Old English names bring to mind the era of jousts, royal families with incredible power, and a dynamic area of rapid theological and technological advancement. Many of these names are still used and provide a touch of English history. In this guide, we have curated lists of common Old English names and popular Old English baby names for girls and boys.
Old English Names and Meanings
An Old English name is a trademark of English culture. These names, many of which originate in the Old English language, were used throughout English history and are still used today. An Old English name is associated with the earliest form of the English language – it was spoken and written in Anglo-Saxon Britain from about 450 CE until about 1150. Themes like courage, faith, and power are popular names from this era. An Old English name gives the impression that someone has a storied genealogy filled with nobility, warriors, and early scientists. Such names are unique because they embody an era of England filled with a compelling history.
The language of Old English is the earliest form of modern English and has been changed by the introduction of Anglo-Norman, Latin, and Germanic languages. Christianity has significantly impacted English culture, which is reflected in the religious themes common in Old English names. Names like Catherine, which comes from a Greek word meaning ‘pure,’ and Thomas, which comes from the Hebrew word for ‘twin,’ exemplify the impact of different languages and religions on Old English names. Here, you’ll find curated lists of popular Old English names and meanings ordered by theme, serving as the best way to learn about the names in England’s history.
Top 100 Old English Names
This list of common Old English last names and meanings showcases the finest names from Anglo-Saxon England. Some of these names have faded out of common use, while others have persisted through the centuries and are still used today.
|
Female Names |
Male Names |
|---|---|
| Edith – Riches, prosperous in war | Alfred – Elf counsel, wise counselor |
| Mildred – Gentle strength | Harold – Army ruler |
| Ethel – Noble | Arthur – Bear, noble one |
| Matilda – Mighty in battle, strength in battle | Edwin – Wealthy friend |
| Eleanor – Bright, shining one | Walter – Army ruler |
| Beatrice – Blessed, bringer of joy | Hugh – Mind, intellect |
| Alice – Noble, of noble kind | Geoffrey – God’s peace |
| Margaret – Pearl, precious | Edmund – Rich protector |
| Isabel – God is my oath, pledged to God | Ralph – Wolf counsel, wise wolf |
| Agnes – Pure or holy | Reginald – Ruler’s advisor |
| Joan – God is gracious | Roger – Famous spear |
| Cecily – Blind | Cedric – Chief, leader |
| Mabel – Lovable, dear one | Godric – God’s rule, power of God |
| Winifred – Blessed peacemaking | Wulfric – Wolf ruler |
| Audrey – Noble strength, noble one | Beorn – Bear or warrior |
| Hilda – Battle woman | Eadric – Wealthy ruler |
| Rosamund – Horse protection or rose of the world | Godwin – Friend of God, God’s friend |
| Maud – Mighty in battle | Edgar – Fortunate and powerful, wealthy spear |
| Dorothy – Gift of God, God’s gift | Oswald – God’s rule, divine power |
| Martha – Lady, mistress | Wilfred – Desiring peace |
| Gertrude – Spear of strength | Percy – To penetrate the hedge |
| Shirley – Bright meadow | Bartholomew – Son of Talmai |
| Elvina – Elf friend | Gilbert – Bright pledge |
| Ella – Beautiful, fairy maiden | Bernard – Brave bear |
| Alvina – Elf friend | Randolph – Shield wolf |
| Merrill – Shining sea | Albert – Noble and bright, noble one |
| Aubrey – Elf ruler | Osric – Divine ruler |
| Amelia – Industrious, striving | Godfrey – God’s peace |
