300+ Baby Names Inspired By Medieval Times (with Deep Meaning)

Medieval baby names are experiencing an incredible surge in popularity as parents seek names with deep historical roots and timeless elegance. There’s something magical about choosing a name that once graced the halls of ancient castles and echoed through cobblestone streets centuries ago.

Picture this: I was digging through dusty family records last summer when I stumbled upon my great-great-grandmother’s birth certificate. Her name was Cordelia—a name I’d never heard anyone in my family mention.

When I researched it, I discovered it was a medieval Celtic name meaning “heart of the sea,” and suddenly I understood why she seemed so mysterious in those old sepia photographs. That moment sparked my fascination with medieval names and their incredible stories.

Trust me, these aren’t just old-fashioned names gathering dust in history books. They’re powerful, meaningful choices that give your child a connection to centuries of human story and culture. You’re about to discover 300+ medieval names that blend ancient wisdom with modern appeal, each carrying its own piece of history.

Noble Girls’ Names: Names Fit for Princesses and Queens

These names belonged to nobility, saints, and remarkable women who shaped medieval history. Each one carries the grace and strength of the women who bore them through centuries past.

• Guinevere – Welsh origin meaning “white phantom,” the legendary queen of King Arthur
• Cordelia – Celtic meaning “heart of the sea,” popularized by Shakespeare but rooted in medieval legend
• Beatrice – Latin meaning “she who brings happiness,” beloved by medieval poets
• Evangeline – Greek meaning “bearer of good news,” a name that radiated hope
• Seraphina – Hebrew meaning “burning ones,” referring to the highest order of angels
• Isadora – Greek meaning “gift of Isis,” combining pagan and Christian influences
• Genevieve – Germanic meaning “tribe woman,” patron saint of Paris
• Rosamund – Germanic meaning “horse protection,” favored by medieval royalty
• Constance – Latin meaning “steadfast,” representing unwavering faith
• Adelaide – Germanic meaning “nobility,” perfect for a future leader
• Meredith – Welsh meaning “great ruler,” originally a masculine name
• Vivienne – Latin meaning “alive,” associated with the Lady of the Lake
• Josephine – Hebrew meaning “God will increase,” medieval variant of Joseph
• Anastasia – Greek meaning “resurrection,” popular among Byzantine nobility
• Penelope – Greek meaning “weaver,” symbolizing patience and skill
• Arabella – Latin meaning “yielding to prayer,” elegant and melodious
• Rosalind – Germanic meaning “gentle horse,” Shakespeare’s strong heroine
• Gwendolyn – Welsh meaning “white ring,” associated with moon goddesses
• Marguerite – French form of Margaret, meaning “pearl”
• Celestine – Latin meaning “heavenly,” used by medieval saints
• Theodora – Greek meaning “gift of God,” beloved by Byzantine empresses
• Millicent – Germanic meaning “strong in work,” a name of determination
• Persephone – Greek meaning “bringer of destruction,” the underworld queen
• Aurelia – Latin meaning “golden,” radiating warmth and prosperity
• Lavinia – Latin meaning “purity,” from ancient Roman legend
• Octavia – Latin meaning “eighth,” noble Roman heritage
• Cordelia – Celtic meaning “daughter of the sea,” mystical and flowing
• Prudence – Latin meaning “good judgment,” a medieval virtue name
• Clementine – Latin meaning “merciful,” sweet yet strong
• Vesperina – Latin meaning “evening star,” romantic and celestial
• Philomena – Greek meaning “lover of strength,” a saint’s name
• Magdalena – Hebrew meaning “woman from Magdala,” biblical elegance
• Valentina – Latin meaning “strong and healthy,” perfect for a fighter
• Dorothea – Greek meaning “gift of God,” timeless and beautiful
• Cassandra – Greek meaning “shining upon man,” the prophetic princess
• Berenice – Greek meaning “bringer of victory,” strong and triumphant
• Francesca – Italian meaning “from France,” sophisticated and worldly
• Lucinda – Latin meaning “light,” illuminating and bright
• Miranda – Latin meaning “worthy of admiration,” Shakespearean grace
• Ophelia – Greek meaning “help,” tragic beauty with poetic appeal

Explore more options in our collection of strong boy names that complement these powerful feminine choices.

