In this article, we cover everything to do with popular Medieval names. We’ll cover top medieval names for boys, girls, peasants, last names, and more.
Medieval names were often influenced by religion, as well as the Latin language and classical literature.
They often had specific meanings and were used to reflect the virtues and values of the society at the time.
Here are some common characteristics of medieval names:
- Latin or religious origin: Many names were derived from the Latin language or had religious roots, such as the names of saints.
- Meanings: Names often had specific meanings, such as “John” meaning “God is gracious” or “Elizabeth” meaning “My God is bountiful.
- Short and simple: Medieval names were usually short and simple, making them easy to remember and pronounce.
The purpose of these names was to provide identification and also to reflect the beliefs and values of the society at the time.
They often served as a way to reflect the family’s status and religion, as well as to pass down family traditions and cultural heritage from one generation to the next.
Popular Medieval Names (Male)
Here are some popular Medieval names for males:
- William
- Richard
- John
- Henry
- Robert
- Thomas
- Edward
- James
- Philip
- George
- Charles
- Alexander
- David
- Walter
- Andrew
- Peter
- Christopher
- Matthew
- Joseph
- Francis
Note: The popularity of names in the Medieval period varied depending on the region and time period, but these names have been commonly used in various parts of Europe during the Middle Ages.
Popular Medieval Names (Female)
And below are some popular medieval female names from the Middle Ages:
- Alice: derived from the Old French name “Aalis,” meaning “of noble birth.”
- Anne: derived from the Hebrew name “Hannah,” meaning “gracious” or “full of grace.”
- Beatrice: derived from the Latin name “Beatrix,” meaning “she who brings happiness.”
- Cecilia: derived from the Latin name “Caecilia,” meaning “blind.”
- Edith: derived from the Old English name “Æðelþryð,” meaning “rich in battle.”
- Eleanor: derived from the Old Provençal name “Aliénor,” meaning “foreign.”
- Elizabeth: derived from the Hebrew name “Elisheva,” meaning “God is my oath.”
- Joan: derived from the Old French name “Jehanne,” meaning “God is gracious.”
- Margaret: derived from the Greek name “Margarites,” meaning “pearl.”
- Matilda: derived from the German name “Mahthildis,” meaning “strength in battle.”
Popular Names in Medieval Times
Here are some popular names in Medieval times for both males and females:
Males:
- William
- Richard
- John
- Henry
- Robert
- Thomas
- Edward
- James
- Philip
- George
- Alexander
- David
- Walter
- Andrew
- Peter
- Christopher
- Matthew
- Joseph
- Francis
Females:
- Mary
- Margaret
- Joan
- Elizabeth
- Anne
- Agnes
- Isabella
- Alice
- Catherine
- Eleanor
- Cecily
- Matilda
- Maud
- Johanna
- Hawise
- Sybil
- Joan
- Emma
How People Named their Children in the Middle Ages
Top Medieval Names
Here are some of the most popular medieval names for both males and females:
Males:
- William
- Henry
- John
- Richard
- Robert
- Thomas
- Edward
- James
- Charles
- George
Females:
- Alice
- Margaret
- Joan
- Elizabeth
- Anne
- Catherine
- Mary
- Agnes
- Joan
- Beatrice
Note that the popularity of names varied greatly depending on the region and time period, but these names were commonly used and often remain popular today.
Related: Words That Start with KN Like Knight
Common Medieval Names for Peasants
Medieval peasant names were often simple and reflected the occupations or physical characteristics of the person.
Here are some common names for peasants during the Middle Ages:
Males:
- John
- Richard
- Robert
- William
- Henry
- Thomas
- David
- James
- Simon
- Michael
Females:
- Alice
- Joan
- Margaret
- Catherine
- Mary
- Agnes
- Rose
- Isabel
- Elizabeth
- Anne
Note that these names were not exclusive to peasants and could also be found among the nobility and other classes.
The naming conventions of medieval society were not as strict as they later became, and people often had multiple names, including nicknames and middle names.
Common Medieval Names and Their Meanings
Here are some common Medieval names and their meanings:
Males:
- William: “resolute protector”
- Richard: “strong ruler”
- John: “God is gracious”
- Henry: “ruler of the household”
- Robert: “famous brightness”
- Thomas: “twin”
- Edward: “wealthy guardian”
- James: “supplanter”
- Philip: “lover of horses”
- George: “farmer”
- Alexander: “defender of the people”
- David: “beloved”
- Walter: “ruler of the army”
- Andrew: “strong and manly”
- Peter: “rock”
- Christopher: “bearer of Christ”
- Matthew: “gift of God”
- Joseph: “God will increase”
- Francis: “free man”
Females:
- Mary: “bitter” or “beloved”
- Margaret: “pearl”
- Joan: “God is gracious”
- Elizabeth: “God is my oath”
- Anne: “gracious” or “full of grace”
- Agnes: “chaste” or “pure”
- Isabella: “pledged to God”
- Alice: “of noble birth”
- Catherine: “pure”
- Eleanor: “bright one”
- Cecily: “blind”
- Matilda: “mighty in battle”
- Maud: “powerful battler”
- Johanna: “God is gracious”
- Hawise: “wise one”
- Sybil: “prophetess”
- Emma: “whole” or “universal”
Note: The meanings of these names are based on the etymology and historical usage of the names in various cultures and regions.