| Octavia – Eighth | Arnold – Eagle power, ruler, strong as an eagle |
| Golda – Gold, golden | Chester – Fortress, camp |
| Ruth – Companion, friend | Lincoln – Settlement by the pool, lake colony |
| Daisy – Daisy flower, innocence | Wesley – Western meadow, western clearing |
| Jillian – Youthful | Henry – Ruler of the home, home ruler |
| Josephine – God will add, God increases | Weston – Western settlement, western town |
| Iris – Rainbow, messenger | Elliot – Yahweh is God, the Lord is my God |
| Odilia – Wealthy or fortunate | Hayden – Heathen, from the hay downs |
| Edwina – Wealthy friend | Hayes – Hedged area, enclosure |
| Evelyn – Desired, wished for | Preston – Priest’s town, town of the clergy |
| Florence – Flourishing, prosperous | Edward – Wealthy guardian, rich guard |
| Nelda – By the alder tree | Emerson – Son of Emery |
| Whitney – White island | Stephen – Crown, crowned one |
| Joy – Joy | Spencer – Dispenser of provisions, steward |
| Hazel – Hazel tree, hazel nut | Raymond – Wise protector |
| Ida – Industrious | Bradley – Broad meadow, broad clearing |
| Vala – Chosen | Wade – To ford, able to cross water |
| Blythe – Joyous, carefree | Joseph – May he add, he will increase |
| Kimberly – From the wood of the royal forest, royal fortress meadow | Oakley – Oak clearing, meadow of oak trees |
| Edda – Grandmother or great | Winston – Joyful stone, joyful town |
| Carlotta – Free woman | Clark – Clerk, scholar |
| Ivy – Ivy plant, faithfulness | Garrett – Spear strength, spear ruler |
| Levina – Joined or attached | Peyton – Noble, patrician |
| Farren – Adventurous or ironworker | Miller – One who grinds grain, miller |
| Ena – Fire | Samuel – God has heard, heard by God |
| Grace – Grace, elegance | Donald – Ruler of the world |
| Leala – Loyal or faithful | Harry – Ruler of the home, home ruler |
| Roberta – Bright fame | Watson – Son of Walter, son of the ruler |
| Ebba – Strength of an animal | Stanley – Stony clearing, stone clearing |
| Nevaeh – Heaven spelled backward | Brock – Badger |
| Millie – Gentle strength, strength in work | Archie – Genuine, bold |
| Jocelyn – Little Goth | Nelson – Son of Neil, son of the champion |
| Hayden – Fire or heathen | Leighton – Meadow town, from the meadow town |
| Ainsley – My own meadow | Darren – Great |
| Averie – Elf counsel | Byron – Barn for cows, from the cottage |
| Winnie – Joy, happiness | Harley – From the hare’s meadow, meadow of the hares |
| Haley – Hay meadow | Wallace – Foreigner, stranger |
| Maxine – Greatest, greatest woman | Vance – Marshland, thresher |
| Leslie – Garden of holly | Jack – God is gracious, supplanter |
| Goldie – Made of gold | Rodney – Island near the clearing |
| Marigold – Flower, golden flower | Elmer – Noble and famous, noble ruler |
| Leanna – Graceful willow | Randall – Shield wolf |
| Luella – Famous warrior | Clifford – Cliff ford, river crossing by a cliff |
| Ansley – My own meadow | Milton – Mill town, settlement with a mill |
| Beverly – Beaver stream | Presley – Priest’s meadow, priest’s clearing |
| Paityn – Noble | Francis – Free man |
| Farrah – Joyful or happy | Wylie – Cunning, beguiling |
| Annalee – Combination of Anna and Lee meaning graceful meadow | Truman – Faithful one, loyal man |
| Wendy – Friend or blessed ring | Emmet – Universal, whole |
| Brenda – Sword or torch | Lawrence – Laurel-crowned |
| Briley – Meadow with burdock | Kent – High, border |
| Kinsey – Victorious prince, king’s victory | Irving – Green river, sea friend |
| Amberly – Amber meadow | Woodrow – Row of houses by the wood, row of dwellings near the forest |
| Edie – Rich, wealthy | Elton – Ella’s town, noble town |
| Lindsay – Linden tree island | Earl – Nobleman, warrior |
