meaning “heart”; melodic literary charm
• Delphine – Greek meaning “dolphin”; French jazz elegance
• Eloise – French meaning “healthy”; rhythmic sophistication
• Francine – French meaning “from France”; Continental jazz appeal
• Harriet – French meaning “estate ruler”; jazz-era strength
• Isadora – Greek meaning “gift of Isis”; Duncan’s revolutionary dance
• Jacqueline – French meaning “supplanter”; jazz-age elegance
• Laverne – French meaning “alder tree”; rhythmic vintage charm
• Lucinda – Latin meaning “light”; melodic beauty
• Madeline – French meaning “from Magdala”; musical sophistication
• Nadine – French meaning “hope”; jazz-age optimism
• Octavia – Latin meaning “eighth”; musical sophistication
• Ramona – Spanish meaning “wise protector”; romantic jazz appeal
• Sabina – Latin meaning “Sabine woman”; exotic musical charm
• Theodora – Greek meaning “gift of God”; powerful jazz elegance
• Valencia – Spanish place name; exotic musical beauty
• Winona – Native American meaning “firstborn daughter”; rhythmic appeal
• Yvette – French meaning “yew”; Continental jazz charm
• Zora – Slavic meaning “dawn”; Zora Neale Hurston’s creative rhythm
• Celestine – Latin meaning “heavenly”; melodic elegance
• Delilah – Hebrew meaning “delicate”; sultry musical appeal
• Ernestine – German meaning “serious”; jazz-era sophistication
• Felicity – Latin meaning “happiness”; joyful musical spirit
• Henrietta – German meaning “estate ruler”; refined jazz appeal
• Jeanette – French diminutive of Jean; musical French charm
• Lorraine – French place name; Continental jazz sophistication

Explore more musical inspiration with music dog names for pet lovers.

Sophisticated Society Names: High Society Elegance

These names graced country clubs, debutante balls, and society pages. I get it—they might sound formal, but that’s exactly their charm.

• Constance – Latin meaning “steadfast”; old money elegance
• Beatrice – Latin meaning “she who brings happiness”; society staple
• Vivian – Latin meaning “alive”; cocktail party sophistication
• Rosalind – Germanic meaning “gentle horse”; country club charm
• Genevieve – French meaning “woman of the race”; Continental society appeal
• Millicent – German meaning “strong in work”; refined elegance
• Priscilla – Latin meaning “ancient”; Mayflower society credentials
• Eugenia – Greek meaning “wellborn”; naturally aristocratic
• Philippa – Greek meaning “lover of horses”; equestrian elegance
• Prudence – Latin virtue name; refined sophistication
• Gwyneth – Welsh meaning “blessed”; Celtic society charm
• Arabella – Latin meaning “yielding to prayer”; elaborate elegance
• Lavinia – Latin meaning “purity”; Roman society sophistication
• Octavia – Latin meaning “eighth”; patrician elegance
• Cornelia – Latin meaning “horn”; Roman aristocratic appeal
• Drusilla – Latin meaning “fruitful”; ancient Roman society
• Elspeth – Scottish form of Elizabeth; Highland society charm
• Fenella – Irish meaning “white shouldered”; Celtic aristocracy
• Georgiana – English meaning “farmer”; elaborate Georgian elegance
• Hermione – Greek meaning “messenger”; mythological society appeal
• Imogene – Latin meaning “maiden”; literary society charm
• Jessamine – Persian meaning “jasmine flower”; botanical elegance
• Katarina – Greek meaning “pure”; Continental society spelling
• Leonora – Greek meaning “light”; operatic society elegance
• Marguerite – French meaning “pearl”; Parisian society charm
• Nicolette – French meaning “victory of the people”; diminutive elegance
• Ophelia – Greek meaning “help”; Shakespearean society tragedy
• Perpetua – Latin meaning “perpetual”; rare virtue sophistication
• Quintessa – Latin meaning “fifth”; aristocratic rarity
• Rowena – Germanic meaning “fame and happiness”; medieval society revival
• Seraphina – Hebrew meaning “fiery”; angelic aristocracy
• Thomasina – Aramaic meaning “twin”; feminine society elegance
• Ursula – Latin meaning “little bear”; saintly society appeal
• Venetia – Latin place name; Italian society sophistication
• Wilhelmina – German meaning “resolute protection”; royal elegance
• Xanthe – Greek meaning “golden”; rare society gem
• Yolanda – Spanish meaning “violet”; exotic society charm
• Zenobia – Greek meaning “life of Zeus”; ancient queen elegance
• Arabella – Latin meaning “yielding to prayer”; romantic society appeal
• Cordelia – Celtic meaning “heart”; Shakespearean society beauty
• Dorothea – Greek meaning “gift of God”; elaborate society charm
• Emmeline – German meaning “work”; suffragette society strength
• Frederica – German meaning “peaceful ruler”; masculine-feminine balance
• Guinevere – Welsh meaning “white phantom”; Arthurian society romance
• Hyacinth – Greek flower name; botanical society rarity
• Isidora – Greek meaning “gift of Isis”; exotic society appeal
• Jessamy – English meaning “jasmine”; botanical society variation
• Keziah – Hebrew meaning “cassia tree”; biblical society rarity
• Lavender – English flower name; botanical society sophistication
• Magdalene – Hebrew meaning “from Magdala”; biblical society elegance

Discover more elegant options in our elegant girl names guide.

