Old Family Names
By nercomi
Updated Mon Jan 17 2022
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Names from the Norwegian, Irish, Scottish, Estonian and English lines of my family
- Agnes
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"pure, virginal"Description:
Agnes is the Latin variation of the name Hagne, which itself derived from the Greek word hagnos, meaning "chaste." In medieval times, St. Agnes was a very popular saint, leading to its popularity as a girl's name. Agnes Grey is the title of one of the two novels written by Anne Brontë.
- Ann
Origin:
English variation of Hebrew HannahMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Ann, the name of the sainted mother of the Virgin Mary, was among the top girls’ names for centuries, in both the original English Ann spelling and the French Anne. Both left the Top 100 around 1970 and show no signs of returning, with Anne is the middle of the US Top 1000 and Ann dropped out of sight.
- Anne
Origin:
French variation of English Ann and Hebrew HannahMeaning:
"grace"Description:
The name of the sainted mother of the Virgin Mary was among the top girls’ names for centuries, in both the original English Ann spelling and the French Anne. Both left the Top 100 around 1970 but Anne is still among the most classic names for girls, although others are more likely to choose the original Hannah, the Anna variation, or even Annabel or Annabella.
- Astrid
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"divinely beautiful"Description:
Astrid has been a Scandinavian royal name since the tenth century, and many people associated it with the Swedish author of the Pippi Longstocking stories, Astrid Lindgren. Astrid is derived from the name Ástríðr, which is made up of the Old Norse elements that mean "god" and "beautiful."
- Ado
- Arnt
- Askjell
- Bjorn
Origin:
Swedish, Icelandic, GermanMeaning:
"bear"Description:
Bjorn is one of the most recognizable Scandinavian names, thanks in large part to tennis great Björn Borg, winner of five consecutive Wimbledon singles titles and six French opens and something of a rock star figure.
- Claus
Origin:
Scandinavian and German variation of NicolasDescription:
A very Christmas-y Christmas baby name, that may avoid the Santa image by instead adopting the alternative spelling Klaus.
- Cornelius
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"horn"Description:
Cornelius, the New Testament name of a third century Pope and saint, is one of those venerable Latin names on the edge of consideration, despite the corny nickname alert.
- Christen
- Eirik
Description:
Eirik is a masculine name of Old Norse origin and is a traditional Scandinavian variant of Erik or Eric. The name derives from the elements 'ei' (ever, always) and 'ríkr' (ruler, king, mighty), thus meaning 'eternal ruler' or 'ever powerful.' Particularly common in Norway, this spelling preserves the authentic Nordic heritage of the name. Eirik was borne by several Norwegian kings and figures in Norse sagas, including Eirik Bloodaxe. While less common internationally than Erik, this spelling offers cultural authenticity appealing to those with Scandinavian heritage or those seeking a strong name with historical depth and a slightly distinctive spelling.
- Elen
Description:
Elen is a feminine name with ancient Celtic and Welsh origins, representing a traditional Welsh form of Helen. The name has historical significance in Welsh folklore, notably associated with Elen Luyddog (Elen of the Hosts), a figure from Welsh legend who was said to have built roads across Wales. Simple yet elegant, Elen carries the dignified heritage of its more common counterpart Helen, which derives from Greek elements meaning 'light' or 'bright.' While uncommon in the broader English-speaking world, it maintains steady usage in Wales and among families honoring Welsh heritage. The name's brevity gives it a clean, modern feel despite its ancient roots, offering an accessible Celtic option that's distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.
- Egla
- Gunder
Description:
Gunder is a masculine name of Norse and Germanic origin, derived from the Old Norse name Gunnarr, which combines elements meaning 'war' and 'warrior.' The name has deep historical roots in Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway and Sweden, where it has been used for centuries. In North America, Gunder remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality for those seeking a name with Nordic heritage. The name carries connotations of strength and resilience, reflecting its warrior origins. Despite its ancient roots, Gunder has a certain timeless quality that allows it to feel both traditional and fresh in contemporary contexts. The name's strong consonant sounds give it a solid, dependable character.
- Guri
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"my lion cub"Description:
When considering the playground years, might be too close to gory.
- Gjertrud
- Guren
- Hans
Origin:
German, Dutch, and Scandinavian, diminutive of JohannesDescription:
Though familiar to all via such childhood icons as Hans Brinker, Hans(el) and Gretel, and Hans Christian Andersen, few Americans have chosen this name for their sons because of its intractably Old Country image.
- Helene
Origin:
French variation of HelenMeaning:
"bright, shining one"Description:
Whether it's pronounced with an "een" or an "aine" or an "enn" sound at the end, Helene doesn't feel as current the more forthright Helen or the airier Helena. Helene reached a high of Number 228 in the US in 1916, when ene, ine and een names were all the fashion, and stayed in the Top 500 until 1962, making a final exit in 1970. It still ranks well in its native France, and even more in Norway (#70). Model Heidi Klum's daughter 'Leni' has Helene on her birth certificate.