Discover 68 Charming Girl Names from the Late 19th Century

Step back into the late 19th century, when tradition, faith and social change shaped the names parents chose for their daughters. This collection revives 68 melodious girl names that once charmed families — rare, elegant and full of history. Discover which forgotten jewels still sound magical today, and why they continue to fascinate.

1. Agnes

Agnes is a name of Greek origin and means "the Pure" or "the Lamb". This name embodies innocence and purity and was widely used in the 19th century. Agnes of Rome, a Christian saint, contributed to the popularity of the name. Today, Agnes is experiencing a renaissance and is being chosen more frequently again.

2. Alma

Alma is a versatile name that appears in several cultures. It can mean "the young woman", "the fertile one" or "the soul". Particularly in Germany, Alma was very popular in the 19th century due to its melodic fullness and positive associations. It frequently appeared in the literature and music of that time.

3. Anna

Anna is a timeless classic with Hebrew roots, meaning "God has favored" or "the Graced one". In the 19th century, Anna was a common first name for girls, often combined in double names like Anna Maria. Its simplicity and elegance make Anna a popular name even today.

4. Anneliese

The name Anneliese is a combination of Anna and Elisabeth, uniting the meanings "the Gracious one" and "the Graceful one". This name choice was very popular as it combined family traditions in one name. Anneliese represents grace and elegance and is an example of the trend towards double names in the 19th century.

5. Anni

Anni is a diminutive form of Anna and means "the Graceful one". Simple yet powerful, Anni embodies the essence of the name Anna and was particularly common in everyday language. Its lightness and charming sound contributed to its popularity in daily life.

6. Auguste

Auguste has Latin roots and means "the Exalted one" or "the Venerable one". This name was a popular choice for girls in the 19th century who sought a stately and respectful name. The reverence that this name conveys fit well with the bourgeois values of that time.

7. Barbara

The name Barbara comes from ancient Greek and means "the Foreigner". In the 19th century, Barbara symbolized both strength and a mysterious allure. Stories and legends surrounding Saint Barbara contributed to the spread of the name.

8. Berta

Berta is derived from Old High German and means "the Shining one" or "the Radiant one". The name was particularly popular among women known for their beauty and charisma in the 19th century. Its simplicity and strong imagery made it a favorite.

9. Bertha

Bertha is a variant of Berta and has similar origins and meanings. Commonly used in Germany, Bertha conveys strength and grace. This form of the name was especially popular when combined with other first names, which further enhanced its significance.

10. Carolin

Carolin is a name with ancient Germanic roots, meaning "the Strong one" or "the Beloved one". In the 19th century, many parents chose this name for their daughters to express strength and independence. Carolin represents a powerful personality and was a popular first name then as well as now.

11. Charlotte

Charlotte, a name with French and Old High German background, means "the Free one". In the 19th century, Charlotte symbolized freedom and independence. The literary character Charlotte from Goethe's "The Sorrows of Young Werther" contributed to the popularity of the name.

12. Christel

Christel is a diminutive form of Christine and means "the Christian one". At a time when religious values were highly regarded, this name was very common. Christel embodies the connection to faith and tradition and was a popular choice for devout families.

13. Clara

Clara, derived from Latin, means "the Bright one" or "the Shining one". The name was widely used in the 19th century, not least thanks to Clara Schumann, the famous pianist. Clara embodies clarity and brilliance and remains a cherished name to this day.

14. Dora

Dora means "Gift of God" in ancient Greek. In the 19th century, this name was very popular due to its religious connotations and phonetic simplicity. Dora was often used as part of a longer name like Theodora.

15. Dorothea

Dorothea, also meaning "Gift of God", was a name valued for its nobility and significance. In the 19th century, Dorothea was frequently used in noble circles and represents royal grace and dignity.

16. Edith

Edith, with Old English roots, means "the one who fights for wealth". In the 19th century, this name was particularly popular among those who valued prosperity and possessions. Edith embodies the pursuit of success and material wealth.

17. Elfriede

Elfriede means "the Elf Strength" and has Old English origins. This name expresses strength and magic and was particularly popular among nature lovers and romantics in the 19th century. Elfriede represents a strong, mystical personality.

18. Elisabeth

Elisabeth is a name with Hebrew roots and means "God is Abundance". The name was very popular in the 19th century, not least because of its connection to the biblical figure Elisabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Elisabeth represents abundance and fertility.

19. Elise

Elise is a diminutive form of Elisabeth and shares its meaning. The name was very popular in the 19th century due to its elegance and simplicity. Elise is a name that embodies both grace and divine blessing.

