72 Medieval Baby Names With Meanings

medieval-english-baby-names-with-meanings

If you want a baby name that is unique and meaningful, you may draw inspiration from the enchanting era of the Medieval age. Medieval English baby names hold a special charm, deriving from saints, biblical texts, and historical figures. These names offer a glimpse into a time when religion held great significance. During this period, names often took different spellings in various regions due to the diversity of vernacular languages spoken across Europe. French names that ended with -et, -in, and -on, brought by the Normans, evolved into English forms with suffixes like -kin and -cock. Additionally, Latin names with -us endings were common for males. Intermarriages among royal families for political reasons introduced foreign names that were anglicized rather than used in their original form. Frankish names were also prevalent, especially among the Normans who brought them to England after the 1066 invasion. Most of these names are in trend but with modern forms, their historical roots are fascinating. The development of the modern naming system in England began in the Middle Ages. Large populations in the early 20th century were known by a single given name. However, as these names became insufficient, additional names and bynames were given. Gradually, bynames evolved into hereditary surnames, reflecting kinship (1). Below, we've compiled a list of medieval English baby names that deserve a comeback. These names evoke a world where myth and reality intertwine, honoring values including courage, faith, and the rustic beauty of England. Take a journey through these names, and you might discover the perfect name for your little one. If these medieval English names have piqued your interest, imagine the stories they could tell. Delve deeper into the world of names, exploring old and new possibilities from across the globe.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Ahelis Baby Girl Sign Girl A woman of nobility
heart image Ahelissa Baby Girl Sign Girl A noble-born woman
heart image Alexander Baby Boy Sign Boy Defender of mankind
heart image Alice Baby Girl Sign Girl Noble; Kind
heart image Aurora Baby Girl Sign Girl Dawn
heart image Ava Baby Girl Sign Girl Guarantee
heart image Bricteva Baby Girl Sign Girl Fair gift
heart image Bricthiua Baby Girl Sign Girl Gifted woman
heart image Bricthled Baby Girl Sign Girl From the land of gifts
heart image Chrysogon Baby Boy Sign Boy A Medieval English name of Greek origin
heart image Col Baby Boy Sign Boy A short term for Nicholas; Victory of the men
heart image David Baby Boy Sign Boy Beloved
heart image Elijah Baby Boy Sign Boy Yahweh is my God
heart image Elizabeth Baby Girl Sign Girl My God is an oath; My God is abundance
heart image Emilia Baby Girl Sign Girl Rival; To emulate; Excel
heart image Emma Baby Girl Sign Girl Whole; Universal
heart image Gabriel Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God is my strength
heart image Henry Baby Boy Sign Boy Home ruler
heart image Hildeth Baby Girl Sign Girl She who gives good battle counsel
heart image Hildeyerd Baby Girl Sign Girl A young battle maiden
heart image Hildiard Baby Girl Sign Girl She who fights in a battle
heart image Hildilid Baby Boy Sign Boy A warrior of the battle
heart image Hildith Baby Boy Sign Boy A fighter in the war
heart image Hilditha Baby Girl Sign Girl She who fights in the battles of war
heart image Hildithe Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is in the battle
heart image Hildred Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A counselor in the battle
heart image Hildwulf Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is like a wolf in the battle
heart image Hildyard Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is from the battle fields
heart image Hilith Baby Girl Sign Girl She is a battle maiden
heart image Hillaria Baby Girl Sign Girl A woman who is always cheerful and happy
heart image Hillda Baby Girl Sign Girl A woman who is a soldier in the war
heart image Hilleree Baby Girl Sign Girl A cheerful and happy maiden
heart image Hismena Baby Girl Sign Girl A beloved and esteemed woman
heart image Horenga Baby Girl Sign Girl A variation of Orenga
heart image Hrodwyn Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is a friend of the fame
heart image John Baby Boy Sign Boy God is merciful and gracious
heart image Lefleda Baby Girl Sign Girl A beautiful individual who is loved by others
heart image Lefquen Baby Girl Sign Girl A cherished and beloved person
heart image Lefquena Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful, powerful, and beloved individual
heart image Lefquene Baby Girl Sign Girl Darling and beautiful person
heart image Lefquenn Baby Girl Sign Girl Pleasing and dear woman
heart image Lefqwen Baby Girl Sign Girl A woman of beauty and power who is loved by all
heart image Lefric Baby Boy Sign Boy A beloved and powerful individual
heart image Lefrich Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is powerful and pleasant
heart image Lefricus Baby Boy Sign Boy Authoritative and beloved person
heart image Lefsued Baby Boy Sign Boy A pleasing person with an enjoyable personality
heart image Lefsuet Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is dear and agreeable
heart image Lefuuinus Baby Boy Sign Boy Dear; Beloved
heart image Lefwen Baby Girl Sign Girl The dear and joyous person
heart image Lefwenna Baby Girl Sign Girl A person who is full of joy
heart image Lefwinus Baby Boy Sign Boy A beloved, joyful person
heart image Lefwyne Baby Boy Sign Boy A precious and cheerful individual
heart image Livith Baby Girl Sign Girl An individual who gladly participates in battles
heart image Lucy Baby Girl Sign Girl Light
heart image Matthew Baby Boy Sign Boy Gift of God
heart image Mawdelyn Baby Girl Sign Girl A medieval English girl name
heart image Michael Baby Boy Sign Boy Who is like God
heart image Oliver Baby Boy Sign Boy Olive tree planter
heart image Olivia Baby Girl Sign Girl Peace; Olive tree
heart image Plesantia Baby Girl Sign Girl A pleasant, delightful woman
heart image Plesencia Baby Girl Sign Girl A charming, pleasant, friendly woman
heart image Pollekin Baby Girl Sign Girl A daughter that was prayed for
heart image Polli Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is like a sea of bitterness
heart image Polloch Baby Boy Sign Boy A Royal Headdress
heart image Pollyana Baby Girl Sign Girl A rebellious child
heart image Purnele Baby Girl Sign Girl One solid and strong as the rock
heart image Purnell Baby Boy Sign Boy An old surname; Rock
heart image Purnelle Baby Girl Sign Girl One who can be compared to a rock
heart image Ravenor Baby Boy Sign Boy The raven
heart image Sebastian Baby Boy Sign Boy From Sebaste; Venerable
heart image Stella Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Star; Pillar
heart image Violet Baby Girl Sign Girl Purple; Purple flower

