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Old Prince Edward Island Names

lynsiejo
By lynsiejo
Updated Thu May 25 2023
Family names from graveyards and census data for families historically living in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
  1. Marcella

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "warlike"

    • Description:

      Marcella is a name of Latin origin, which has been neglected for decades now. Depicted as the world's most beautiful woman in Don Quixote (where it's spelled Marcela), it has plenty of flair and elegance to revive it again.
  2. Basil

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "royal"

    • Description:

      Although Greek in origin--in the fourth century, a bishop by that name established the principles of the Greek Orthodox Church--Basil for years took on the aura of aquiline-nosed upper-class Britishness of Sherlock Holmes portrayer Basil Rathbone, then spiced with the fragrant aroma of the herb that entered with the Pesto generation.
  3. Eulalie

    • Origin:

      French form of Eulalia, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "sweetly speaking"

    • Description:

      Eulalie hasn't ranked in the US Top 1000 since 1899, but its French roots might make it more appealing to modern ears than its sister Eulalia.
  4. Aeneas

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "the praised one"

    • Description:

      In Greek and Roman mythology, Aeneas was the legendary son of Venus (or Aphrodite) who was the hero of Troy and Rome. Appearing in the Aeneid by the poet Virgil, he goes on to found the Roman state and break the heart of Queen Dido of Carthage.
  5. Alcide

    • Origin:

      French version of Heracles

    • Meaning:

      "glory of Hera"

    • Description:

      This is the French version of Alcides, birth name of the Greek mythological Heracles (Hercules). You're more likely to recognize it as the name of the hot True Blood werewolf, Alcide Herveaux.
  6. Dillon

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "loyal"

    • Description:

      Different origin from the Welsh Dylan, but increasingly used as a variant spelling to honor Bob Dylan or Dylan Thomas. Still, the Dylan spelling is found 20 times as often as Dillon.
  7. Aubin

    • Origin:

      French form of Albinus, Ancient Roman

    • Meaning:

      "white, blond, bright"

    • Description:

      Aubin might be seen as a fresher and more decidedly masculine twist on Aubrey, though the two are not related. This stylish French choice derives from the Roman Albinus or Albus, meaning "white, bright" or sometimes "blonde". Pronounced with a strong O sound and with a barely there 'n', the name ranked just outside the Top 200 in its native France in a recent year.
  8. Zita

    • Origin:

      Italian or Persian; Greek

    • Meaning:

      "little girl; seeker"

    • Description:

      A thirteenth-century Tuscan saint, patron of homemakers, Zita is the kind of name that sounded really creative in an earlier era.
  9. Nelda

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "one who lives by the alder tree"

    • Description:

      Occasionally heard in Ireland, small chance of success here.
  10. Alfreda

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "elf power,"

    • Description:

      With a meaning like "elf power," Alfreda could find some appeal among fantasy enthusiasts. "Freda" makes for a pleasant nickname.
  11. Leamon

    • Description:

      Leamon is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Lehman (meaning "feudal tenant" in German), a form of Lemon (from the fruit), or derived from the Middle English "leofmann" meaning "beloved man." Most common in the southern United States, particularly in rural communities, Leamon has a folksy, distinctive quality that peaked in popularity in the early 20th century. The name carries a sweet yet strong character, with historical connections to agriculture and honest labor. While never widely popular, Leamon has maintained a steady presence among families valuing traditional, uncommon names with American heritage. Its bright sound and straightforward pronunciation make it accessible despite its rarity.
  12. Maxime

    • Description:

      Maxime is a French feminine name, though it can also be used for males in some cultures. Derived from the Latin name Maximus, meaning "greatest" or "largest," it carries connotations of excellence and achievement. In France, Maxime has maintained steady popularity as a given name for both genders but is more commonly used for boys. The feminine usage tends to emphasize the elegant, sophisticated quality of French naming traditions. Outside of French-speaking regions, Maxime is less common but appreciated for its international flair and subtle strength. The name offers the friendly nickname Max while maintaining a more formal, distinctive full name. Its classic roots and modern appeal have helped Maxime remain relevant across generations without becoming overused.

  13. Fabiana

    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish feminine variation of Fabian

    • Meaning:

      "bean grower"

    • Description:

      The fashion for elaborate girly-girl names, especially those that end with -ella or -ana, has put this distinctive Latin favorite into play.
  14. Coletta

    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Colette or short form of Nicoletta

    • Description:

      Coletta is a Latin relative of the better-known French Colette, which is derived from Nicole and is ultimately a feminization of Nicholas. Only a handful of baby girls are named Coletta or Nicoletta in the US each year, making this one of the rarest of the many forms of the name.
  15. Herbie

    • Description:

      Herbie is a diminutive form of Herbert, a Germanic name combining 'hari' (army) and 'berht' (bright), meaning 'bright warrior' or 'illustrious soldier.' Popularized in the mid-20th century, Herbie gained notable recognition through jazz musician Herbie Hancock and the fictional Volkswagen Beetle in Disney's 'The Love Bug' films. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with a vintage charm that evokes mid-century Americana. Though its popularity has declined since its peak in the 1950s and 60s, Herbie retains nostalgic appeal as a nickname. It exemplifies the trend of shortened, affectionate forms that became independently used given names in their own right.
  16. Germaine

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Germain, French

    • Meaning:

      "from Germany"

    • Description:

      Linked to the early days of feminism via Germaine Greer, this saint's name feels neither French nor German enough -- which just might make it the perfect blend of the two cultures. All forms of Germain derive from the Latin Germanus, referring to a person from Germany.
  17. Aniela

    • Origin:

      Polish

    • Meaning:

      "angel"

    • Description:

      What a difference one letter makes - the somewhat tired, though still heavenly Angela, gets a makeover as sweet and subtle Aniela. Definitely worth considering.
  18. Lorette

    • Description:

      Lorette is a feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive of Lora or Laura. These names ultimately derive from the Latin "laurus," meaning "laurel tree," which symbolized victory and honor in ancient times. Lorette has a delicate, graceful quality with its soft ending, embodying French elegance and refinement. In French culture, it also has religious connotations through association with Our Lady of Loreto. While never tremendously common in English-speaking countries, the name has maintained consistent if modest usage. Lorette offers a sophisticated alternative to more widely used Laura derivatives, appealing to parents seeking a name with French flair and classical roots.
  19. Wanita

    • Description:

      Wanita is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Spanish, it's a diminutive form of Juana (the feminine form of Juan/John), meaning 'God is gracious'. However, it's also recognized as an Aboriginal Australian word meaning 'water spirit' in some indigenous languages. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1920s-1940s but has since become less common. Wanita has a melodic quality with its three distinct syllables and soft sounds. The name carries a vintage charm while maintaining cultural connections that may appeal to families with Spanish or Australian indigenous heritage. Despite its relative rarity today, Wanita offers a combination of familiarity and uniqueness that distinguishes it from more common feminine names.

  20. Bertilla

    • Description:

      Bertilla is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'berht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous' and possibly 'hild' meaning 'battle.' The name has historical significance through Saint Bertilla, an abbess who lived in the 7th century France. This traditional name carries an old-world charm that feels both dignified and gentle. While never widely common in modern times, Bertilla has maintained a consistent if minimal presence in European countries, particularly Italy. The name offers a distinctive alternative to more popular names like Bertha or Bella, appealing to parents interested in historical names with strong feminine roots and religious connections.