| Darlene – Little darling | Hamilton – Beautiful mountain, crooked hill |
| Ashtyn – Ash tree town | Sheldon – Steep valley, valley with a ledge |
| Audra – Noble strength | Eldon – Ella’s hill or old hill |
| Hailie – Hay clearing | Humphrey – Peaceful warrior |
| Leanne – Graceful willow | Sinjin – Variant of St. John |
| Winnifred – Blessed peacemaking | Wiley – Crafty, tricky |
| Avonlea – Field near the river | Graeme – Gravelled homestead |
| Brea – Beauty beyond sight | Wilkes – Son of Wilkin |
| Ryley – Rye meadow | Alden – Old friend, wise friend |
| Leigh – Meadow | Sterling – Little star, genuine |
| Afton – From the Afton river | Bentley – Clearing covered with bent grass, meadow with coarse grass |
| Maida – Maiden | Knox – Round-top hill |
| Starla – Star | Avery – Ruler of the elves, wise |
| Halsey – Island of holly trees | Remington – From the raven farm, raven estate |
| Corin – Spear | Carter – Cart driver, one who uses a cart |
Unique Old English Names
Our list of unique Old English names is best for those looking for something distinct. These names offer a captivating blend of historical depth and individuality, appealing to those seeking old names with unique qualities.
|
Female Names |
Male Names |
|---|---|
| Arleigh – Meadow of the hare | Alton – Old town, noble town |
| Ashley – Ash tree meadow | Alvin – Noble friend, elf friend |
| Aspen – Aspen tree, quaking tree | Arlo – Fortified hill, hill dweller |
| Avery – Ruler of the elves, wise | Aubrey – Elf ruler |
| Bailey – Bailiff or fortification | Baldwin – Bold friend |
| Blake – Dark, fair-haired | Beckett – Bee cottage, dweller near the brook |
| Blakely – Dark meadow, dark clearing | Blake – Pale, dark |
| Bonnie – Beautiful, cheerful | Booker – Maker of books, scribe |
| Briar – Thorny plant, from the briar patch | Brewster – Brewer |
| Brinley – Burnt meadow, hill | Brigham – Dweller by the bridge, homestead near the bridge |
| Brooke – Small stream, water source | Brooks – Of the brook, son of Brooke |
| Brooklyn – Water, stream | Burt – Bright, famous |
| Cameron – Crooked nose | Cade – Circular, round |
| Carleigh – Freeholder’s meadow | Cameron – Crooked nose, bent nose |
| Carrington – Town of Carr’s people | Carrington – Settlement of Cara’s people |
| Charity – Love, generosity | Chad – Battle, warrior |
| Chelsea – Chalk landing place, port | Chance – Good fortune, luck |
| Courtney – Short nose, from the court | Channing – Young wolf, official of the church |
| Dallas – Meadow dwelling | Charlton – Free peasant’s settlement |
| Dana – Wise | Colton – Coal town, from the dark town |
| Dawn – Daybreak | Cooper – Barrel maker, barrel manufacturer |
| Ellery – Elder tree island | Crawford – Crow ford, river crossing for crows |
| Ember – Burning coal, glowing fire | Dana – From Denmark |
| Emberly – Ember meadow | Darnell – Hidden nook |
| Esme – Emerald, esteemed | Dayton – Bright, sunny town |
| Everlee – Wild boar in the woods | Dean – Valley |
| Everly – From the boar meadow, wild boar clearing | Digby – Town by the ditch, settlement by the ditch |
| Felicity – Happiness, good fortune | Dustin – Thor’s stone or brave warrior |
| Fern – Fern plant, green | Ellery – Alder tree |
| Fiona – White or fair | Farley – Fern meadow |
| Frieda – Peace | Flint – Hard quartz rock, stream |
| Giselle – Pledge, hostage | Ford – River crossing, shallow river |
| Hailey – Hay meadow, ingenious | Garrick – Spear ruler or from a place with oaks |
| Harley – Hare meadow, meadow of the hares | Gray – Gray-haired, gray-haired warrior |
| Harlow – Mound of the army, rocky hill | Grayson – Son of the bailiff, son of the steward |
| Harmony – Agreement, peaceful | Harlan – Hare land or army land |
