Victorian baby names are not as tough as the time period. They were flowery, pleasant, and feminine. Trades, family names, and religious views inspired names. Most of these names, such as Elizabeth and William, are still popular today, while a few remain obscure. Top hats, puffed sleeves, crinoline, petticoats, horse carriages, and big celebrations are all images that come to mind when thinking of the Victorian era. The lovely names of this period, on the other hand, have stayed with us to this day. So, if you are looking for a cute vintage Victorian baby name, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a compilation of some of the most adorable yet rare Victorian baby names to help you make a choice.
Key Pointers
- Victorian names have a touch of classic beauty.
- Girl names are inspired by flowers and feminine traits.
- Boy names are inspired by strong qualities and nobility.
- A few common unisex Victorian names are Francis, Avery, Elias, and Jules.
- Victorian baby names were also inspired by Biblical characters.
Most Beautiful Victorian Girl Names
Victorian girl names are sophisticated and elegant, representing the culture of the Victorian period. While many of these names have fallen out of usage today, they have retained their beauty. Read on to learn more about them.
1. Ada
This sophisticated name refers to Ada Lovelace, the daughter of Lord Byron. Ada is a Germanic name that means ‘adornment’.
2. Adelaide
Adelaide, meaning ‘noble’ in German, was used in high numbers amongst the aristocratic families.
Did you know?3. Adelia
This name, meaning ‘noble’ in German, sounds like a combination of Adele and Adelaide. But unfortunately, it has not been used since Victorian times.
4. Agatha
Agatha means ‘good woman’ in Greek. The renowned crime novelist Agatha Christie is undoubtedly one of the most famous figures to have contributed greatly to the popularity of the name.
Trivia5. Alexandra
Alexandra is a royal Victorian name of the 19th century. It’s reported that every royal family had at least one Alexandra. Queen Alexandra of Denmark, wife of King Edward VII, was one of the most prominent royal figures in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. This name means ‘defender’ in Greek.
6. Alice
This name has hovered in the top 500 Social Security Administration list for over a century (2). Alice means ‘nobility’ in French. The name is famous because of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. A famous namesake was Queen Victoria’s daughter, Princess Alice of the United Kingdom.
7. Alma
This lovely Victorian name has different meanings in different languages. It means ‘loving’ in Swedish, ‘apple’ in Persian, and ‘good’ in Celtic’.
8. Anne
Anne, in all its variations, including Anna or Annie, was regularly used as the first name. It means ‘grace’ in Hebrew. Anne, the former Queen of Great Britain, is a royal namesake.
9. Arabella
The royal name Arabella is taken from the Latin name Orabilis and means ‘yielding to prayer’. Lady Arabella Stuart, a 16th-century English noblewoman, was a noteworthy personality who bore the name.
10. Audrey
This lovely name has a timeless elegance and sophistication of Audrey Hepburn. Audrey means ‘nobility and strength’ in English.
11. Bertha
Bertha is a German-origin name meaning ‘bright’. Saint Bertha of Kent is a notable namesake who was known for being the first Christian queen of England (3).
12. Beryl
This gem of a name, meaning ‘gemstone’ in Greek, became popular for the first time in the 19th century.
13. Blanche
This French name, meaning ‘white,’ has a sophisticated Victorian flair. It originated as a nickname for pale women and then went on to be associated with purity.
14. Briar
A fantasy-inspired name for your little princess, Briar Rose was the original name of the Sleeping Beauty in folklore. Briar means ‘thorny shrub’ in English.
15. Catherine
Just like today, even in the Victorian era, Catherine was used in different forms, including Katherine and Kathryn. But the original form was most dominant. Catherine means ‘pure’ in Greek. One of the most famous bearers of the name Catherine was Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a fourth-century Christian martyr (4).
16. Clara
Clara, meaning ‘clear and bright’ in Latin, evokes the sweetness and elegance of the Victorian era.
17. Clementine
If you wish for a Victorian name that’s bold, frilly, and has the perfect twang, pick Clementine. It means ‘mild and merciful’ in Latin. The name may have gained popularity because of the folk song ‘Oh My Darling, Clementine.’
