Victorian baby names are not tough likes those times. They were flowery, pleasant, and feminine. Trades, family names, and religious views inspired masculine names. Most of these names, such as Elizabeth and William, are still popular today, while a few remain obscure. Top hats, puffed sleeves, crinoline, petticoats, horse carriages, and big celebrations are all images that come to mind when thinking of the Victorian era. The lovely names of this period, on the other hand, have stayed with us to this day. So, if you are looking for a cute vintage Victorian baby name, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a compilation of some of the most adorable yet rare Victorian baby names to help you make a choice.
Most Beautiful Victorian Girl Names
1. Ada:
This sophisticated name refers to Ada Lovelace, the daughter of Lord Byron. Ada means ‘adornment’.
2. Adelaide:
Adelaide, meaning ‘noble’, was used in high numbers amongst the aristocratic families.
3. Adelia:
This moniker, meaning ‘noble’, sounds like a combination of Adele and Adelaide. But unfortunately, it has not been used since the Victorian times.
4. Agatha:
An ultimate Victorian name, But Agatha Heterodyne makes it swashbuckling. Agatha means ‘good woman’.
5. Alexandra:
Alexandra is a royal Victorian name of the 19th century. It’s reported that every royal family had at least one Alexandra. This name means ‘defender’.
6. Alice:
This moniker dominated the Social Security Administration list for over a century and hovered in one of the top 10 name list for decades. Alice means ‘nobility’.
7. Alma:
This lovely Victorian name has different meanings in different languages. It means ‘loving’ in Swedish, ‘apple’ in Persian, and ‘good’ in Celtic’.
8. Anne:
Anne, in all its variations, including Anna or Annie, was regularly used as the first name. It means ‘grace’.
9. Arabella:
Royal name Arabella is taken from the Latin name Orabilis and means ‘yielding to prayer’.
10. Audrey:
This lovely name has a timeless elegance and sophistication of Audrey Hepburn. Audrey means ‘nobility and strength’.
11. Bertha:
Bertha is a German origin name and means ‘bright’.
12. Beryl:
This gem of a name, meaning ‘gemstone’, became popular for the first time in the 19th century.
13. Blanche:
This French name, meaning ‘white’ has a sophisticated Victorian flair. It originated as a nickname for pale women and then went on to be associated with purity.
14. Briar:
A fantasy inspired name for your little princess, Briar Rose was the original name of the Sleeping Beauty in the folklore. Briar means ‘thorny shrub’.
15. Catherine:
Just like today, even in the Victorian era, Catherine was used in different forms including Katherine and Kathryn. But the original form was most dominant. Catherine means ‘pure’.
16. Clara:
This moniker, meaning ‘clear and bright’ evokes the sweetness and elegance of the Victorian era.
17. Clementine:
If you wish for a Victorian name that’s bold, frilly, and has the perfect twang, pick Clementine. It means ‘mild and merciful’.
18. Cora:
This name is now associated with Lady Cora Grantham in “Downton Abbey”. Cora was made famous by American writer James Fennimore in his novel “Last of the Mohicans”. It means ‘maiden’.
19. Della:
In the 1800s, Della was popularly used as a short form for names like Adelle, Adelaide, and Adeline. It means ‘noble’.
20. Ebba:
Ebba could make an uncommon alternative to Emma and Ella. This Germanic saint’s name means ‘strong’.
21. Edith:
Edith, meaning ‘prosperous in war’, was incredibly popular Victorian baby name for girls. No wonder it was chosen as the name of a female character in “Downton Abbey”.
22. Effie:
This short form of Euphemia has become popular again, thanks to the “Hunger Games” series. Effie means ‘well spoken’.
23. Eleanor:
Honestly, we’re surprised at the lack of use of this beautiful name. We think it’s time to turn the clock to this pretty Victorian girl name. Eleanor means ‘bright’.
24. Eliza:
Bessie was not the only nickname for Elizabeth. Even Eliza was on the scene, and it became so popular it became a bonafide name in itself. It means ‘pledged to God’.
25. Elizabeth:
Just like Ann, even Elizabeth was used in all its forms in the Victorian period, though the long form was the favorite. Elizabeth means ‘pledged to God’.
26. Elsie:
This Scottish name is experiencing a major revival. It peaked in popularity 1890s, when it reached at #31. Elsie means ‘my god is bountiful’.
27. Emily:
Emily, meaning ‘industrious’, was a beloved with authors like Boccaccio and Chaucer. Its namesake is Emily Bronte.
28. Emma:
Emma, meaning ‘universal’, was popular amongst the upper-class Victorian families.
29. Esther:
This name, meaning ‘star’, combines the dignity of the Biblical name with a rhythmic sound with an ‘er’ ending.
30. Evie:
This moniker has returned with mother names Evelyn and Eve. This most popular Victorian nickname in England means ‘life’ or ‘lively’.