| Harper – Harp player, harpist | Harmon – Soldier, army man |
| Harriet – Ruler of the home, estate ruler | Harper – Harp player, harpist |
| Hartley – Hart’s meadow, stag’s meadow | Harvey – Battle worthy, eager for battle |
| Haylee – Hay clearing, hay meadow | Hawk – Hawk |
| Heather – Flower, from the heath | Hawthorne – Hawthorn tree |
| Heaven – Paradise | Hilton – Hill settlement |
| Heavenly – Divine, from heaven | Holden – Hollow valley, from the sunken valley |
| Henrietta – Ruler of the home, estate ruler | Hollis – Holly trees, near the holly trees |
| Holly – Holly tree, to prick | Hudson – Son of Hudd, son of Hugh |
| Honey – Sweet and delightful | Hunt – Hunter |
| Hope – Hope, optimism | Hunter – One who hunts, pursuer |
| Hunter – Hunter, one who hunts | Kayson – Son of the victorious |
| Juliana – Youthful | Kenley – Royal meadow |
| Kaelyn – Keeper of the keys | Keyon – Variant of Keon, Keion, meaning God is gracious |
| Kendall – Valley of the River Kent, bright river valley | Lawson – Son of Lawrence, son of the laurel |
| Kendra – Greatest champion, knowledge | Layton – Leek settlement |
| Kimber – From the royal fortress meadow | Lee – Meadow or clearing |
| Kyla – Narrow spit of land | Leland – Meadow land, from the meadow land |
| Leeann – Graceful willow | Linden – Linden tree |
| Leighton – Leek town | Madison – Son of Maud, son of Matthew |
| Lian – Lotus | Merrill – Shining sea |
| Lillian – Lily, pure | Nash – By the ash tree, ash tree clearing |
| Linden – Lime tree | Ogden – Oak valley |
| Love – Love, affection | Oscar – God’s spear, deer lover |
| Madison – Son of Maud, son of a mighty warrior | Palmer – Palm bearer, pilgrim |
| Myla – Merciful | Parker – Park keeper, gamekeeper |
| Oakley – Oak meadow, oak clearing | Payton – Village enclosure, fighting man’s estate |
| Oaklyn – Oak tree meadow | Perry – Pear tree, wanderer |
| Oaklynn – Oak tree meadow | Pierson – Son of Peter |
| Payton – Village of Paecc’s people, warrior’s town | Radford – Red ford, river crossing |
| Perry – Pear tree | Raleigh – Deer meadow, red clearing |
| Peyton – Village of Paecc’s people, warrior’s town | Ramsey – Garlic island |
| Piper – Flute player, pipe player | Ransom – Redeemed, ransomed |
| Poppy – Poppy flower, rest | Rider – Knight, mounted warrior |
| Presley – Priest’s meadow, priest’s clearing | Ridley – Wood clearing, cleared wood |
| Raven – Raven | Ripley – Clearing by the strip of land, meadow of the rye |
| Riley – Courageous, valiant | Rowan – Little red one, little redhead |
| Ripley – Strip clearing, strip of meadow | Rylan – Land where rye is grown, island meadow |
| Sawyer – Woodcutter, sawer of wood | Shepherd – Sheep herder |
| Silvia – Forest or woodland | Slade – Valley, dweller in the valley |
| Sommer – Summer | Stafford – Stagnant river crossing |
| Star – Star | Tanner – Leather worker, one who tans hides |
| Storm – Storm | Tate – Cheerful, bright |
| Stormy – Storm | Teon – Harms or annoys |
| Summer – Summer, warm season | Thatcher – Roof thatcher, roof maker |
| Sutton – South town | Trent – Gushing waters, dweller by the torrent |
| Tatum – Bringer of joy, cheerful | Tripp – Third |
| Temperance – Moderation, self-restraint | Wells – Springs |
| Tenley – Fairy princess, heavenly meadow | West – West |
| Thea – Goddess, gods | Willard – Brave, resolute |
| Winter – Winter, cold season | Wyatt – Brave in war, warrior |
Rare Old English Names
Rare Old English names often originate from lesser-known elements of the Anglo-Saxon language and the unique aspects of early medieval English culture. We searched through scrolls and records to find these rare Old English names.
