Historical boys names
- Aldred
Description:
Aldred is a masculine name with Anglo-Saxon origins, derived from the Old English elements 'eald' meaning 'old' and 'ræd' meaning 'counsel' or 'wisdom.' Historically significant during the medieval period in England, Aldred was borne by several notable figures including bishops and nobles. The name fell from common usage after the Norman Conquest but has occasionally resurfaced as families rediscover traditional Germanic and Anglo-Saxon names. While never reaching mainstream popularity in modern times, Aldred appeals to parents drawn to vintage names with substantial historical weight. Its straightforward pronunciation and spelling, combined with the distinguished nickname Al, make it accessible despite its antiquity. Aldred conveys dignity and wisdom while maintaining a distinctive quality in today's naming landscape.
- Alfred
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"wise counselor; elf counsel"Description:
Alfred is up off his recliner! If you're looking for a path to Fred, you can go directly to Frederick or take the long way around with the so-out-it's-in-again Alfred. Alfred is quite popular in several European countries, especially England and Wales, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
- Alric
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"ruler of all"Description:
Common in Sweden, Alric is part of the family of medieval sounding names, like Alaric, Casimir and Leopold that are increasing gaining a fanbase, perhaps as an antidote to the modern inventions that are becoming more prolific.
- Ambrosius
Description:
Ambrosius is a masculine name of Greek and Latin origin, derived from the Greek word "ambrosios," meaning "immortal" or "divine." It is the original Latin form of the more common Ambrose. The name carries significant historical weight, having been borne by Saint Ambrosius of Milan, an important 4th-century theologian and one of the four original doctors of the Catholic Church. Throughout European history, the name appeared among clergy, nobility, and scholars, maintaining associations with learning and spiritual devotion. While Ambrosius has never been widely popular in modern English-speaking countries, it retains appeal for parents drawn to names with classical roots and substantial historical significance. The name projects dignity and intellectual seriousness, with potential nicknames including Ambrose, Brose, or even Sio.
- Athelstan
- Brutus
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"heavy, dull"Description:
Brutus is the quintessential brute--far too close to the word brutal. And any child with this name would spend much of his life hearing "Et tu."
- Cenwulf
- Cynric
- Edwin
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"wealthy friend"Description:
Some might be surprised to learn that Edwin has been a consistent presence on the popular names list since statistics have become available.
- Eadric
- Eanmund
- Ludeca
- Osmund
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"divine protection"Description:
Osmund is a masculine name with ancient Germanic origins, composed of elements meaning 'god' (os) and 'protection' (mund). With roots stretching back to Anglo-Saxon and Norse cultures, it was brought to England during the Viking age and was fairly common during medieval times.
- Osric
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"divine ruler"Description:
Clad in armor. But while this name may have been forbiddingly antiquated not that long ago, the connection to the trendy nickname Os or Oz makes it a real possibility.
- Oswald
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"divine power"Description:
Despite the success of so many O-starting boys names--Oliver, Owen, Otis, Oscar--Oswald has not yet shown any signs of resurrection, though he does have the animating nicknames Ozzie/Ozzy and Oz. The name has some literary cred--in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, Shakespeare's King Lear and a novel by H. G.Wells--and there was early cartoon character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.
- Octa
- Oswine
- Oswulf
- Theodric
- Watt
Origin:
English and Scottish diminutive of Walter, GermanMeaning:
"army ruler"