89 Medieval Baby Names With Timeless Charm

Bringing back timeless names with historic beauty for a noble future.

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Last Updated on Nov 12, 2024

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
Greyson	Boy	Son of the gray-haired man; Son of the steward
Nash	Boy	At the ash tree; Cliff
Cristal	Girl	Clear; Pure; Ice; Bearing Christ
Koy	Unisex	Quiet; Shy
Elie	Boy	Torch; Corposcant; My God is help; My God is Yahweh
Nicol	Girl	Victory of the people
Bexton	Unisex	Stream; Someone with a prominent nose; Baker
Gamal	Boy	Beauty; Old
Elinora	Girl	The other Aenor
Eldric	Boy	Elf ruler; Elf king; Noble ruler; Wise king

Elis	Girl	God's promise; My God is my Yahweh
Bera	Boy	Bear; Monk; Old man; Faith; True
Betrice	Girl	Voyager; Traveller
Purnell	Boy	An old surname; Rock
Taber	Boy	Drummer; Bright day
Cabe	Boy	Ropemaker
Axen	Unisex	Fruiting body of a grain plant; Ash-colored; To acquire knowledge
Sellers	Unisex	Merchant; Tradesman; To sell; To hand over or deliver
Grissel	Girl	Dark battle; Grey battle-maid
Yanel	Unisex	Yahweh is gracious

Jolicia	Girl	Joyful; Lively
Dela	Boy	God; Deity; Complete; Satisfied; Savior; Noble
Ambi	Boy	Eagle; Bear
Ahelis	Girl	A woman of nobility
Ahelissa	Girl	A noble-born woman
Atkin	Boy	To be red; Man; To make
Beard	Boy	Son of Talmai
Bricteva	Girl	Fair gift
Bricthiua	Girl	Gifted woman
Bricthled	Girl	From the land of gifts

Chrysogon	Boy	A Medieval English name of Greek origin
Florice	Girl	Of flowers; Belonging to flowers; Flower; Blossoming; Flourishing
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
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
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	Beloved battle
Mawdelyn	Girl	A medieval English girl name
Moll	Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Olive tree
Nichol	Boy	People's victory
Ode	Girl	Wealth; Fortune; Prosperity; Lyric poem
Orella	Girl	Golden; Gilded

Orm	Boy	Snake; Serpent
Pagan	Unisex	Rural; Rustic; Country dweller
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
Purnelle	Girl	One who can be compared to a rock

Ranulf	Boy	Wolf's counsel
Ravenor	Boy	The raven
Splendora	Girl	Brilliance; Brightness; Lustre; Distinction
Tenney	Boy	Of Zeus tree
Tiffan	Girl	Manifestation or epiphany of God
Idonia	Girl	Suitable; To love again
Elaf	Boy	Descendant; Familiarity
Lavia	Unisex	Fellow; Partner; Legacy
Hitch	Unisex	Brave ruler

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.

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)

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.

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.