Abandoned and Come-Back Ready Medieval Names

There are several Percivals scattered through the Harry Potter series, which might help transform the old-fangled, fussy image it has accrued. Actually, the original Percival was the one perfectly pure Knight of the Round Table, a worthy hero. The name was invented in the twelfth century by a poet named Chretien de Troyes, for his ideal knight in the poem Percevale, a Knight of King Arthur.

Wade has never been outside the US Top 1000 for boys - there's a reason for that. It has a clean spelling, fresh sound and is neither too trendy (unlike Kade or Cade) or too old-school (like Richard or Albert). We think Wade is a winning name.

This name of a Roman emperor and of a sedating plant is still used quietly, given to about a dozen baby boys in the US last year. It has a strong, rhythmic sound and could make a modern-feeling honor name for grandma Valerie.

Chef Wolfgang Puck has helped soften this thunderous Germanic name; music-lovers will appreciate its association with Mozart, though the composer's middle name Amadeus is more appealing. With Wolf on the rise, however, and parents looking for bolder options, Wolfgang might just intrigue people with its historical feel .

Dignified first name of poet W. H. Auden, less exposed than his currently stylish surname.

With a noble air and a distinctive yet familiar sound, Gawain is drawn from Arthurian legend, in which he is one of King Arthur's loyal knights and his nephew. Also appearing as the hero of the 14th century poem, Sir Gawain and The Green Knight, his name is possibly borrowed from the Welsh Gwalchmai, meaning "May hawk".

Thurston Howell was the snooty millionaire on Gilligan's Island, but these days such surname names don't have the same elitist air.

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 Rings. Yet, even now that Ever- names are the height of style, Everard hasn't been seen on the charts for decades.

Idonea is a feminine name with medieval origins, derived from the Old English word 'idoneus' meaning 'suitable' or 'appropriate.' Used rarely in the Middle Ages, particularly in England, the name carries an elegant, antiquated charm. Idonea appears in historical records from the 12th to 14th centuries before falling into obscurity. The name has a rhythmic, melodic quality with its four syllables and flowing vowel sounds. While extremely rare in modern usage, Idonea appeals to those drawn to historical names with literary qualities. Its uniqueness ensures distinctiveness while its classical roots provide cultural depth. For contemporary parents, Idonea offers a rare combination of ancient heritage, linguistic beauty, and historical significance.

Petronella, and its shorter sister Petra, are both feminizations of Peter. While Petronella is a name with deep history, it's extremely rare. It was given to no baby girls on record in the US last year.

Variant of Maribella

Appoline is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the Greek name 'Apollonia,' which itself comes from the Greek god Apollo, associated with light, music, and healing. This elegant name carries a sense of classical beauty and sophistication. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Appoline has maintained a quiet presence in French-speaking regions. The name offers appealing nickname options such as Apple, Polly, or Lina. Appoline conveys a blend of ancient wisdom and refined grace, making it a distinctive choice that combines historical depth with melodic charm.

Easter has been used as a name for several hundred years, as part of the day-naming tradition; now, this rarely heard holiday celebration name would make a novel choice for a springtime baby. Background:The early Anglo-Saxon monk and scholar Bede took the name of a goddess--Eostre-- whose feast was celebrated at the vernal equinox and gave it to the Christian festival of the resurrection of Christ.

Hail Britannia? We think not.

Gidon is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, being a variant of Gideon, which means 'feller' or 'hewer' (of trees), often interpreted as 'mighty warrior' or 'destroyer.' This biblical name belonged to a military leader and judge in the Old Testament who led Israelites to victory against the Midianites. Gidon is more commonly used in Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. The name carries powerful associations of leadership, courage, and divine selection. With its two-syllable structure and distinctive sound, Gidon offers a less common alternative to the more widely recognized Gideon while maintaining its historical and religious significance.

Galiena is a rare feminine name with medieval Latin origins, possibly derived from the Roman family name Galienus or from the Latin word 'galenus,' meaning 'calm' or 'tranquil.' The name carries an elegant, romantic quality reminiscent of bygone eras. Galiena appeared occasionally in medieval European records but remained uncommon throughout history. It shares linguistic connections with the more familiar Galina (of Slavic origin) though they developed independently. The name has a rhythmic, flowing sound with its alternating vowels and soft consonants, giving it a poetic quality. While exceedingly rare in contemporary usage, Galiena appeals to parents drawn to unique historical names with classical roots. Its uncommon nature makes it distinctive, while its structure makes it intuitively pronounceable despite its rarity.