Francophile Naming Guide -- Curiousities of Medieval France for Girls

Mathilde

French; Norwegian; Danish; Dutch; German, variation of Matilda

"battle-mighty"

Mathilde is even more popular in France than Matilda, a hipster favorite thanks to Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger, is here. And the French pronunciation, while confusing to English speakers,…

Maud

English and French diminutive of Matilda, German

"battle-mighty"

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…

Milicent

Milicent is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Millicent, which derives from the Old Germanic name Amalasuintha, meaning "work" and "strength." This elegant name carries…

Oda

Scandinavian, short form of Odelia

Ada, yes. Ida, maybe. But Oda, a Scandinavian version of Odelia, not really. To English speakers, it sounds too much like "odor".

Rane

Rane is a gender-neutral name that leans feminine in this context. It has multiple possible origins: it may be derived from Scandinavian roots meaning 'mighty' or 'strong,' connect to the Old English…

Richilde

Richilde is a feminine Germanic name combining the elements 'ric' meaning 'power' or 'ruler' and 'hild' meaning 'battle' or 'warfare,' thus signifying 'powerful battle maiden' or 'strong female…