Art Deco Girl Names That Radiate Vintage Glamour Charisma
If you've ever admired the sleek, glamorous vibe of The Great Gatsby or wandered through buildings with intricate geometric patterns and metallic finishes (the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building are two of the best-known examples!), you've experienced the magic of Art Deco. A design movement that gained popularity in the 1920s and '30s, Art Deco is known for its bold geometric shapes, luxurious materials, and a sense of modern elegance. Art Deco was all about embracing the future while still honoring the past, blending both with a touch of glam that made everything from architecture to fashion feel sophisticated. And its easily-recognizable mix of sharp lines and soft curves showed just how harmoniously different things can work together.
But Art Deco wasn't just about high style — it was also, in itself, a whole vibe. It was a reflection of the time, catching the rebellious spirit of the Roaring Twenties and the Jazz Age. It was the era of extravagance, jazz, and a new kind of optimism, which is exactly why Art Deco had such staying power. Think about the sleek lines of a vintage car, the glitter of a jazz club, or the elegance of a 1920s ballroom — the style was as much about setting trends as it was about making a statement.
We've put together this list of girl names inspired by the Art Deco era that embody the same sense of boldness, refinement, and timeless elegance. Each name is a nod to an aesthetic — but also a reflection of the sophistication and strength that defined the period. If you're looking for a girl name that's chic, glamorous, and full of character, you've come to the right era.
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The meaning of Athena remains uncertain, but the name is most famously tied to the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, who also served as the patron deity of Athens. It's believed that her name likely originated from the city, rather than the city being named after her.
Zara first appeared in William Congreve's 1697 tragedy The Mourning Bride, where it was the name of a captive North African queen. It's believed that Congreve may have drawn inspiration from the Arabic name Zahra, meaning 'shining' or 'brilliant.' In 1736, the name gained popularity when English writer Aaron Hill used it as a translation for Zaïre in his adaptation of Voltaire's French play Zaïre.
Lenore is derived from the Old French version of the Occitan name Alienòr, and its roots stretch back to one of history's most powerful women: Eleanor of Aquitaine. As the 12th-century queen of both France and England, Eleanor wielded immense influence, and was initially named Aenor after her mother. To distinguish her from her mother, she was known by the Occitan phrase alia Aenor, meaning 'the other Aenor.'
Opal comes from the English word for the iridescent gemstone, a dazzling birthstone for those born in October — but it's beautiful any time of year! The name itself traces back to the Sanskrit word उपल (upala), meaning 'jewel,' capturing the essence of something precious and radiant, and it's a vintage gem that's poised to make a comeback.
Vera is a name that means 'faith' in Russian, carrying a sense of deep and unwavering strength. It's said to stem from the Latin word verus, meaning 'true.' With its simple yet striking sound, Vera channels the clean lines and timeless sophistication of the Art Deco era.
Maeve is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Medb, which means 'intoxicating,' evoking a sense of allure and power. In Irish legend, it was the name of the legendary warrior queen of Connacht — known for her fierce leadership and commanding presence.
Eloise originates from the Old French name Héloïse, which itself is likely derived from the Germanic name Helewidis — combining the elements heil, meaning 'healthy' or 'whole,' and wit, meaning 'wide.' This timeless name is sometimes linked to the Greek word ἥλιος (helios), meaning 'sun,' symbolizing light and brilliance.
Greta is a short form of Margaret, which originates from the Latin name Margarita, itself derived from the Greek word μαργαρίτης (margarites), meaning 'pearl.' It's got a classic silver screen vibe and glamorous feel.
Vivienne is the French form of Vivian, which is derived from the Latin word vivus, meaning 'alive.' This vibrant name carries an aura of energy and vitality, with a bit of sultry sophistication mixed in.
Daphne comes from the Greek word for 'laurel,' a symbol of honor and achievement. In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph transformed into a laurel tree by her father to escape the relentless pursuit of Apollo, making her a figure of strength and independence.
Clara is the feminine form of the Late Latin name Clarus, which means 'clear,' 'bright,' or 'famous.' This name radiates elegance and brilliance, perfectly capturing the luminous charm of the Art Deco era.
Iris means 'rainbow' in Greek, and in Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess who personified the rainbow and served as a messenger to the gods. The name also connects to both the vibrant iris flower and the colored part of the eye, symbolizing both beauty and clarity.
