Behind the Throne: The Stories Behind 42 Royal Names
When it comes to royal names, there is often more than meets the eye. While some names may seem simple and straightforward, there are often hidden meanings, histories, and traditions behind them. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at 42 royal names from various countries and uncover the fascinating stories behind them.
1. Elizabeth
The name Elizabeth has a long history in the royal family, dating back to the 12th century. It was first used by Queen Elizabeth I, who was known as the “Virgin Queen” and reigned for 44 years. The name has since been used by several other queens, including the current Queen Elizabeth II.
2. William
The name William has been a popular royal name for centuries. It was first used by William the Conqueror, who invaded England in 1066 and became the first Norman King. The name has since been used by many other kings, including the current heir to the throne, Prince William.
3. Victoria
Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years, was one of the most influential monarchs in British history. Her name has since been used by several other queens, including Queen Victoria Eugenie, the wife of King Alfonso XIII of Spain.
4. George
The name George has been used by six British kings, including the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth II’s father, King George VI. It is also the middle name of Prince George, the eldest son of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
5. Catherine
The name Catherine has been used by several queens throughout history, including Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII. It is also the name of Prince William’s wife, Catherine Middleton.
6. Philip
Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has the name Philip, which means “lover of horses” in Greek. It is a nod to his love of horseback riding and his strong connection to the equestrian world.
7. Charles
The name Charles has been used by several kings throughout history, including King Charles I, who was executed in 1649, and King Charles II, who restored the monarchy after the English Civil War. It is also the name of the current heir to the throne, Prince Charles.
8. Mary
Mary, the name of the mother of Jesus, has been a popular royal name throughout history. It was first used by Mary, Queen of Scots, who was executed in 1587, and has since been used by several other queens, including Queen Mary II, who ruled jointly with her husband, King William III.
9. Henry
There have been eight kings named Henry in British history, including King Henry VIII, known for his six marriages and the English Reformation. The name has also been used by several other European monarchs.
10. Anne
Queen Anne, who reigned from 1702 to 1714, was the last British monarch from the House of Stuart. Her name has since been used by several other queens, including Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, the wife of King Constantine II.
11. Edward
The name Edward has been used by several British kings, including King Edward III, who reigned for 50 years. It is also the middle name of Prince Edward, the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II.
12. Alexandra
Queen Alexandra, the wife of King Edward VII, was known for her beauty and charitable works. Her name has since been used by several other royal women, including Queen Alexandra of Yugoslavia, the wife of King Peter II.
13. James
The name James has been used by two British kings, as well as several Scottish kings. It is also the name of Prince William’s uncle, Prince James, the son of Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
14. Margaret
Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, was known for her glamorous lifestyle and rebellious nature. Her name has since been used by several royal women, including Queen Margaret II of Denmark.
15. Arthur
The name Arthur has been used by several British monarchs, including King Arthur, a legendary figure in British folklore. It is also the middle name of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s second son, Prince Louis.
16. Alexandra
Princess Alexandra, the cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, is known for her extensive charity work. Her name has since been used by several other royal women, including Queen Alexandra of Yugoslavia, the wife of King Peter II.
17. Albert
Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, had a profound influence on British royal traditions and was known for his progressive ideas. His name has since been used by several other royal men, including King Albert II of Belgium.
18. Louise
Princess Louise, the daughter of Queen Victoria, was an artist and feminist who challenged traditional gender roles. Her name has since been used by several other royal women, including Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, the daughter of King Edward VII.
Behind the Throne: The Stories Behind 42 Royal Names
19. Frederick
Frederick, the name of several Prussian kings, has also been used by two British princes. It is also the middle name of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s third child, Prince Louis.
20. Alice
Princess Alice, the daughter of Queen Victoria, was known for her philanthropy and nursing work during World War I. Her name has since been used by several other royal women, including Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, the wife of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester.
21. John
Prince John, the youngest son of King George V and Queen Mary, had epilepsy and was sheltered from the public eye. His name has since been used by several other European monarchs.
22. Sophia
Princess Sophia, the daughter of King George III, was known for her intelligence and was a close confidante of her brother, King George IV. Her name has since been used by several other royal women, including Queen Sofia of Spain, the wife of King Juan Carlos I.
23. Edmund
The name Edmund has been used by several English kings, including King Edmund Ironside, who briefly ruled in 1016. It is also the middle name of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s fourth child, Prince Louis.
24. Beatrice
Princess Beatrice, the youngest daughter of Queen Victoria, was known for her charitable works and dedication to the arts. Her name has since been used by several other royal women, including Princess Beatrice of York, the daughter of Prince Andrew, Duke of York.
25. Leopold
Prince Leopold, the son of Queen Victoria, was known for his intelligence and artistic talent. His name has since been used by several other European monarchs.
26. Augusta
Princess Augusta, the daughter of King George III, was known for her intelligence and love of gardening. Her name has since been used by several other royal women, including Queen Augusta Victoria, the wife of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.
27. Richard
The name Richard has been used by three English kings, including King Richard the Lionheart, who led the Third Crusade. It is also the name of Prince William’s cousin, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, the younger brother of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.
28. Isabella
Princess Isabella, the daughter of King John of England, was known for her beauty and intelligence. Her name has since been used by several other royal women, including Queen Isabella of Castile, who funded Christopher Columbus’ voyages to the New World.
29. Ernest
Prince Ernest, the son of Queen Victoria, was known for his military career and served in the British Army for over 40 years. His name has since been used by several other European monarchs.
30. Matilda
Princess Matilda, the daughter of King Henry I, was known for her strong character and political influence. Her name has since been used by several other royal women, including Empress Matilda, who fought for the English throne in the 12th century.
31. Leopold
The name Leopold has been used by several European monarchs, including King Leopold II of Belgium, who famously colonized the Congo. It is also the middle name of Princess Charlotte, the daughter of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
32. Caroline
Princess Caroline, the daughter of King George II, was known for her intelligence and love of the arts. Her name has since been used by several other royal women, including Queen Caroline of Ansbach, the wife of King George II.
33. David
Prince David, the son of Queen Victoria, served in the Royal Navy and later became the Governor-General of Canada. His name has since been used by several other European monarchs, including King David IV of Georgia.
34. Maud
Princess Maud, the daughter of King Edward VII, was known for her love of animals and served as a nurse during World War I. Her name has since been used by several other royal women, including Queen Maud of Norway, the wife of King Haakon VII.
35. Christian
The name Christian has been used by several Danish kings, as well as by the current monarch, Queen Margrethe II. It is also the middle name of Prince George, the eldest son of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
36. Christine
Princess Christine, the daughter of King Christian IV of Denmark, was known for her intelligence and political influence. Her name has since been used by several other royal women, including Queen Christine of Sweden, who ruled in the 17th century.
37. Helena
Princess Helena, the daughter of Queen Victoria, was known for her charitable works and nursing during the Franco-Prussian War. Her name has since been used by several other royal women, including Queen Helena of Romania, the wife of King Carol I.
38. Edward
The name Edward has been used by several English kings, including King Edward the Confessor, who was canonized as