|
Female Names |
Male Names |
|---|---|
| Adair – Fortunate and powerful | Aiken – Made of oak |
| Aida – Reward or present | Alder – Alder tree |
| Ainslee – My own meadow | Aldrich – Old ruler |
| Ainslie – My own meadow | Archibald – Bold prince, genuine, bold |
| Alden – Old friend | Baron – Nobleman, title of nobility |
| Apple – Apple | Baxter – Baker |
| Arantxa – Thornbush | Benedict – Blessed, blessed one |
| Ash – Ash tree | Birch – Birch tree |
| Ashlee – Ash tree meadow | Brent – Steep hill |
| Ashleigh – Ash tree meadow | Bronson – Son of the brown-haired one, son of the dark one |
| Ashlie – Ash tree meadow | Brook – Stream |
| Ashlyn – Ash tree pool | Buckley – Deer meadow |
| Ashton – Ash tree town, town of ash trees | Bud – Messenger or herald |
| Aston – East town | Buster – Tough guy |
| Audie – Noble strength | Caldwell – Cold well |
| Audrea – Noble strength | Calhoun – Narrow woods |
| Beverley – Beaver stream | Calvert – Cow herder |
| Blaine – Thin or lean | Carlyle – Fort at Luguvalium |
| Blossom – Flower, blooming | Carver – One who carves, sculptor |
| Brook – Small stream | Cason – Case’s son |
| Buffy – God’s promise | Cecil – Blind |
| Cady – Pure, innocent | Chevy – Knight’s town |
| Darian – Possessing goodness | Clarence – Clear, luminous |
| Darla – Dear or darling | Cleveland – Cliff land |
| Darleen – Little darling | Clinton – Settlement by the River Glyme |
| Dayton – Bright and sunny town | Colby – Dark town, coal town |
| Demelza – Fort of Maeldaf | Colter – Young horse, colt |
| Devon – Defender, poet | Copper – Copper (the metal) |
| Eda – Wealthy | Dale – Valley |
| Eddie – Wealthy guardian | Dallin – Blind |
| Edlyn – Noble waterfall | Dalton – Valley town, town in the valley |
| Edythe – Prosperous in war | Dane – From Denmark, God is my judge |
| Everleigh – Everlasting, eternal meadow | Darwin – Dear friend |
| Fionna – White or fair | Denver – Green valley, from the green valley |
| Freda – Peaceful ruler | Dexter – Skilled, right-handed |
| Freddie – Peaceful ruler | Douglas – Dark river |
| Freida – Peace | Dover – Waters |
| Gillian – Youthful | Duncan – Dark-skinned warrior |
| Gray – Gray-haired | Dwight – White or blond |
| Grey – Gray-haired | Ernest – Serious, resolute |
| Gypsy – Wanderer | Farrell – Valiant, courageous |
| Haleigh – Hay clearing | Fielding – Field |
| Harleigh – Hare meadow | Gerald – Spear ruler |
| Hayley – Hay clearing, hay meadow | Gordon – Great hill |
| Haylie – Hay meadow | Granger – Granary keeper |
