Medieval Names
- Amlyn
Origin:
Welsh, meaning unknownDescription:
A name from medieval romance. Amlyn ac Amig is the Welsh version of Amis et Amiles, a French moral tale of friends in Charlemagne's court. The name itself is gentle and straightforward, although the "lyn" ending may feel more feminine to current tastes.
- Flordelis
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"fleur de lys"Description:
This name was occasionally used in the Middle Ages by members of the House of Sicily. A revival of this floral name would make an interesting addition to the increasingly broad selection of botanical names being used at the moment.
- Jenkin
Origin:
FlemishMeaning:
"little John"Description:
Possible (and offbeat) middle name twist when honoring a familial John.
- Dob
Origin:
Diminutive of Robert, EnglishMeaning:
"bright fame"Description:
Along with Dobbin, Dob was medieval nickname for Robert.
- Emonie
Description:
Emonie is a contemporary feminine name with a melodic quality, likely derived as a variation of names like Harmony or Simone, or possibly created as a unique blend of popular elements like "Em-" (from Emily or Emma) with a musical-sounding ending. While not having deep historical roots, Emonie has gained some recognition in recent decades, particularly in the United States. The name carries a modern, rhythmic feel with its flowing syllables and distinctive sound. Parents might choose Emonie for its uniqueness while still maintaining familiar phonetic elements. Its musical quality suggests attributes of harmony, balance, and artistic expression. The name's relative rarity makes it an individualistic choice that still sounds accessible and pleasing to the ear.
- Warin
Origin:
English variation of Varin, GermanMeaning:
"to defend; one of the Varni"Description:
The Germanic tribe known as the Varni took their name from the verb werren, meaning "to defend." The given name Varin derived from the tribe name, meaning "one of the Varni."
- Dovizia
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"wealth"Description:
A medieval Italian name that could work in modern times.
- Douce
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"gentle, sweet"Description:
A sweet French word name possibility, but with unsavory teasing potential.
- Leofwine
Origin:
Anglo-SaxonMeaning:
"beloved friend"Description:
An ancient name belonging to several medieval English clergymen, also spelt Leofwin or Leobwin.
- Gervase
Description:
Gervase is a distinguished masculine name with deep historical roots, deriving from the Germanic element 'ger' meaning 'spear' combined with a second element possibly related to 'vas' meaning 'servant'. This venerable name was introduced to England by the Normans after the conquest of 1066 and was relatively common during the Middle Ages. Saint Gervase, a Christian martyr from Milan, has lent the name religious significance. Though never extremely popular in modern times, Gervase maintains an air of classical elegance and scholarly refinement. The name experienced brief revivals among families interested in historical names, particularly in Britain. Gervase offers a distinctive alternative to more common traditional names, providing both historical depth and a sophisticated sound that works well in contemporary settings.
- Aldin
Description:
Aldin is a masculine name with Germanic roots, likely derived from the elements 'ald' meaning 'old' or 'wise' and 'win' meaning 'friend.' This creates a meaning along the lines of 'old or wise friend.' The name can also be considered a variant of Alden, which shares similar etymology. Aldin possesses a strong, concise sound while maintaining a gentle quality through its soft consonants. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, the name has maintained a steady if minimal presence in English-speaking countries. Aldin strikes a balance between feeling historic and contemporary, with its traditional roots but streamlined modern sound. The name projects qualities of wisdom and loyalty through both its literal meaning and its solid, dependable phonetics. Its rarity gives it distinction while its straightforward pronunciation keeps it accessible.
- Blanchefleur
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"white flower"Description:
A widely used name in medieval Europe that's been almost completely forgotten. Blanche still reads as old lady-ish, and the frilly "-fleur" doesn't make it feel younger. But it could be a striking, not to say iconic, choice for a bold parent, especially if they had some sort of connection to white flowers or the Middle Ages.
- Emelisse
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"rival"Description:
A medieval French name little used today, which certainly appeals to modern tastes.
- Idonia
Description:
Idonia is a feminine name of medieval English origin, derived from Old French and Germanic roots. The name likely comes from the Germanic element 'id' meaning 'work' or 'labor,' combined with elements suggesting nobility or worthiness. Idonia was used in England during the Middle Ages but gradually faded from common usage by the Renaissance period. The name has a distinctly antique quality with its melodic four syllables and elegant sound pattern. Extremely rare in modern times, Idonia might appeal to parents drawn to historical revival names with an aristocratic flair. Its obscurity makes it an option for those seeking a name with medieval authenticity that remains largely undiscovered in contemporary naming circles.
- Atkin
Origin:
English diminutive of Adam, HebrewMeaning:
"son of the red earth"Description:
Atkin is a short form of Adam that originated in Medieval England. It's now obsolete, but traces remain in surnames such as Atkins and Atkinson.
- Vortigern
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"overlord"Description:
According to medieval chroniclers, Gwrtheyrn (Anglicized as Vortigern) was a 5th-century king of the Britons. It was he who invited the brothers Hengist and Horsa to Britain, which eventually led to the Anglo-Saxon conquest of England. It is unclear whether this was his given name or title.
- Beathan
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"life"Description:
A popular name in medieval Scotland, it can be found in the surname Macbeth, meaning "son of Beathan" or "son of life." In later years it was increasingly anglicized as Benjamin.
- Africa
Origin:
Place name, various meaningsDescription:
Most Africas today would be named for the continent, but the name actually existed in Scotland in medieval times, where there was a Celtic queen named Affrica. Africa has also been a Spanish name for girls since 1421. The church of the Virgin "Nuestra Senora de Africa" is in Ceuta, the Spanish city she is Patron of, in North Africa.
- Emiland
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"rival or emulator"Description:
An almost forgotten, but rather dashing, medieval French member of the Emil- family of names.
- Perkin
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"little Peter"Description:
Sounds like a Hobbit.