If you're hoping to chose an original name for your baby girl, why not go a bit retro and look at some beautiful old-school names? A perfect source of inspiration could be your own family. What I mean is that you can look at the names of your great-grandmothers or your great-aunts, for example, and you'll be surprised at some of the gems you'll find going back in the timeline of your own familiares. The name will be beautiful, unique, and–most importantly–rooted in your own family history. What could be more significant than that?
More from MamásLatinas: 40 Baby names inspired by your favorite telenovela characters
Maybe you're one of the many people who don't have this info. Or perhaps you don't find inspiration in any of those names. Well, don't despair. We've put together a well-researched and investigated list of 40 old-school names that we really like. We're pretty sure you'll find at least one name you do too.
Interestingly enough, several of these names belong to some long-gone members of my family and it's been fun to see when their names were popular and the meaning behind them. Actually, it brings a lot of perspective when you look at the past of your family. It brings people that maybe you have no connection with closer to now. And it continues a legacy in a way that is beautiful and forward-looking.
Have fun choosing!
Altagracia
The literal meaning of this name is "high grace" and it's also the name of the patron saint of the Dominican Republic.
Anastasia
Cinderella's evil stepsister may come to mind when you hear this name, but it's actually a beautiful name that means resurrection.
Antonia
This is the feminine form of Antonio, or Anthony, and it was my paternal grandmother's name. She was born in 1892, so I'm pretty sure we can classify it as an old-fashioned name!
Bernarda
Bernarda is the feminine form of Bernardo, or Bernard, and it's also a variation of the name Bernadette. It means strong as a bear.
Carmela
It's supposed to be a nickname for Carmen and, according to our sister site, Baby Name Wizard, it hit its popularity peak in the 1920s.
Cayetana
Cayetana is the feminine form of Cayetano and it denotes someone from Gaeta, Italy. According to Name Berry, it goes way back to Ancient Rome.
Consuelo
According to Baby Name Wizard, Consuelo hit its popularity peak in the 1920s. This Spanish name means consolation.
Dolores
This name was extremely popular in the 1930s, according to Baby Name Wizard. It's a name that can be used for either boys or girls and it means sorrows.
Dorotea
Dorotea, or Dorothy, was the name of one of my aunts on my father's side and it means "gift of God."
Enriqueta
I always kind of laugh when I hear this name because it's what we call my favorite uncle on my mom's side whenever we feel like annyoing him. Its the feminine form of the name Enrique, or Henry, and it means "ruler."
Ernestina
It's the feminine form of Ernesto and it was pretty popular in the 1930s, according to Baby Name Wizard.
Feliciana
This is the perfect name for a happy baby as it means "good fortune" or "happiness."
Florencia
Florencia, or Florence in English, is the name of the most beautiful cities in Italy. The name became popular in the 19th century thanks to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
Gladys
This name hit its popularity peak in the 1900s and its origin is a bit uncertain. It's been said it's a Welsh form of the name Claudia.
Guillermina
It's the feminine form of Guillermo, or William in English, and it means "resolute protector."
Irene
Irene was my maternal grandmother's middle name (and she hated it, ha!). It was popular in the 1910s and it was the name of the goddess of peace in Greek mythology. Lovely!
Isadora
A combination of Isis, the Egyptian goddess of fertilty, and the Greek word for gift, this gorgeous name reminds me of the famous song about acclaimed dancer Isadora Duncan interpreted by our beloved Celia Cruz.
Josefina
Josefina or Josefa are the feminine forms of José (Joseph). Believe it or not, this is a real old-school kind of name that was very popular in the 1890s and it means "God will add."
Leonor
This name was popular in the 1920s, but with the King and Queen of Spain choosing it as the name for their first born daughter, and the next in line to that country's throne, it's become popular all over again!
Lucrecia
This name makes me think of a telenovela… It's a Spanish name and it means "brings light."
Magdalena
Super popular in the 1880s, Magdalena means woman from Magdala, an area near the sea of Galilee.
Matilda
Matilda means "powerful in battle" and it was a name that's made a comeback as of late, but was very popular in the 1880s.
Nelly
Another name popular in the 1880s, Nelly is the nickname for Helen or Eleanor and it means "bright, shining one."
Nora
Nora came back in vogue in the last 10 years, but it was a very popular name in the 1880s.
Socorro
Socorro is a name that was popular in the 1920s and it means "succour, help, relief." Socorro is what someone usually screams when they're in some kind of peril and need help!
Tomasa
This name makes me think of the song "La Negra Tomasa." It's the feminine form of Tomás (Thomas) and it was popular in the 1920s.
Úrsula
This name became super popular in the 70s, but it was originally a common name in the 1890s. It means "little bear."
Valentina
This sweet name means "strong, healthy" and it's the feminine form of Saint Valentine.
