The Victorian period lasted during Queen Victoria’s reign, from 1837 to 1901. And when one thinks of that era, they picture bustled gowns, grand excess, and profound breakthroughs in science and technology.
Babies born during these six decades were named classic and instantly recognizable names, like John, Elizabeth, and Sarah. 125 years later, Victorian era names are making a major comeback, giving parents that quintessential vintage feel while sounding surprisingly contemporary.
So, keep reading as we take a look at 13 unexpectedly modern Victorian era baby names.
© Getty ImagesAlice
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll was written in 1865 and the titular character’s name has been popular ever since. Alice, which means noble, is a sweet baby girl’s name for any parent. In 1900, the name was the 14th most popular baby name, and 125 years later it ranked 65th.
© Getty ImagesMabel
While it wasn’t ranked in the top 100 of baby girl names in 2025, Mabel is making a comeback. The Victorian era name means lovable and is a perfectly vintage choice for your little girl. In 2012, Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis made Mabel a little more popular when they named their daughter Mabel Ray.
© GettyAdelaide
Adelaide, which was ranked in the top 300 of baby names in 2025, has Germanic roots. It can be shortened to the adorable nickname “Addie” while still carrying on a vintage feel.
© Getty ImagesElizabeth
Another name for a queen, Elizabeth is a classic name making a comeback. In 2025, it was ranked the 17th most popular baby name. Elizabeth can be shortened in a million different ways – Lizzie, Liza, Beth, Eliza, Libby – the list goes on and on!
© Getty ImagesMaude
Seven years after the Victorian era officially ended, Lucy Maud Montgomery made her name famous when she released the novel Anne of Green Gables. Add an e, and Maude is a sweet girl’s name for any baby girl! Plus, it’s beloved by Hollywood. Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow named their oldest daughter Maude in 1997.
Josephine
Josephine is a gorgeous vintage name rising in the ranks. In 1900, it was the 47th most popular baby name, and in 2025, it ranked 53. Josephine can be shortened to “Josie” making it a lovely little nickname.
© iStockStella
This name feels very modern, but it originated way back when! Meaning star, Stella ranked in the top 100 of popular baby names in 1900. 125 years later, it ranked 52nd. And it’s a name used by many Hollywood A-listers. The most famous Stella is probably Stella McCartney, but it’s also been used by Antonio Banderas, Tori Spelling, and Ellen Pompeo for their little girls.
© Getty ImagesRuth
Ruth was a beloved and very popular name in 1900, ranking number five on the list of most popular baby names. For more than a few years, Ruth was thought of as an old lady name, but it’s making a comeback! Meaning compassion, Ruth ranked in the top 200 of popular baby names in 2025.
Sophie
Sophie is a bit more Victorian than the more popular version Sophia. The name means wisdom and traces its roots back to ancient Greece. Plus, it’s ever popular in Hollywood. From Sophie Turner to Sophie Monk, the vintage name is a perfect one.
© Getty ImagesEva
Want a short and sweet name? Choose Eva! It means life or to breathe and can be a nickname for Evangeline. In 1900, it ranked 33 on the most popular baby name list, and while it dipped a bit over the past 125 years, in 2025, it ranked 134.
© Getty ImagesEvelyn
Evelyn takes two very popular names, Eve and Lynn, and puts them together. The name reached its peak popularity in the 1920s, but experienced a resurgence after the über popular novel, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, was released.
© Getty ImagesCecilia
Last but not least, Cecilia is a lovely vintage Victorian era name making a comeback. It can be shortened in a variety of ways, from Cece to Lia. And from 2024 to 2025, the name moved up 15 spots on the popularity list.
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