712 Classic Old English Baby Boy Names With Meanings
Unique and meaningful monikers rooted in Anglo-Saxon culture.
Most parents favor Old English boy names in their quest for unique names for their sons. These names hail from the Anglo-Saxon era, the very language spoken in England from the 5th to 11th centuries (1). Old English, also called Anglo-Saxon, is the earliest form taken by the English language in England and parts of Scotland during the early Middle Ages. It is a member of the Germanic family of languages and forms the basis of Modern English.
Old English names are also picked for their historical value. Many Old English names belonged to that era's kings, warriors, and religious leaders. These names typically have strong meanings, like 'noble,’ ‘rich,’ or 'ruler.' Some notable historical figures with Old English names include Alhfrith, King of Deira, Wulfric Spot, Earl of Mercia, and Principal Advisor to King Ethelred. The epic poem Beowulf also features many characters with Old English names.
These names stand out from modern ones while still sounding classic. They offer a link to England's linguistic and cultural past. If you're interested in Old English boy names, take some time to look through the list featured here. You might find a name that connects your son to this rich heritage.
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Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
| Boy | Happy; Blessed; Someone who lived by an ash tree or ash grove | |
| Boy | Son of a gray-haired person | |
| Boy | From the east town | |
| Boy | From a coal town | |
| Boy | Bright fame; Shining glory; Bright in counsel | |
| Boy | Brave boar | |
| Boy | Grand; Majestic; To grow | |
| Boy | King's town; Farmstead estate | |
| Boy | The tile maker | |
| Boy | Gravelly homestead | |
| Boy | Prince; Chieftain; Gorse hill; Hill covered with broom | |
| Boy | Monarch; Ruler | |
| Boy | Rich guard | |
| Boy | Young male horse; Horsekeeper | |
| Boy | Round hill; A hillock; Hump | |
| Boy | Son or descendant of Cadán; Strength; Battle spirit; Warrior | |
| Boy | At the ash tree; Cliff | |
| Boy | Enclosure; Yard; Town | |
| Boy | Victory of the people; Swarthy; Son of Col | |
| Boy | Rich guard | |
| Boy | Battle; Spirit of the battle; Sturdy; Round | |
| Boy | Rich friend | |
| Boy | Bridge | |
| Boy | Free landowner; Freeman | |
| Boy | Prosperous spear | |
| Boy | An enclosure for calves; Calf town; Fruit; Village; Mist | |
| Boy | Royal ruler; Bold Power; Chief hero; Greatest champion | |
| Boy | Bright fame; Bright in counsel; Shining glory | |
| Boy | Cola's town; Charcoal town | |
| Boy | Right-handed; Skilled; One who dyes | |
| Boy | A person who lived near a ridge; A continuous elevated mountain crest; Back or spine | |
| Boy | Son of Eda; Son of Adam | |
| Boy | Famous friend; Sea friend; Bone marrow; Eminent; Noble; Wish; Desire; Young goat or kid | |
| Boy | The owner and caretaker of horses | |
| Boy | Hare's land; Flax | |
| Boy | King's meadow; King's wood | |
| Boy | Elf counsel; Sage; Wise | |
| Boy | Powerful God; Divine ruler; God's spear | |
| Boy | Place of hawks | |
| Boy | Barn; From the barn; Place of the cow sheds | |
| Boy | Friend of the elves; Noble friend; Old friend | |
| Boy | Badger; Badger-like | |
| Boy | Companion; Kinsman | |
| Boy | To thatch | |
| Boy | People's victory; Charcoal | |
| Boy | Son of Brown; Son of the dark-skinned | |
| Unisex | West meadow | |
| Boy | Elf counsel | |
| Boy | Dry resinous wood; River bend | |
| Boy | Marshland; Fen | |
| Boy | Roda's island; Island near the clearing | |
| Boy | Dear friend | |
| Boy | From the valley | |
| Boy | Hunter; Child of shadows; Of the raven | |
| Boy | Rich protection | |
| Boy | One who is noble and famous | |
| Boy | Holy one; From a steep hill; Sword; Warrior | |
| Boy | Ford near a slope | |
| Boy | Fallow land | |
| Boy | Rye clearing | |
| Boy | Bracca's town | |
| Boy | Son of Eda; Son of Adam | |
| Boy | Blacksmith; To smite; To hit | |
| Boy | Who is from the town of mills; A mill-town | |
| Boy | Rich protector | |
| Boy | Settlement on River Glyme | |
| Boy | One who is from the end of the town | |
| Boy | God's power | |
| Boy | Mighty God; Warrior of God | |
| Unisex | Resolute protector; Noble spirit; River Wylye; Willow clearing; Crafty | |
| Unisex | Show-off; Fine; Courageous; Raven | |
| Boy | Royal chieftain; Edge; Royal town or settlement | |
| Boy | Rich protector; Rich guard | |
| Unisex | From the Western town; Enclosure; Yard | |
| Boy | Slate maker; Slate hewer; Shard | |
| Boy | From the linden tree hill | |
| Boy | Famous; Strong desire | |
| Unisex | Dignified; Honorable; Noble-minded; Notable | |
| Boy | Nobleman; Warrior | |
| Boy | Settlement on River Glyme | |
| Boy | Hidden; Eternity; River pool | |
| Boy | Royal town; Town on the river Kenn | |
| Boy | Bridge settlement | |
| Boy | A settlement located near a cliff | |
| Boy | Row of houses by the wood | |
| Boy | Brave boar | |
| Boy | Hill settlement | |
| Boy | Maker and seller of strings and cords | |
| Boy | A town with a leek garden | |
| Boy | Fortunate warrior; Isthmus | |
| Boy | Remnants of a lake;Seahill front; Drop of the sea; Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished-for child; Beloved; Love; | |
| Unisex | Tiler of roofs | |
| Unisex | Rich guard; Gift of God | |
| Boy | Flat-topped hill | |
| Boy | Bracca's town | |
| Boy | Fortress; Fortification; Castle; Of the Borough | |
| Boy | Bird hill; Settlement of the fowl (a bird); Affirmation; Testament | |
| Unisex | Crafty; Cunning | |
| Boy | Cliff | |
| Boy | Clay settlement | |
Old English boy names go beyond honoring ancient kings and warriors. They also reflect the natural world that shaped Anglo-Saxon life. Names like Ashe, Cydney, and Woodrow reveal how closely people were attached to nature. As described above, such names influenced by nature offer parents a chance to pick something unique and meaningful. Choosing an Old English name for your son isn't just about naming him – it's about connecting him to England's rich history. When picking names, consider the history and meaning behind these ancient choices. You might discover the perfect name that honors your child's future and our ancestors' fascinating world.
Infographic: Old English Names For Boys
Step back in time with this collection of Old English boy names. This infographic features carefully selected names from bygone eras, complete with meanings. Explore and find names that carry the weight of tradition and the charm of antiquity for your little prince.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Old English boy names usable today?
Old English boy names such as Alfred, meaning 'wise counselor,' Bradford meaning 'broad ford,' and Clark meaning 'priest' might sound traditional but are still used and valued for their heritage and unique qualities.
2. Do Old English boy names have any specific significance in history?
Many Old English boy names have historical importance. The name Dalton, which means 'valley town,' is linked to John Dalton, an English scientist renowned for his work on atomic theory. Similarly, the name Dudley, meaning 'Dudda's clearing,' was used as a surname by a prominent British noble family.
3. Can Old English names be used in combination with other names?
References
- Old English Online.
https://lrc.la.utexas.edu/eieol/engol
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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.
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