Nickname Names That Became Official: The Informal Revolution

Here’s what I love most: the 1920s made nicknames legitimate. Betty wasn’t short for Elizabeth anymore—it WAS the name.

• Peggy – From Margaret; flapper’s favorite casual moniker
• Daisy – From Margaret (via Marguerite); fresh, fun, utterly ’20s
• Kitty – From Katherine; playful Jazz Age spirit
• Millie – From Mildred or Millicent; sweet with a kick
• Elsie – From Elizabeth; vintage charm in two syllables
• Sadie – From Sarah; sassy diminutive with full name power
• Hattie – From Harriet; old-fashioned cool
• Maggie – From Margaret; Irish charm goes mainstream
• Nellie – From Helen or Eleanor; Victorian holdover with spunk
• Josie – From Josephine; casual Continental flair
• Rosie – From Rose; cheerful botanical charm
• Winnie – From Winifred; playful vintage appeal
• Lettie – From Letitia; rare nickname-name gem
• Mamie – From Mary; presidential vintage charm
• Goldie – From Marigold; sparkling nickname appeal
• Tillie – From Matilda; German charm simplified
• Lottie – From Charlotte; Victorian revival
• Biddy – From Bridget; Irish nickname charm
• Polly – From Mary; surprising nickname transformation
• Sally – From Sarah; eternally cheerful
• Molly – From Mary; Irish-American favorite
• Dolly – From Dorothy; playful vintage spirit
• Minnie – From Wilhelmina; Disney charm predates the mouse
• Fannie – From Frances; vintage simplification
• Birdie – From Bertha; nature nickname charm
• Effie – From Euphemia; Greek simplification
• Hallie – From Harriet; Southern nickname appeal
• Livie – From Olivia; modern sound, vintage roots
• Tessie – From Theresa; Irish-American charm
• Dottie – From Dorothy; perfectly ’20s diminutive
• Ettie – From Henrietta; rare vintage gem
• Florrie – From Florence; botanical nickname
• Georgie – From Georgia; tomboyish charm
• Hettie – From Henrietta; Dutch vintage appeal
• Jennie – From Jane or Jean; simplified elegance
• Lena – From Helena or Magdalena; streamlined beauty
• Lettie – From Violet or Scarlett; creative nickname
• Maisie – From Margaret; Scottish vintage charm
• Nettie – From Antoinette; French simplification
• Retta – From Loretta; casual Hollywood appeal

Find more nickname inspiration in our girl baby names with cute nicknames collection.

Rare & Forgotten Gems: Hidden Treasures Ready for Revival

Can we talk about these underused beauties? They’re criminally overlooked and absolutely ready for comeback.

• Mabel – Latin meaning “lovable”; top 20 in 1920, virtually unused today
• Hazel – English nature name; due for major comeback
• Opal – Sanskrit gemstone name; Gilded Age glamour
• Gladys – Welsh meaning “ruler”; surprisingly sophisticated fresh
• Bernice – Greek meaning “bringer of victory”; ready for revival
• Beryl – Greek gemstone name; vintage botanical charm
• Enid – Welsh meaning “soul, life”; Arthurian vintage appeal
• Hilda – German meaning “battle woman”; strong vintage warrior
• Inez – Spanish meaning “pure”; exotic vintage elegance
• Leona – Latin meaning “lion”; fierce feminine vintage
• Lois – Greek meaning “superior”; biblical vintage simplicity
• Myrtle – Greek meaning “myrtle tree”; botanical vintage charm
• Ora – Latin meaning “prayer”; simple vintage spirituality
• Rhoda – Greek meaning “rose”; biblical botanical beauty
• Selma – German meaning “godly helmet”; strong vintage appeal
• Thelma – Greek meaning “will, volition”; literary invention charm
• Velma – German origin; mysterious vintage appeal
• Verna – Latin meaning “spring”; seasonal vintage beauty
• Wanda – Slavic meaning “shepherdess”; exotic vintage charm
• Zella – Hebrew meaning “shadow”; mysterious vintage rarity

Explore more hidden gems in our forgotten baby girl names collection.

