Medieval Names
- Milia
Origin:
Diminutive of Emilia, Latin, or GreekMeaning:
"rival; apple tree"Description:
While only 8 baby girls were named Milia in the US in 2021, its rise seems inevitable along with the rise of Emilia and Mila and other similar names. Like Livia, Milia has the advantage of being different from the rest, but the disadvantage of maybe not being different enough (and being a word for tiny, harmless white spots on skin).
- Gunilda
Description:
Gunilda is a feminine name with deep Germanic and Norse roots, derived from the elements 'gunnr' meaning 'war' or 'battle' and 'hild' also meaning 'battle.' This powerful combination reflects the warrior culture of ancient Nordic societies. Historically, variations of this name were used throughout Scandinavia, Germany, and among the Vikings. In medieval times, it appeared in forms such as Gunnhildr and Gunhild. The name carries an air of strength and determination, evoking images of Norse mythology and Valkyries. Though rare in modern usage, Gunilda maintains appeal for those seeking a name with historical significance and distinctive character. Its warrior etymology makes it an option for parents drawn to names with strong, empowering meanings.
- Baudoin
Description:
Baudoin is a masculine name of French origin, representing the French form of Baldwin. Derived from Germanic elements 'bald' meaning 'bold' and 'win' meaning 'friend,' Baudoin literally translates to 'brave friend' or 'bold ally.' The name carries significant historical weight, having been borne by several medieval kings of Jerusalem and emperors of Constantinople during the Crusader era. It was also popular among the nobility in medieval France and Flanders. Today, Baudoin remains relatively rare outside of French-speaking regions, particularly Belgium, where it gained recognition through King Baudouin I who ruled from 1951 to 1993. The name conveys strength and nobility while maintaining its distinctive French character.
- Salvia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"whole, healthy"Description:
Another name for the herb sage -- which sounds younger and more modern than this version.
- Batten
Origin:
Old EnglishMeaning:
"powerfully built"Description:
A distinctive English surname name that also carries the slightly ominous sense of the verb batten, as in "batten down the hatches." Batten was also a medieval first name related to Bartholomew.
- Perkin
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"little Peter"Description:
Sounds like a Hobbit.
- Hawise
Origin:
English variation of Hadewidis, GermanMeaning:
"wide battle"Description:
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 somewhat common in 19th-century Wales.
- 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.
- Argenta
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"silvery"Description:
More modern and alluring than Silver, Argenta is one of the few mineral/metal-related names.
- Emiland
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"rival or emulator"Description:
An almost forgotten, but rather dashing, medieval French member of the Emil- family of names.
- Tib
Origin:
English diminutive of IsabelMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Tib and Tibb originated in the 13th century as nicknames for Theobald (for boys) and Isabel and Isabella (for girls). As Isabel grew in popularity, Tib(b) was used more often on girls. By the 16th century, Tib was a term for a young girl, much like Tom was for young boys.
- Aladár
Origin:
HungarianMeaning:
"old wise ruler or old and famous"Description:
Aladár is believed to be of Germanic origin, as a Hungarian form of Aldric, meaning old, wise ruler, or Aldemar, meaning old and famous. This Hungarian variant comes from medieval Hungarian legend, where Aladár was the son of Attila, king of the Huns, considered the ancestor of the Hungarians in the local folklore. Aladár's use as a name gained traction again in the 19th century and has continued to see occasional use since then, ranking as the 99th most common male name in the country in 2006.
- Annot
Origin:
Medieval EnglishMeaning:
"grace"Description:
A medieval English diminutive form of Ann, also recorded as a given name.
- Dunstan
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dark stone"Description:
A two-syllable surname feel puts this name of an important English saint in the running -- though it could sound like a confused cross between Duncan and Dustin.
- Symound
Origin:
Old EnglishMeaning:
"victory-protection"Description:
A medieval form of Sigemund, which led to surnames like Simmonds and became conflated with the biblical name Simon.
- Pacifica
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"tranquil"Description:
When properly pronounced, has an alluring sound and harmonious meaning.
- Mariott
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"descendant of Mary"Description:
Medieval nickname for Mary that became a surname, and could now be a rare but in-trend first name for both sexes.
- Falco
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"falcon"Description:
Italian surname most Americans will associate with actress Edie Falco, of Sopranos fame.
- Jenkin
Origin:
FlemishMeaning:
"little John"Description:
Possible (and offbeat) middle name twist when honoring a familial John.
- Mahi
Origin:
Sanskrit / FrenchDescription:
Mahi is a name seen in modern India (consider Mahi Gill - Bollywood star) and in Medieval France (perhaps as a dialect version of Marie). For those considering this name, just be aware that a Mahi-mahi is a type of fish.