20. Ella

Ella is an international name with diverse origins and means "the shining one" or "God is my light". In the 19th century, Ella was particularly popular in artistic circles. The name radiates independence and creativity.

21. Elli

Elli, another diminutive form of Elisabeth, means "God is abundance". The name was popular in the 19th century due to its phonetic simplicity and strong connection to religious values. Elli is a name that conveys both freshness and tradition.

22. Elsa

Elsa is a diminutive form of Elisabeth and means "God is abundance". This name was frequently represented in literary works in the 19th century and was often chosen by noble families. Elsa embodies grace and dignity.

23. Else

Else, also a shortening of Elisabeth, shares the meaning "God is abundance". Else was a practical yet elegant name that was commonly used in the 19th century. The name stands for simplicity and classic flair.

24. Emilie

Emilie is a name with Latin roots and means "the diligent one". In the 19th century, Emilie was a very popular name, especially in literature. Emilie represents diligence and commitment and conveys an image of vigor and determination.

25. Emma

Emma, with Old High German roots, means "the all-encompassing" or "the divine". In the 19th century, Emma was a popular name that embodies both strength and grace. Emma is a name that sounds regal and was often used in noble circles.

26. Emmi

Emmi is a variation of Emma and means "the sublime one". The simplicity and charming sound of the name made it particularly popular among the younger generation in the 19th century. Emmi represents joy and zest for life.

27. Emmy

Emmy, also a form of Emma, means "the great one". The name was favored by families looking for a short yet powerful name. Emmy embodies strength and majesty and remains a popular name to this day.

28. Erika

Erika has Old Norse roots and means "the sole ruler". In the 19th century, Erika was a name that radiated strength and independence. It was often used in noble circles and stands for royal grace.

29. Erna

Erna is an Old High German name that means "the serious one". This name was popular in the 19th century among families who valued seriousness and determination. Erna represents reliability and stability.

30. Eva

Eva, a name with Hebrew origins, means "life". In the 19th century, Eva was a widely used name that often appeared in religious and literary contexts. Eva embodies joy of life and fertility.

31. Frieda

Frieda means "peace" and has Old High German roots. Especially in times of upheaval, this name was popular as it symbolized peace and harmony. Frieda represents calmness and balance.

32. Gerda

Gerda, originating from Old Norse, means "the protector". In the 19th century, this name was particularly popular in regions that valued protection and security. Gerda represents strength and steadfastness.

33. Gertrud

Gertrud, with Old German origins, means "the strong one with the spear". In the 19th century, Gertrud was a name that stood for strength and fighting spirit. It was particularly common in families with a military background.

34. Grete

Grete is a diminutive form of Margarete and means "the pearl". This name was favored by families looking for a simple yet meaningful name. Grete represents purity and rarity.

35. Hanna

Hanna is a name with Hebrew roots and means "God was gracious". In the 19th century, Hanna was a frequently chosen name that stood for grace and elegance. Its simplicity and elegance make Hanna still popular today.

36. Hannelore

Hannelore, a combination of Hanna and Eleonore, means "God is gracious". In the 19th century, this name was particularly popular in noble circles. Hannelore represents grace and nobility.

37. Hedwig

Hedwig, with Old High German roots, means "the fighting warrior". This name was a symbol of strength and toughness in the 19th century. Hedwig represents assertiveness and endurance.

38. Helene

Helene means "the shining one" or "the bright one" and has ancient Greek origins. In the 19th century, Helene was a name for women known for their beauty and radiance. The name stands for elegance and brilliance.

39. Henni

Henni is a diminutive form of Henriette and means "the lady of the house". In the 19th century, Henni was a name that stood for domestic strength and leadership qualities. Henni embodies responsibility and care.

40. Hertha

Hertha, with Old German roots, means "the powerful one". In the 19th century, this name was particularly popular in regions with a strong connection to nature. Hertha represents strength and a bond with nature.

41. Hilde

Hilde is an Old High German name that means "the warrior". In the 19th century, Hilde was a symbol of bravery and determination. It was often chosen in families with a military background.

42. Hildegard

Hildegard, also with Old High German roots, means "the protective warrior woman". This name was particularly popular among women in the 19th century, who were known for their protective roles. Hildegard stands for protection and wisdom.

43. Ida

Ida means "the diligent one" and has Old High German and Nordic roots. In the 19th century, Ida was a very popular name that stood for diligence and wisdom. Ida embodies wisdom and foresight.