| Haze – Hazel tree | Hadley – Heather meadow |
| Jaylee – Jay bird meadow | Haywood – Enclosed forest |
| Jonesy – God is gracious | Heath – Heathland dweller, someone who lives near a heath |
| Kendal – Valley of the River Kent | Hendrick – Home ruler |
| Kimberley – From the meadow of the royal fortress, ruler’s meadow | Henley – High meadow |
| Kimberlyn – From the royal fortress meadow | Herbert – Bright army |
| Lane – Pathway, narrow road | Howard – High guardian |
| Leann – Graceful willow | Huxley – Hugh’s meadow, meadow of the mind |
| Lee – Meadow | Jagger – Carter, peddler |
| Lianna – Daughter of the sun | Jefferson – Son of Jeffrey, son of a peacekeeper |
| Lianne – Graceful willow | Kenton – From the royal town, town on the river |
| Lynn – Lake or waterfall | Kipp – Pointed hill |
| Maxie – Greatest | Lyndon – Linden tree hill |
| Mercy – Mercy, compassion | Mace – Gift of God |
| Merry – Joyful, lighthearted | Manley – Common clearing |
| Milly – Gentle strength or industrious | Marden – Valley with a pool |
| Missy – Honey bee, diminutive of Melissa | Marsden – Boundary valley |
| Misty – Mist or fog | Maurice – Dark-skinned |
| Monet – To be heard or a solitary person | Norman – Northern man |
| Nara – Oak tree | North – North |
| Oakleigh – Oak meadow | Olin – Holly |
| Oceana – Ocean | Osmond – God’s protection |
| Queena – Queen | Patton – Warrior’s town |
| Ravenna – Raven | Rawlins – Son of Raul |
| Romilly – A walker in the open fields | Redford – Red river crossing |
| Ryleigh – Rye meadow | Rigby – Ridge farm |
| Scarlet – Red or scarlet cloth | Saxon – Saxon, swordsman |
| Skylar – Scholar, eternal life | Shaw – Grove |
| Snow – Snow, white as snow | Sherman – Shear man |
| Starr – Star | Thane – Warrior or follower |
| Sunday – The day of the sun | Thorne – Thorn bush |
| Sunniva – Sun gift | Townsend – End of the town |
| Teddie – Wealthy protector or divine gift | Tye – From the enclosure |
| Trudy – Spear strength | Walton – Walled town |
| Tuesday – Tiu’s day | Washington – Settlement associated with Wassa |
| Verona – From Verona, Italy | Wayne – Cartwright, wagon maker |
| Wednesday – Woden’s day | Wheeler – Wheel maker |
| Wilda – Wild or untamed | Winslow – Friend’s hill |
| Willow – Willow tree, graceful | Wright – Worker or craftsman |
| Wynne – Fair or blessed | York – Yew tree settlement |
Unusual Old English Names
These names stem from less commonly used words or concepts from the Anglo-Saxon language and culture. Check out our list of unusual Old English names that will astonish you.
