Medieval Names for a Modern Baby

Amira

Hebrew, Arabic

"princess"

This shimmery name, often given to girls born on the harvest feast of Shavuot, and also used in the Muslim community, is increasing in popularity. Amira is of Hebrew and Arabic origin, meaning…

Adeliza

Medieval English and Old Swedish form of Adelaide

"noble, nobility"

Adeliza is a unique member of the popular Adelaide-Adeline family. Different enough to distinguish it from all the others? Maybe, and it's definitely got an appealing sound that makes it sound a bit…

Aphra

Hebrew, variation of Aphrah

"dust"

Aphra would make an interesting choice-- especially since it's the name of the first professional female writer in English, the seventeenth century's Aphra Behn. Born in 1640, she was a prolific…

Argenta

Latin

"silvery"

More modern and alluring than Silver, Argenta is one of the few mineral/metal-related names.

Avila

German

"desired; or island, water"

An unusual and appealing name that is the origin of Evelyn, via the Norman French name Aveline. It derives from an obscure Germanic root, the meaning of which is not clear. Theories include "desired,…

Ayleth

This medieval sounding name is a modern invention, used in the video game Final Fantasy.