Historic and Vintage Names
Medieval Names
Across 17 pages
of 17
Reynold
English from German
"powerful counsel"
Serious surname choices, the latter form known via award-winning author Reynolds Price.
Rhodri
Welsh
"wheel, circle"
Rhodri, the name of an important ninth century Welsh king known as Rhodri the Great, a renowned warrior who was the ancestor of many of the later dynasties of Wales, was revived in modern Wales. Has…
Rhonwen
Welsh
"slender, fair"
The delicate and haunting Welsh Rhonwen is still a rarity in the U.S., where her English version Rowena is better known, but would be a lovely choice for any parent in search of a name that was both…
Richenza
Polish variation of Richiza
"wealthy"
Richenza is a medieval European name borne by a number of Polish and Swedish royals throughout history. The variation Richeza was used with similar frequency. Rixa was a common short form. Richenza…
Rixa
Diminutive of Richiza, Richenza, or Rikissa, German
"wealthy"
A nickname for medieval names such as Richenza and Rikissa, which were derived from the Germanic name Richiza. RIxa could easily be adapted for modern use, particularly if you're looking to honor a…
Roderick
German
"famous ruler"
The aristocratic--if not haughty--Roderick was nevertheless consistently in the Top 1000, reaching as high as Number 221 in 1967, when it was not uncommon to run into a Rod or a Roddy. It's at a low…
Rollin
French and German
"famous throughout the land"
Rollin is a masculine name with related to the more familiar Roland. It might also be derived from an Old French surname meaning 'little roll' or 'small land.' Used in English-speaking countries…
Rollo
Latin form of Rolf
"wolf"
Rollo is a livelier, roly-poly, o-ending version of Roland. Although it sounds modern, Rollo actually was seen regularly on Latin documents in the Middle Ages, though not heard in everyday speech.…
Romuald
Germanic
"glorious reign"
Romuald is an obscure medieval Italian saint’s name which had a surprising run of popularity in France in the 1970s, featuring in the top 100 from 1972-79. It only fell out of the French top 500 in…
Rosafiere
Dutch, meaning uncertain
An obscure Medieval Dutch name found in "Jonathas ende Rosafiere", a Dutch poem related to the Mother Mary. Rosafiere is virtually unheard of, but it has an enchanting sound and can be shortened to…
Salvia
Latin
"whole, healthy"
Another name for the herb sage -- which sounds younger and more modern than this version.
Saskia
Dutch
"Saxon"
From the first time we saw the name Saskia attached to a portrait of Rembrandt's wife (her full name was Saakje van Uylenburgh, but she was always called Saskia), we have found it utterly charming…
Saunder
English, diminutive of Alexander, Greek
"defending men"
This cool, sauntering boy's name would fit in and stand out in a classroom today. Other similar diminutives more distinct than Xander or Zander include Saunders, Sander, and Sanders.
Saxo
Old Norse
"Saxon or dagger"
A Latinised form of the Old Norse name Saxi, meaning either "Saxon" or "dagger, short sword". A notable historical bearer is Saxo Grammaticus, a medieval Danish chronicler who wrote the first full…
Sayer
English
"woodcutter or reciter"
One of the more subtle occupational surnames, Sayer is a pleasant, open, last-name-first name, particularly apt for a family of woodworkers -- or writers. Some parents are beginning to consider Sayer…
Severin
French variation of Severus; Latin
"stern, serious"
Severin is an ancient Roman family name borne by several early saints. It's still alive throughout Europe, and could be ready for import here. Severin Winter is a wrestling prodigy character in John…
Sidonie
Latin
"from Sidon "
Sidonie is an appealing and chic French favorite that is starting to attract some American fans as a fresher alternative to Sydney. Also spelled Sidony, Sidonie was the birth name of the French…
Stellamaris
Latin
"star of the sea"
Stella Maris ("star of the sea") is an historic title for the Virgin Mary, in use since at least the early medieval period. Although it actually arose from a scribal error in the etymology of the…
Sten
Swedish
"a stone"
Once a short form of names containing this syllable, it is now used on its own, though we'd prefer Sven.
Susan
English diminutive of Susannah, Hebrew
"lily"
Although Susan had her heyday from the thirties to the sixties, and is now common among moms and new grandmas, and though most modern parents would prefer Susanna/Susannah, we have spotted some…