31. Fannie:
This name hints at the Victorian era’s obsession with names ending with ‘e’. Fannie means ‘free’.
32. Flora:
The moniker of the Roman Goddess of spring and flowers, was a top 100 names in the 1880s and 1890s. It means ‘flower’.
33. Florence:
This Victorian name is totally artsy. It is the name of the city at the heart of Italy and has a rock ballad after its name. Florence means ‘to flower’.
34. Frances:
It’s reported that Frances, meaning ‘French woman’, was prominent in the Marriage Announcements in the 1820s.
35. Harriet:
While this Victorian name is still receiving love in the United Kingdom, Americans are shy about this feminine form of Henry. You can shorten it to Hattie for a true-blue vintage charmer. Harriet means ‘estate ruler’.
36. Hazel:
This cute Victorian baby name hit its peak in 1901, taking the 23rd spot. Having fallen off the charts in 1975, Hazel is on the rise again. Hazel mean ‘hazelnut tree’.
37. Henrietta:
Before Harriet, charming and elegant Henrietta took the spotlight. Henrietta means ‘home ruler’.
38. Ida:
Ida, the German name meaning ‘hardworking and diligent’, can be lengthened to the demure Idabelle or Idabel.
39. Isabella:
Isabella or Isabel saw an increase in usage towards the end of 1850s. It means ‘devoted to God’.
40. Jane:
‘Plain Jane’ was not relegated to the middle spot in the Victorian Era. It kept repeatedly popping throughout the centuries. Jane means ‘God has been gracious’.
41. Josephine:
Josephine is one of those classic names that must be revived. It was last popular in 1884 when it reached the 45th spot. Josephine means ‘God increases’.
42. Josie:
One of the most widely accepted Victorian nicknames for Josephine, Josie is more popular now that it has ever been. It means ‘may Jehovah add’.
43. Kitty:
This pet form of Katherine predated all the Katies and Kathys in the 18th century. It means ‘pure’.
44. Lilian:
Lilian, meaning ‘lily’, evokes the purity and innocence of the Victorian era.
45. Lily:
This floral moniker is riding high in the name charts at the moment. Meaning ‘pure’, both the name and flower Lily are a symbol of innocence.
46. Lottie:
A dainty Victorian favorite, Lottie, the short form of Charlotte, means ‘free man’.
47. Lucy:
In the 1850s, Lucy was seen in regular frequency, often on its own. It means ‘light’.
48. Luella:
This vintage name, meaning ‘warrior’ is patiently waiting for you to consider it. It is trendy and comes with cute nickname options like Ella or Lulu.
49. Mabel:
After a long hiatus from the top 1000 list, Mabel is slowly making to the charts. Mabel means ‘lovable’.
50. Maggie:
Maggie, the short form of Margaret, was a favorite nickname in the Victorian era. This delicate name means ‘pearl’.
51. Maida:
In Southern Italy, baby girls were often named after great battles. That’s how Maida came into the scene. It means ‘virgin’.
52. Maisie:
Maisie, the Scottish form of names Marjorie and Margaret, has the potential of being the next Daisy. Maisie means ‘pearl’.
53. Marjorie:
A perfect name for the twinkle of your eyes, Marjorie is a variation of Margaret and means ‘child of light’.
54. Martha:
After being ignored for long, Martha is now marching its way up the list. This Biblical name means ‘lady’.
55. Mary:
Mary, meaning ‘beloved or bitter’, was the ‘it’ name of the Victorian period, particularly in the end of the 1820s.
56. Millie:
A vintage name that sounds thoroughly modern, it ranks at 231 in the UK and at the #717 US spot. Millie means ‘free born or noble’.
57. Minnie:
Long before Minnie Mouse came into the picture, Minnie was one of the fastest rising names in the 19thcentury. Minnie is one of the disney baby Victorian names. Minnie means ‘rebellion’.
58. Nellie:
The Victorian song ‘Nellie Bly’ made it a household name in the 19th century. Nellie means ’shining light’.
59. Nora:
Nora is a no-nonsense name with a feminine ring. It means ‘light’.
60. Ottilie:
The charming feminine version of Otto, meaning ‘riches’, was super popular during the Victorian times. With attractive nicknames like Lottie and Tillie, Ottilie deserves more time in the spotlight.
61. Rayne:
This Victorian royal name is a fit for royalty and rightly so as it means ‘queen’ in a number of languages. Apt for your little princess, isn’t it?
62. Rosie:
Floral names would never go out of style. Rosie means ‘rose’.
63. Ruth:
This short, but powerful, name means ‘friend’.
64. Sophronia:
Move away Sophia/Sophie. It’s time for this elaborate Victorian name to rule the charts. Sophronia means ‘prudent’.
