Bringing Old English Baby Names into the 21st Century: 34 Examples
When it comes to naming our children, we often look for something unique and meaningful. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of parents turning to old English names for their babies. These names have a traditional and classic feel to them, and they are gaining popularity in the modern world. In this blog post, we will explore 34 examples of old English baby names and how they can be brought into the 21st century.
1. Alfred – This name means “elf counsel” and has been popularized by characters such as Alfred Pennyworth in the Batman franchise. It can also be shortened to “Al” for a more modern twist.
2. Beatrice – This name has a lovely meaning, “she who brings happiness,” and has been given a modern touch through the character of Beatrice Prior in the popular “Divergent” series.
3. Cedric – This name, meaning “chief” or “ruler,” has been given a fresh feel through the character of Cedric Diggory in the Harry Potter series.
4. Delilah – This name has a sweet meaning, “delicate,” and has been given a modern edge through the popular singer, Delilah.
5. Edmund – This name, meaning “wealthy protector,” has been used for characters such as Edmund Pevensie in “The Chronicles of Narnia” series, giving it a modern feel.
6. Florence – This name, meaning “flourishing” or “prosperous,” has been given a modern touch through the popular singer, Florence Welch.
7. Gideon – This name has a strong meaning, “destroyer,” and has been used for characters such as Gideon Prewett in the Harry Potter series, making it a popular and modern choice.
8. Harriet – This name, meaning “ruler of the home,” has been given a modern feel through the character of Harriet M. Welsch in the popular children’s book “Harriet the Spy.”
9. Hugo – This name, meaning “mind” or “intellect,” has been given a modern twist through the character of Hugo Cabret in the book and movie “Hugo.”
10. Isadora – This name has a lovely meaning, “gift of Isis,” and has been given a modern edge through the character of Isadora Duncan, the famous dancer.
11. Jasper – This name, meaning “treasurer,” has been given a modern touch through the popular character of Jasper Hale in the “Twilight” series.
12. Lillian – This name, meaning “lily,” has been given a modern feel through the character of Lillian Mayhew in the popular book and movie “The Help.”
13. Maximilian – This name, meaning “greatest,” has been given a modern twist through the character of Maximilian “Max” Mayfield in the hit TV series “Stranger Things.”
14. Nora – This name has a sweet meaning, “light,” and has been given a modern edge through the popular character of Nora Walker in the TV series “Brothers & Sisters.”
15. Otis – This name, meaning “wealthy,” has been given a modern feel through the popular singer, Otis Redding.
16. Primrose – This name has a lovely meaning, “first rose,” and has been given a modern touch through the character of Primrose Everdeen in “The Hunger Games” series.
Bringing Old English Baby Names into the 21st Century: 34 Examples
17. Quentin – This name, meaning “fifth,” has been given a modern twist through the character of Quentin Coldwater in the TV series “The Magicians.”
18. Rosalind – This name, meaning “pretty rose,” has been given a modern edge through the character of Rosalind Walker in the TV series “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.”
19. Silas – This name, meaning “forest,” has been given a modern feel through the popular character of Silas Botwin in the TV series “Weeds.”
20. Theodora – This name has a strong meaning, “gift of God,” and has been given a modern touch through the character of Theodora “Theo” Crain in the TV series “The Haunting of Hill House.”
21. Ulric – This name, meaning “power of the wolf,” has been given a modern twist through the character of Ulric Cross in the movie “Hero.”
22. Violet – This name, meaning “purple,” has been given a modern edge through the popular character of Violet Baudelaire in the book and movie series “A Series of Unfortunate Events.”
23. Wilfred – This name, meaning “desires peace,” has been given a modern feel through the popular character of Wilfred Mott in the TV series “Doctor Who.”
24. Xenia – This name has a lovely meaning, “hospitality,” and has been given a modern touch through the character of Xenia Onatopp in the James Bond movie “GoldenEye.”
25. Yvette – This name, meaning “yew tree,” has been given a modern twist through the popular character of Yvette in the board game and movie “Clue.”
26. Zachary – This name, meaning “remembered by God,” has been given a modern edge through the popular character of Zachary “Zack” Morris in the TV series “Saved by the Bell.”
27. Agnes – This name, meaning “pure,” has been given a modern feel through the character of Agnes Gru in the animated movie “Despicable Me.”
28. Benedict – This name, meaning “blessed,” has been given a modern touch through the popular actor Benedict Cumberbatch.
29. Cecilia – This name has a sweet meaning, “blind,” and has been given a modern twist through the character of Cecilia Tallis in the book and movie “Atonement.”
30. Desmond – This name, meaning “gracious defender,” has been given a modern edge through the character of Desmond Hume in the TV series “Lost.”
31. Elsie – This name, meaning “pledged to God,” has been given a modern feel through the popular character of Elsie Hughes in the TV series “Downton Abbey.”
32. Finn – This name, meaning “fair” or “white,” has been given a modern touch through the popular character of Finn Hudson in the TV series “Glee.”
33. Gwendolyn – This name, meaning “white ring,” has been given a modern twist through the character of Gwendolyn “Gwen” Stacy in the movie “Spider-Man.”
34. Henry – This name, meaning “ruler of the home,” has been given a modern edge through the popular character of Henry DeTamble in the book and movie “The Time Traveler’s Wife.”
In conclusion, old English baby names have a timeless and classic feel to them, making them a perfect choice for modern parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children. With these 34 examples, you can bring these old English names into the 21st century and give your child a name that is both traditional and modern.