Uncommon Gems: 34 Old English Baby Names You Won’t Hear Everywhere
Choosing a name for your baby is a big decision, and many parents want to find a name that is unique and uncommon. If you’re looking for a name with a bit of history and charm, old English baby names might be the perfect fit. These names have a sense of timelessness and can add a touch of elegance to your child’s name. In this blog post, we’ll explore 34 old English baby names that are not commonly used, but are still beautiful and meaningful.
1. Agatha – This name means “good” or “kind” and has been used in England since the Middle Ages. It was popularized by the famous mystery writer Agatha Christie.
2. Beatrix – Derived from the Latin name “Viatrix,” meaning “voyager” or “traveler,” this name has a sense of adventure and strength.
3. Cedric – With origins in Celtic and Anglo-Saxon languages, this name means “chief” or “war leader.” It was popularized by Walter Scott’s novel “Ivanhoe.”
4. Darcy – This name is derived from the French word “D’Arcy,” meaning “from Arcy.” It has gained popularity in recent years, thanks to the main character in Jane Austen’s novel “Pride and Prejudice.”
5. Edwin – This name means “wealthy friend” and has been used since the Anglo-Saxon period. It was also the name of several Anglo-Saxon kings.
6. Faye – Derived from the Old English word “faie,” meaning “fairy,” this name has a whimsical and magical feel to it.
7. Gwendolyn – This name means “white ring” or “blessed ring” and is derived from the Welsh name “Gwendolen.” It was popular in medieval England and has regained popularity in recent years.
8. Harold – This name has been used since the 9th century and means “army ruler.” It was also the name of several kings of England, including King Harold II who died in the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
9. Imogen – This name has roots in Celtic and Old English languages and means “maiden” or “innocent.” It was popularized by Shakespeare in his play “Cymbeline.”
10. Jasper – With origins in Persian and Old English languages, this name means “treasurer” or “keeper of treasure.” It has gained popularity in recent years, thanks to the Twilight series.
11. Kendrick – This name means “bold power” and has been used since the 12th century. It was also the name of several Anglo-Saxon kings.
12. Lavinia – Derived from the Roman name “Lavinia,” this name means “woman of Rome.” It has a romantic and elegant feel to it.
13. Morwenna – This name means “waves of the sea” and is derived from the Welsh name “Morwen.” It was popular in medieval England and has regained popularity in recent years.
14. Nigel – This name means “dark” or “black” and was introduced to England by the Normans. It was also the name of several saints and has been used in literature, such as in Sir Walter Scott’s novel “Quentin Durward.”
15. Ophelia – This name has Greek origins and means “help” or “aid.” It was popularized by Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet” and has a tragic yet beautiful feel to it.
16. Percival – Meaning “pierce the valley,” this name has a strong and heroic feel to it. It was also the name of one of the Knights of the Round Table in Arthurian legend.
Uncommon Gems: 34 Old English Baby Names You Won't Hear Everywhere
17. Rowena – This name has roots in Welsh and Old English languages and means “fair” or “white mane.” It was popular in medieval England and has regained popularity in recent years.
18. Silas – With origins in Greek and Latin languages, this name means “wood” or “forest.” It has a strong and masculine feel to it.
19. Theodora – This name means “gift of God” and has been used since the 5th century. It was also the name of several queens and empresses, including the Byzantine empress Theodora.
20. Ulric – Derived from the Old English name “Wulfric,” meaning “wolf ruler,” this name has a strong and powerful feel to it.
21. Verity – This name means “truth” and has been used since the Middle Ages. It has gained popularity in recent years as a virtue name.
22. Winifred – This name means “blessed peace” and has roots in Welsh and Old English languages. It was also the name of several saints and has a gentle and timeless feel to it.
23. Xanthia – This name means “yellow” and is derived from the Greek word “xanthos.” It has a unique and exotic feel to it.
24. Yvette – With origins in French and Old English languages, this name means “yew tree.” It has a delicate and feminine feel to it.
25. Zephyr – This name means “west wind” and has roots in Greek mythology. It has a cool and breezy feel to it.
26. Alfred – This name means “wise counselor” and has been used since the 9th century. It was also the name of several kings of England, including Alfred the Great.
27. Beatrice – Derived from the Latin name “Beatrix,” this name means “voyager” or “traveler.” It has a sense of adventure and strength.
28. Cedrica – This name is a feminine form of the name Cedric and has a similar meaning, “chief” or “war leader.”
29. Edmund – This name means “prosperous protector” and has been used since the Anglo-Saxon period. It was also the name of several kings of England.
30. Frances – This name means “free” and has been used since the 13th century. It has a classic and timeless feel to it.
31. Godfrey – Derived from the Old English name “Godfrith,” meaning “God-peace,” this name has a strong and noble feel to it.
32. Heloise – This name means “famous warrior” and has roots in German and Old English languages. It was popular in medieval England and has regained popularity in recent years.
33. Ingrid – With origins in Scandinavian and Old English languages, this name means “beautiful goddess.” It has a strong and striking feel to it.
34. Josiah – This name means “God supports” and has been used since the 17th century. It has a biblical and traditional feel to it.
In summary, old English baby names have a sense of history and charm that can make them stand out from more common names. From strong and noble names like Godfrey and Edmund, to whimsical and magical names like Faye and Xanthia, there is a wide variety to choose from. If you’re looking for a unique and meaningful name for your little one, consider one of these 34 uncommon gems from old English.