402 Anglo-Saxon Baby Names For Your Royal Child

Vintage choices from an era that can never be forgotten by its people.

Written by N Pravenchandra Singh, MA Specialty: Literature and RelationshipsExperience: 2 years

Praven is an English literature expert. He did his bachelors in English from Delhi University and masters in English from Manipur University. Besides, he holds a certificate in multimedia design and content creation from NIELIT Imphal and presented papers at various national and international conferences.

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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

If you want a sophisticated, stylish and plain beautiful name, a list of Anglo-Saxon baby names can be of your help. This ancient civilization has long left the English shores after the Norman invasion of 1066, but the spirit of the names still lingers in modern times. Anglo-Saxons were originally a Germanic tribe from the Danish peninsula. When the Romans left Britain, the Germanics invaded in 400 AD. They had five main kingdoms, Wessex, East Anglia, Mercia, Northumbria, and Kent (1). Though the tribe had settled there since the early 5th century, there were frequent clashes with neighboring territories. In 790 AD, the Vikings started penetrating the Anglo-Saxon empire, and the empires were almost continuously in war from then on (2). You may, hence, be surprised to find some names derived from the Germanic language of the Vikings among Anglo-Saxon names. In the Anglo-Saxon period, the personal name was made of two elements and linked to the parents’ names. For instance, if the parents were named Aldred and Edith, they might name their daughter Aaldith. Hence, these dithematic names did not really have any meaning. They turned into monothematic names after the Norman conquest (3). Also, bynames, not surnames, were used for identification purposes. While there weren’t any surnames or family names, the aristocratic people were identified by names taken from famous forbearers like Besingas, Athelings, Baducings, and Gumeningas, along with the final element –ing, which means ‘people of.’ The Anglo-Saxons also believed that a name contained a person’s spirit, and by using the name for a newborn child, the spirit could drain from him. Hence, picking an auspicious name was of utmost importance. In recent times, too, picking a personal name for their baby is of prime importance for many parents. So why wait? Pick your favorite Anglo-Saxon name right away. You can narrow down the search by filtering the gender of the baby and saving your favorite names to share with your friends and family.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Eden	Girl	A place of delight; Pleasure; Plain; Wealthy bear
Braxton	Boy	Bracca's settlement
Brandon	Boy	Prince; Chieftain; Gorse hill; Hill covered with broom
Edgar	Boy	Prosperous spear
Langston	Boy	Long stone
Colten	Boy	From a coal town
Darwin	Boy	Dear friend
Irvin	Boy	Green water; Boar friend
Arlen	Boy	Pledge; Oath; Hare land
Eowyn	Girl	Horse lover; Horse joy

Edson	Boy	Fortunate warrior; Isthmus
Drayden	Boy	Farmstead near a portage or slope used for dragging downloads
Knight	Boy	A knight; Serving lad
Oswald	Boy	God's power; Mighty god
Edgardo	Boy	Prosperous spear
Darvin	Boy	Dear friend
Imelda	Girl	Great battle
Iden	Unisex	Wealthy
Tennyson	Boy	A form of Dennison; Son of Dennis
Kaedon	Unisex	Mac Cadáin; Warrior; Strength; Gentle; Loyalty; Spirit of war; Son of Cadán

Kaidon	Unisex	Mac Cadáin; Warrior; Spirit of war; Son of Cadán
Aldin	Boy	Old friend; Excellence of religion
Uhtred	Boy	Pre-dawn; Advice; Earl
Arlington	Boy	A place name; Arl's settlement
Terrick	Unisex	Teofer's farm
Misk	Unisex	Boundary; Sweet; Honey
Edgard	Boy	Prosperous spear
Inman	Unisex	Tended a lodge or an inn
Rennick	Boy	A dwelling place; A village; A farm
Autry	Boy	Noble strength

Snyder	Unisex	To cut; Tailor
Osric	Boy	God's rule; God's power
Kendre	Girl	She is a prophet
Gayle	Girl	My father is joy; Jovial; Storm
Sedric	Unisex	Loved
Eadric	Boy	Wealthy ruler; Fortunate King
Deker	Unisex	Dike; Ditch maker; Roofer
Dalston	Boy	The one from Dougal's place
Rawson	Boy	The son of a famous wolf
Kinzey	Unisex	Handsome; Beautiful; Good; Royal; Victory

Taiten	Boy	Plays a small drum
Covin	Boy	Cofa's settlement
Page	Boy	An attendant; A little boy
Sheffield	Boy	Crooked field
Sherlock	Boy	Someone with closely cut hair
York	Unisex	Yew tree settlement; Boar village
Averill	Boy	Boar-like in battle
Aulden	Boy	Dweller at the old enclosure; Old friend
Melton	Boy	Between two places; The middle settlement
Rawling	Boy	Advice of the wolf

Peirce	Boy	Name given to the son of Peter
Aunica	Girl	Favor; Grace; Noble strength
Gayla	Girl	My father is joy; My father rejoices
Cidney	Girl	Water meadow; Vast island
Easter	Girl	Day of Resurrection of Christ; Pagan goddess of fertility
Stetson	Boy	Stithweard's town; Fighter; Boxer
Aeldra	Boy	Lives at the elder tree; Noble
Aelfric	Boy	Elf ruler; King of elves
Aelle	Boy	All; Complete
Aescwine	Boy	Spear Friend

Aethelbald	Boy	Noble and Bold; A King of Mercia
Aethelbert	Boy	Bright Nobility
Aethelfrith	Boy	Noble Peace
Aethelhard	Boy	Noble Strength
Aethelhere	Boy	Name of a King
Aethelstan	Boy	Noble; Stone
Aethelwulf	Boy	Noble wolf
Agilberht	Boy	Name of a Bishop
Aiekin	Boy	Oaken
Alcuin	Boy	Temple friend

