Historic and Vintage Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 17 pages
of 17
English variation of Hadewidis, German
"wide battle"
Hawise is a medieval name that started with Hadewidis. In France, Hadewidis evolved into Haueis, which then became Hawise when the Normans brought the name to England. Hawise and Hawis were also…
English, Germanic
"temple path"
Helisent was used in the medieval days and has royal antecedents found in both France and Germany. Information on its origins is sketchy, but some say it's related to Elise or Helen or Heloise, or…
Diminutive of Hugh, English from German
"mind, intellect"
Hewet is a masculine name with medieval English origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Hugh, which derives from the Germanic element 'hug' meaning 'heart,' 'mind,' or 'spirit.' This charming…
Latin from Greek
"cheerful, happy"
The only version that works for boys anymore is the Latinate Hilario or Ilario. Better to look to Felix for a happy-meaning name.
Variation of Roger, German
"famous warrior"
Hodge is a medieval English nickname for Roger, which was brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Roger isn't ready for a comeback yet, but we'd love to see the resurgence of Hodge,…
German
"peaceful warrior"
Humphrey is an old name that might have faded completely were it not for that Bogie flair. A royal name in Britain, where it's used somewhat more frequently, Humphrey might just have some life beyond…
Right in between Hitch (as in the Will Smith movie) and Hudson, Hutchin is a surname and nickname name that has an outside chance of working as a first name for boys. If you're naming your son for an…
Norse
"love again, renewal"
Idonia is form of the Norse goddess name Idun or Idony, who ruled over magic life-giviing golden apples. Idonia was used in England during the Middle Ages but gradually faded from common usage by the…
English, Norse
Idony is a Medieval variation of Idonea, itself an English form of Iðunn, the Norse goddess of spring and eternal youth. She was notable for carrying, keeping, and guarding the box of apples from…
Diminutive of Irmentrude
"universal strength"
This name was used by the royal House of Luxembourg in the Middle Ages, as a diminutive of Irmentrude. We definitely think this spunky shortening improves upon the heavy German original.
Diminutive of Irmengard
"universal enclosure"
Immilla is a soft and mellifluous sounding name which is exponentially more attractive than the original. The name offers several lovely nickname options, such as Immy, Millie, and Mila. Immilla of…
"angel-raven"
An undiscovered surname possibility with upscale overtones, could be enlivened with nickname Ingo.
French
This French form of the name Ismeria is one of those uncommon names that's been consistently used in France since the middle ages.The origins of this rare name are shrouded in mystery. Ismeria /…
Flemish
"little John"
Possible (and offbeat) middle name twist when honoring a familial John.
"earth worker"
This medieval German form of George could make an intriguing and unique honor name for an ancestral George.
Italian diminutive of names ending in -ella or Arabic
"lady"
Lella is a diminutive of names like Gabriella, Raffaella, or Donatella, conveying affection and familiarity. In Arabic cultures, Lella is an honorific title meaning 'lady' or 'madam,' used…
Anglo-Saxon
"beloved friend"
An ancient name belonging to several medieval English clergymen, also spelt Leofwin or Leobwin.
English variation of Letitia
"joy, gladness"
Lettice is still occasionally heard in upper-class British families, but we fear it would cause too much salad-green teasing to be considered in the U.S. Calling your little Lettice Lettie could help…
Slavic
"love, dear"
Libussa is a name from medieval legend - the youngest but wisest of three sisters, Libussa became queen after their father died. She founded the Přemyslid dynasty, and prophesied and founded the city…
"flaxen haired"
Although the accent in Linnet is on the first syllable, it could be confused with the dated Lynette.