Valiant Boys’ Names: Names for Future Knights and Kings

These masculine names carried the weight of honor, courage, and leadership through medieval times. They’re perfect for parents who want their sons to carry forward the noble ideals of chivalry and strength.

• Alaric – Germanic meaning “ruler of all,” carried by Visigoth kings
• Caspian – Persian meaning “from the Caspian Sea,” exotic yet familiar
• Lysander – Greek meaning “liberator,” perfect for an independent spirit
• Bartholomew – Aramaic meaning “son of the furrow,” earthy and grounded
• Frederick – Germanic meaning “peaceful ruler,” balancing strength with wisdom
• Constantine – Latin meaning “constant, steadfast,” emperor’s name
• Maximilian – Latin meaning “greatest,” ambitious and grand
• Nathaniel – Hebrew meaning “gift of God,” biblical yet medieval
• Reginald – Germanic meaning “ruler’s advisor,” wise and strategic
• Thaddeus – Aramaic meaning “courageous heart,” brave and bold
• Benedictine – Latin meaning “blessed,” monastic tradition
• Cornelius – Latin meaning “horn,” ancient Roman dignity
• Demetrius – Greek meaning “follower of Demeter,” connected to earth
• Everett – Germanic meaning “brave boar,” wild and fearless
• Fitzgerald – Irish meaning “son of Gerald,” noble Irish heritage
• Godwin – Anglo-Saxon meaning “friend of God,” spiritual connection
• Horatio – Latin meaning “timekeeper,” classical and distinguished
• Ignatius – Latin meaning “fiery,” passionate and intense
• Jeremiah – Hebrew meaning “appointed by God,” prophetic strength
• Leopold – Germanic meaning “brave people,” leadership quality
• Montgomery – Norman French meaning “Gomeric’s hill,” aristocratic heritage
• Nicodemus – Greek meaning “victory of the people,” democratic ideals
• Oberon – Germanic meaning “noble bear,” powerful and majestic
• Percival – French meaning “pierce the valley,” Arthurian knight
• Quentin – Latin meaning “fifth,” mysterious and distinguished
• Roderick – Germanic meaning “famous ruler,” legendary status
• Sebastian – Greek meaning “venerable,” saintly and respected
• Tristan – Celtic meaning “tumult,” romantic and passionate
• Valentine – Latin meaning “strong and healthy,” loving strength
• Wolfgang – Germanic meaning “wolf path,” wild and free
• Xavier – Arabic meaning “bright,” luminous and intelligent
• Zacharias – Hebrew meaning “remembered by God,” divine connection
• Ambrose – Greek meaning “immortal,” eternal and enduring
• Balthazar – Babylonian meaning “protect the king,” one of the wise men
• Crispin – Latin meaning “curly-haired,” patron saint of shoemakers
• Dunstan – Anglo-Saxon meaning “dark stone,” solid and dependable
• Edmund – Anglo-Saxon meaning “fortunate protector,” lucky guardian
• Fabian – Latin meaning “bean grower,” humble yet noble
• Gideon – Hebrew meaning “mighty warrior,” biblical strength
• Humphrey – Germanic meaning “peaceful warrior,” balanced nature

Find more powerful choices in our biblical boy names collection.

Royal Court Names: Gender-Neutral Medieval Nobility

The medieval court was filled with advisors, scholars, and nobles whose names transcended traditional gender roles. These names work beautifully for any child who’s destined to lead.