Popular Medieval Last Names
Medieval last names, also known as family names or surnames, were not as widespread as they are today.
Nevertheless, some of the most popular last names during the Middle Ages included:
- Smith: a common occupational name for blacksmiths and metalworkers
- Baker: a name for those who made and sold bread
- Taylor: a name for tailors and cloth workers
- Carpenter: a name for carpenters and woodworkers
- Fisher: a name for those who worked in the fishing industry
- Wright: a name for those who worked with wooden tools or machinery
- Jones: a name for those who were the sons of John
- Brown: a name for someone with brown hair or skin
- Taylor: a name for tailors
- White: a name for someone with fair skin or hair
These names were often passed down from one generation to the next, and many have evolved and changed over time.
They served as a way to distinguish individuals and families from one another, as well as to indicate their place of origin, occupation, and other important traits.
Popular Medieval French Names
Some popular Medieval French names for both males and females:
Males:
- Jean
- Pierre
- Guillaume
- Philippe
- Nicolas
- Charles
- Henri
- Robert
- Louis
- Francois
- Alexandre
- Augustin
- Gerard
- Thomas
- David
- Mathieu
- Etienne
Females:
- Marie
- Anne
- Jeanne
- Catherine
- Isabelle
- Marguerite
- Nicole
- Alix
- Aelis
- Adele
- Blanche
- Beatrice
- Avoise
- Aliénor
- Aveline
- Clotilde
Note: The popularity of names in Medieval France varied depending on the time period, but these names have been commonly used in various regions of France during the Middle Ages.
Rare Medieval Names
Medieval names were often unique and reflected the individuality of the person, so it’s difficult to determine what was considered “rare.”
However, here are some lesser-known or unusual names from the Middle Ages:
Males:
- Ailward
- Alberic
- Alcuin
- Aldric
- Aldwin
- Algar
- Alured
- Ambrose
- Aric
- Arnaud
Females:
- Adela
- Aelis
- Aethelflaed
- Aelfthryth
- Agatha
- Albreda
- Alianor
- Alicea
- Alisoun
- Almodis
Cool Medieval Names
Here are some cool medieval names that you may consider for characters or other creative purposes:
Males:
- Aiden
- Aric
- Caspar
- Darian
- Eadric
- Eden
- Gage
- Jasper
- Kael
- Lance
Females:
- Astrid
- Bronte
- Delilah
- Evangeline
- Freya
- Gwyneth
- Isadora
- Josephine
- Niamh
- Ophelia
These names have a unique, historical feel to them and are still uncommon enough to be considered “cool” or unusual today.
They offer a creative and imaginative way to reflect the spirit of the medieval period.
Popular Names in the 1400s – Female
Here are some popular female names in the 1400s:
- Joan
- Margaret
- Elizabeth
- Anne
- Catherine
- Alice
- Isabella
- Jane
- Agnes
- Mary
- Eleanor
- Cecily
- Matilda
- Maud
- Johanna
- Hawise
- Sybil
- Joan
- Emma
Note: The popularity of names varied depending on the region and time period, but these names have been commonly used in various parts of Europe during the 1400s.
Popular Names in the 1400s – Male
Here are some popular male names during the 1400s:
- John
- William
- James
- Richard
- Thomas
- Henry
- Robert
- Edward
- George
- Alexander
Note that the popularity of names varied greatly depending on the region and time period, but these names were commonly used and often remain popular today.
In the 1400s, many names were influenced by religious and cultural traditions, as well as the historical events of the time.
Medieval King Names
Here is a list of some medieval king names:
- Henry
- Edward
- Richard
- William
- Charles
- Philip
- Ferdinand
- John
- James
- Henry II
- Louis
- Fredrick
- Conrad
- Baldwin
- Alexander
- David
- Robert
- Stephen
- Henry III
- Henry IV
- Henry V
- Henry VI
- Henry VII
- Henry VIII
These names represent the rulers of different kingdoms and empires during the medieval period, and many of them have been used repeatedly throughout history.
FAQs – Medieval Names
What was the most common name in medieval times?
The most common name in medieval times might have been John.
It was the name of several kings, saints, and popes.
Other popular names at the time included William, Richard, Henry, and Robert.
What names were popular in the 1300s?
Popular names in the 1300s included Edward, Thomas, Edmund, and Roger.
In addition, names like Walter, Gilbert, and Margaret were also quite common at the time.
What is a medieval name for a boy?
Popular medieval names for boys included John, William, Richard, Robert, Edward and Thomas.
Other common names from the time period were Edmund, Roger, Walter, Gilbert and Brendan.
What were popular names in the 1500s?
Popular names in the 1500s included Henry, Edward, Thomas and Robert.
Other common names from this time period were William, Richard, John, Geoffrey, Francis and George.
Conclusion – Medieval Names
Medieval names were often unique and reflected the individuality of the person, so it’s difficult to determine what was considered “popular” or “rare.”
However, some popular Medieval French names for both males and females include Jean, Pierre, Guillaume and Marie.
For creative purposes, cool medieval names such as Aiden and Delilah offer an imaginative way to reflect the spirit of the medieval period.
Finally, some popular male and female names in the 1400s include John, William, Joan and Margaret.
Overall, there is a variety of unusual and interesting medieval names that have been used throughout history which can be utilized today for creative purposes.
