417 Anglo Saxon Baby Names With Meanings

Anglo Saxon Baby Names With Meanings

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.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Dunton heart image baby boy sign Boy A settlement name; hill
heart image Durwin heart image baby boy sign Boy A good and dear friend
heart image Durwyn heart image baby boy sign Boy One who is the friend of a Deer
heart image Dyke heart image baby boy sign Boy Dike or ditch
heart image Eadbehrt heart image baby boy sign Boy Blessed; Bright
heart image Eadbert heart image baby boy sign Boy A king
heart image Eadberth heart image baby boy sign Unisex A blessed person
heart image Eadburg heart image baby boy sign Girl Fortune; Fortress
heart image Eadburga heart image baby boy sign Girl Wealth; Protection
heart image Eadgifu heart image baby boy sign Girl A rich gift to mankind
heart image Eadgyth heart image baby boy sign Girl Wife of a wise counselor
heart image Eadgytha heart image baby boy sign Girl Wise wife of a counselor
heart image Eadhelm heart image baby boy sign Boy A friendly and social person
heart image Eadhild heart image baby boy sign Girl Maid of a rich battle
heart image Eadlyn heart image baby boy sign Girl A healthy and wealthy friend
heart image Eadmaer heart image baby boy sign Boy The one who comes from riches and greatness
heart image Eadred heart image baby boy sign Boy A rich, happy, and eager person
heart image Eadwacer heart image baby boy sign Boy Heaven-watcher; A person who is of an expressive nature
heart image Eadwig heart image baby boy sign Boy A rich or prosperous person
heart image Ealdgyth heart image baby boy sign Boy An old battle maid; the noble one
heart image Ealhred heart image baby boy sign Boy A hall or a big place
heart image Ealhstan heart image baby boy sign Boy They are stone hard and temple pure
heart image Ealhswith heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is lucky and fertile
heart image Earconbert heart image baby boy sign Boy One who has many qualities and personal insight
heart image Earcongota heart image baby boy sign Girl One with broad visions and ideas
heart image Earle heart image baby boy sign Boy It means chief or nobleman
heart image Ecgbert heart image baby boy sign Boy A sharp edge of a sword
heart image Ecgfrith heart image baby boy sign Boy A born leader; name of a king
heart image Edburga heart image baby boy sign Boy The great; Guardian protector
heart image Eddison heart image baby boy sign Boy A successor of wealth; Ed's son
heart image Edgard heart image baby boy sign Boy A brave and strong spearman
heart image Edgert heart image baby boy sign Boy Who has sharpness of a blade; border
heart image Edhida heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is joyful and happy
heart image Edhita heart image baby boy sign Girl A happy natured person who is in love
heart image Edhitha heart image baby boy sign Girl The one who is prosperous and lovely
heart image Edit heart image baby boy sign Boy Joyous; Wealthy gift from a ruler
heart image Editha heart image baby boy sign Girl Blessed to be successful person or individual
heart image Edla heart image baby boy sign Girl A born Princess; they are efficient and joyous
heart image Edlin heart image baby boy sign Boy A rich friend; popular and friendly
heart image Edmundus heart image baby boy sign Boy Fortune loving person; one who has a heart of gold
heart image Edouard heart image baby boy sign Boy A happy rich protector
heart image Edris heart image baby boy sign Boy Ardent ruler
heart image Edson heart image baby boy sign Boy Son of a fortunate warrior
heart image Eduin heart image baby boy sign Boy Rich friend
heart image Eduuin heart image baby boy sign Boy Blessed friend; a prosperous person
heart image Eduuine heart image baby boy sign Boy Fortunate friend; they are a guardian
heart image Eduwiges heart image baby boy sign Girl Fighting woman; one who is a good speaker
heart image Edwen heart image baby boy sign Boy Rich in friendship; a blessed friend
heart image Edwin heart image baby boy sign Boy Rich friend
heart image Edwina heart image baby boy sign Girl A rich and wealthy friend
heart image Edwinc heart image baby boy sign Girl Warrior; one who has varied experiences
heart image Edwy heart image baby boy sign Boy Name of a king; one who is brave hearted
heart image Edwyn heart image baby boy sign Boy Valued friend; One who is happy and wealthy
heart image Edyna heart image baby boy sign Girl One who came from edinburgh
heart image Egberk heart image baby boy sign Boy Bright sword
heart image Egbert heart image baby boy sign Boy Sharp edge of sword
heart image Egberthe heart image baby boy sign Girl A brilliant sword which is unique
heart image Egbertina heart image baby boy sign Girl A shining sword which can kill
heart image Egbertine heart image baby boy sign Girl A pointed edge of sword; very sharp
heart image Egfrid heart image baby boy sign Boy Happy and mature individual
heart image Egric heart image baby boy sign Boy One who is eternal and self loving
heart image Eidyth heart image baby boy sign Girl Joyous and loving person
heart image Eidytha heart image baby boy sign Girl Joyous and lovely person
heart image Ekbert heart image baby boy sign Boy One who has a bright edge
heart image Eldit heart image baby boy sign Girl A wealthy and sweet natured person
heart image Eldred heart image baby boy sign Boy Wise advisors
heart image Eldrida heart image baby boy sign Boy A brilliant wise advisor
heart image Eldridge heart image baby boy sign Girl A sage like faithful and wise advisor
heart image Eldwin heart image baby boy sign Boy One who is a wise ruler and advisor
heart image Eldwyn heart image baby boy sign Boy One who is a born wise advisor
heart image Elfgifu heart image baby boy sign Girl A gift from the Elves
heart image Elfin heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is the ruler of the Elves
heart image Elivina heart image baby boy sign Girl A beautiful friend of the Elves
heart image Ellan heart image baby boy sign Girl Bright and shining light of magic
heart image Ellette heart image baby boy sign Girl A little, magical Elf
heart image Elswyth heart image baby boy sign Girl Elf from the willow trees
heart image Elwine heart image baby boy sign Girl A friend of the elves
heart image Engelieth heart image baby boy sign Girl A battle
heart image Eoforheard heart image baby boy sign Boy A firm wild boar
heart image Eoforhild heart image baby boy sign Girl A battle of boars
heart image Eoforich heart image baby boy sign Boy A battle concerning boars held during the Norman conquest
heart image Eoforweald heart image baby boy sign Boy A brave leader
heart image Eohhere heart image baby boy sign Boy Someone from the ancient lake country
heart image Eohric heart image baby boy sign Boy A very powerful ruler
heart image Eomer heart image baby boy sign Boy Famous war horse
heart image Eoppa heart image baby boy sign Boy A royal prince
heart image Eorconweald heart image baby boy sign Boy A mounted stallion
heart image Eormengild heart image baby boy sign Boy Public pledge
heart image Eormengyth heart image baby boy sign Girl Somebody who takes a public oath
heart image Eormenhild heart image baby boy sign Girl Someone who has taken a public oath
heart image Eorpwald heart image baby boy sign Boy A king of East Anglia
heart image Eosterwine heart image baby boy sign Boy An ancient Christian father in Anglo-Saxon culture
heart image Eostre heart image baby boy sign Girl Goddess of the dawn
heart image Eowyn heart image baby boy sign Girl Horse lover; Young warrior
heart image Eral heart image baby boy sign Boy Somebody of nobility
heart image Esla heart image baby boy sign Girl Truth
heart image Esne heart image baby boy sign Boy A labourer; A small class person
heart image Ethelbert heart image baby boy sign Boy Noble and bright
heart image Ethelind heart image baby boy sign Boy Noble snake
heart image Ethelinda heart image baby boy sign Girl Noble serpent

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.

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)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

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.

References:

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