Disneyesque Girls' Names

For prospective parents or name fans who also enjoy Disney movies, there is a unique style of first names just for them. 

Disneyesque names are a unique set of vintage names that reflect the values of Walt Disney: nostalgic charm mixed with optimism. Stated differently, they sound innocent and evoke images of a bygone era, but they also reflect revolutionary people or events that can inspire the next generation. 

The characteristics of a Disneyesque name are the same that define an ideal Disney movie: child-friendly but mature enough to suit adults. Dolly and Elsie, though perfectly usable, sound too childish to make the cut while Florence and Sylvia sound too serious. Disneycore names also cannot sound too ordinary and/or have multiple spellings or soundalikes, ruling out Mary and Amelia. 

Here are some girls' names that sound as if they could be characters in Disney movies:

Alice connects to Walt Disney's Alice in Cartoonland series starring Virginia Davis alongside the 1951 animated film based on Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Real-life inspirational bearers include royalty such as Queen consort Alice of Champagne (1193-1246), suffragist Paul (1885-1977), writer Walker (1944-), and actor Eve (1982-). 

Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) created the famous Peter Rabbit and other animal characters, conjuring forest nostalgia. There is also Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands (1938-), who ruled for over 30 years.

Belle belongs to a revolutionary Disney princess who actively pursued her own happily ever after, setting the stage for future female protagonists. The phrase "southern belle" conjures more nostalgia. Belle also associated herself with nurse Reynolds (1840-1937), who became famous for her heroic deeds at the Battle of Shiloh alongside providing historical accounts of the war. 

Charlotte "Lottie" La Bouff is Tiana's best friend in The Princess and the Frog. There's also fairy tale writer Charlotte-Rose de La Force (1654-1724), who penned the predecessor of "Rapunzel" in 1698: "Persinette." Charlotte has several royal namesakes, including today's little princess, as well. 

Clara Stahlbaum is the main character of several versions of The Nutcracker, including Disney's 2018 live-action film. Plus, American Red Cross founder Clara Barton (1821-1912) injects her name with dreams, as does composer Schumann (1819-1896) and actor Bow (1905-1965). 

Dorothy Gale, who also appeared in Disney's own Return to Oz (1985), dreamed of life over the rainbow in The Wizard of Oz. This name additionally brings up Dorothy Ann Blank (1900-1957), who contributed to the on-screen notes following Snow White's death in 1937's Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Other historic namesakes include poet Wordsworth (1771-1855) and actor Dandridge (1922-1965).

Faye began as a word referring to fairies, making her a perfect Disneyesque choice. Inspirational namesakes include Hollywood actors Faye Wray (1907-2004) and Dunaway (1941-). 

Georgia associates herself with painter O'Keeffe (1887-1986) alongside evoking memories of sunny days via the Southern state. There is also Hoagy Carmichael's 1930 song "Georgia on My Mind," adding even more nostalgia.

Greta Garbo (1905-1990) was one of the most famous actors from Hollywood's Golden Age. In modern times, the name brings up activist Greta Thunberg (2003-).

Ida connects to Hans Christen Andersen's tale "Little Ida's Flowers." Another fairy tale association is Gilbert and Sullivan's 1884 play Princess Ida, inspired by Alfred Tennyson's 1847 poem. Civil rights activist Ida B. Wells (1862-1931) was a real-life bearer. 

Irene connects to the lullaby "Goodnight, Irene," giving her nostalgic charm. There are also a few European rulers and Hollywood actor Irene Dunne (1898-1990).

Josephine conjures nostalgic charm via headstrong Jo March in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. In real life, there was Emperor Josephine (born Marie-Josephe) Bonaparte (1763-1814), the wife of Napoleon. Josephine Baker (1906-1975) also became the first black actor in a motion picture. 

Lucy most famously connects to Van Peltz of Peanuts and I Love Lucy, with the Beatles' song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" adding more nostalgia. Inspirational historic real-life bearers include suffragists Lucy Stone (1818-1893) and Burns (1879-1966).

Marie appeared as a kitten in the 1970 animated film The Aristocats and as the protagonist in some versions of The Nutcracker, including E. T. A. Hoffmann's original 1916 book. Notable real-life bearers include fairy tale writers: Marie-Jeanne Lhéritier (1664-1734) and Marie-Catherine d'Aulnoy (1650-1705). There was also Marie Antoinette (1755-1793) and scientist Curie (1867-1934).

Matilda instills childhood nostalgia via the Roald Dahl character. She has also been worn by several European rulers, including Emperor Matilda (1102-1167), the daughter of Henry I who fought for the throne. American suffragist and abolitionist Matilda Joslyn-Gage (1826-1898) was another namesake. 

Phoebe brings up Holden's sister in J. D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye alongside Buffay in Friends. The name also conjures images of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century America (it was the name of former President Millard Fillmore's mother). Real life also gave the world American feminist Phoebe Hearst (1842-1919) and first U.S. female marshal Couzins (1848-1912). 

Rose connects to several fairy tales, from the Grimm Brothers' "Snow White and Rose Red" to a forgotten French tale entitled "Rose and Black." The rose also plays a significant part in Beauty and the Beast, in which is serves as a timer for the Beast's curse. There was also Canadian activist Rose Henderson (1871-1937) alongside Laura Ingalls Wilder's daughter, journalist Wilder Lane (1886-1968). 

Ruby is a name full of nostalgia that especially comes from Dorothy's ruby red slippers. There was also Ruby Payne-Scott (1912-1981), the first female Australian astronomer. Civil rights activist Ruby Bridges (1954-), the first black child to attend an all-whites school, adds more dreams to her name.

Violet brings up a few nostalgic associations, such as Gray in Peanuts and Beauregarde in Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Of course, there is also Violet Parr in Disney/Pixar's 2004 film The Incredibles, as well as its 2018 sequel. In real life, there was British social reformer Violet Gordon-Woodhouse (1872-1948). 

Willa Cather (1873-1947) wrote a few noteworthy novels about Midwestern settlement, including O Pioneers! and My Antonia. These associations inject this vintage name with nostalgia for ther American frontier. 

What Disneyesque girls' names are your favorite? What names would you add?