712 Classic Old English Baby Boy Names With Meanings

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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NameGenderMeaning
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Asher
Baby Boy Sign Boy Happy; Blessed; Someone who lived by an ash tree or ash grove
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Grayson
Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of a gray-haired person
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Easton
Baby Boy Sign Boy From the east town
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Colton
Baby Boy Sign Boy From a coal town
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Robert
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bright fame; Shining glory; Bright in counsel
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Everett
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave boar
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Austin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Grand; Majestic; To grow
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Kingston
Baby Boy Sign Boy King's town; Farmstead estate
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Tyler
Baby Boy Sign Boy The tile maker
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Graham
Baby Boy Sign Boy Gravelly homestead
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Brandon
Baby Boy Sign Boy Prince; Chieftain; Gorse hill; Hill covered with broom
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King
Baby Boy Sign Boy Monarch; Ruler
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Edward
Baby Boy Sign Boy Rich guard
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Colt
Baby Boy Sign Boy Young male horse; Horsekeeper
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Knox
Baby Boy Sign Boy Round hill; A hillock; Hump
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Caden
Baby Boy Sign Boy Son or descendant of Cadán; Strength; Battle spirit; Warrior
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Nash
Baby Boy Sign Boy At the ash tree; Cliff
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Kayson
Baby Boy Sign Boy Enclosure; Yard; Town
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Colson
Baby Boy Sign Boy Victory of the people; Swarthy; Son of Col
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Eduardo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Rich guard
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Cade
Baby Boy Sign Boy Battle; Spirit of the battle; Sturdy; Round
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Edwin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Rich friend
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Briggs
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bridge
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Franklin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Free landowner; Freeman
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Edgar
Baby Boy Sign Boy Prosperous spear
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Kason
Baby Boy Sign Boy An enclosure for calves; Calf town; Fruit; Village; Mist
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Kendrick
Baby Boy Sign Boy Royal ruler; Bold Power; Chief hero; Greatest champion
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Roberto
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bright fame; Bright in counsel; Shining glory
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Kolton
Baby Boy Sign Boy Cola's town; Charcoal town
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Dexter
Baby Boy Sign Boy Right-handed; Skilled; One who dyes
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Ridge
Baby Boy Sign Boy A person who lived near a ridge; A continuous elevated mountain crest; Back or spine
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Edison
Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of Eda; Son of Adam
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Marvin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Famous friend; Sea friend; Bone marrow; Eminent; Noble; Wish; Desire; Young goat or kid
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Colter
Baby Boy Sign Boy The owner and caretaker of horses
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Harlan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Hare's land; Flax
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Kingsley
Baby Boy Sign Boy King's meadow; King's wood
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Alfredo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Elf counsel; Sage; Wise
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Ozzy
Baby Boy Sign Boy Powerful God; Divine ruler; God's spear
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Keaton
Baby Boy Sign Boy Place of hawks
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Byron
Baby Boy Sign Boy Barn; From the barn; Place of the cow sheds
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Alvin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Friend of the elves; Noble friend; Old friend
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Brock
Baby Boy Sign Boy Badger; Badger-like
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Gatlin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Companion; Kinsman
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Thatcher
Baby Boy Sign Boy To thatch
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Kole
Baby Boy Sign Boy People's victory; Charcoal
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Bronson
Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of Brown; Son of the dark-skinned
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Wes
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex West meadow
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Alfred
Baby Boy Sign Boy Elf counsel
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Truett
Baby Boy Sign Boy Dry resinous wood; River bend
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Vance
Baby Boy Sign Boy Marshland; Fen
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Rodney
Baby Boy Sign Boy Roda's island; Island near the clearing
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Darwin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Dear friend
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Slade
Baby Boy Sign Boy From the valley
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Draven
Baby Boy Sign Boy Hunter; Child of shadows; Of the raven
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Edmund
Baby Boy Sign Boy Rich protection
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Elmer
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is noble and famous
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Brent
Baby Boy Sign Boy Holy one; From a steep hill; Sword; Warrior
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Clifford
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ford near a slope
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Leeland
Baby Boy Sign Boy Fallow land
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Rylen
Baby Boy Sign Boy Rye clearing
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Brexton
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bracca's town
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Eason
Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of Eda; Son of Adam
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Smith
Baby Boy Sign Boy Blacksmith; To smite; To hit
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Milton
Baby Boy Sign Boy Who is from the town of mills; A mill-town
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Eamon
Baby Boy Sign Boy Rich protector
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Clinton
Baby Boy Sign Boy Settlement on River Glyme
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Townes
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is from the end of the town
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Osvaldo
Baby Boy Sign Boy God's power
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Ozzie
Baby Boy Sign Boy Mighty God; Warrior of God
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Wiley
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Resolute protector; Noble spirit; River Wylye; Willow clearing; Crafty
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Braven
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Show-off; Fine; Courageous; Raven
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Kentrell
Baby Boy Sign Boy Royal chieftain; Edge; Royal town or settlement
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Eddy
Baby Boy Sign Boy Rich protector; Rich guard
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Westyn
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex From the Western town; Enclosure; Yard
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Slater
Baby Boy Sign Boy Slate maker; Slate hewer; Shard
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Lyndon
Baby Boy Sign Boy From the linden tree hill
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Wilmer
Baby Boy Sign Boy Famous; Strong desire
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Noble
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Dignified; Honorable; Noble-minded; Notable
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Earl
Baby Boy Sign Boy Nobleman; Warrior
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Clint
Baby Boy Sign Boy Settlement on River Glyme
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Elam
Baby Boy Sign Boy Hidden; Eternity; River pool
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Kenton
Baby Boy Sign Boy Royal town; Town on the river Kenn
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Brigham
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bridge settlement
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Clifton
Baby Boy Sign Boy A settlement located near a cliff
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Woodrow
Baby Boy Sign Boy Row of houses by the wood
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Everette
Baby Boy Sign Boy Brave boar
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Dutton
Baby Boy Sign Boy Hill settlement
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Cordell
Baby Boy Sign Boy Maker and seller of strings and cords
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Leyton
Baby Boy Sign Boy A town with a leek garden
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Edson
Baby Boy Sign Boy Fortunate warrior; Isthmus
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Marlo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Remnants of a lake;Seahill front; Drop of the sea; Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished-for child; Beloved; Love;
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Zyler
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Tiler of roofs
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Teddy
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Rich guard; Gift of God
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Hamilton
Baby Boy Sign Boy Flat-topped hill
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Braxten
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bracca's town
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Burke
Baby Boy Sign Boy Fortress; Fortification; Castle; Of the Borough
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Fulton
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bird hill; Settlement of the fowl (a bird); Affirmation; Testament
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Waylen
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Crafty; Cunning
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Clive
Baby Boy Sign Boy Cliff
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Klay
Baby Boy Sign Boy Clay settlement
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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.

old english boy names (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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?

Combining Old English names with names from different cultures or modern names can produce distinctive and personalized options. For example, names like Edgar or Alfred can be paired with contemporary names to form combinations like Edgar James or Alfred Noah.

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.
  1. Old English Online.
    https://lrc.la.utexas.edu/eieol/engol

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