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French Medieval Names

Campia
By Campia
Updated Thu May 25 2023
  1. Caspian

    • Origin:

      Place name

    • Meaning:

      "white"

    • Description:

      One of the most romantic of appellations, Caspian is a geographical name referring to the large salty sea between Asia and Europe. It's also the name of the hero of C.S. Lewis's beloved Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian.
  2. Louis

    • Origin:

      German and French

    • Meaning:

      "renowned warrior"

    • Description:

      Kate and William shocked the world when they announced that they'd named their third child Louis -- Prince Louis Arthur Charles, to be more precise. But we've been predicting a comeback for this classic name for a long time.
  3. Tristan

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "noise or sorrowful"

    • Description:

      Tristan -- known through medieval legend and Wagnerian opera -- has a slightly wistful, touching air. This, combined with the name's popular "an" ending, makes Tristan very appealing to parents seeking a more original alternative to Christian.
  4. Ida

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "industrious one"

    • Description:

      Many vowel names stylish a century ago are coming back, and Ida seems like a possible, logical successor to Ada and Ava.
  5. Archibald

    • Origin:

      Scottish from German

    • Meaning:

      "truly brave"

    • Description:

      The short form Archie is so open and friendly --and very trendy in the British Isles--that some parents are now beginning to consider the formerly fusty Archibald as well. SNL comedians Amy Poehler and Will Arnett are one couple who made this breakthrough choice.
  6. Philippa

    • Origin:

      Greek, feminine variation of Philip

    • Meaning:

      "lover of horses"

    • Description:

      Philippa is a prime example of a boy's name adapted for girls that was common as crumpets in Cornwall, but rarely heard stateside. That was before the advent of royal sister-in-law Philippa Middleton, who goes by the lively nickname Pippa.
  7. Marguerite

    • Origin:

      French variation of Margaret; also a flower name

    • Meaning:

      "pearl; daisy"

    • Description:

      Marguerite is a classic French name with a remnant of old-fashioned Gallic charm; and is also a variety of daisy. Chic again in Paris, it's definitely ripe for revival here.
  8. Hermione

    • Origin:

      Feminine version of Hermes, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "messenger, earthly"

    • Description:

      Hermione's costarring role in Harry Potter has made this previously ignored, once stodgy name suddenly viable. Hermione could really take off once today's children start having kids of their own.
  9. Blanche

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "white"

    • Description:

      Blanche, which originated as a nickname for a pale blonde and then became associated with the notion of purity, was in style a century ago, ranking in the double digits until 1920. She then had to fight the stereotype of faded Southern belle, a la Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams's A Streetcar Named Desire and Blanche Devereaux in TV's Golden Girls. Now all three of the Golden Girls--Blanche, Rose and Dorothy--could be ready for revival, with Blanche sounding like a stronger, simpler alternative to Bianca.
  10. Alix

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "noble type"

    • Description:

      A chic and sassy French choice, popular in France but likely to be confused with the more prosaic Alex in English-speaking countries. Although sometimes used in the US as a variant spelling of Alex, the French name Alix actually derives from a medieval French form of the name Alice or Adelaide.
  11. Ulrich

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "rich and noble heritage"

    • Description:

      Ulrich has ancient roots — it was derived from the Old High German name Uodalrich (also spelled Odalric). Ulrich was a common given name in medieval Germany, when it was associated with St. Ulrich of Augsburg. St. Ulrich is the patron saint of pregnant women and easy births.
  12. Gaston

    • Origin:

      French from German

    • Meaning:

      "the foreigner, the guest"

    • Description:

      Depending on your cultural references, you may think of Phantom of the Opera author Gaston Leroux, or the macho villain of Beauty and the Beast. While he's hardly a role model (unless you too use antlers in all of your decorating), his name was likely chosen because it's a classic in France. It's been used there since the middle ages, partly in honor of the Frankish bishop St Gaston. It went out of style in France mid-century, but now it's having a revival, entering the Top 300 in 2017.
  13. Gaspard

