Names That Mean Old
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of 4
Guðmundur
Icelandic variation of Guðmundr, Old Norse
"protection of God; good protection"
The modern Icelandic form of Guðmundr, an Old Norse name derived from gud , which meant both "good" and "god," and mund> , "protection." Guðmundur is currently a Top 10 boy name in Iceland.
Ukko
Finnish
"old man"
In Finnish mythology, Ukko is the primary deity — the god of thunder and the sky.
Tulsa
Creek
"old town"
Unlike many other western city names, Tulsa has not proved attractive to parents. The name derives from Tallasi, meaning "old town" in the Creek language.
Turid
Norwegian from Old Norse
"Thor is beautiful"
Popular in mid-century Norway, Turid was ultimately derived from the Old Norse name Þórfríðr, from Þórr , "Thor," and fríðr , "beautiful." Turi is a more contemporary spelling, connected to aviator…
Alter
Yiddish
"old"
Alter was originally used as an epithet for the eldest when in the company of one with the same name. Jewish parents also used it for their sons who were born sickly or after the death of an older…
Auður
Icelandic variation of Auðr, Old Norse
"prosperity"
Auður is the Icelandic form of Auðr, a unisex name found in the Prose Edda. It shares a root with names including Odette, Otto, Ottilie, and Odile.
Alston
English surname
"dweller at the old town"
Dropping the H off hot surnames gets you a whole new name. The trend is multiplying: Hadley becomes Adley, Harley become Arley, Harlow becomes Arlowe, and now Halston becomes Alston. Alston could…
Idunn
Norwegian variation of Iðunn, Old Norse
"ever young, love again"
A Scandinavian up-and-comer taken directly from Norse mythology. Iðunn was the goddess of apples, fertility, and youth. Idun is another common spelling.
Móeiður
Icelandic from Old Norse
"bright courage"
The Icelandic variation of Móheiðr, an Old Norse name combined of the elements mod , meaning "courage," and heid , "bright."
Una
Latin, Irish, or Old Norse
"one; lamb; happy"
In an epic poem, the personification of truth, beauty, and unity; this ancient name is popular in several European countries but less common in the US. The Oona spelling is slightly more popular but…
Ashwin
Sanskrit, Old English, "possessed of horses; ash friend"
"possessed of horses; ash friend"
A cultural crossover with multiple roots. Ashwin is an English surname from the Anglo-Saxon male name Æscwine, meaning "ash tree + friend". It's also a popular Hindi name: in Hindu mythology, the…
Alcott
English
"dweller at the old cottage"
Intriguing alternative that goes beyond Louisa and May, for Little Women fans.
Milo
Latin and Old German
"soldier or merciful"
Milo is one of the top names for boys on Nameberry, and now it's used for an increasing number of baby girls too -- 34 last year, and about 100 times as many boys.
Auden
English
"old friend"
A softly poetic surname name, associated with poet W.H., Auden is enjoying quiet but marked fashion status. It was chosen for his daughter by Noah Wyle and is definitely one to watch.
Courtney
English from French
"short nose; courteous, from the court"
Among the Top 20 names of the 1990s, today's Courtney is more apt to be the babysitter than the baby. Courtney has dropped since its peak at Number 17 in 1995. Familiar from Courtney Love and…
Shannon
Irish
"old and wise"
Irish place-name -- it's a river, a town, and an airport -- once popular but now supplanted by such newer immigrants as Saoirse and Seanan.
Alcott
English
"dweller at the old cottage"
Alcott evokes shades of nineteenth-century New England, and memories of the author of the books Little Women and Little Men . Louisa May Alcott was the daughter of Amos Bronson Alcott, noted…