The Roaring Twenties Naming Revolution

Picture this: It’s 1925, and American women have just won the right to vote. Hemlines are rising, jazz is playing, and baby names are getting a makeover too. The 1920s girl names we’re about to explore weren’t just pretty—they represented a seismic cultural shift.

According to Social Security Administration data, vintage names from the 1920s have seen a 43% increase in usage since 2020, with names like Dorothy, Ruth, and Eleanor leading the comeback. This isn’t coincidental—it’s the “100-year rule” in action. Names popular a century ago often resurface, making 1920s names perfectly positioned for 2025 babies.

Here’s what makes this era special: The 1920s marked the first decade where women’s liberation influenced naming choices. Parents moved away from Victorian formality toward shorter, bolder names that reflected newfound freedom. Can we talk about how revolutionary that was? For the first time, names weren’t just about tradition—they were about identity.

1920s Naming Trends	Victorian Era (1890s)	Jazz Age (1920s)	Modern Revival (2025)
Average name length	8-9 letters	6-7 letters	5-6 letters
Nickname usage	Formal only	Nicknames popular	Nicknames as given names
Family naming	75% named after relatives	40% named after relatives	25% named after relatives
Top influence	Religious texts	Hollywood & literature	Vintage revival & celebrities

Explore more vintage charm with these vintage girl names that span multiple eras.

Practical Tips for Choosing Your Perfect 1920s-Inspired Name

Alright, you’ve seen 300+ gorgeous options—now what? Here’s how to narrow down your choice without losing your mind.

1. Test the Speakeasy Rule

Would your chosen name sound natural when called across a dimly lit jazz club? Dorothy, Helen, and Frances pass with flying colors. Picture your grandmother calling it—if it feels right, it probably is.

2. Consider Nickname Potential

1920s families loved giving formal names with casual nicknames. Elizabeth becomes Betty, Margaret transforms into Peggy, and Dorothy shortens to Dottie. You’re essentially getting two names in one—built-in versatility for different life stages.

3. Check the 100-Year Cycle

Names exactly 100 years old feel fresh again. A 1925 name feels newer than a 1995 name in 2025. Trust me, this timing is perfect for vintage revival.

4. Balance Vintage with Wearability

While Mabel and Gladys are authentic, some names transition to modern ears more easily. Hazel or Alice offer easier contemporary integration. Your great-great-aunt Mildred might have been onto something, but consider your child’s lived experience.

5. Research Family Connections

Many families have 1920s ancestors waiting to be honored. Dig through old photo albums and birth certificates—you might find the perfect name already in your family tree.

6. Pair Wisely with Surnames

Short, snappy 1920s names (Ruth, Mae, Rose) work beautifully with longer surnames. Longer names (Elizabeth, Catherine, Genevieve) balance shorter last names. Say the full name aloud twenty times—seriously, do it.

Name Length	Best Surname Match	Example	Vibe
Short (4-5 letters)	Long surnames (8+ letters)	Ruth Montgomery	Balanced elegance
Medium (6-7 letters)	Any length works	Dorothy Chen	Versatile classic
Long (8+ letters)	Short surnames (1-2 syllables)	Wilhelmina West	Memorable contrast
Nickname-names	Traditional surnames	Daisy Johnson	Approachable charm

Why These Names Work

Here’s the thing about vintage 1920s girl names—they’re not just nostalgic, they’re practical. In a world of Aidens and Braelynns, a Dorothy stands out without being weird. She’s got history, nickname options, and a name that works from playground to boardroom.

The 1920s gave us the first generation where only 40% of babies shared names with grandparents, down from 75% in 1900. These parents were pioneers of individual naming—and we’re following their lead a century later.

Fun fact: The average 1920s baby girl received 2-3 names (first, middle, possibly second middle), compared to Victorian babies who often carried 4-5 names. The trend toward simplicity began in this era, making these names feel surprisingly modern.

The Verdict: Your Great-Grandmother Had Excellent Taste

After exploring these 300+ glamorous 1920s girl names, I’m convinced our great-grandmothers were onto something special. These names embody confidence, elegance, and a rebellious spirit that resonates powerfully in 2025.

From Hollywood glamour (Clara, Greta) to literary sophistication (Zelda, Edna), from jazz-infused rhythm (Bessie, Ella) to society elegance (Constance, Beatrice)—there’s something here for every family seeking vintage charm with modern appeal.

Which 1920s name speaks to you? Whether you’re drawn to Dorothy’s timeless elegance, Zelda’s artistic flair, or Hazel’s nature-inspired beauty, trust your instincts. Your great-grandmother would absolutely approve.

The best vintage names aren’t about recreating the past—they’re about bringing its finest qualities forward into your child’s future. And honestly? That’s exactly what the women of the 1920s would have wanted.