Antique Romance
- Adelais
Description:
Adelais is a feminine name of Old German origin, representing a beautiful medieval variant of Adelaide. The name means 'noble kind' or 'of noble type,' combining 'adal' (noble) and 'heid' (kind, type). Popular among European nobility during the Middle Ages, Adelais carries an aristocratic, vintage charm. The name fell from common usage by the Renaissance but has seen occasional revivals among those appreciating historical names. Its pronunciation (AD-eh-lays) offers a pleasing rhythm, while its spelling evokes images of medieval courts and chivalry. Though rare today, Adelais provides a distinctive alternative to the more common Adelaide or Adeline, appealing to parents seeking names with historical depth and feminine elegance.
- Alienor
Origin:
French, meaning unknownDescription:
Also seen as Alyenor and Eleonore, this is an old French name dating back to the Arthurian romances and still heard today.
- Alysanne
Description:
Alysanne is a feminine name with medieval roots that combines elements of Alice and Anne, both classical names with royal associations. With its ethereal, lyrical quality, Alysanne gained contemporary recognition through George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, where it belonged to a beloved queen. The name carries an elegant, fantasy-inspired feel while maintaining connections to traditional naming patterns. Alysanne likely derives from Germanic origins, with components meaning "noble" and "grace." Though rare in everyday use, it appeals to parents seeking a name with a romantic, literary quality that stands apart from more common alternatives. Its melodic sound and noble associations give it a timeless appeal despite its relative obscurity in mainstream naming trends.
- Amarante
Description:
Amarante is a feminine name derived from the amaranth flower, whose name comes from Greek 'amarantos,' meaning 'unfading' or 'everlasting.' In various European traditions, particularly Portuguese, Spanish, and French, Amarante has been used as a given name symbolizing immortality and enduring beauty. The amaranth has significant cultural symbolism, representing immortality in ancient Greek mythology and featuring in poetry throughout the ages. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name carries an elegant, romantic quality with its flowing sounds and botanical connection. Amarante appeals to parents drawn to nature-inspired names with deep symbolic meanings and a touch of European flair, offering both distinctive character and a connection to classical traditions.
- Athenais
Description:
Athenais is a rare feminine name with classical Greek origins. It derives from Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law, strategic warfare, mathematics, strength, and the arts. Historically, a notable bearer was Athenais of Athens (401-460 AD), who later became Byzantine Empress Aelia Eudocia. The name carries an air of sophistication, intelligence, and classical elegance. While never widely popular in English-speaking countries, Athenais appeals to parents drawn to names with strong mythological connections and distinctive sounds. Its four syllables create a rhythmic, flowing quality that emphasizes its exotic nature and ancient heritage.
- Auberon
Origin:
English, French, GermanMeaning:
"elf ruler, bright elf; noble bear"Description:
Rarely heard in the US, Auberon has a gentle autumnal feel rare in a male name. A Shakespeare-adjacent choice, Auberon started out as as a pet form of Auberi, the French form of German Alberich.
- Aubin
Origin:
French form of Albinus, Ancient RomanMeaning:
"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 at #275 in its native France as of 2023.
- Adeliz
- Admiranda
- Aimery
- Aurembiaix
- Beatrix
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"she who brings happiness; blessed"Description:
Beatrix has a solid history of its own apart from Beatrice, with that final x adding a playful, animated note to the name's imposing history and stately vibe.
- Bertrand
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"magnificent crow"Description:
This name of famed philosopher, mathematician and Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell becomes slightly more plausible with the French pronunciation, bare-TRAHN. Another noted bearer is French director and screenwriter Bertrand Tavernier.
- Caradoc
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"amiable, beloved"Description:
Derived from the name Caradog, the handsome ancient Celtic name was worn by one of the Knights of the Round Table, as well as a semi-legendary Welsh King. Possibly a cognate of Cedric and Carys, Caradoc is ultimately derived from the Brythonic name Caratācos meaning "loved", itself originating from the Celtic karu.
- Cecily
Origin:
Feminine variation of CecilMeaning:
"blind"Description:
Cecily is as dainty as a lace handkerchief. Cecily has a wide assortment of namesakes. One Cecily was the mother of King Richard III, whose beauty gained her the title "the Rose of Raby," Cecily Parsley is a Beatrix Potter bunny, Cecily Cardew is a character in The Importance of Being Earnest, and the author of the Gossip Girl books is Cecily von Ziegesar.
- Christiana
Origin:
Feminine variation of ChristianMeaning:
"follower of Christ"Description:
Not cutting edge, but still graceful and feminine.
- Clarimond
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"Light of the World"Description:
Clarimond is related to the Occitan name Esclarmonde, and is probably the more wearable of the two variations.
- Clothilde
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"famous in battle"Description:
Pronounced klo-TEELD, this name is well used in France, but rarely heard here; it has a chic and sophisticated air.
- Corentin
Origin:
French, BretonMeaning:
"tempest, hurricane"Description:
Corentin is an intriguing saint's name fashionable in France but virtually unknown here-- which you may consider a big plus. St. Corentin possessed a magical fish that regenerated itself each night, feeding himself and his lucky visitors in perpetuity.
- Corisande
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"chorus-singer"Description:
Corisande is a very unusual, haunting choice, with the aura of medieval romance--it is found in early Spanish romantic tales, arriving in the English-speaking world in the nineteenth century.