Aldfrith	Boy	Name of a King
Aldhelm	Boy	Name of a Bishop
Alfric	Boy	Variant of Aelfric; Elf king
Almund	Boy	Noble Protection; Defender of the Temple
Atwater	Boy	From the Water Edge; Someone who lived by the River or Lake
Averel	Boy	Boar like in battle; A variant of Averill
Averell	Boy	Boar like in battle; A variant of Averill
Hrothgar	Boy	Fame; Glory; Spear
Marmaduke	Boy	Disciple of Saint Máedóc; A mighty noble
Merewina	Girl	A variant of Merewen, which means renowned joy, great pleasure, or splendid delight

Millman	Boy	Mill worker; One who grinds grain; A variant form of Miller
Milman	Boy	Mill worker; One who grinds grain
Ailred	Boy	Noble counsel
Atol	Boy	Someone who is hateful
Ayer	Boy	Water; From the town of Ayr; Heir; Temple army
Ayers	Boy	Water; From the town of Ayr; Heir; Temple army
Aylett	Boy	One who has noble and great personality
Baldwinn	Boy	A bold and beautiful person
Bana	Boy	Slayer; Arrow; To build
Barnet	Boy	Place cleared by burning

Bat	Boy	Boat; Daughter
Bax	Boy	Baker; Box tree
Beale	Boy	Handsome man; Fair; Beautiful; Son of Bel; Bee-hill
Beocca	Girl	Little bee; Becca's homestead; Pickaxe
Beorma	Boy	Fermented or frothy
Binky	Boy	Field of beans
Blagden	Boy	The dark or black valley
Bordan	Boy	One who comes from the valley of bears
Bradwin	Boy	A bearded friend
Cafnoth	Boy	Anglo-Saxon male name

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Anglo-Saxons were an ancient race with their own culture and heritage. Following several invasions, this culture saw a healthy mixture of other languages too. Anglo-Saxon names were dithematic and could be formed by attaching two parts from the names of the parents. This practice could make some names meaningless. However, many names conveyed strong meanings. Anglo-Saxon names often took inspiration from mythology, nature, and personality or physical characteristics. These unique names will now make your little one stand out in a crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do the popular Anglo-Saxon names Beowulf and Edgar mean?

Beowulf possibly means ‘bee wolf’ (bear) and is derived from the Old English ‘beo’ meaning ‘bee’ and ‘wulf’ meaning ‘wolf.’ Alternatively, the first element could come from ‘beadu,’ meaning ‘battle.’ Beowulf is the name of the main character of the 8th-century epic poem of the same name and is considered an Anglo-Saxon hero. Conversely, Edgar is derived from the Old English elements ‘ead’ meaning ‘wealth’ or ‘fortune’ and ‘gar’ meaning ‘spear.’ It was also the name of a 10th-century English king, Edgar the Peaceful.

2. What unique or rare Anglo-Saxon baby names are still in use today?

Certain Anglo-Saxon names like Ethel (noble), Wulfric (wolf ruler), Godric (god’s ruler), Godiva (gift of god), Becca (pick-axe), and Osmund (protection of god) are still in use today, though rarely.

3. What was the significance of names in Anglo-Saxon culture?

In Anglo-Saxon culture, names could be chosen to reflect a desirable trait or characteristic the parents wanted the child to possess. For instance, Æthelred means ‘noble’ or ‘daring,’ and Cyneheard means ‘royal’ or ‘firm.’ Parents aspired to give their children these positive attributes. Moreover, names like Beowulf (bear) and Wulfric (wolf ruler) could be connected to the Anglo-Saxon warrior culture. Some parents could choose names that invoke blessings from the gods to protect and prosper their children.

4. How did Anglo-Saxon names change over time?

The introduction of Christianity in the late 6th and 7th centuries significantly changed Anglo-Saxon names (1). The names of Christian saints began to be introduced. Moreover, the Viking invasions in the 8th and 9th centuries also caused several changes in Anglo-Saxon names (2). Later, French names were introduced with the Norman conquest in 1066 (3). Additionally, Germanic and Norse names underwent anglicization over time. Hence, names like Ælfweard became Alfred.

5. What are some resources for parents looking for an Anglo-Saxon name for their child?

Historical texts and literature can help parents look for authentic Anglo-Saxon names. You can also check the etymologies of names to get an insight into the historical and cultural context of such names. Several online websites also list Anglo-Saxon names with meanings and origins. Additionally, you can get information about these names by talking with Anglo-Saxon experts or on online forums dedicated to them.

Infographic: Charismatic Anglo-Saxon Baby Names

The Anglo-Saxons have had an interesting and colorful history. Fittingly, their names, too, reflect this richness of culture and tradition. From mythology to nature, Anglo-Saxon baby names cover many grounds in terms of meanings and associations. These names are relevant in modern times, too. If you are looking for some excellent Anglo-Saxon names with varied meanings, look at this infographic.

charming anglo saxon baby names for your little warrior (infographic)

References:

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Anglo-Saxon England.
https://smarthistory.org/anglo-saxon-england/
Anglo-Saxons: a brief history.
https://www.history.org.uk/primary/resource/3865/anglo-saxons-a-brief-history
Chetwood J.A.; Re-evaluating English Personal Naming on the Eve of the Conquest.
https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/101198/1/J%20Chetwood%20EME%20Article%20-%20Main%20Document.pdf

Look Up For Many More Names

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