18. Cora
This name is now associated with Lady Cora Grantham in “Downton Abbey”. Cora was made famous by American writer James Fenimore Cooper in his novel “Last of the Mohicans”. The name means ‘maiden’ in Greek.
19. Della
In the 1800s, Della was popularly used as a short form for names like Adelle, Adelaide, and Adeline. Of German origin, the name means ‘noble’.
20. Ebba
Ebba could be an uncommon alternative to Emma and Ella. This Germanic name means ‘strong’. Saint Ebba, Abbess of Coldingham, was a notable namesake known for her wisdom (5).
21. Edith
Edith, meaning ‘prosperous in war’ in Old English, was an incredibly popular Victorian baby name for girls. No wonder it was chosen as the name of a female character in “Downton Abbey”.
22. Effie
This short form of Euphemia has become popular again, thanks to the “Hunger Games” series. Effie means ‘well spoken’ in Greek.
23. Eleanor
Honestly, we’re surprised at the lack of use of this beautiful name. We think it’s time to turn the clock to this pretty Victorian girl name. Eleanor is rooted in Old French and means ‘the other Aenor.’ Former Queen of England and France, Eleanor of Aquitaine, known for being one of the wealthiest women in Europe, was a noteworthy namesake (6).
24. Eliza
Bessie was not the only nickname for Elizabeth. Even Eliza was on the scene, and it became so popular that it became a bona fide name in itself. It means ‘pledged to God’ in Hebrew.
25. Elizabeth
Just like Ann, Elizabeth was used in all its forms in the Victorian period, though the long form was the favorite. Rooted in Hebrew and Greek, Elizabeth means ‘pledged to God’. Queen Elizabeth I has left such a lasting legacy that Elizabeth is still one of the most loved and favored names among royalty.
26. Elsie
This Scottish name is experiencing a major revival. It peaked in popularity in the late 19th century and was among the top 1890s names (2). Elsie means ‘pledged to God’ in Scottish.
27. Emily
Rooted in Latin and Roman, the name Emily means ‘industrious.’ It was once a beloved name with authors like Boccaccio and Chaucer. English novelist Emily Bronte was one of the most notable name bearers.
28. Emma
Emma, meaning ‘universal’ in German, was popular amongst the upper-class Victorian families. It gained widespread popularity across Europe due to Queen Emma of Normandy, the wife of two English kings.
Did you know?29. Esther
This name, meaning ‘star’ in Hebrew, combines the dignity of the Biblical name with a rhythmic sound with an ‘er’ ending.
30. Evie
Evie is one of the most popular Victorian nicknames in England. It means ‘life’ or ‘lively’ and is loved for its sweet sound and strong meaning.
31. Fannie
This name hints at the Victorian era’s obsession with names ending with ‘e’. Fannie is an English name with French roots. It means ‘free’. American culinary expert Fannie Farmer is a notable namesake known for her famous Boston Cooking-School Cook Book.
32. Flora
The name, which belonged to the Roman Goddess of spring and flowers, was one of the most favored names in the 1880s and 1890s (2). Flora means ‘flower’ in Latin.
33. Florence
This Victorian name is totally artsy. It is the name of the city at the heart of Italy, and has a rock ballad after its name. Florence is rooted in Latin and means ‘flourishing’ or ‘prosperous.’ The name is famously associated with the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale.
34. Frances
Frances is the feminine version of the name Francis, and it means ‘the free one’ in French. English-American author Frances Hodgson Burnett was a famous name bearer known for her novels The Secret Garden and A Little Princess.
35. Harriet
While this Victorian name is still receiving love in the United Kingdom, Americans are shy about this feminine form of Henry. You can shorten it to Hattie for a true-blue vintage charmer. Harriet means ‘estate ruler’ in German.
36. Hazel
This cute Victorian baby name fell off the charts in the 1970s but is on the rise again. The English name Hazel means ‘hazelnut tree’.
37. Henrietta
Before Harriet, charming and elegant Henrietta took the spotlight. The Germanic name Henrietta means ‘home ruler’.
38. Ida
Ida, the German name meaning ‘hardworking and diligent’, can be lengthened to the demure Idabelle or Idabel. African American journalist and civil rights activist Ida B. Wells could be credited for popularizing this name.