|
Female Names |
Male Names |
|---|---|
| Aeldra – Noble nature | Afton – From the Afton river |
| Agrona – Carnage or slaughter | Ainsley – My own meadow |
| Alcott – Old cottage | Alfie – Elf counsel, wise counselor |
| Aldith – Old battle | Alston – Noble’s settlement |
| Alesea – Noble, kind | Arley – Meadow of the hare |
| Alodie – Wealthy | Bertram – Bright raven |
| Alvena – Elf friend | Blade – Knife, sword |
| Alwara – Guarding all | Bolton – Place by the bolting stream |
| Ashlea – Ash tree meadow | Bradford – Broad ford |
| Avon – River | Bray – Hill, or from the River Bray |
| Bernia – Brave as a bear | Broderick – Broad ridge |
| Berta – Bright, famous | Calder – Rocky water or stream |
| Clovis – Famous warrior | Carden – Thistle green |
| Ditte – Gift of God | Chapman – Merchant or trader |
| Dreda – Courageous | Claude – Lame, limping |
| Eadgyd – Wealthy gift | Corin – Spear |
| Ealda – Old | Courtland – Court’s land or short land |
| Eartha – Earth | Creighton – Rocky place |
| Edaena – Rich guardian | Cyril – Lordly, masterful |
| Edeva – Rich gift | Darrel – From Airelle, a place in France |
| Edita – Prosperous in war | Denton – Valley town |
| Edite – Prosperous in war | Edric – Wealthy ruler |
| Edīte – Prosperous in war | Elden – Old friend or sacred hill |
| Editha – Prosperous in war | Elder – Older |
| Edmee – Protector of wealth | Eldridge – Old ruler or sage ruler |
| Edwena – Wealthy friend | Erling – Descendant of the jarl |
| Edwyna – Wealthy friend | Floyd – Gray-haired, gray |
| Edyta – Wealthy gift | Fulton – Bird hill or people’s estate |
| Edytha – Wealthy gift | Harden – Valley of the hares |
| Elfin – Fairy-like | Hardy – Bold, brave |
| Faina – Joyful light | Hastings – Place name in England |
| Fleta – Swift | Horace – Man of time or clock |
| Friede – Peace | Hubert – Bright-hearted or bright in spirit |
| Gleda – Joyful | Huntley – Meadow of the hunter, hunter’s meadow |
| Goda – Good | Hutton – Settlement on the bluff |
| Godiva – God’s gift | Hyatt – High gate |
| Gytha – War | Jarvis – Spearman, spear servant |
| Hadyn – Heathen, pagan | Joss – A member of the Germanic tribe, the Gauts |
| Hedwig – Battle war | Leslie – Garden of holly |
| Hilde – Battle woman | Manning – Son of Man |
| Hylda – Battle woman | Marlow – Remnants of a lake, drained lake |
| Idina – Industrious | Morris – Dark-skinned, Moorish |
| Leofa – Beloved | Newton – New town |
| Locke – Enclosure or forest | Nyle – Champion or passionate |
| Marva – Renowned friend | Oswin – God’s friend |
| Merle – Blackbird | Penn – Enclosure or hill |
| Mirth – Joy, happiness | Percival – Pierce the valley |
| Palma – Palm tree | Raven – Raven |
| Selby – Willow tree farm | Rutherford – Cattle ford |
| Synne – Sin | Sanford – Sandy ford |
| Ulla – Will, determination | Ward – Guard or watchman |
| Wassa – Leader | Wayland – Land by the road |
| Wulfa – Wolf | Webster – Weaver |
| Yedda – Beautiful voice | Whit – White or fair |
Uncommon Old English Names
The Britons of England have a long history, as our list of uncommon Old English names shows. The names encompass various influences from various periods of British history, from Celtic and Roman times to the Middle Ages and beyond.
