Rare Forgotten Victorian and Medieval Names
By RenG
Updated Thu May 25 2023
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All of these names are verified rare Victorian and Medieval names by Ancestry.com. The year search for these names is roughly around 1500-1870. They were once fairly commonly used names that are now mostly forgotten to time.
- Sophronia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"sensible, prudent"Description:
Stately and elegant, but with the familiar sounds of Sophia and Sophie, Sophronia was a familiar choice back in the 19th century but has since fallen into obscurity. Derived from the Greek sophron, it means "sensible, self-restrained".
- Amarys
Origin:
Spelling variation of Amaris, HebrewMeaning:
"God has said"Description:
Amaris and Amarys are pretty modernized versions of the ancient Hebrew Amariah. Almost 300 baby girls were named Amaris in the US last year, along with nearly 100 boys, but only seven baby girls were given the Amarys spelling.
- Calian
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"slender"Description:
A variant of Caelan, from a Gaelic name meaning "slender".
- Albertine
Origin:
French feminine variation of AlbertMeaning:
"bright, noble"Description:
Albertine and Alberta are old-fashioned feminizations ala Geraldine and Roberta: a little bit clunky, a little bit regal, just waiting for a celeb to use them to make them cool again. Familiar in France and the US in the first half of the 20th-century, Albertine has since fallen out of style and hasn't appeared in the US stats since the 80s.
- Parthenia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"chaste maiden"Description:
Parthenia may be a bit unwieldy, but does conjure up majestic images of the Parthenon. It was briefly in the US charts in the late 19th century.
- Rosina
Description:
Rosina is a delicate feminine name with Italian and Latin roots, functioning as a diminutive of Rosa, meaning 'rose.' The name carries the beauty and fragrance associations of the flower it references, with the suffix '-ina' adding a touch of endearment and delicacy. Rosina appears in classical opera, most notably as the clever heroine in Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville.' While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, it has maintained consistent usage particularly in Italian communities. Rosina offers a slightly more elaborate and romantic alternative to the simpler Rose or Rosa, with a melodic quality that resonates particularly well in musical languages. The name suggests femininity, grace, and classical beauty.
- Reida
Description:
Reida is a feminine name with Scandinavian roots, possibly derived from the Old Norse elements meaning 'reed' or 'counsel.' It may also be a variant spelling of Reida, Reija, or Frida. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name has seen occasional usage in Nordic countries like Norway and Iceland. Reida carries a distinct, melodic quality that appeals to parents seeking a unique name with historical connections. The name's rarity gives it a special quality, making it stand out while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce and spell.
- Lorien
Origin:
Literary nameDescription:
The name Lórien appears several times in Tolkien’s novels. It’s both a place name and a character name, and although the name may sound feminine due to the similarity with Lauren and Marien, Tolkein's character Lórien (Master of Visions and Dreams, also called Irmo) is male and the softness of the name will appeal to parents weary of macho names.
- Simond
Description:
Simond is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing a variant spelling of Simon. The traditional name Simon comes from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning 'he has heard' or 'listening.' The added 'd' in Simond gives the name a slightly more formal or distinctive appearance. This variation was more common in medieval times, particularly in France and England, but remains quite rare today. Simond has never ranked among popular given names in modern records. The name carries the same dignified, biblical associations as Simon but with a unique twist. For parents seeking an alternative to the more common Simon or wishing to honor a Simon in the family while providing a slightly different name, Simond offers a subtle variation with the same fundamental pronunciation and heritage.
- Abastien
- Abester
- Abian
- Abiather
- Aderemi
- Adoram
- Adren
- Adric
- Aeden
- Airen
- Alberick
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