39. Isabella
Isabella or Isabel saw an increase in usage towards the end of the 1850s (2). Rooted in Italian and Spanish, the name means ‘devoted to God’.
40. Jane
‘Plain Jane’ was not relegated to the middle spot in the Victorian Era. It kept repeatedly popping throughout the centuries. Jane means ‘God has been gracious’ in Latin. English novelist Jane Austen, though predating the Victorian period, has remained an influential literary figure whose works continue to be widely read and admired.
41. Josephine
Josephine is one of those classic names that must be revived. It was last popular in 1884 when it reached the 45th spot. Josephine means ‘God increases’ in Hebrew. Empress Joséphine, the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, was a popular namesake.
42. Josie
One of the most widely accepted Victorian nicknames for Josephine, Josie is more popular now that it has ever been. It means ‘may Jehovah add’ in Hebrew.
43. Kitty
This pet form of Katherine predated all the Katies and Kathys in the 18th century. It means ‘pure’ in English. The name is loved in the world of fiction and includes the popular Kitty Bennet, a character in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
44. Lilian
Lilian, meaning ‘lily’ in Latin, evokes the purity and innocence of the Victorian era. The name was loved by parents for its gentle and refined sound.
45. Lily
The elegant name Lily finds its roots in Hebrew and means ‘my God is an oath.’ It was one of the most beloved floral names of the Victorian era.
46. Lottie
A dainty Victorian favorite, Lottie, the short form of Charlotte, means ‘free man’ in French. It was an affectionate and fashionable choice for a name in the Victorian period.
47. Lucy
Lucy is a Latin name meaning ‘light’. It is associated with several popular literary characters, including Lucy Snowe in Charlotte Brontë’s novel Villette.
48. Luella
This vintage name, meaning ‘warrior’ is patiently waiting for you to consider it. It is trendy and comes with cute nickname options like Ella or Lulu.
49. Mabel
Mabel means ‘lovable’ in Latin. Silent film actress Mabel Normand was a noteworthy bearer of this name.
50. Maggie
Maggie, the short form of Margaret, was a favorite nickname in the Victorian era. This delicate name means ‘pearl’ in Greek. A notable name bearer was African American businesswoman and educator Maggie Lena Walker.
51. Maida
In Southern Italy, baby girls were often named after great battles. That’s how Maida came into the scene. It was derived from the Battle of Maida in 1806. It means ‘virgin’ in English.
52. Maisie
Maisie, the Scottish form of names Marjorie and Margaret, has the potential of being the next Daisy. Maisie means ‘pearl’ in Scottish. The name has found renewed interest following the rise in popularity of English actress Maisie Williams from Game of Thrones.
53. Marjorie
A perfect name for the twinkle of your eyes, Marjorie is a variation of Margaret and means ‘child of light’ in Persian. A well-known bearer was the Scottish child poet Marjorie Fleming, who was admired by Victorian-era writers like Robert Louis Stevenson.
54. Martha
After being ignored for long, Martha is now marching its way up the list. This Biblical name means ‘lady’ in Aramaic.
55. Mary
Mary, meaning ‘beloved or bitter’ in Hebrew, was the ‘it’ name of the Victorian period, particularly at the end of the 1820s. It was the name of numerous queens, including Mary I and Mary II of England.
56. Millie
One of the chic and vintage girl names that sounds thoroughly modern, is Millie. Rooted in Latin, the name means ‘gentle strength.’ Parents love this name for its simplicity and friendly charm.
57. Minnie
Long before Minnie Mouse came into the picture, Minnie was one of the fastest rising names in the 19thcentury. Minnie is one of the Disney baby Victorian names. Minnie means ‘willful protector’ in German.
58. Nellie
The Victorian song ‘Nellie Bly’ made it a household name in the 19th century. Nellie means ’shining light’.
59. Nora
Nora is a no-nonsense name with a feminine ring. The Irish name means ‘light.’ A famous namesake was Nora Helmer, the protagonist of Henrik Ibsen’s 1879 play ‘A Doll’s House,’ which was known for challenging traditional Victorian gender roles.
60. Ottilie
Having French and Germanic roots, the charming feminine version of Otto means ‘riches.’ It was super popular during the Victorian times. With attractive nicknames like Lottie and Tillie, Ottilie deserves more time in the spotlight.