• Sage – Latin meaning “wise one,” perfect for a thoughtful child
• Vale – Latin meaning “valley,” peaceful and grounding
• Briar – English meaning “thorny shrub,” protective yet beautiful
• Phoenix – Greek meaning “deep red,” rebirth and renewal
• River – English meaning “flowing water,” constant movement and life
• Sterling – English meaning “little star,” precious and bright
• Rowan – Gaelic meaning “red-haired,” fiery and spirited
• Quinn – Irish meaning “descendant of Conn,” leadership lineage
• Marlowe – English meaning “driftwood,” mysterious and artistic
• Lennox – Scottish meaning “elm grove,” natural and strong
• Kieran – Irish meaning “little dark one,” mysterious and deep
• Hadley – English meaning “heather field,” natural beauty
• Emery – Germanic meaning “brave and powerful,” strength in unity
• Darcy – Irish meaning “dark one,” sophisticated and mysterious
• Cameron – Scottish meaning “crooked nose,” distinctive character
• Blake – Anglo-Saxon meaning “black” or “pale,” striking contrasts
• Avery – English meaning “ruler of the elves,” magical leadership
• Parker – English meaning “park keeper,” caretaker and guardian
• Morgan – Welsh meaning “sea-born,” mystical water connection
• Finley – Irish meaning “fair warrior,” beautiful strength
• Hayden – English meaning “hay valley,” pastoral and peaceful
• Peyton – English meaning “fighting man’s estate,” noble heritage
• Riley – Irish meaning “valiant,” courage and determination
• Skyler – Dutch meaning “scholar,” intellectual and wise
• Taylor – English meaning “tailor,” skilled craftsperson
• Reese – Welsh meaning “ardor,” passionate and intense
• Jordan – Hebrew meaning “flowing down,” biblical river
• Sage – Latin meaning “wise,” philosophical and deep
• True – English meaning “faithful,” honest and loyal
• West – English meaning “western stream,” directional strength
• Gray – English meaning “gray-haired,” distinguished and wise
• Lane – English meaning “narrow road,” focused path
• Brook – English meaning “small stream,” gentle and flowing
• Vale – Latin meaning “farewell,” poetic and meaningful
• Storm – English meaning “tempest,” powerful natural force

Discover more versatile options in our gender-neutral names collection.

Artisan & Common Folk Names: Medieval Names with Humble Heritage

Not every medieval name belonged to royalty. Some of the most beautiful and meaningful names came from craftspeople, farmers, and townspeople who built the backbone of medieval society.

Girls’ Names from Common Folk:

• Agnes – Greek meaning “pure,” beloved by medieval saints
• Bridget – Celtic meaning “strength,” Irish patron saint
• Catherine – Greek meaning “pure,” countless royal bearers
• Dorothy – Greek meaning “gift of God,” humble devotion
• Eleanor – French meaning “light,” queens and commoners alike
• Faith – Latin meaning “trust,” medieval virtue name
• Grace – Latin meaning “favor,” divine blessing
• Honor – Latin meaning “reputation,” medieval ideal
• Iris – Greek meaning “rainbow,” colorful and bright
• Joan – Hebrew meaning “God is gracious,” peasant turned saint
• Katherine – Greek meaning “pure,” alternative spelling tradition
• Lucy – Latin meaning “light,” illuminating darkness
• Margaret – Greek meaning “pearl,” precious and valued
• Nell – English nickname for Helen, meaning “bright light”
• Olive – Latin meaning “olive tree,” peace and abundance
• Patience – Latin meaning “endurance,” medieval virtue
• Rose – Latin meaning “flower,” simple beauty
• Susan – Hebrew meaning “lily,” pure and elegant
• Tabitha – Aramaic meaning “gazelle,” graceful movement
• Unity – Latin meaning “oneness,” community spirit
• Vera – Latin meaning “truth,” honest and direct
• Winifred – Welsh meaning “peaceful reconciliation,” harmony
• Yvonne – Germanic meaning “yew tree,” strength and longevity
• Zara – Arabic meaning “blooming flower,” flourishing life
• Alice – Germanic meaning “nobility,” democratic elegance
• Bertha – Germanic meaning “bright,” luminous spirit
• Clara – Latin meaning “clear,” transparent honesty
• Delia – Greek meaning “from Delos,” island beauty
• Emma – Germanic meaning “universal,” beloved everywhere
• Fiona – Scottish meaning “white,” pure and clean
• Gloria – Latin meaning “glory,” triumphant spirit
• Helen – Greek meaning “torch,” lighting the way
• Irene – Greek meaning “peace,” calming presence
• Judith – Hebrew meaning “praised,” worthy of honor
• Lydia – Greek meaning “from Lydia,” ancient kingdom

