1573 Old English Baby Names With A Classic Touch

Unconventional and vintage names of the Middle Ages.

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Last Updated on Aug 2, 2024

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Old English names have a natural charm and aura to them. Old English, the earliest form of English spoken in the Middle Ages, was brought to Britain by the Anglo-Saxons in the 5th century and was derived from the North Sea Germanic or Anglo-Frisian dialect that was spoken by the Germanic tribes. This language produced a wealth of literature and poetry and has also contributed to the creation of many unique names

Old English names are traditionally made up of two elements, with each element being a standalone word. Take, for example, Alfred, which is a combination of Aelf, meaning ‘elf,’ and Raed, meaning ‘advice.’ Thus, Alfred means ‘elf advisor.’ Even after centuries, several Old English names are still in circulation today and a few have undergone adaptations over time, such as Eadgyo transforming into Edith. You have a wide array of vintage choices to choose from–from historical baby girl names such as Baleigh, Ethyl, Hailey, and Zahlia, which carry a royal flair, to baby boy names such as Eadwulf, Shire, and Wulfric, which reflect a noble and rich historical background. These names also include biblical options like Noah to those inspired by flowers or cities. Their meanings often carry associations of strength, nobility, nature, or divine favor, appealing to parents seeking names that are both classic and meaningful.

Giving your son or daughter an Old English name means honoring the rich cultural and historical heritage of the English. It also allows your child to carry a one-of-a-kind name and stand out from the crowd. Have a look at our compilation of Old English names below. We’re sure you’ll find something to your liking.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Asher	Boy	Happy; Blessed; Someone who lived by an ash tree or ash grove
Wyatt	Boy	Brave at war; War strength
Grayson	Boy	Son of a gray-haired person
Willow	Girl	Willow tree; Freedom
Ivy	Girl	Climber plant; Fig
Everly	Girl	Boar meadow; Boar clearing
Audrey	Girl	Noble strength
Easton	Boy	From the east town
Colton	Boy	From a coal town
Hailey	Girl	Meadow of hay; Hay clearing

Robert	Boy	Bright fame; Shining glory; Bright in counsel
Everett	Boy	Brave boar
Austin	Boy	Grand; Majestic; To grow
Rylee	Girl	Rye clearing
Everleigh	Girl	Boar meadow; Boar clearing
Kingston	Boy	King's town; Farmstead estate
Ashton	Boy	Ash tree town; From the ash tree farm
Tyler	Boy	The tile maker
Graham	Boy	Gravelly homestead
Kimberly	Girl	Royal fortress meadow; Cyndeburg's field; War chief

Brandon	Boy	Prince; Chieftain; Gorse hill; Hill covered with broom
King	Boy	Monarch; Ruler
Edward	Boy	Rich guard
Colt	Boy	Young male horse; Horsekeeper
Knox	Boy	Round hill; A hillock; Hump
Caden	Boy	Son or descendant of Cadán; Strength; Battle spirit; Warrior
Nash	Boy	At the ash tree; Cliff
Gracie	Girl	Blessing; Graceful; Favor
Riley	Boy	Clearing of rye; Valiant
Tatum	Girl	Tata's homestead

Kayson	Boy	Enclosure; Yard; Town
Evie	Girl	Life; Breathe; Hazelnut
Colson	Boy	Victory of the people; Swarthy; Son of Col
Winter	Girl	Winter season; Water; Wet
Eduardo	Boy	Rich guard
Rylan	Boy	A meadow on an island; Little king
Cade	Boy	Battle; Spirit of the battle; Sturdy; Round
Edwin	Boy	Rich friend
Briggs	Boy	Bridge
Everlee	Girl	Boar clearing

Rylie	Girl	Courageous; Rye clearing
Franklin	Boy	Free landowner; Freeman
Edgar	Boy	Prosperous spear
Kason	Boy	An enclosure for calves; Calf town; Fruit; Village; Mist
Kendrick	Boy	Royal ruler; Bold Power; Chief hero; Greatest champion
Leland	Boy	Fallow land
Marlee	Girl	Pleasant wood; Boundary wood; Marten wood; Marshy meadow;Elderberry tree
Edith	Girl	Prosperous in war; Fortunate battle
Roberto	Boy	Bright fame; Bright in counsel; Shining glory
Addison	Boy	Son of Adam; Son of Addie