61. Rayne
This Victorian royal name is a fit for royalty and rightly so as it means ‘queen’ in a number of languages. Apt for your little princess, isn’t it?
62. Rosie
Floral names would never go out of style. Rosie means ‘rose’ in Latin. Parents love this name for its connection to nature and love.
63. Ruth
Rooted in Hebrew, the name means ‘friend.’ Parents favor this name because of its strong biblical connection and its elegant sound.
64. Sophronia
It’s time for this elaborate Victorian name to rule the charts. Sophronia means ‘prudent’ in Greek. Victorian parents who wanted a name with classical and intellectual appeal often chose Sophronia as an elegant choice.
65. Sylvia
The name, meaning ‘wood’ in Latin, brings to mind a forest filled with whispering trees. A famous literary reference is Sylvia Tilly in the TV series ‘Star Trek: Discovery.’
66. Tillie
This name, is a short form of Matilda. It took off when Heath Ledger picked it for his daughter. The Germanic name Tillie means ‘battle mighty’.
67. Victoria
This name is ladylike and dignified, just like Queen Victoria. This eternally beautiful name means ‘victory’ in Latin.
68. Vinnie
This diminutive of Lavinia is still very much in use for girls. Vinnie means ‘conqueror’ in Latin. Do not confuse it with Winnie.
69. Viola
This charmer from Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ is derived from the classic Latin name Violet.
70. Violet
This floral name is perfect for a spring baby. And we’re sure even your little one won’t feel shy about wearing this name. Violet means ‘purple’ in Latin.
71. Winnie
Most of us had forgotten this name until Jimmy Fallon chose it for his daughter. Winnie means ‘fair one’ in English. Winnie also holds historical significance as a popular name among British nobility.
72. Zadie
If you want an old-fashioned Victorian name for your daughter, add Zadie to your list right away! This name was at its peak in the 1880s and has its namesake in Zadie Smith, an English author. The name seems inspired by Sadie, which is derived from the Hebrew Sarah meaning ‘princess.’
Most Beautiful Victorian Boy Names
Victorian boy names are traditional and timeless. These names echo with nobility and refinement. While some may be deemed old-fashioned by today’s standards, they still command the same respect they did in the 19th century.
73. Abraham
Rooted in Hebrew, the name means ‘father of multitudes.’ The 16th US President, Abraham Lincoln, is one of the most eminent name bearers.
74. Alfred
British Prince Alfred and poet Lord Alfred Tennyson made this name popular during the Victorian era. The English name means ‘elf ruler.’
75. Archie
This short form of stuffy name Archibald took off in the era when even the boy’s name ended with the ‘e’ sound. Archie means ‘bold and true’ in German. The name has gained popularity in recent years thanks to Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, the son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
76. Arnold
Coming from Germanic elements, meaning ‘eagle power’, Arnold would make an awesome name for your son.
Trivia77. Arthur
Arthur was a popular choice in the Victorian era probably because of its association with the King Arthur of Camelot legend. Queen Victoria chose the name for one of her sons. The name has Celtic roots and means ‘powerful as a bear.’
78. Augustus
A name that sounds fit on both a toddler and a Roman emperor. This dignified name also comes with an approachable and friendly nickname Gus. Augustus means ‘great’ in Latin.
79. Baxter
This prim and proper British name, meaning ‘baker’, made a strong comeback after featuring in the movie ‘Anchorman’.
80. Bernard
This name, meaning ‘strong bear’ in German, can be softened to the sweet and friendly Bernie or Bern. The medieval theologian Saint Bernard of Clairvaux was a noteworthy namesake.
81. Bert
In the Victorian era, Bert was often used as a short form for Robert, Albert, and Bertram. But today, it stands strong as a stand-alone name. Rooted in Old English, Bert means ‘bright’. The name continues to remain popular due to characters like Bert from Mary Poppins.
82. Bram
Honor the creator of the “Dracula” series by naming your son Bram after the author Bram Stoker. Bram means ‘father of multitude’ in Hebrew.
83. Cassius
Cassius is an undeniably cool Victorian name. It means ‘empty’ in Latin. The name gained renewed interest because of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, whose birth name was Cassius Clay.
