French Medieval Names
By Campia
Updated Thu May 25 2023
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- 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.
- Louis
Origin:
German and FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ulrich
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"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.
- 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
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.
- Vianney
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"alive, lively"Description:
Transferred use of the surname Vianney, in reference to French saint Jean-Marie Vianney. It is generally masculine in France, Belgium and French-speaking Africa, but in Latin America it is mainly feminine and sometimes spelt Vianey.
- Perceval
Description:
Perceval is a masculine name with ancient Arthurian roots, originating from Welsh mythology and medieval romance literature. It comes from Old French "Perceval" or Welsh "Peredur," though its exact etymology remains debated - possibly meaning "pierce the valley" or "he who searches for the valley." Perceval was one of King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table and a central figure in the quest for the Holy Grail. This rare name carries an air of chivalry, heroism, and mysticism, evoking images of medieval quests and noble pursuits. While uncommon in modern usage, it appeals to parents seeking a name with literary significance and historical depth, particularly those drawn to Arthurian legends or medieval history.
- Adèle
Origin:
French diminutive of AdelaideMeaning:
"noble, nobility"Description:
The French spelling of Adele, and currently very popular in France.
- Mayeul
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"May or strength"Description:
This name of a 10th-century abbot which ranks among the Top 500 in France is of debated origin. It may derive from the Latin name for the month of May, or else from a Germanic root meaning "strength".