Family Tree Names - Medieval
- Matilda
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"battle-mighty"Description:
Matilda is a sweet vintage name that has been gently climbing the popularity list for the past 15 years, after a half-century slumber. The spunky children's book heroine Matilda is one factor in its rise, along with others of its class like Eloise and Caspian.
- Alina
Origin:
Slavic, Germanic, Arabic, ScottishMeaning:
"bright, beautiful; noble; delicate, soft; defending men"Description:
Alina has been drifting up the US popularity charts since the early 1980s, and now sits in in the Top 200. But Alina's real strength is in its international flexibility: The name ranks highly in a wide range of European, English speaking, and Latin American countries.
- Rollo
Origin:
Latin form of RolfMeaning:
"wolf"Description:
Rollo is a livelier, roly-poly, o-ending version of Roland.
- Thierry
Origin:
French variation of TheodoricMeaning:
"ruler of the people"Description:
Thierry, which is very popular in France, would make an interesting import; it's somewhat familiar through designer Thierry Mugler and international soccer star Thierry Henry. It almost sounds like Terry, but not quite.
- Einar
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"bold warrior"Description:
With Norse (and pseudo-Norse) names such as Thor, Odin and Magnus growing in popularity, this one, which refers to warriors destined for Valhalla on account of their bravery, might have some appeal outside Scandinavia. Its slightly Eeyore-ish sound is balanced out by connections to some major historical figures, including a Norwegian prime minister.
- Maud
Origin:
English and French diminutive of Matilda, GermanMeaning:
"battle-mighty"Description:
Maud, lacy and mauve-tinted, was wildly popular a hundred years ago but has been rarely heard in the past fifty. Some stylish parents are starting to choose Maud again, especially as a middle. Maude is another spelling, associated with actress Maude Apatow.
- Thibault
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"courageous people"Description:
Pronounced TEE-bow, this version, which is also a very common surname in France, has a lot more charm than the name it derives from — Theobald. A variant spelling is Thibaut.
- Anselm
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"with divine protection"Description:
A somewhat solemn appellation, Anselm is a saint's name, connected to the twelfth century archbishop of Canterbury, and in modern times tied to the German neo-expressionist painter Anselm Kiefer.
- Clovis
Origin:
Teutonic, French, early form of Ludwig or LouisDescription:
An aromatic, unconventional name.
- Petronilla
Origin:
Roman and Italian feminine variation of PetroniusMeaning:
"yokel, woodpecker, stone"Description:
Petronilla is an ancient saint's name that relates to the Roman family name Petronius, thought to mean yokel or woodpecker, though some connect it with Petra or Peter, meaning stone. With the resurgence of so many ancient Roman names, the elaborate and pretty Petronilla or its French form Petronille seem more usable these days than they have in centuries.
- Adeliza
Origin:
Medieval English and Old Swedish form of AdelaideMeaning:
"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.
- Frodi
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"wise, learned"Description:
The name of several legendary Danish kings, including one who declared universal peace.
- Halfdan
Description:
Halfdan is a masculine name of Old Norse origin, literally meaning "half Danish" or possibly "half Dane." Historically significant in Scandinavian cultures, particularly in Norway and Denmark, it was borne by several notable Viking Age kings, including Halfdan the Black, father of Harald Fairhair who unified Norway. The name reflects the complex political and cultural relationships in medieval Scandinavia, possibly indicating mixed ancestry or political alliances. Though rare outside Scandinavia today, Halfdan maintains cultural significance in Nordic countries as a connection to their Viking heritage. In modern usage, it appeals to parents interested in names with strong historical roots and distinctive Old Norse character, representing strength and noble lineage.
- Basilia
Origin:
Greek, feminine variation of BasilDescription:
Rare but attractive female form of Basil.
- Fulk
Description:
Fulk is a masculine name of Germanic origin that was once relatively common in medieval Europe, particularly after the Norman Conquest of England. It derives from the Germanic element "folk" meaning "people" or "army." The name was borne by several notable historical figures, including Fulk III, Count of Anjou, and Fulk, King of Jerusalem during the Crusades. Despite its historical significance, Fulk fell out of common usage by the late Middle Ages. Today, it remains exceedingly rare, possibly due to its somewhat stark sound in modern English and potential negative associations with similar-sounding words. For history enthusiasts seeking a genuinely medieval name, Fulk offers authentic historical roots.
- Renaud
Origin:
French variation of ReginaldDescription:
Attractive if phonetically confusing; also pronounced exactly the same as the Renault car.
- Floris
Description:
Floris is a feminine name with elegant Latin and Dutch origins, derived from 'flos' meaning 'flower.' In Dutch tradition, it appears as the feminine form of Floris (a male name), while in other contexts, it stands as a distinct floral-inspired name. The name carries associations with blooming, flourishing, and natural beauty. Historically, Floris has been used across several European countries, particularly in the Netherlands. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar flower names. Floris combines a classic heritage with a crisp, modern sound, appealing to parents seeking a name that is both botanical and sophisticated.
- Clodius
- Clodomir
- Gerberge