84. Charley
To keep it fun and informal, pick Charley instead of Charles or Charlie. Or use it as a nickname for Charles. Charley is an Old German name meaning ‘man’.
85. Clarence
This baby boy name and even its namesakes are filled with Victorian charm and vigor, whether you take the American attorney Clarence Darrow or the lifesaving guardian from “It’s a Wonderful Life”. The name finds its roots in the Latin word Clarus, which means ‘bright.’
86. Claude
This delightfully short name with Roman roots brings to mind Emperor Claudius. Claude means ‘from the Roman clan’. French painter Claude Monet was a notable figure known for his unique Impressionist paintings.
87. Clifford
In the 1800s, the term Clifford was used to describe ‘a ford near a slope.’ It later transformed into a name.
88. Douglas
Douglas, the name of one of the most powerful clans in Scotland, was given as a first name for the first time in the 16th century. It’s a dark Victorian baby name meaning ‘dark stream’ in Scottish.
89. Edgar
Edgar Degas was an extremely influential figure during the Victorian era. So was Edgar Allen Poe. This Anglo-Saxon name means ‘fortunate and powerful’.
90. Edison
This name, with its namesake Thomas Edison, embodies the spirit of invention. A distinctly masculine name, Edison means ‘son of Adam’ in English.
91. Edmund
One of the top 100 names of the Victorian era, you can shorten it to Eddie to make it sound more friendly. Edmund means ‘prosperity’ in Old English. The Elizabethan poet Edmund Spenser was one of its notable bearers.
92. Edwin
After fading from use after the Norman conquest, Edwin returned in the 19th century, via Dickens’ novel, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”. Edwin means ‘rich friend’ in Old English.
93. Elmer
This Teutonic name, meaning ‘awe-inspiring’, was once quite widespread in America during the Victorian Era. It means ‘noble or famous’ in Old English.
94. Enoch
This strong and masculine name, meaning ‘dedicated’ in Hebrew, would be a nice Victorian name for your little one. Parents love this name because of its biblical connection.
95. Ernest
An ideal name for a boy destined for literary greatness, it does not just nod to Ernest Hemingway, but is also associated with a character from Oscar Wilde’s play. Ernest means ‘earnest’ in Old German.
96. Everett
This upbeat name was a rage in England in the 1800s. Rooted in German, the name means ‘wild boar’.
97. Fletcher
This strong and sturdy name sounds like a combination of Flynn and Archer. It will remind some of you of the “Fletch” film series, where Fletcher was the last name of the lead. This English name means ‘arrow maker’.
98. Floyd
This Celtic name, meaning ‘gray,’ became popular because of the novel “Aurora Floyd” by Mary Elizabeth Braddon in the year 1863.
99. Frank
Frank is an Old Germanic name meaning ‘free man.’ The famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright was a notable personality bearing this name.
100. Franklin
Franklin is a cool and refined English name meaning ‘free landholder’. Famous personalities such as American inventor Benjamin Franklin and President Franklin D. Roosevelt have helped boost the popularity of this name.
101. Gilbert
This name of the 12th century English saint was introduced to England by the Normans. It is an Old German name that means ‘shining pledge’.
102. Grover
A Victorian presidential name (Grover Cleveland), in the present times, Grover is associated with “Sesame Street”. Of English origin, the name means ‘grove of trees’.
103. Harold
Harold, meaning ‘ruler’ in German, would be a bold and strong choice for boys of today. You can use Harry for the nickname. The name is famously associated with Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England before the Norman Conquest.
104. Harvey
A perfect example of a wonderfully vintage name. It brings to mind Harvey Dent from the “Batman” comic series. Harvey means ‘battle worthy’ in French.
105. Henry
This classic Germanic name of royal and noble lineage means ‘estate ruler’. It’s sweet and sounds less old school than Walter and Harold.
106. Hugh
After the early Americans had brought this name from Europe, its popularity began to wane. Thanks to Hugh Grant, this vintage name is back on the list. Hugh means ‘intellect’ in English.
107. Hugo
Hugo sounds Victorian, slightly eccentric, but dauntless. The Germanic name means ‘intelligent’. The name is famously associated with Victor Hugo, the renowned French writer known for his works such as Les Misérables.
