**”Bringing Back Granny-Core: 75 Retro Baby Names Making a Comeback”**
Verified by Sarah ScottParents/Getty Images
Some baby names operate like trends in fashion: they cycle in and out, always making a return. Timeless, vintage names such as Charlotte and Eleanor, for instance, have seen a resurgence in recent times. However, there are more older names deserving of a revival! There’s an undeniable charm—and sophistication—in giving your baby a name that was once popular and may be associated with grandmothers.
To uncover the top granny names for your baby, we delved into the naming trends prevalent in the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s. While some of these names remain popular today, many have faded over the years, making your baby’s name truly unique.
Whether you seek a graceful, unforgettable name reminiscent of the 1930s (like Phyllis or Arlene), or you prefer a vintage option that can be adapted to a more modern form, this collection of granny-core baby names, which includes gender-neutral choices, has something for everyone.
While many baby names are traditionally categorized by gender, Parents believes that gender should not dictate name selection. It’s crucial to pick a name that resonates with you and suits your child best.
Granny-Core Girl Names
Ruth
Meaning: Compassionate friend
Origin: Hebrew
Alternate Spellings & Variations: Ruthie
Gertrude
Meaning: Strong spear
Origin: German
Alternate Spellings & Variations: Gertrud
Enid
Meaning: Life, spirit
Origin: Welsh
Alternate Spellings & Variations: Enide
Florence
Meaning: Flourishing, prosperous
Origin: Latin
Alternate Spellings & Variations: Florian, Flora
Edna
Meaning: Delight, rejuvenation
Origin: Hebrew
Alternate Spellings & Variations: Ednah
Cheryl
Meaning: Darling, beloved
Origin: French
Alternate Spellings & Variations: Sheryl
Agatha
Meaning: Good, noble
Origin: Greek
Alternate Spellings & Variations: Agata
Ingrid
Meaning: Fair
Origin: Scandinavian
Alternate Spellings & Variations: Inga
Sylvia
Meaning: Forest
Origin: Latin
Alternate Spellings & Variations: Silvia, Sylvie
Linda
Meaning: Pretty
Origin: Spanish, Portuguese
Alternate Spellings & Variations: Lynda, Lindsey, Lindsay
More Granny-Core Names for Baby Girls
Blanche: A must-have on any list of granny-core names, inspired by the Golden Girls.
Edith: This vintage name signifies “prosperity” and “wealth.”
Cynthia: Originating from a Greek myth.
Eunice: Another ancient Greek name, with Eunice being the sea-nymph daughter of Nereus and Doris in
Eek Name: Meaning “well-born.”
Mildred: Can be shortened to cute nicknames like Millie or Milly.
Helen: A powerful and beautiful name, inspired by Helen of Troy.
Louisa: A classic name with origins in Louis and popularized by Louisa May Alcott.
Georgiana: A regal feminine version of George dating back to the 1700s.
Sally: Meaning “princess” in Hebrew, a perfect name for your beloved child.
Eleanor: With nicknames like Ellie, Nora, or Nell, this name is timeless.
Marilyn: Popularized by iconic actress Marilyn Monroe.
Vivian: An old-fashioned yet lively name.
Carolyn: An elegant variation of the name Caroline.
Diana: A mythical and regal name with a timeless touch.
Ida: Refers to Mount Ida, the birthplace of Zeus.
Matilda: Means “mighty in battle” in German.
Arlene: A pretty name that peaked in the 1930s.
Sybil: A unique, old-timey name meaning “prophetess.”
Geraldine: A chic and old-fashioned feminine form of Gerald.
Gloria: Meaning “glory” in Latin.
Phyllis: Peaked in popularity in the 1930s.
Marjorie: A name that Swifties will appreciate.
Esther: A cute and classic name with roots in the Bible.
Hester: A variant on Esther, meaning “star.”
Mae: Resurging in popularity slowly but steadily.
Irene: Beautiful and delicate, popular in the 1910s.
Rosemary: A beautiful name that can also be shortened to Rose or Rosy.
Millicent: Glamorous and attention-grabbing vintage name.
Nancy: A classic name that peaked in the 1940s.
Mabel: Latin origins meaning “lovable.”
Maude: A chic name with French and German origins.
Lucille: Popularized by Lucille Ball, a pretty French name.
Judith: Hebrew name with nicknames Judy or Jude.
Barbara: This classic name peaked in the 1930s and 1940s.
Bernadette: An elegant and timeless French name.
Astrid: Classic Norse name meaning “divinely beautiful.”
Joan: Variants include Joanna, Joanne, and Johanna.
Margaret: Greek name with many nickname options.
Lillian: A formal alternative to Lily.
Winifred: Classic Welsh name that is unique.
Gender-Neutral Granny-Core Names:
Francis: Meaning “free man” with Latin origins.
Lou: Meaning “famous warrior” from French.
Shirley: Meaning “bright meadow” from British.
Cecil: Meaning “sixth” with Welsh and Latin origins.
Dorian: Meaning “from Doris, stranger” from Greek.
Leland: Meaning “meadow land, night
Keywords & Variations: Marian
Please refer to the original Parents article for more information.
