279 Anglo-Saxon Boy Names For A Classic Touch

Classic and elegant names that reflect the rich Old English traditions.

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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Edited by Vidya Tadapatri, MSc (Biotechnology) Specialty: Health and WellnessExperience: 5 years

Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five years of experience. She has done certified biotechnology-related training programs under renowned organizations such as Centre For Cellular & Molecular Biology and Department of Biotechnology.

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Fact-checked by Trisha Chakraborty, MA, BEd Specialty: Child development & educationExperience: 5 years

Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the University of Burdwan.

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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

The Anglo-Saxons were an ethnic group that resided in England about a thousand years ago. In this post, we're delving into a range of Anglo-Saxon boy names rooted in Anglo-Saxon culture. So, whether you are interested in history or simply looking for a unique and timeless name, you will likely find a wide variety of options for your little champ.

From 410 to 1066 AD, the Anglo-Saxon era in Britain spanned nearly six centuries. The period was originally referred to as the Dark Age since there isn't much documentation or literary sources for the first few years of the Saxon invasion (1).

Even though most of the Anglo-Saxon names used today have been influenced by old languages like those of the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, some names also came from the Christian religion. The Anglo-Saxons did not have surnames as we have today, but they could distinguish between people with the same first name based on their place of birth or profession. To differentiate between people with the same name, the Vikings used the name of the person's mother or father. The Anglo-Saxons also had nicknames in addition to their family names. Similar to naming a newborn child, a nickname or shortname helps establish a special relationship between the person who gives it and the one who receives it.

The straightforwardness and simplicity of Anglo-Saxon names are among their most intriguing features. These names frequently combine significant features to create an elegant outcome full of meaning. Additionally, many of them are simple to spell and pronounce, making them a sensible option for today's generation.
In this post, we present an exhaustive list of Anglo-Saxon boy names, showcasing the rich history and culture that these names represent. So without further ado, let us begin this exciting exploration of names, and we are sure you will find a perfect title for your tiny tot.

Name	Gender	Meaning
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
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
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
Edgard	Boy	Prosperous spear
Inman	Unisex	Tended a lodge or an inn
Rennick	Boy	A dwelling place; A village; A farm
Snyder	Unisex	To cut; Tailor
Osric	Boy	God's rule; God's power
Sedric	Unisex	Loved
Eadric	Boy	Wealthy ruler; Fortunate King
Dalston	Boy	The one from Dougal's place
Rawson	Boy	The son of a famous wolf

Taiten	Boy	Plays a small drum
Covin	Boy	Cofa's settlement
Sheffield	Boy	Crooked field
Sherlock	Boy	Someone with closely cut hair
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
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
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
Barnet	Boy	Place cleared by burning
Bat	Boy	Boat; Daughter
Beale	Boy	Handsome man; Fair; Beautiful; Son of Bel; Bee-hill
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

Ceatta	Boy	An Anglo-Saxon saint
Cenhelm	Boy	A brave man who protects
Cenwalh	Boy	King
Ceol	Boy	Keel of a ship
Ceolmund	Boy	The one who protects and pampers
Ceolweard	Boy	King; they are beloved
Ceolwulf	Boy	A beloved King
Cerdic	Boy	Loved
Chadwik	Boy	Warrior
Coelfrid	Boy	One who comes from the coal fields

Coenbehrt	Boy	A brave and bold advisor
Coenberg	Boy	A bold and brave one
Coenburg	Boy	He is bold like a fortress
Crompton	Boy	Originated from the word Crumpton which implies bowed or malformed; A person from the winding farm
Croston	Boy	A farm or a settlement
Cuddie	Boy	The bright one
Cuin	Boy	A reasonable, free man
Cusick	Boy	A harsh term
Cuthred	Boy	A counsel
Cuthwulf	Boy	Wolf; one filled with power

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We hope reading this post on Anglo-Saxon boy names has inspired you and provided valuable information about the Anglo-Saxon naming methods and culture. Choosing a meaningful title for your child is essential, and knowing its history can make this task even more special as it helps them feel a strong sense of kinship to the past. Remember that the best name for your child is the one that resonates with you and has an appropriate meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How did Anglo-Saxon parents choose names for their baby boys?

Parents often chose names based on their meanings, which could reflect desirable qualities or characteristics they wished for their child to possess. For example, the name Ælfric, meaning ‘elf’ and ‘ruler’, combines the idea of royalty and supernatural beings. Names like Botwulf, which signifies ‘wolf,’ or Cynebald, meaning ‘bold’ or ‘brave,’ also convey desirable traits.

2. How have Anglo-Saxon baby boy names evolved over time?

Over time, several Anglo-Saxon baby boy names witnessed highs and lows. Some names fell out of usage or were modified, while many new names emerged. For example, the Old English name Æðelstan, meaning ‘noble stone,’ eventually evolved into the modern English name Athelstan. Changes in pronunciation, spelling, and cultural influences also marked the evolution of Anglo-Saxon names.

3. What were some unusual or rare Anglo-Saxon baby boy names?

Among the extensive list of Anglo-Saxon baby boy names, there were several unusual or rare choices. For instance, the name Dunstan meaning ‘dark stone’ and Wemba, meaning ‘belly,’ are less common.

4. How did Anglo-Saxon baby boy names differ from those of other cultures and time periods?

Anglo-Saxon and Viking baby boy names differed from those of other cultures and time periods. While few Christian names from that era are still in use, only a few Anglo-Saxon names like Alfred and Matilda survived. Anglo-Saxon and Viking names such as Æthelberht and Wulfstan sound strange to modern ears. Anglo-Saxons used place names or occupations to distinguish between individuals, leading to the development of occupational surnames. Vikings, on the other hand, used patronymics, adding the name of the person's father or mother to their own name. It eventually resulted in loos of relevance of these names.

5. What role did mythology and religion play in Anglo-Saxon baby boy names?

Mythology and religion played a significant role in Anglo-Saxon baby boy names. Many names were derived from Norse mythology and Germanic folklore. For example, the name Woden was associated with the Norse god Odin, reflecting the influence of these belief systems in names.

Infographic: Classic Anglo-Saxon Baby Boy Names

The Anglo-Saxons were a cultural group who inhabited present-day England during the Early Middle Ages. They were responsible for the introduction of the Old English language in Britain, which, over time, developed into Middle English. The infographic below consists of names belonging to this fascinating culture.

amazing anglo saxon names for your awesome son (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-Saxons: a brief history.
https://www.history.org.uk/primary/resource/3865/anglo-saxons-a-brief-history

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