French Medieval Names
- Caspian
Origin:
Place nameMeaning:
"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.
- Tristan
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"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.
- Louis
Origin:
French, GermanMeaning:
"renowned warrior"Description:
Kate and William shocked the world when they announced that they'd named their third child Louis, or Prince Louis Arthur Charles, to be more precise. But we've been predicting a comeback for this classic name for a long time.
- Ida
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"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.
- Philippa
Origin:
Greek, feminine variation of PhilipMeaning:
"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.
- Archibald
Origin:
Scottish from GermanMeaning:
"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.
- Marguerite
Origin:
French variation of Margaret; also a flower nameMeaning:
"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.
- Hermione
Origin:
Feminine version of Hermes, GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Blanche
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Gaston
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"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.
- Alix
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Iseult
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"ice battle"Description:
Strong and sharp but with a pretty, poetic feel about it, Iseult appears in the world of Arthurian legend. Also written as Yseult, Ysolt, and Isolde, the name might have Germanic roots, blending is and hilt to give it the cool, wintery meaning of "ice battle".
- Bertille
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Gaspard
Origin:
French variation of Jasper, PersianMeaning:
"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.
- Anselme
Description:
Anselme is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from 'ans' meaning 'god' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection,' thus signifying 'divine helmet' or 'protected by God.' It's the French variation of Anselm, a name carried by several notable historical figures, including Saint Anselm of Canterbury, an important medieval philosopher and theologian. Though never extremely common, Anselme has maintained steady usage in French-speaking regions throughout the centuries. The name carries connotations of wisdom, divine protection, and intellectual strength. Its dignified sound and rich historical associations make it appealing for parents seeking a distinguished yet uncommon name with European flair and spiritual undertones.
- Adèle
Origin:
French diminutive of AdelaideMeaning:
"noble, nobility"Description:
The French spelling of Adele, and currently very popular in France.
- 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.
- Stanislas
Description:
Stanislas is a masculine name of Slavic origin, specifically from the Polish name Stanisław, combining "stan" (state, condition) and "slava" (glory, fame), meaning "achieving glory" or "one who achieves glory." This distinguished name has been borne by Polish kings, saints, and notable figures throughout history, including St. Stanislas Kostka, a 16th-century Jesuit saint. While common in Poland and other Slavic countries, Stanislas remains relatively rare in English-speaking regions, giving it an air of distinction and exotic appeal. The French form Stanislas is often used internationally. The name carries a dignified, classical quality with its historical associations and elegant sound. Its nickname options include Stan, Stas, or Staś, offering versatility for different stages of life.
- Auguste
Origin:
French form of Latin AugustusMeaning:
"great, magnificent"Description:
French version of August, for both sexes. And for those who feel the spelling of August is too plain.
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