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Hobbit Baby Names

ceryle
By ceryle
Updated Thu May 25 2023
J.R.R. Tolkien turned to botany, gemstones and medieval European rosters to name the Hobbits of Middle Earth. These are some of the most wearable names he chose.
  1. Adelard

    • Description:

      Adelard is a masculine name with Germanic origins, composed of the elements 'adal' meaning 'noble' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong.' This powerful combination yields a meaning of 'noble strength' or 'brave nobleman.' The name was brought to England by the Normans following the Norman Conquest and was moderately popular during the medieval period. Adelard of Bath, a 12th-century English scholar and philosopher, represents one notable historical bearer. Despite its distinguished heritage and pleasant sound, Adelard has become extremely rare in modern times. The name carries an aristocratic, intellectual quality with its connection to medieval scholarship. Its traditional Germanic structure gives it a solid, timeless feel, while its rarity makes it distinctive for contemporary use. Adelard offers the appeal of ancient nobility with a sophisticated sound.

  2. Adelbert

    • Description:

      Adelbert is a masculine name of Germanic origin combining the elements 'adal' meaning noble or aristocratic and 'beraht' meaning bright or famous. This powerful combination creates a meaning along the lines of 'noble-bright' or 'illustriously famous.' Popular among medieval European nobility, Adelbert was carried by several saints and rulers throughout history. The name traveled across Europe with variations including Albert, Adalbert, and Ethelbert. While its usage declined in the 20th century, Adelbert maintains an aristocratic, refined quality that appeals to parents drawn to vintage names with strong historical roots. It offers distinctive formal options with friendly nicknames like Adel, Del, or Bert.
  3. Amaranth

    • Origin:

      botanical name

    • Description:

      Amaranth is a beautiful herb with bright fuchsia flowers and a tasty seed that flavors many Eastern dishes. The name is filled with potential for the more adventurous namer, with nickname potential (Ammy, Mara) and a fresh sound that still fits in with all the Amelias and Ambers in the playground.
  4. Amethyst

    • Origin:

      Gem and Color name

    • Description:

      As flower names become more unique, so can gem names move beyond Ruby and Pearl to names like Topaz, Sapphire, and Peridot. Amethyst, the purple birthstone for February, has never been in the Top 1000, but could have some appeal, joining similarly-hued Violet and Lilac, all of which make great names for Aquarius babies or names for February babies.
  5. Angelica

    • Origin:

      Italian, Polish, Russian diminutive of Angela

    • Meaning:

      "angel or angelic"

    • Description:

      Angelica is by far the choicest form of the angelic names -- more delicate than Angelina, more feminine than Angel, more modern than Angela. But though Angelica is so lacy and poetic, it lags behind the bolder Angelina (probably for obvious reasons).
  6. Anson

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of Anne"

    • Description:

      Anson has always been rare, though you might think of actor Anson Williams, best known for playing Potsie Weber on 1970s sitcom Happy Days. As a direct result of the show's popularity, Anson charted in the US Top 1000 from 1976 to 1981.
  7. Adamanta
    • Bell

      • Origin:

        English and Scottish occupational name

      • Meaning:

        "ringer of the bell"

      • Description:

        These days, it's more likely you'd call your daughter the popular Belle or Bella.
    • Belladonna

      • Origin:

        English from Italian

      • Meaning:

        "nightshade, beautiful lady"

      • Description:

        Literally meaning "beautiful lady" in Italian, Belladonna is the name of a poisonous flower also known as nightshade. This connection gives an otherwise flowery name a darker, more dramatic edge.
    • Berylla

      • Description:

        Berylla is a feminine name with ancient roots, derived from the Greek word 'beryllos,' referring to the beryl gemstone. This semi-precious stone has been valued since ancient times, giving the name an elegant, classical quality. Berylla can be considered a more elaborate form of Beryl, which gained modest popularity as a female name in the early 20th century. The name has connections to medieval English naming traditions, appearing occasionally in historical records. While never widely used, Berylla carries an ethereal, vintage charm that appeals to those drawn to rare gem names with historical significance. The name evokes images of beauty and preciousness while maintaining a distinctive sound.

    • Bowman

      • Origin:

        English surname

      • Meaning:

        "archer"

      • Description:

        Bowman has a lot of winning ingredients: an occupational surname, a cool "Bo" sound, and an archery-related meaning. Given to around 40 boys in the US in a recent year, it could work as a rarer, but not outrageous, alternative to the likes of Bodhi, Beau, Bowen, and Brody.
    • Bruno

      • Origin:

        Germanic

      • Meaning:

        "brown"

      • Description:

        Tough-yet-cuddly Bruno is an international name even in its origins: it derives from the Germanic word for "brown" plus a Latin ending, and was borrowed as a color word in many European languages.
    • Camellia

      • Origin:

        Flower name, from Czech surname

      • Meaning:

        "Kamel's flower"

      • Description:

        Camellia is a rare flower name with distinct roots related to the Camille/Camila group and has varied associations to the moon, water, wealth, and perfection. It could be thought of as a floral replacement for Amelia.
    • Carl

      • Origin:

        German variation of Charles

      • Meaning:

        "free man"

      • Description:

        This no-nonsense German variation of Charles is strong and sturdy. A top choice throughout the 20th century, Carl is now verging on falling off the charts.
    • Cora

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "maiden"

      • Description:

        Cora is a lovely, old-fashioned girls' that has been recently rejuvenated by its contemporary-feeling simplicity. In fact, Cora seemed headed straight for the top of the popularity list when the coronavirus pandemic somewhat weakened its appeal.
    • Celandine
      • Daisy

        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Margaret or flower name, English

        • Meaning:

          "day's eye"

        • Description:

          Daisy, fresh, wholesome, and energetic, is one of the flower names that burst back into bloom after a century's hibernation. Originally a nickname for Margaret (the French Marguerite is the word for the flower), Daisy comes from the phrase "day's eye," because it opens its petals at daybreak.
      • Diamond

        • Origin:

          Gem name

        • Description:

          Diamond sparkled all through the nineties--reaching as high as Number 150 in 1999. Although its shine has diminished quite a bit, it remains in use.
      • Dina

        • Origin:

          Hebrew variation of Dinah or Adinah

        • Meaning:

          "judged or delicate"

        • Description:

          Dina is a 20th century version of either Dinah or Adinah, two Old Testament names not related to each other. Dinah was the beautiful daughter of Jacob and Leah, while Adinah or Adina was a male soldier, though the name is also used for girls in modern Israel.
      • Dora

        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Theodora and Isidora, Greek

        • Meaning:

          "gift"

        • Description:

          Dora is poised for a comeback, right behind Laura, Nora, Cora, and Flora. First-time parents who haven't watched cartoons in a couple of decades should be aware of the Dora the Explorer connection, which has its pluses and minuses.