108. Ives
The French name Ives is a variant of the saintly name Yves and means ‘eve’. It is creative, stately, and totally uncommon.
109. Ivor
Ivor, meaning ‘bow warrior’, has always been popular in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall. So pick it if you want to pay tribute to your Gaelic heritage.
110. Jack
Jack, with its hard ‘k’ sound, was at its peak in the Victorian era. The name means ‘God is gracious’ in Hebrew.
111. Jerome
The name Jerome is of Greek origin and means ‘sacred name.’ It was a well-known name in Victorian England. A famous bearer of this name was American musician Jerome Kern.
112. Jules
This Victorian baby boy name has multiple roots and means ‘youthful’ in Greek. It is a bold and antique, but elegant name. And it sounds like ‘joules,’ which is the unit of energy.
113. Larkin
Having English roots, Larkin means ‘fierce or rough’. Larkin is a surname that is also used as a given name.
114. Leo
Thanks to Russian author Leo Tolstoy for bringing fame to this name during the Victorian Era. Leo means ‘lion’ in Greek.
115. Louis
It seems that celebs are in love with this Victorian name. Hollywood actress Sandra Bullock chose the name for her son. Louis means ‘famous warrior’ in French.
116. Luther
A name that always conjures images of the American civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. It means ‘renowned warrior’ in German. What a fitting name!
117. Martin
A Victorian name that’s enjoying fame in countries like Austria, Spain, and Chile, Martin means ‘warlike’ in Latin. Martin F. Tupper, a Victorian poet and philosopher, bore this distinguished name.
118. Merritt
Merritt is a cute English surname-turned-first name, meaning ‘worthy’. It’d be a fitting twist on Everett.
119. Oliver
This classic Victorian baby name has significant literary clout in Dickens’ “Oliver Twist”. Rooted in Latin, Oliver means ‘olive tree’.
120. Oscar
This award-winning name was adored by the parents of the Victorian era. Oscar is an Irish name that means ‘God’s spear’.
121. Otto
This one has a slew of literary and historical figures sporting it. It finds its origin in German and means ‘wealthy’.
122. Phineas
This name, with its quirky manliness, seems like it was made in the Victorian era. It has biblical and Ancient Hebrew roots and likely means ‘serpent’s mouth.’
123. Raymond
This Victorian baby name means ‘wise protector’ in German. The hit TV sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond could be credited for popularizing this name.
124. Silas
This serious and sophisticated name has a literary association in “Silas Marner”. It means ‘from the forest’ in Latin.
125. Sterling
This name has an air of the affluent poise, which one needs to carry the silver-topped walking stick and top hat. Sterling means ‘easterner’ in English.
126. Tesla
Since the interest in Serbian names has been rising, Tesla is seen popping in various places. It means ‘of the axe’. The name became famous due to Nikola Tesla, the Victorian-era inventor whose discoveries in electricity changed the world.
127. Thaddeus
Thaddeus is derived from an Aramaic name and means ‘wise.’ It was a popular name in the 18th and 19th centuries.
128. Theodore
In the late 19th century, Theodore was one of the top 100 names. It is a Greek name that means ‘gift of God’. The name is associated with legendary American president Theodore Roosevelt, who was born in the Victorian era.
129. Victor
The name may be ancient in origin, but it became commonplace in the 19th century. Meaning ‘winner’ in Latin, this name would give a solid start to your child’s life.
130. Warren
A tough and rugged name from a dainty era, Warren is an English name and an Irish surname meaning ‘park-keeper’. Renowned American investor Warren Buffett is a noteworthy namesake.
131. Watson
We must say that detective Sherlock Holmes’ partner makes this name irresistible. The traditional English name Watson means ‘son of Walter’. The name may have gained popularity due to Dr. John Watson, Sherlock Holmes’ loyal companion in Arthur Conan Doyle’s Victorian-era detective stories.
132. Wellington
This British surname and name harkens to the time of the Duke of Wellington. As a bonus, you get Wells for the nickname. Wellington means ‘from the wealthy state’ in English.
133. Willie
We’re sure you’ll find this name in your family tree going back to the 1800s. It started as a nickname for the Old German name William and means ‘resolute protector.’
