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Medieval Names for a Modern Baby

Looking for an unusual name with historical roots? These names and surnames from medieval European rosters could grace a modern birth certificate.
  1. Amira
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "princess"
    • Description:

      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 "princess", and fits in well with a variety of trending names like Amara, Amaya, and Mira. Amira is in the Top 100 in several countries, including Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, and Hungary. In the US, Amira entered the Top 1000 in 1998 and has been rising since, now in the Top 250. Overall Amira is a gorgeous multicultural choice.
  2. Garner
    • Origin:

      English surname
    • Meaning:

      "granary"
    • Description:

      Garner is an unncommon word and surname with some prospect of garnering popularity, especially now that Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have given it to son Samuel as his middle name, and Jessica Alba and Cash Warren have used it as the middle name of second daughter Haven. Garner is also Cash Warren's middle name. Gardner or Gardener is another, similar though unrelated possibility.
  3. Pascal
    • Origin:

      French; English
    • Meaning:

      "of the Passover; Easter"
    • Description:

      The French-accented Pascal was historically used for sons born at Easter, and can make an interesting choice for a boy with Gallic roots arriving around that holiday.
  4. Levin
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "dear friend"
    • Description:

      Levin, known in the U.S. mostly as a surname, is a Top 100 boys' name in Germany. There have been saints with variations of this name, whose meaning relates to love.
  5. Ingram
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "angel-raven"
    • Description:

      An undiscovered surname possibility with upscale overtones, could be enlivened with nickname Ingo.
  6. Florie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Florence
    • Meaning:

      "blooming, flowering"
    • Description:

      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.
  7. Thora
    • Origin:

      Norse
    • Meaning:

      "thunder goddess"
    • Description:

      Thora, related to Thor, is the ancient Norse thunder goddess name that's much softer and gentler than its meaning suggests. A noted bearer is actress Thora Birch.
  8. Lovell
    • Description:

      Lovell is a masculine surname-turned-first-name with Anglo-Norman origins. Derived from the Old French 'louvel' meaning 'little wolf,' it was originally a nickname for someone fierce or wolf-like in character. The name entered England after the Norman Conquest and established itself as both a surname and occasional given name. Lovell peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1920s but remains relatively uncommon today. The name carries a sophisticated, gentlemanly quality with its soft consonants and connection to noble medieval families. Some may also appreciate its phonetic resemblance to the word 'love,' giving it a subtly affectionate undertone.
  9. Justus
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "just"
    • Description:

      More unusual than Justin, less word-like than Justice, this New Testament name could make an intriguing choice. After being off the popularity lists from 1904 to 1993, it is now being used in steady numbers.
  10. Rollin
    • Origin:

      French and German
    • Meaning:

      "famous throughout the land"
    • Description:

      Rollin is a masculine name with related to the more familiar Roland. It might also be derived from an Old French surname meaning 'little roll' or 'small land.'
  11. Roderick
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "famous ruler"
    • Description:

      The aristocratic--if not haughty--Roderick was nevertheless consistently in the Top 1000, reaching as high as Number 221 in 1967, when it was not uncommon to run into a Rod or a Roddy. It's at a low point right now, but we can envision it being revived as a neglected, dignified grandpa name, perhaps when Rod is no longer a potentially embarrassing nickname..
  12. Adeliza
    • Origin:

      Medieval English and Old Swedish form of Adelaide
    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"
    • Description:

      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 like a smoosh of Adele and Eliza.
  13. Aldin
    • Description:

      Aldin is a masculine name with Germanic roots, likely derived from the elements 'ald' meaning 'old' or 'wise' and 'win' meaning 'friend.' This creates a meaning along the lines of 'old or wise friend.' The name can also be considered a variant of Alden, which shares similar etymology. Aldin possesses a strong, concise sound while maintaining a gentle quality through its soft consonants. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, the name has maintained a steady if minimal presence in English-speaking countries. Aldin strikes a balance between feeling historic and contemporary, with its traditional roots but streamlined modern sound. The name projects qualities of wisdom and loyalty through both its literal meaning and its solid, dependable phonetics. Its rarity gives it distinction while its straightforward pronunciation keeps it accessible.

  14. Aphra
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, variation of Aphrah
    • Meaning:

      "dust"
    • Description:

      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 dramatist of the English Restoration, and a spy.
  15. Argenta
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "silvery"
    • Description:

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

      German
    • Meaning:

      "desired; or island, water"
    • Description:

      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, wished for" and "water, island".
  17. Ayleth
    • Description:

      This medieval sounding name is a modern invention, used in the video game Final Fantasy.
  18. Adeliz
    • Adri
      • Ailith

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