French Girl Names from 11th Century Normandy

The following are female names recorded from 11th century records in modern-day Normandy, France (which was sourced from the Academy of Saint Gabriel Report 3009 by Florens van Flardingh, Talan Gwynek, Walraven van Nijmegen, Arval Benicoeur, Maridonna Benvenuti, Gunnvor Silfraharr, Fiora Soranzo, and Juliana de Luna). I consider the names I chose to be currently uncommon yet suitable for a modern baby.
  1. Adela
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "noble"
    • Description:

      A vibrant variation of Adele, with a bit of extra flair from that "-a" ending. It could join the army of popular A girls' names, especially with its tie to the success of singer Adele.
  2. Adelina
    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Slavic variation of Adeline
    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"
    • Description:

      Adelina is back in the Top 1000 after an absence of nearly a century, thanks to the meteoric rise of her sister name Adeline -- along with Adelaide, Adele, and Ada.
  3. Adeliza
    • Origin:

      Medieval English and Old Swedish form of Adelaide
    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"
    • Description:

      Adeliza is a unique member of the popular Adelaide-Adeline family. Different enough to distinguish it from all the others? Maybe, and it's definitely got an appealing sound that makes it sound a bit like a smoosh of Adele and Eliza.
  4. Amelina
    • Origin:

      Old German form of Emmeline and Amelia
    • Meaning:

      "work"
    • Description:

      Now that the range of names including the modern Emmeline and Amelia -- relatives of each other, but of neither Emily nor Emma -- has become so fashionable, the original root name Amelina is also due up for reconsideration. A lovely, delicate choice, its main disadvantage is that it sounds like a modern elaboration rather than the original name. And perhaps that it will be so often misspelled and mistaken for other forms of itself. But it is a lovely name with deep roots.
  5. Amia
    • Origin:

      Variation of Amy
    • Description:

      This Amy/Mia combination debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2013. It could also be seen as a variant of Amaya.
  6. Adelida
    • Celestria
      • Emmelina
        • Origin:

          Variation of Emmeline, Old French form of archaic German Amal
        • Meaning:

          "work"
        • Description:

          Emmelina, which can rhyme with "keener" or "liner", is a frillier and much less common version of Emmeline. While Emmeline was in the US Top 1000 girl names in 2022, Emmelina was given to fewer than 5 girls, so it didn't even make it into the extended baby name charts.
      • Eulalia
        • Origin:

          Greek
        • Meaning:

          "sweetly speaking"
        • Description:

          Eulalia is a melodious name with a southern drawl, thanks to those lilting double Ls.
      • Elaria
        • Isolda
          • Description:

            Isolda is a feminine name with Celtic and Germanic origins, best known from the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde (also spelled Iseult or Isolde). The name may derive from elements meaning 'ice' and 'ruler' or 'battle,' though its exact etymology remains debated among scholars. Isolda carries an air of romance, tragedy, and medieval nobility due to its legendary associations. While never extremely common, it has maintained a presence throughout European history, experiencing occasional revivals when medieval themes become popular in culture. The name offers a dramatic, romantic option with rich literary connections. Isolda appeals to parents seeking names with historical depth and a touch of mystical, legendary quality.

        • Malina
          • Origin:

            Feminine form of Malcolm or spelling variation of Melina or Polish, Bulgarian, Serbian
          • Meaning:

            "raspberry"
          • Description:

            Malina is a synthetic-feeling name that may be a feminization of the Scottish Malcolm or a spelling twist on the Greek Melina and that also has a fruit meaning in several Eastern European languages. For all that it's a little bit of lots of things, Malina doesn't feel very much like itself.
        • Odelina
          • Description:

            Odelina is a melodious feminine name with medieval European origins. It likely derives from Germanic roots combining elements meaning 'prosperity,' 'wealth,' or 'heritage' with a feminine diminutive suffix. The name has historical connections to medieval naming patterns, particularly in areas influenced by Germanic languages. Odelina carries an elegant, vintage quality reminiscent of names from fairy tales or historical romances. While rare in contemporary usage, it belongs to a category of rediscovered medieval names that appeal to parents seeking something distinctive with historical depth. The rhythmic four-syllable structure gives it a graceful, flowing quality. Despite its rarity, Odelina feels intuitive to pronounce and has cross-cultural appeal while maintaining its unique character.
        • Sabina
          • Origin:

            Latin
          • Meaning:

            "Sabine"
          • Description:

            Sabina is a sleek but neglected name from an ancient Roman tribal name that's well worth consideration. The equally alluring Sabine is heard in France and Germany. Related names include the more popular Sabrina or Serena. All are equally lovely.