Some letters are more popular than others when it comes to classic girl names. Take the letter A, for example. Classic girl names starting with A abound. But if you want to pick a P-name, your options are much more limited. That being said, there are a handful of feminine P-names that not only are rooted in tradition but that have also shown enough staying power to qualify as "classic" girl names:
A name with many centuries under its belt, Priscilla definitely passes as a classic, even if parents are using it in big numbers at the moment. As a Christian girl name from the New Testament, Priscilla has a spiritual dimension to it, but you sure don't have to be religious to appreciate its beauty.
This P-name packs old-school charm, frills-free femininity, and literary overtones into one charming little package. It was hugely popular at turn of the twentieth century and clung to the charts until the mid-1980s, when it finally fell out of the Top 1000. Pearl's absence was shortlived, however, and by 2007, it was already back in the game.
For some, Paula is an unfairly neglected classic with saintly credentials; for others, it's a dusty, musty moniker with a mid-century vibe. What's your verdict?
If Paula feels a bit humdrum, you could add a little international flair and name your daughter Pauline. Like Paula, Pauline counts as a Catholic girls' name, being the English name of the Italian-born Brazilian nun Saint Pauline (aka Santa Paulina), who was the first Brazilian to be formally recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
This one still suffers from overuse in the 1950s but could make an intriguing possibility for parents looking for an unexpected classic choice. It's also a name that travels well, so if you have family overseas, Patricia might be perfect.