Historic and Vintage Names
Medieval Names
Across 17 pages
of 17
Berengaria
Latin
"bear spear"
Berengaria was one of the medieval queens of England - married to Richard I (also known as Richard the Lionheart). She was originally from Navarre (in modern northern Spain) and despite being the…
Emeric
French form of German Emmerich
"power"
A name popular both in France (where it's Number 405) and within the Cajun population, it's more substantial than Eric, and occurs twice in the Harry Potter series.
Esmond
English
"graceful protection"
Though slightly haughtier and less accessible than cousin Edmond, Esmond could appeal to some parents seeing a distinguished appellation. It began being used (albeit sparingly) in England in the…
Eustace
English from Greek
"stable"
Eustace was originally popularized by St. Eustace, who was born a Norman nobleman and is said to have been converted to Christianity by seeing a crucifix between the antlers of the deer he was…
Emelisse
French
"rival"
A medieval French name little used today, which certainly appeals to modern tastes.
Eluned
Welsh
"idol, image"
Romantic and mysterious, Eluned's beauty and intelligence were legendary in Welsh legend; she was the handmaiden of the Lady of the Fountain in a Welsh Arthurian romance, who had a magic ring that…
Everard
English spelling variation of Eberhard
"hardy"
An older form of Everett that stays closer to its Germanic roots. Distinguished Everard is the name of several historical figures and literary characters, including a minor hobbit in The Lord of the…
Evita
Spanish, diminutive of Eva
There's only one Evita.
Falco
Italian
"falcon"
Italian surname most Americans will associate with actress Edie Falco, of Sopranos fame.
Fane
English
"happy, joyous"
Fane, used as a nickname in the Middle Ages for someone with a cheerful disposition, is one of the more offbeat members of the Zane-Kane family.
Faron
English
"handsome servant"
Faron, a soft and gentle name, has a diverse group of references. There was the medieval Saint Faron, Bishop of Meaux (who has given his name to a cheese); Faron Young, a colorful midcentury country…
Felice
Italian
"lucky"
Felix is rising in the chart for boys, and its feminine variations are sure to follow. The best knows these days, thanks to the TV character, is Felicity, but there's also Felicia and Felice. Like…
Amlyn
Welsh, meaning unknown
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…
Flordelis
Latin
"fleur de lys"
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…
Florencia
Spanish, from Latin
"flourishing, prosperous"
A pretty elaboration on Florence used in Hispanic countries.
Florian
Latin
"flowering"
If Flora and Florence have returned full force, then Florian, with its strong Latinate ending and its botanical meaning in one to watch out for. Popular in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and…
Florie
Diminutive of Florence
"blooming, flowering"
Florence is back, and the adorable short form Florie (or Flory) is too. Or you could just name her Flora and be done with it.
Frost
English
"freezing"
Long heard as a last name, as in venerable poet Robert, U.K. talk show host David, British actress Sadie and old Jack Frost, Frost has suddenly entered the scene as a possible first, along with other…
Alard
German
"noble, steadfast"
Alard looks and sounds like the name of a romantic, medieval knight. It's dashing and unusual; but still easy to pronounce and spell. Cognate Adelard might also appeal if you are considering this…
Aenor
French
"famous wealth"
A medieval French name which belonged to the mother of Eleanor of Aquitaine (incidentally, Aenor is thought to be an older form of the name Eleanor). Its etymology is uncertain, but it may derive…