Exploring medieval English baby names, we journey through a crossroads of history and culture. These names, often rooted in Old English and influenced by religious, familial, and societal factors, reflect the values and aspirations of an ancient era. As we delve into this linguistic realm, we unearth a rich reservoir of names that connect us to our ancestors and highlight the ardent human desire to bestow meaningful identities upon the next generation.

Infographic: Classic Medieval Baby Names With Meanings

Explore the enchanting world of English baby names from medieval times. These names evoke the era of knights and castles, offering a glimpse into the past. Discover the beauty of names derived from nature, virtue, and ancient legends. This infographic below lists such names and their meanings.

timeless medieval baby names to discover (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some considerations when choosing a medieval baby name?

When selecting a medieval baby name, consider researching its historical period, cultural importance, and popularity. You may also seek names linked to nobility, chivalry, or legendary characters of the medieval period while considering the name's meaning, individuality, and alignment with your preferences.

2. Can medieval baby names be gender-neutral?

In medieval times, most baby names were believed to be gender-specific, but there were a few names like Robin (Bright fame), Avery (Elf ruler or king), and Drew (Manly or masculine) that could be considered gender-neutral.

3. What are some unique medieval baby names that are not commonly used today?

Some unique medieval baby names like Elfrida (Elf strength), Lancelot (Spear), and Isolde (Ice battle) have an intriguing historical charm and offer a distinct choice for parents seeking a less common medieval-inspired name for their child.

4. What are some differences in medieval baby names across different regions of Europe?

Regional differences in baby names may be evident across German-speaking European countries, particularly in diminutive names ending with -l -el, -erl, and -le in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Similarly, the variations may also be seen in the names derived from occupations; for example, a barrel maker is called by different titles in different regions.

5. What are some popular medieval baby names that have a strong meaning or symbolism?

The name Arthur, associated with the legendary King Arthur of the sixth century who fought against the Saxon invasion, represents bravery and leadership (2). Isabella, meaning 'God is an oath,' reflects religious unyielding faith, and the medieval name Tristan, associated with the tragic love story of Tristan and Isolde, symbolizes passionate love.

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.
  1. Notions of the family, lordship and the evolution of naming processes in medieval English rural society: a regional example;
    https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/continuity-and-change/article/abs/notions-of-the-family-lordship-and-the-evolution-of-naming-processes-in-medieval-english-rural-society-a-regional-example/2A125B6AA8EB3D00793897C74A21C1E4
  2. Elizabeth Gaj Proctor; 2017; The Legendary King: How the Figure of King Arthur Shaped a National Identity and the Field of Archaeology in Britain;
    https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1267&context=honors
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