65. Sylvia:
This moniker, meaning ‘wood’ brings to mind a forest filled with whispering trees.
66. Tillie:
This name, currently at the 90th spot in the UK, is a short form of Matilda. It took off when Heath Ledger picked it for his daughter. Tillie means ‘battle mighty’.
67. Victoria:
This moniker is ladylike and dignified, just like Queen Victoria. This eternally beautiful name means ‘victory’.
68. Vinnie:
This diminutive of Lavinia is still very much in use for girls. Vinnie means ‘conqueror’. Do not confuse it with Winnie.
69. Viola:
This charmer from Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ is derived from the classic name Violet, meaning the same.
70. Violet:
This floral name is perfect for a spring baby. And we’re sure even your little one won’t feel shy about wearing this name. Violet means ‘purple’.
71. Winnie:
Most of us had forgotten this name until Jimmy Fallon chose it for his daughter. Winnie means ‘fair one’.
72. Zadie:
If you want an old-fashioned Victorian name for your daughter, add Zadie to your list right away! This name was at its peak in the 1880s and has its namesake in Zadie Smith, English author.
Most Beautiful Victorian Boy Names
73. Abraham:
Meaning ‘father of multitudes’, Abraham got recognition via the US president, Abraham Lincoln.
74. Alfred:
British Prince Alfred and poet Lord Alfred Tennyson made this name popular during the Victorian era. It means ‘elf ruler’.
75. Archie:
This short form of stuffy name Archibald took off in the era when even the boy’s name ended with the ‘e’ sound. Archie means ‘bold and true’.
76. Arnold:
Coming from Germanic elements, meaning ‘eagle power’, Arnold would make an awesome name for your son.
77. Arthur:
This formal name reigned on the 14th spot in the 1880s, but slid down soon after. It’s taking steps back again, thanks to celebs who named their son Arthur recently.
78. Augustus:
A name that sounds fit on both a toddler and a Roman emperor. This dignified name also comes with an approachable and friendly nickname Gus. Augustus means ‘great’.
79. Baxter:
This prim and proper British name, meaning ‘baker’, made a strong comeback after featuring in the movie “Anchorman’.
80. Bernard:
This sturdy name, meaning ‘strong bear’, can be softened to the sweet and friendly Bernie or Bern.
81. Bert:
In the Victorian era, Bert was often used as a short form for Robert, Albert, and Bertram. But today, it stands strong as a stand alone name. Bert means ‘bright’.
82. Bram:
Honor the creator of the “Dracula” series by naming your son Bram after the author Bram Stoker. Bram means ‘father of multitude’.
83. Cassius:
Cassius is an undeniably cool Victorian name. It means ‘empty’.
84. Charley:
To keep it fun and informal, pick Charley instead of Charles or Charlie. Or use it as a nickname for Charles. Charley means ‘man’.
85. Clarence:
This baby boy name and even its namesakes are filled with Victorian charm and vigor, whether you take the American attorney Clarence Darrow or the lifesaving guardian from “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
86. Claude:
This delightfully short name with Roman roots brings to mind Emperor Claudius. Claude means ‘from the Roman clan’.
87. Clifford:
In the 1800s, the term Clifford was used to describe a ford near a slide. It later transformed into a name.
88. Douglas:
Douglas, the name of one of the most powerful clans in Scotland, was given as a first name for the first time in the 16th century. It’s a dark Victorian baby mean which means ‘dark stream’.
89. Edgar:
Edgar Degas was an extremely influential figure during the Victorian era. So was Edgar Allen Poe. This name means ‘fortunate and powerful’.
90. Edison:
This name, with its namesake Thomas Edison, embodies the spirit of invention. A distinctly masculine name, Edison means ‘son of Edie’.
91. Edmund:
One of the top 100 names of the Victorian era, you can shorten it to Eddie to make it sound more friendly. Edmund means ‘prosperity’.
92. Edwin:
After fading from use after the Norman conquest, Edwin returned in the 19th century, via Dickens’ novel, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”. Edwin means ‘rich friend’.
93. Elmer:
This Teutonic name, meaning ‘awe-inspiring’, was once quite widespread in America during the Victorian Era. It means ‘noble or famous’.
94. Enoch:
This strong and masculine name, meaning ‘dedicated’ would be a nice Victorian name for your little one.
95. Ernest:
An ideal name for a boy destined for literary greatness, it does not just nod to Ernest Hemingway, but is also associated with a character from Oscar Wilde’s play. Ernest means ‘earnest’.
96. Everett:
This upbeat name was a rage in England in 1800s. It means ‘wild boar’.
97. Fletcher:
This strong and sturdy name sounds like a combination of Flynn and Archer. It will remind some of you of the “Fletch” film series, where Fletcher was the last name of the lead. It means ‘arrow maker’.
