Historic and Vintage Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 17 pages
of 17
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…
Diminutive of Richiza, Richenza, or Rikissa, German
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…
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…
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…
Latin
"whole, healthy"
Another name for the herb sage -- which sounds younger and more modern than this version.
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.
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…
Swedish
"a stone"
Once a short form of names containing this syllable, it is now used on its own, though we'd prefer Sven.
English from Latin
"of the forest"
A rare feminine form of Sylvester, also spelled Silvestra. Sylvie would make for a sweet and sophisticated short form.
Old English
"victory-protection"
A medieval form of Sigemund, which led to surnames like Simmonds and became conflated with the biblical name Simon.
English, Cornish
"twin"
Alternative Cornish spelling of Tamsin, which derives from Thomasin or Thomasina.
English diminutive of Isabel
"pledged to God"
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…
Diminutive of Tolliver or Bartholomew
Tolly is an antique short form that is not only jolly but makes Bartholomew usable in the modern world, when Bart is too Simpsonesque. For the adventurous nicknamer, Tolly might even be a novel short…
English and Scottish short form of Thomas, Aramaic
Tomkin is a diminutive form of Thomas, with the affectionate suffix '-kin,' which historically indicated 'little one' or 'son of.' This medieval diminutive form gives the name a charming, slightly…
Irish
"abettor, instigator"
A popular name during the Middle Ages, Toirdelbach (Anglicized as Turlough or Turlach) is the name of two High Kings of Ireland. It means "abettor, instigator", from Gaelic toirdhealbh "prompting".…
Basque or Portuguese, 'magpie'
Urraca was the name of many infantas and queens of several medieval Iberian kingdoms (most notably Leon). Despite its royal roots, Urraca is one of the names best left to the history books.
German
"prosperity, riches"
Medieval name that still hasn't crossed the ocean, known here primarily via actress/teacher Uta Hagen.
"green"
Viridis is a medieval Italian name which is also the Latin word for green. This name is a beautiful option for parents looking for an unusual name that conveys freshness, youth, springtime and…
Welsh
"overlord"
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…
Lithuanian
"chase the people"
Derived from the Baltic component vyti , meaning "to chase," and tauta , "people." Vytautas the Great was a medieval Lithuanian king, still revered to this day. Vytautas was particularly popular for…