44. Ilse

Ilse is a diminutive form of Elisabeth and means "God is abundance". The name was very popular in the 19th century due to its brevity and strong religious connotation. Ilse stands for abundance and tradition.

45. Inge

Inge, with ancient Germanic roots, means "the goddess". In the 19th century, Inge was a name that radiated both strength and divine grace. Inge stands for divine beauty and power.

46. Ingeburg

Ingeburg means "the one protected by Ingwio" and has ancient Germanic roots. In the 19th century, this name was particularly popular in families with strong traditional values. Ingeburg stands for protection and nobility.

47. Ingrid

Ingrid, with ancient Germanic roots, means "the beautiful goddess". This name was known in the 19th century for its connection to beauty and divinity. Ingrid stands for a strong, independent woman.

48. Johanna

Johanna is a name with Hebrew roots and means "God is gracious". In the 19th century, Johanna was a commonly chosen name that stood for grace and faith. Johanna radiates elegance and dignity.

49. Katharina

Katharina means "the pure one" and has ancient Greek roots. In the 19th century, Katharina was a name often used in noble circles. It stands for purity and grace and is still valued today.

50. Käthe

Käthe is a diminutive form of Katharina and means "the pure one". The name was popular in the 19th century due to its simplicity and purity. Käthe stands for innocence and clarity.

51. Lieselotte

Lieselotte is a combination of Elisabeth and Charlotte and means "God is abundance" and "the free one". In the 19th century, this name was particularly popular, especially in combinations that unite nobility and faith. Lieselotte stands for freedom and abundance.

52. Lisa

Lisa, a diminutive form of Elisabeth, means "God is abundance". The name was widespread in the 19th century due to its simplicity and connection to religious values. Lisa stands for abundance and grace.

53. Lotte

Lotte is a diminutive form of Charlotte and means "the free one". In the 19th century, Lotte was a practical yet elegant name that frequently appeared in literary works. Lotte stands for freedom and independence.

54. Luise

Luise, with ancient Germanic roots, means "the famous warrior". In the 19th century, Luise was a widely used name that stood for bravery and glory. Luise embodies courage and strength.

55. Margareta

Margareta, with ancient Greek roots, means "the pearl". In the 19th century, this name was a symbol of purity and rarity. Margareta stands for grace and uniqueness.

56. Margarete

Margarete is a variant of Margareta and shares the meaning "the pearl". The name was very popular in Germany in the 19th century and often found in literary works. Margarete stands for elegance and beauty.

57. Maria

Maria is a name with Egyptian and Hebrew roots and means "the beloved one". In the 19th century, Maria was a very popular name, often in combinations like Maria Anna. Maria stands for love and devotion.

58. Marie

Marie, a variant of Maria, also means "the beloved one". The name was widespread in the 19th century in France and Germany. Marie stands for grace and affection and remains a popular name to this day.

59. Martha

Martha, with Aramaic roots, means "the mistress". In the 19th century, Martha was a name that stood for leadership and authority. Martha embodies strength and sovereignty.

60. Mathilde

Mathilde means "the strong fighter" and has ancient Germanic roots. In the 19th century, Mathilde was a name that stood for courage and bravery in noble circles. Mathilde symbolizes strength and determination.

61. Meta

Meta comes from ancient Greek and means "the pearl". The name was popular in the 19th century due to its simplicity and rarity. Meta stands for purity and uniqueness.

62. Minna

Minna has Old High German roots and means "the strong-willed protector". In the 19th century, Minna was a name that stood for strength and protection. Minna embodies care and determination.

63. Olga

Olga means "the holy one" and has Old Norse roots. In the 19th century, Olga was a name that stood for holiness and nobility. Olga is a powerful name that remains popular to this day.

64. Paula

Paula is a Latin name that means "the small one". In the 19th century, this name was a popular choice for families who valued loving modesty. Paula stands for youth and innocence.

65. Rosa

Rosa means "the rose" and has Latin roots. In the 19th century, Rosa was a name that stood for beauty and delicacy. Rosa embodies elegance and grace and remains a sought-after name to this day.

66. Ruth

Ruth, with ancient Hebrew roots, means "the refreshment". In the 19th century, Ruth was a name that stood for friendship and camaraderie. Ruth stands for loyalty and community.

67. Sophie

Sophie, a name with ancient Greek roots, means "the wisdom". In the 19th century, Sophie was a popular name that symbolized knowledge and cleverness. Sophie represents intelligence and grace.

68. Wilhelmine

Wilhelmine has Old High German roots and means "the determined protector". In the 19th century, this name was particularly popular among noble circles. Wilhelmine represents protection and determination.