98. Floyd:
This Celtic name, meaning ‘gray’ became popular because of the novel “Aurora Floyd” by Mary Elizabeth Braddon in the year 1863.
99. Frank:
In America, Frank was the eighth most popular name in the 1880s. Now, since the number has fallen in recent times, there won’t be many Franks on the playground. Franks means ‘free man’.
100. Franklin:
Franklin is a cool and refined name, meaning ‘free landholder’.
101. Gilbert:
This name of the 12th century English saint was introduced to England by the Normans. It means ‘shining pledge’.
102. Grover:
A Victorian presidential name (Grover Cleveland), in the present times, Grover is associated with “Sesame Street”. It means ‘grove of trees’.
103. Harold:
Harold, meaning ‘ruler’, would be a bold and strong choice for boys of today. You can use Harry for the nickname.
104. Harvey:
A perfect example of a wonderfully vintage name. It brings to mind Harvey Dent from the “Batman” comic series. Harvey means ‘battle worthy’.
105. Henry:
This classic name, meaning ‘estate ruler’, keeps moving up and down the list. It’s sweet and sounds less old school than Walter and Harold.
106. Hugh:
After the early Americans had brought this name from Europe, its popularity began to wane. Thanks to Hugh Grant, this vintage name is back on the list. Huge means ‘intellect’.
107. Hugo:
Hugo sounds Victorian, slightly eccentric, but dauntless. It means ‘intelligent’.
108. Ives:
Ives is a variant of the saintly name Yves and means ‘eve’. It is creative, stately, and totally uncommon.
109. Ivor:
Ivor, meaning ‘bow warrior’, has always been popular in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall. So pick it if you want to pay tribute to your Gaelic heritage.
110. Jack:
Jack with its hard ‘k’ sound was at its peaks in the Victorian era. Meaning ‘man’ Jack is currently in the 46thspot.
111. Jerome:
This Greek Victorain english name, meaning ‘Hieronymus’ was beloved in Victorian England. A famous bearer of this name is Jerome Kern.
112. Jules:
This Victorian baby boy name, meaning ‘youthful’, is bold and antique, but elegant. And it sounds like ‘joules’ which is the unit of energy.
113. Larkin:
Larkin may sound modern, but the last time it entered the top 1000 list was in the 1880s. Larkin means ‘fierce or rough’.
114. Leo:
Thanks to Russian author Leo Tolstoy for bringing fame to this name during the Victorian Era, Leo means ‘lion’.
115. Louis:
It seems that celebs are in love with this Victorian name. Sandra Bullock recently picked it for her son. Louis means ‘famous warrior’.
116. Luther:
A name that always conjures images of the American civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. It means ‘renowned warrior’. What a fitting name!
117. Martin:
A Victorian name that’s enjoying fame in countries like Austria, Spain, and Chile, Martin means ‘warlike’.
118. Merritt:
Merritt is a cute English surname-turned-first name, meaning ‘worthy’. It’d be a fitting twist on Everett.
119. Oliver:
This classic Victorian baby name has significant literary clout in Dickens’ “Oliver Twist”. Oliver means ‘olive tree’.
120. Oscar:
This award-winning name was adored by the parents of the Victorian era. Oscar means ‘God’s spear’.
121. Otto:
This one has a slew of literary and historical figures sporting it. It means ‘wealthy’.
122. Phineas:
This moniker, with its quirky manliness, seems like it was made in the Victorian era. Phineas means ‘oracle’.
123. Raymond:
With a name like Raymond, your son is sure to be ‘a complete man’. This Victorian baby name means ‘wise protector’.
124. Silas:
This serious and sophisticated name has the literary association in “Silas Marner”. It means ‘from the forest’.
125. Sterling:
This name has an air of the affluent poise, which one needs to carry the silver-topped walking stick and top hat. Sterling means ‘easterner’.
126. Tesla:
Since the interest in Serbian names has been rising, Tesla is seen popping in various places. It means ‘of the axe’.
127. Thaddeus:
Thaddeus, meaning ‘wise’, was a firm favorite in the 18th and 19th centuries.
128. Theodore:
In the late 19th century, Theodore was one of the top 40s names. It means ‘gift of God’.
129. Victor:
The name may be ancient in origin, but it became commonplace in the 19th century. Meaning ‘winner’, this name would give a solid start to your child’s life.
130. Warren:
A tough and rugged name from a dainty era, Warren means ‘park-keeper’.
131. Watson:
We must say that detective Sherlock Holmes’ partner makes this name irresistible. Watson means ‘son of Walter’.
132. Wellington:
This British surname name harkens to the time of Duke of Wellington. As a bonus, you get Wells for the nickname. Wellington means ‘from the wealthy state’.
133. Willie:
We’re sure you’ll find this name in your family tree going back to the 1800s. It started as a nickname for William and which means ‘resolute protector’.
