Blog post:
Royal names are often steeped in history and tradition, passed down from generation to generation. But have you ever wondered about the stories behind these famous names? From ancestors to influential figures, the names of royalty have fascinating tales to tell. In this blog post, we will explore the intriguing stories behind some of the most well-known royal namesakes.
1. Elizabeth
One of the most famous royal names, Elizabeth has a long and storied history. It is the name of several queens throughout history, including Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled England during the 16th century. But the most well-known Elizabeth is, of course, Queen Elizabeth II, the current reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. However, the origins of this name can be traced back to the Bible, where Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist.
2. William
Another popular royal name, William, has been a favorite among monarchs for centuries. The name is of Germanic origin, meaning “resolute protector.” It has been the name of several kings, including William the Conqueror, who famously invaded England in 1066, and more recently, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge. This name has also been passed down to other members of the royal family, such as Prince William’s son, Prince George, whose full name is George Alexander Louis, with William being his middle name.
3. Victoria
Queen Victoria, who reigned over the United Kingdom for 63 years, is one of the most famous and influential monarchs in history. Her name has been a popular choice for royal girls ever since. The name Victoria means “victory” in Latin, and it is said that Queen Victoria’s mother chose the name to symbolize the triumph of the Hanoverian dynasty over the Jacobites. Today, the name is still associated with strength and power, making it a fitting choice for a future queen.
4. Henry
The name Henry has been used by many monarchs throughout history, but it is most commonly associated with King Henry VIII, notorious for his six marriages and his role in the English Reformation. However, the name has a much more innocent origin. It is derived from the Germanic name “Heinrich,” meaning “home ruler.” The most recent royal to bear this name is Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, who is sixth in line to the throne.
5. Catherine
Catherine is a name that has been used by many royal women, including Catherine of Aragon, Queen consort to King Henry VIII, and Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia. The name has Greek origins, meaning “pure” or “clear.” It is also associated with the Greek goddess Hecate, often depicted as a powerful and wise figure. Today, the most famous Catherine is Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who is married to Prince William and is a future queen consort.
The Fascinating Stories Behind Royal Namesakes
6. Arthur
Although not a commonly used royal name today, Arthur has a strong connection to British history and mythology. It is believed to have originated from the Celtic word “artos,” meaning “bear,” and was the name of the legendary King Arthur, who is said to have ruled Britain in the 5th and 6th centuries. The most recent royal to bear this name was Prince Arthur of Connaught, the grandson of Queen Victoria. However, it is rumored that Prince Charles has expressed a desire to name his future grandson Arthur, keeping this name alive in the royal family.
7. Margaret
The name Margaret has been used by several royal women throughout history, including Margaret of Scotland, who became Queen of Norway in the 13th century, and Margaret Tudor, sister of King Henry VIII. The name is derived from the Greek word “margarites,” meaning “pearl.” It was a popular name among royalty in the Middle Ages and continues to be used today. Queen Elizabeth II’s sister, Princess Margaret, was also named after this royal namesake.
8. Edward
Edward is another name with a strong presence in British royal history. It is derived from the Old English name “Eadweard,” meaning “rich guardian.” The most famous Edward in the monarchy is undoubtedly King Edward VIII, who famously abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. The name has been used by several other monarchs, including King Edward I and King Edward III. Today, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, is the only member of the royal family to bear this name.
9. Alexandra
The name Alexandra has been used by several royal women throughout history, including Queen Alexandra, the wife of King Edward VII. It is derived from the Greek name “Alexandros,” meaning “defender of the people.” The most recent royal to bear this name is Princess Alexandra, the cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. The name has been a popular choice for royal girls, with Queen Elizabeth II’s granddaughter, Princess Charlotte, having Alexandra as one of her middle names.
10. Albert
The name Albert has a strong connection to the British monarchy, as it was the name of Queen Victoria’s beloved husband, Prince Albert. The name is of Germanic origin, meaning “noble and bright.” Queen Victoria’s grief over her husband’s death in 1861 led to the popularity of the name among Victorian parents. Today, the most well-known Albert in the royal family is Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria’s great-great-granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II.
Summary:
Royal names are often steeped in history and tradition, passed down from generation to generation. From Elizabeth to Albert, these names have fascinating stories behind them. Some are derived from biblical figures, while others have origins in ancient mythology. Many of these names have been used by multiple monarchs throughout history, giving them a strong presence in British royal history. Whether it is a name chosen to honor a beloved ancestor or to symbolize strength and power, royal names are an important part of the monarchy’s rich heritage.