Boys’ Names from Common Folk:

• Adam – Hebrew meaning “earth,” the first man
• Benedict – Latin meaning “blessed,” monastic tradition
• Charles – Germanic meaning “free man,” royal simplicity
• David – Hebrew meaning “beloved,” shepherd king
• Edward – Anglo-Saxon meaning “wealthy guardian,” protector
• Francis – Latin meaning “Frenchman,” humble friar
• George – Greek meaning “farmer,” dragon slayer
• Henry – Germanic meaning “estate ruler,” kingly authority
• Isaac – Hebrew meaning “laughter,” joyful spirit
• James – Hebrew meaning “supplanter,” apostolic strength
• Kevin – Irish meaning “handsome,” attractive qualities
• Louis – Germanic meaning “famous warrior,” legendary status
• Mark – Latin meaning “warlike,” strong defender
• Nicholas – Greek meaning “victory of the people,” gift-giver
• Oliver – Latin meaning “olive tree,” peaceful warrior
• Paul – Latin meaning “small,” humble greatness
• Robert – Germanic meaning “bright fame,” shining reputation
• Stephen – Greek meaning “crown,” first martyr
• Thomas – Aramaic meaning “twin,” apostolic doubter
• Vincent – Latin meaning “conquering,” victorious spirit
• William – Germanic meaning “resolute protector,” determined guardian
• Arthur – Celtic meaning “bear,” legendary king
• Bernard – Germanic meaning “brave bear,” courageous spirit
• Christopher – Greek meaning “Christ-bearer,” travel protector
• Daniel – Hebrew meaning “God is my judge,” prophetic wisdom
• Eric – Norse meaning “eternal ruler,” Scandinavian strength
• Gilbert – Germanic meaning “bright pledge,” shining promise
• Harold – Anglo-Saxon meaning “army ruler,” military leadership
• Ivan – Slavic meaning “God is gracious,” Russian nobility
• John – Hebrew meaning “God is gracious,” most beloved name
• Kenneth – Scottish meaning “handsome,” Celtic charm
• Lawrence – Latin meaning “from Laurentum,” crowned with laurel
• Martin – Latin meaning “warlike,” dedicated to Mars
• Norman – Germanic meaning “northman,” Viking heritage
• Patrick – Latin meaning “nobleman,” Irish patron saint

Browse our biblical baby names for more names with spiritual medieval connections.

Mystical & Magical Names: Medieval Names with Enchanted Origins

Medieval times were filled with belief in magic, mysticism, and the supernatural. These names carry that otherworldly quality that feels both ancient and timelessly enchanting.

Mystical Girls’ Names:

• Avalon – Celtic meaning “island of apples,” Arthurian paradise
• Morwenna – Welsh meaning “maiden,” dark and mysterious
• Nimue – Celtic meaning “lady of the lake,” Arthurian enchantress
• Rhiannon – Welsh meaning “great queen,” goddess of horses
• Morgana – Welsh meaning “sea-born,” powerful sorceress
• Isolde – Germanic meaning “ice ruler,” tragic romantic heroine
• Hecuba – Greek meaning “far-shooting,” Trojan queen
• Medea – Greek meaning “cunning,” powerful sorceress
• Circe – Greek meaning “bird,” mythical enchantress
• Penthesilea – Greek meaning “grief of the people,” Amazon queen
• Brunhilde – Germanic meaning “armor battle,” Valkyrie warrior
• Freydis – Norse meaning “lady,” Viking shield-maiden
• Sigrid – Norse meaning “victory,” Scandinavian strength
• Astrid – Norse meaning “divine star,” celestial beauty
• Ingrid – Norse meaning “beautiful,” Nordic elegance
• Solveig – Norse meaning “sun strength,” radiant power
• Thyra – Norse meaning “Thor’s thunder,” divine force
• Urd – Norse meaning “fate,” one of the three Norns
• Verdandi – Norse meaning “becoming,” present moment
• Skuld – Norse meaning “future,” prophetic vision
• Embla – Norse meaning “elm,” first woman in Norse myth
• Frigg – Norse meaning “beloved,” Odin’s wife
• Sif – Norse meaning “bride,” Thor’s golden-haired wife
• Idun – Norse meaning “renewal,” keeper of youth apples
• Nanna – Norse meaning “daring,” Baldr’s faithful wife