Kolton	Boy	Cola's town; Charcoal town
Dexter	Boy	Right-handed; Skilled; One who dyes
Sutton	Boy	Southern homestead
Ridge	Boy	A person who lived near a ridge; A continuous elevated mountain crest; Back or spine
Haley	Girl	Hay clearing; Clearing in the woods
Kensley	Girl	The spring glade; Clearing glade; Valley of the spring; Clearing belonging to Cyne; Royal
Ryland	Boy	Land of rye
Edison	Boy	Son of Eda; Son of Adam
Marvin	Boy	Famous friend; Sea friend; Bone marrow; Eminent; Noble; Wish; Desire; Young goat or kid
Colter	Boy	The owner and caretaker of horses

Chelsea	Girl	Chalk landing place
Harlan	Boy	Hare's land; Flax
Kendra	Girl	Knowing; Handsome; Respect; Old power; Bold power; Chief hero
Lee	Boy	Clearing; Meadow
Kingsley	Boy	King's meadow; King's wood
Alfredo	Boy	Elf counsel; Sage; Wise
Ashlyn	Girl	Dream; Vision; Ash tree clearing
Ozzy	Boy	Powerful God; Divine ruler; God's spear
Kinslee	Girl	King's meadow; Clearing belonging to Cyne
Keaton	Boy	Place of hawks

Byron	Boy	Barn; From the barn; Place of the cow sheds
Bexley	Girl	Wood land clearing surrounded by box trees
Alvin	Boy	Friend of the elves; Noble friend; Old friend
Brock	Boy	Badger; Badger-like
Novalee	Girl	New; New meadow
Eddie	Boy	Rich protector; Rich guard
Ashlynn	Girl	Ash tree clearing; Dream; Vision
Gatlin	Boy	Companion; Kinsman
Harlee	Girl	Hare of the clearing; Farm of the rocks
Thatcher	Boy	To thatch

Kole	Boy	People's victory; Charcoal
Addyson	Girl	Son of Adam
Bronson	Boy	Son of Brown; Son of the dark-skinned
Clover	Girl	Meadow flower; Wild flower
Wes	Unisex	West meadow
Tinsley	Girl	Tynni's hill
Alfred	Boy	Elf counsel
Truett	Boy	Dry resinous wood; River bend
Grey	Boy	Gray-haired; Pleasing; Welcome; Brindled coloration
Stormi	Girl	Storm; Wild; Turbulent

Vance	Boy	Marshland; Fen
Rodney	Boy	Roda's island; Island near the clearing
Kaylie	Girl	Pure; Forest clearing
Rhodes	Boy	A clearing in the woods
Darwin	Boy	Dear friend
Slade	Boy	From the valley
Everley	Girl	Boar meadow; Boar clearing
Rilynn	Girl	A brave heart of a woman; Courageous; Beautiful little queen; Rye clearing
Draven	Boy	Hunter; Child of shadows; Of the raven
Queen	Girl	Woman; Wife; Female head of a royal family

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Parents looking for Old English baby names for their children are often attracted to their unique appeal and deep meanings. While new baby naming trends continue to merge, Old English names have managed to maintain their unique appeal. With options ranging from short names like Day to longer names like Soredamors and from timeless choices like Flint to noble names such as Wulfric, you have plenty of names to choose from. Explore this list of Old English baby names to find a meaningful option for your little one.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Old English baby names still used today?

Many Old English baby names remain used today and have retained a classic charm. For instance, the masculine name Alfred has consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular names in the US since 1960 (1). Besides, the feminine name Hailey has been popular for a few decades and has improved its ranking since 1996 to be among the top 100 names in the US, till present (1). Thus, these examples show that Old English baby names continue to find favor among families seeking meaningful options for their children.

2. How do I choose the right Old English name for my baby?

Choosing the right Old English name for your baby involves a combination of personal preference, meaning, and cultural significance. Start by researching the meanings of various Old English names. Understanding what a name means can help you choose one that resonates with your values or aspirations for your child. Ensure the name is easy to pronounce and spell for your child and others. Ensure the chosen name pairs well with your surname. Also, consider the cultural and historical context of the name. Ultimately, whether it’s the sound, the meaning, or a particular association, your personal preference is paramount.

Infographic: Distinct Old English Names For Your Little One

Old English baby names have intriguing origins and carry beautiful meanings and associations. These names often drew inspiration from mythology, literature, and the natural world. If you're interested in bestowing a quirky and unique Old English name upon your child, consider exploring this infographic for inspiration.

unique old english baby names for your child (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.

Popular Baby Names.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/

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