Naming Trends During The Victorian Era
The Victorian era (1837–1901), which falls under the reign of Queen Victoria, was a time of rapid industrialization, social reforms, and strict moral values (7). Societal ideals, religious beliefs, and literature greatly influenced the naming trends of this period.
The era witnessed the ever-growing love for biblical names like John, Mary, Elizabeth, and Samuel. Names inspired by monarchy and nobility, such as Victoria, Albert, Alexandra, and Arthur, also gained tremendous popularity. According to a study by Amy M. Hasfjord of Illinois State University, before the Victorian era, English names were mostly inspired by royal names or had religious origins. However, during the Victorian era, the upper middle classes began introducing names inspired by popular print culture, marking a shift from traditional naming conventions (8).
Reflecting their love for nature, more and more parents choose to bestow their girls with flower-inspired names like Lily and Flora. The growing appreciation for classical literature was also evident in names rooted in Greek and Roman. Literature also influenced names, with characters from Shakespeare, Dickens, and the Brontë sisters inspiring choices like Edgar, Charlotte, and Emily. Long names like Theodore, Franklin, and Sophronia, too, were loved by parents for their elegant vibe.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How have Victorian baby names influenced modern naming trends for babies?
Usually, Victorian names are long and with significant meaning and history. So variations and diminutives of many of these names are now used as modern names for babies. For example, the popular modern name Tina is a diminutive of the Victorian name Clementina.
2. What are some factors that influenced the choice of Victorian baby names?
Parents may choose a Victorian name for their baby depending on their personal choice, family history, the gender of the baby, suitability with the last name, popularity, meaning, tradition, and any famous person related to the name.
3. Can you provide some examples of Victorian baby names that are gender-neutral?
Some gender-neutral Victorian names are Morgan, Taylor, Francis, Avery, Elias, Jules, and Synder. While some of these names might be popular as a particular gender name, there have been records of usage of these names for the other gender too.
4. What are some common middle names used with Victorian baby names?
Names like Elizabeth, William, Anne, Rose, Thomas, and Grace can be used as both a forename and a middle name.
5. Can you suggest some Victorian baby names that have religious or spiritual significance?
Names, including James, Jacob, Benjamin, Daniel, David, Elizabeth, Lydia, Josephine, and Esther are some Victorian names derived from the Bible and have religious and spiritual significance.
6. What makes Victorian baby names unique compared to modern names?
Victorian names stand out from modern names based on their simplicity and elegance. These names retain their original forms, while modern names are mostly derivatives or diminutives. While modern names have unique spellings to make them stand out, Victorian names are short and easy to pronounce. Also, most Victorian names are Biblical or virtue names, while modern ones have moved on from such themes.
Victorian baby names have not lost their charm. They are as popular today as they were in the Victorian era. So, if you are captivated by the idea of elegant hats, corsets, and large dresses, it would be a good idea to try a Victorian-era-inspired name for your baby. If you’re wondering what those names sound like, the list provided here will take you through some of the best ones that will raise your curiosity and interest. So, explore some classic names such as Agatha, Della, Hazel, and Isabella, and choose the one that excites you the most.
Infographic: Victorian Names For Girls And Boys With Meanings
The Victorian era paints a vivid image of elegance and nobility. And just like the people, their names are also classy. So if you too are fascinated by this vintage period, this list of famous Victorian names may intrigue you. Check them out and pick a name for your little one.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Mesmerizing Victorian Baby Names For Girls And Boys
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Celebrate the elegance of the Victorian Era with this exquisite list of Victorian baby names that will surely leave you reminiscent of a wonderful era.
References
- Queen Adelaide.
https://sahistoryhub.history.sa.gov.au/people/queen-adelaide/ - Popular Baby Names (ssa.gov).
https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/ - St. Bertha of Kent.
https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=1767 - St. Catherine of Alexandria.
https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=341 - Saint Ebba Abbess Of Coldingham.
https://www.wilcuma.org.uk/a-century-of-english-sanctity/41-saint-ebba/ - Eleanor of Aquitaine.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/women-in-history/eleanor-aquitaine/ - Social Life in Victorian England.
https://sites.udel.edu/britlitwiki/social-life-in-victorian-england/ - New Influences On Naming Patterns In Victorian Britain.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1507&context=etd
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