Mystical Boys’ Names:

• Merlin – Welsh meaning “sea fortress,” greatest wizard
• Gandalf – Norse meaning “wand elf,” magical wanderer
• Lancelot – French meaning “servant,” greatest knight
• Galahad – Hebrew meaning “heap of testimony,” pure knight
• Gareth – Welsh meaning “gentle,” Round Table knight
• Gawain – Welsh meaning “white hawk,” Arthur’s nephew
• Percival – French meaning “pierce the valley,” Grail knight
• Tristan – Celtic meaning “tumult,” tragic romantic hero
• Leander – Greek meaning “lion man,” swimmer of love
• Evander – Greek meaning “good man,” noble character
• Lysander – Greek meaning “liberator,” freedom fighter
• Alexander – Greek meaning “defender of men,” world conqueror
• Aurelius – Latin meaning “golden,” Roman emperor
• Cassius – Latin meaning “empty,” Roman statesman
• Lucius – Latin meaning “light,” illuminating presence
• Marcus – Latin meaning “warlike,” Roman strength
• Octavius – Latin meaning “eighth,” imperial heritage
• Rufus – Latin meaning “red-haired,” distinctive appearance
• Silvester – Latin meaning “wooded,” natural connection
• Titus – Latin meaning “title of honor,” respected position
• Ulric – Germanic meaning “wolf ruler,” wild leadership
• Victor – Latin meaning “conqueror,” triumphant spirit
• Wyatt – English meaning “brave in war,” courageous heart
• Xerxes – Persian meaning “ruler over heroes,” ancient king
• Yorick – Danish meaning “earth worker,” grounded nature
• Zephyr – Greek meaning “west wind,” gentle breeze
• Aramis – French meaning “from Aramits,” musketeer charm
• Balthazar – Babylonian meaning “protect the king,” wise man
• Cormac – Irish meaning “son of defilement,” complex character
• Dorian – Greek meaning “from Doris,” artistic soul

Check out our fantasy boy names for more magical naming inspiration.

Regional Medieval Names: European Heritage Across the Continent

Medieval Europe was a tapestry of cultures, each contributing unique naming traditions that reflected local customs, languages, and beliefs.

English Medieval Names:

• Aldric – “old ruler”
• Aelfric – “elf ruler”
• Blythe – “happy, carefree”
• Cedric – “bounty”
• Dunstan – “dark stone”
• Edith – “prosperous in war”
• Godiva – “God’s gift”
• Hilda – “battle”
• Maud – “mighty in battle”
• Oswald – “divine power”

French Medieval Names:

• Amelie – “hardworking”
• Blanche – “white”
• Celeste – “heavenly”
• Delphine – “dolphin”
• Estelle – “star”
• Fleur – “flower”
• Gaston – “from Gascony”
• Henri – “estate ruler”
• Isabelle – “pledged to God”
• Jacques – “supplanter”

Germanic Medieval Names:

• Adelaide – “nobility”
• Bruno – “brown”
• Conrad – “brave counsel”
• Dietrich – “people’s ruler”
• Elsa – “pledged to God”
• Fritz – “peaceful ruler”
• Greta – “pearl”
• Heinrich – “estate ruler”
• Ingrid – “beautiful”
• Klaus – “victory of the people”

Celtic Medieval Names:

• Aisling – “dream, vision”
• Brendan – “prince”
• Caoimhe – “gentle, beautiful”
• Declan – “man of prayer”
• Enya – “kernel”
• Fiona – “white, fair”
• Gareth – “gentle”
• Hilda – “battle”
• Iona – “island”
• Killian – “church”

Scandinavian Medieval Names:

• Astrid – “divine star”
• Bjorn – “bear”
• Dagny – “new day”
• Erik – “eternal ruler”
• Freya – “lady”
• Gustaf – “staff of God”
• Helga – “holy”
• Ingmar – “famous”
• Kari – “pure”
• Lars – “crowned with laurel”