    • Origin:

      French variation of Jasper, Persian

    • Meaning:

      "bringer of treasure"

    • Description:

      Jasper is an internationally-popular name that takes many forms, among them Casper, Gaspar, and the French version Gaspard. Virtually unknown in the US, Gaspard is one of the Top 100 Boy Names in France.
  14. Auguste

    • Origin:

      French form of Latin Augustus

    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"

    • Description:

      French version of August, for both sexes. And for those who feel the spelling of August is too plain.
  15. Iseult

    • Description:

      Iseult is a feminine name of Celtic origin, specifically from ancient Irish and Cornish legends. It features prominently in the tragic romance of Tristan and Iseult (also spelled Isolde or Yseult), one of the most influential love stories of medieval European literature. The name's meaning is debated but may relate to 'ice' or 'fair one.' Iseult has never been commonly used in English-speaking countries, maintaining its mystical, legendary quality. The name carries associations with passionate love, beauty, and tragedy from its legendary roots. In recent years, it has attracted interest among parents seeking names with historic depth and literary connections, though it remains rare and distinctive.
  16. Bertille

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "heroine, bright maiden"

    • Description:

      The name of medieval French saint, similar to Sally Field's name, Bertrille, on the old The Flying Nun sitcom, leading some to expect the word "Sister" in front of it.
  17. Ambroise

    • Description:

      Ambroise is the French form of the Latin name Ambrosius, which is derived from the Greek word 'ambrosia,' meaning 'immortal' or 'divine.' This name carries connotations of longevity and heavenly association. Ambroise was popularized by several saints, most notably Saint Ambrose of Milan, a 4th-century bishop and Doctor of the Church. In France, this classic name has maintained steady, though modest, usage throughout the centuries. While Ambroise never reached tremendous popularity in English-speaking countries, it remains appreciated for its sophisticated sound and rich historical connections. The name evokes a sense of timeless elegance with its mellifluous pronunciation and distinguished heritage.
  18. Isaure

    • Description:

      Isaure is a feminine French name with ancient origins, possibly derived from the name Isaura, which referred to someone from Isauria, a region in ancient Asia Minor (now part of Turkey). The name has literary connections, appearing in medieval French poetry and troubadour traditions where 'Clémence Isaure' was said to have been a patroness of poetry competitions. Isaure has remained relatively rare even in France, giving it an air of refinement and uniqueness. The name has a delicate, elegant sound typical of classical French names. In contemporary usage, Isaure appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth, poetic associations, and a distinctively French character.

  19. Pernille

    • Description:

      Pernille is a feminine Scandinavian name, particularly popular in Denmark and Norway. It derives from Petronilla, a diminutive of Petronia, which comes from the Latin word 'petrus' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' Pernille emerged as a distinct Scandinavian form during the Middle Ages and has maintained steady popularity in Nordic countries ever since. The name has a light, melodic quality when pronounced correctly (per-NEEL-eh) that contrasts with its strong etymological meaning. While uncommon outside Scandinavia, Pernille represents a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with Nordic heritage. In Denmark, it's recognized as a classic name that doesn't feel outdated, striking a balance between traditional and contemporary appeal.

  20. Aloys

    • Description:

      Aloys is a masculine name with Germanic origins, functioning as a variant of Alois, which itself derives from the Old French Loys, a form of Louis. The name ultimately traces back to the Germanic name Chlodovech (composed of elements meaning 'fame' and 'warrior'). Aloys has been particularly popular in German-speaking countries, especially Austria, Bavaria, and Switzerland. It has notable associations with composer Aloys Fleischmann and the Catholic saint Aloysius Gonzaga, whose name variations include Aloys. The name carries an elegant, classical quality with its soft ending and historical resonance. While never achieving widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, Aloys offers a distinguished European alternative to more common names like Louis or Lewis, maintaining its sophisticated character.