Genevieve is said to be derived from the medieval name Genovefa, and its origins are somewhat uncertain. It may be derived from the Germanic elements kunją ('clan' or 'family') and wībą ('wife' or 'woman'), or it could trace back to Gaulish roots, with the Celtic element genos meaning 'kin' or 'family.' One of the most famous bearers of this name was Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris.
Lola is a diminutive of Dolores, meaning 'sorrows,' which originates from the Spanish title of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de los Dolores ('Our Lady of Sorrows'). Although the name carries a solemn meaning, Lola has taken on a lively and glamorous persona, especially since its rise in popularity during the Jazz Age of the 1920s and '30s.
Celeste is the feminine form of Caelestis, a Late Latin name derived from the word caelum, which means 'heaven' or 'sky.' This name evokes the celestial beauty of the stars, carrying with it a sense of elegance and grace that makes it a perfect Art Deco name.
Esme comes from the Old French word meaning 'esteemed' or 'loved,' which is the sweetest name meaning we can think of! With its elegant simplicity and gentle sound, Esme evokes the refined sophistication of the Art Deco era, where beauty and grace were celebrated.
Gisele is derived from the Old German element gisal, meaning 'hostage' or 'pledge.' Originally (and sadly!) it may have been a descriptive nickname for a child who was pledged to a foreign court. Fortunately for modern times, though, it's just a beautiful name choice.
Delilah comes from the Hebrew word meaning 'delicate,' 'weak,' or 'languishing.' In the Old Testament, Delilah was the lover of the powerfully strong Samson, whom she betrayed by cutting his hair — the source of all his strength — leading to his downfall. Despite the complexities of her character, the name Delilah gained popularity among the Puritans in the 17th century. With its sultry sound and dramatic history, Delilah perfectly captures the bold, glamorous spirit of the Art Deco era.
Marceline is the glamorous-sounding French feminine form of a name derived from Marcus, a Roman praenomen (given name) which likely originates from the Roman god Mars — the deity of war and strength.
Yvette is the beautiful French feminine form of Ivo, a Germanic name that originally served as a short form for names beginning with the element iwa, meaning 'yew.' The yew tree, known for its longevity and strength, symbolizes resilience and endurance.
Florence comes from the Latin name Florentius or its feminine form Florentia, both derived from florens, meaning 'prosperous' or 'flourishing.' This name evokes a vibe of growth and success — not to mention a cool vintage feel.
Lyra is the name of a constellation in the northern sky, home to the brilliant star Vega. The constellation is said to be shaped after the lyre of the legendary Greek mythological musician Orpheus, evoking a sense of harmony and celestial beauty.
Selene means 'moon' in Greek and was the name of the Greek goddess of the moon, a Titan who radiated beauty and mysticism. Often associated with the goddess Artemis, Selene was depicted driving her chariot across the night sky, illuminating the world with her celestial glow.
Cleo is a short form of Cleopatra, derived from the Greek word κλέος (kleos), meaning 'glory.' The name evokes the regal power and timeless beauty of the legendary queen, who remains one of history's most iconic figures. It has a sleek, confident sound perfectly befitting of the Art Deco era.
Isolde is the romantic-sounding German form of the name Iseult, made famous in the 13th-century German poem Tristan by Gottfried von Strassburg. The origins of the name are uncertain, but some sources suggest it may be of Germanic origin, derived from a name like Ishild, which is composed of the elements is ('ice') and hilt ('battle').
Juno is a name of uncertain origin, but some sources say it's related to an Indo-European root meaning 'young' or derived from Etruscan influences. In Roman mythology, Juno was the wife of Jupiter and the queen of the heavens, revered as the protectress of marriage, women, and even finance.
Odessa takes its name from the Ukrainian city on the north coast of the Black Sea — which was named after the ancient Greek city of Odessos, though its exact meaning is unknown. The name evokes a sense of mystery and timeless beauty.
Evangeline comes from the Greek εὖ (eu), meaning 'good,' and ἄγγελμα (angelma), meaning 'news' or 'message,' together signifying 'good news.' The name was popularized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his 1847 epic poem Evangeline and later appeared in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852) as the full name of the character Eva. With its elegant flow and rich literary history, Evangeline embodies the timeless glamour of the Art Deco era.
Paloma is a soft and melodic-sounding name — and it means 'dove' in Spanish, symbolizing peace, love, and grace.
Lucienne is the sophisticated French feminine form of Lucien, which itself comes from the Roman family name derived from the praenomen Lucius. The name is linked to Lucianus, a 2nd-century satirist and author from Samosata (the modern-day town of Samsat, in Turkey).
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