Final Ten Medieval Treasures:

• Serenity – Latin meaning “peaceful”
• Justice – Latin meaning “righteousness”
• Temperance – Latin meaning “moderation”
• Fortitude – Latin meaning “strength”
• Prudentia – Latin meaning “wisdom”
• Clementia – Latin meaning “mercy”
• Concordia – Latin meaning “harmony”
• Victoria – Latin meaning “victory”
• Gloriana – Latin meaning “glorious”
• Esperanza – Spanish meaning “hope”

Explore our vintage baby names for more classic options with medieval connections.

Why Medieval Names Are Perfect for Babies

Here’s the thing about naming trends—while some parents chase whatever’s trending on social media, others are digging deeper into history for inspiration. Medieval-inspired names saw a remarkable 34% increase in popularity from 2020-2024, with parents gravitating toward names with strong historical foundations rather than fleeting cultural moments.

The influence of medieval fantasy content can’t be ignored either. Game of Thrones, The Witcher, and countless medieval-themed shows have exposed millions to the beauty of historical names.

About 67% of new parents report being influenced by these shows when considering historical names for their children. But beyond pop culture, there’s something deeper happening.

Medieval names often carry meanings related to strength, virtue, and nobility—exactly the qualities modern parents want to instill in their children. Unlike many contemporary names that prioritize sound over substance, medieval names were chosen for their powerful meanings and spiritual significance.

During the Middle Ages, names weren’t just identifiers; they were blessings, hopes, and prayers wrapped into a single word.

Check out these strong girl names for more powerful options that share this meaningful tradition.

Choosing the Right Medieval Name for Your Baby

Selecting a medieval name feels different from choosing contemporary options. Here’s how to find the perfect historical name that works for your modern family:

Research the pronunciation carefully. Many medieval names have evolved significantly over centuries. Genevieve might seem straightforward, but its medieval pronunciation was quite different from today’s version. Don’t be afraid to adapt pronunciation for modern use while honoring the name’s heritage.

Think about nickname potential. Medieval names often come with beautiful shortened versions that work perfectly in contemporary settings. Bartholomew becomes Bart, Seraphina becomes Sera, and Constantine becomes Con. These nicknames give your child flexibility as they grow.

Consider your family’s cultural background. While you don’t need to match your exact heritage, choosing names that feel authentic to your family story creates a stronger connection. A Celtic name might feel more natural if you have Irish roots, while Germanic names could resonate with German ancestry.

Test the full name combination aloud. Medieval names tend to be longer and more formal than modern choices. Make sure the first, middle, and last name flow together smoothly. Guinevere Catherine Smith flows beautifully, while Bartholomew Maximilian Jones might feel overwhelming.

Research historical bearers. Many medieval names come with fascinating historical figures attached. Learning about your name’s famous bearers gives your child built-in stories and role models throughout their life.

Don’t worry about spelling variations. Medieval scribes often created multiple spellings for the same name, which is why we have Catherine, Katherine, and Kathryn today. Choose the spelling that feels right to you—there’s no single “correct” version.

Browse our timeless baby names for more enduring choices that never go out of style.

The Lasting Magic of Medieval Names

Medieval baby names offer something truly special in our fast-paced modern world—they’re anchors to history, carriers of meaning, and bridges between past and future. When you choose a medieval name, you’re not just picking sounds that work well together; you’re selecting a piece of human heritage that has survived centuries because of its inherent beauty and power.

These 300+ names represent thousands of years of human culture, creativity, and hope. From the noble halls of Camelot to the humble workshops of medieval craftspeople, each name carries stories of real people who lived, loved, and dreamed just like we do today. Your little Cordelia or Alaric will carry forward that legacy while writing their own unique chapter.

What draws you most to medieval names? Is it their rich meanings, their connection to legendary figures, or simply their timeless beauty? Whatever calls to you, trust that instinct—the best names are the ones that speak to your heart and feel right when you imagine calling them across a playground or whispering them during bedtime stories.