72 Medieval Baby Names With Meanings
Bringing back timeless names with historic beauty for a noble future.
Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
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.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Ahelis |  Girl | A woman of nobility | |
| Ahelissa | Girl | A noble-born woman | |
| Alexander | Boy | Defender of mankind | |
| Alice | Girl | Noble; Kind | |
| Aurora | Girl | Dawn | |
| Ava | Girl | Guarantee | |
| Bricteva | Girl | Fair gift | |
| Bricthiua | Girl | Gifted woman | |
| Bricthled | Girl | From the land of gifts | |
| Chrysogon | Boy | A Medieval English name of Greek origin | |
| Col | Boy | A short term for Nicholas; Victory of the men | |
| David | Boy | Beloved | |
| Elijah | Boy | Yahweh is my God | |
| Elizabeth | Girl | My God is an oath; My God is abundance | |
| Emilia | Girl | Rival; To emulate; Excel | |
| Emma | Girl | Whole; Universal | |
| Gabriel |  Unisex | God is my strength | |
| Henry | Boy | Home ruler | |
| Hildeth | Girl | She who gives good battle counsel | |
| Hildeyerd | Girl | A young battle maiden | |
| Hildiard | Girl | She who fights in a battle | |
| Hildilid | Boy | A warrior of the battle | |
| Hildith | Boy | A fighter in the war | |
| Hilditha | Girl | She who fights in the battles of war | |
| Hildithe | Girl | One who is in the battle | |
| Hildred | Unisex | A counselor in the battle | |
| Hildwulf | Boy | One who is like a wolf in the battle | |
| Hildyard | Boy | He who is from the battle fields | |
| Hilith | Girl | She is a battle maiden | |
| Hillaria | Girl | A woman who is always cheerful and happy | |
| Hillda | Girl | A woman who is a soldier in the war | |
| Hilleree | Girl | A cheerful and happy maiden | |
| Hismena | Girl | A beloved and esteemed woman | |
| Horenga | Girl | A variation of Orenga | |
| Hrodwyn | Boy | One who is a friend of the fame | |
| John | Boy | God is merciful and gracious | |
| Lefleda | Girl | A beautiful individual who is loved by others | |
| Lefquen | Girl | A cherished and beloved person | |
| Lefquena | Girl | Beautiful, powerful, and beloved individual | |
| Lefquene | Girl | Darling and beautiful person | |
| Lefquenn | Girl | Pleasing and dear woman | |
| Lefqwen | Girl | A woman of beauty and power who is loved by all | |
| Lefric | Boy | A beloved and powerful individual | |
| Lefrich | Boy | He who is powerful and pleasant | |
| Lefricus | Boy | Authoritative and beloved person | |
| Lefsued | Boy | A pleasing person with an enjoyable personality | |
| Lefsuet | Boy | He who is dear and agreeable | |
| Lefuuinus | Boy | Dear; Beloved | |
| Lefwen | Girl | The dear and joyous person | |
| Lefwenna | Girl | A person who is full of joy | |
| Lefwinus | Boy | A beloved, joyful person | |
| Lefwyne | Boy | A precious and cheerful individual | |
| Livith | Girl | An individual who gladly participates in battles | |
| Lucy | Girl | Light | |
| Matthew | Boy | Gift of God | |
| Mawdelyn | Girl | A medieval English girl name | |
| Michael | Boy | Who is like God | |
| Oliver | Boy | Olive tree planter | |
| Olivia | Girl | Peace; Olive tree | |
| Plesantia | Girl | A pleasant, delightful woman | |
| Plesencia | Girl | A charming, pleasant, friendly woman | |
| Pollekin | Girl | A daughter that was prayed for | |
| Polli | Girl | One who is like a sea of bitterness | |
| Polloch | Boy | A Royal Headdress | |
| Pollyana | Girl | A rebellious child | |
| Purnele | Girl | One solid and strong as the rock | |
| Purnell | Boy | An old surname; Rock | |
| Purnelle | Girl | One who can be compared to a rock | |
| Ravenor | Boy | The raven | |
| Sebastian | Boy | From Sebaste; Venerable | |
| Stella | Unisex | Star; Pillar | |
| Violet | 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.
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:
- 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 - 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
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