|
Female Names |
Male Names |
|---|---|
| Aldreda – Old counsel | Aldous – Old or noble |
| Alfgifu – Elf gift | Alwyn – Noble friend |
| Alfreda – Elf counsel | Atley – Meadow |
| Bedelia – Strength or exalted one | Auburn – Reddish-brown |
| Berthilda – Bright warrior | Barret – Brave as a bear, bear-like |
| Carling – Little champion | Benton – Bent grass enclosure, settlement near the bent grass |
| Claiborne – Boundary with clover | Berkeley – Birch tree clearing |
| Columbia – Dove | Blythe – Free spirit or happy and cheerful |
| Corliss – Cheerful, carefree | Bond – Farmer |
| Daralis – Beloved | Brinley – Burnt meadow |
| Eadburh – Wealthy protector | Cedrick – Battle chieftain |
| Eadfrida – Peaceful wealth | Court – Court or courtyard |
| Eadgifu – Wealthy gift | Cromwell – Winding stream |
| Eadgyth – Wealthy war | Davy – Beloved |
| Eadhild – Battle maiden | Doyle – Dark stranger |
| Eadwara – Wealthy guardian | Dudley – People’s field |
| Eadwynn – Wealthy friend | Edsel – Rich man’s house |
| Ealdræd – Ancient counsel | Elwin – Elf friend |
| Ealgyth – Noble hostage | Elwood – Elder tree forest |
| Earleen – Noblewoman | Esmond – Grace of God or protected by God |
| Earlene – Noblewoman | Forbes – Field |
| Earline – Noblewoman | Freeman – Free man |
| Eduarda – Wealthy guardian | Fuller – Cloth thickener |
| Edweena – Prosperous friend | Garvin – Rough, spear-friend |
| Elfleda – Beauty | Gresham – Village surrounded by pasture |
| Elfreda – Elf strength | Hadden – Hill of heather |
| Elfrida – Elf strength | Hall – Lives by a hall or large house |
| Etheldred – Noble strength | Harman – Army man |
| Ethelyn – Noble | Haydn – Pagan |
| Everild – Wild boar battle | Ingram – Raven of peace or angel raven |
| Godgifu – God’s gift | Irvin – Green or fresh water |
| Hertha – Earth | Ives – Archer’s bow |
| Hildred – Battle counselor | Kelby – Farm by the spring |
| Hildrith – Battle strength | Kelsey – Cenel’s island |
| Hollace – Holly tree | Kinsley – King’s meadow |
| Isolda – Ice ruler | Lang – Tall |
| Kendria – Valley of the River Kent | Linwood – Stream forest |
| Kimbra – From the royal fortress meadow | Millard – Guardian of the mill |
| Kimmie – From the royal fortress meadow | Ovie – Egg |
| Kinsley – King’s meadow | Rae – Roe deer |
| Maxene – The greatest | Sedrick – Battle chieftain |
| Mildburg – Gentle protection | Seeley – Blessed |
| Monday – Moon’s day | Seger – Sea spear |
| Morwenna – Maiden | Sherlock – Fair-haired or with cut hair |
| Obelia – Pillar of strength | Sherwood – Bright forest |
| Osburh – Divine fortress | Stanford – Stony ford |
| Radella – Counselor or advisor | Tennyson – Dennis’s son |
| Sherley – Bright meadow | Ulric – Prosperity and power |
| Shirlee – Bright meadow | Vail – Valley |
| Sunnifa – Sun gift | Waite – Guard or watchman |
| Swanhild – Swan battle | Warrick – Fortress town |
| Wilona – Desired | Whitfield – White field |
| Wulfhild – Wolf battle | Whitney – White island |
| Wulfrida – Wolf peace | Winter – Winter |
More Lists:
Men and Women with Old English Names
William Shakespeare is one of the most influential writers in the history of English literature. He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 1564 and is recognized as one of the greatest writers in the English language. His insights into human nature and enduring themes continue to captivate audiences around the globe. The English name William means ‘resolute protector.’
King Henry VIII is most remembered for having six wives throughout his life; his political and theological perspectives led to the establishment of the Church of England and the English Reformation. Henry is an Old English name of Germanic origin and means ‘home’ and ‘ruler.’
Robin Hood is a legendary folk hero who is remembered for his practice of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. The first story of Robin Hood was recorded in the 13th century and has become part of the fabric of English history. The Old English name Robin is of Old Germanic and Old French origin and means ‘fame-bright.’
Sir Walter Raleigh was a significant figure during the Elizabethan era. He was an explorer whose work helped maintain the stability of England and begin the colonization of North America. The Old English name Walter is of Old High German origin and means ‘power’ and ‘army.’
Charles Babbage’s work revolved around his mathematics, mechanical engineering, and philosophy studies. He is credited as the ‘father of the computer.’ Charles is an Old English name meaning ‘free man.’
References
Information from Wikipedia, which contains lists of Old English names was used in the collection of this data.