For parents choosing a baby name is a big decision, and with so many choices, it can be tough to know where to start. Are you having a baby girl or a boy? Have you ever considered old English names? These are the names used in England hundreds of years ago, and they offer a unique way to connect your baby to history.
Maybe you’re looking for a strong name that sounds powerful, or perhaps you just like the idea of a name that’s not super common. No matter what you’re after, Old English names have something for everyone.
we have shared these name ideas to help you find the perfect name. We’ve put together all sorts of lists that are loaded with old English names for both boys and girls. This way, you can pick a name that has a special meaning for you and your family.
We’ll also be talking a little bit about the history of these names and why they were chosen in the first place. Plus, we’ll give you some tips on how to pronounce them (because some old English names can be a bit tricky to say! especially if you are not from Britain).
Ready to find the perfect Old English name for your baby? Let’s get started!
Want a name that’s one-of-a-kind? This list is full of unusual and interesting Old English names. Each one has a cool history just waiting to be learned!
Ælfred (Elf counsel)
Æthelred (Noble counsel)
Beornheard (Brave bear)
Cynric (Royal power)
Dunstan (Dark stone)
Eadric (Rich and powerful)
Godric (God’s power)
Leofric (Beloved ruler)
Osric (Divine ruler)
Wulfric (Wolf ruler)
Æthelflæd (Noble beauty)
Æthelstan (Noble stone)
Æthelwulf (Noble wolf)
Cyneburg (Royal fortress)
Ealdred (Old counsel)
Godwin (God’s friend)
Leofwine (Beloved friend)
Osbeorn (Divine bear)
Sigbert (Victory bright)
Wulfstan (Wolf stone)
Ælfflæd (Elf beauty)
Æthelgyth (Noble war)
Cynestan (Royal stone)
Eadburg (Rich fortress)
Godgifu (God’s gift)
Leofgifu (Beloved gift)
Osfrith (Divine peace)
Ælfsige (Elf victory)
Æthelburh (Noble protection)
Winfrith (Friend of peace)
Traditional Old English Names
These classic Old English names never go out of style. They’ve been around for ages and give your child a strong connection to the past.
Ælfric (Elf ruler)
Æthelbert (Noble and bright)
Beornheard (Brave bear)
Cynric (Royal power)
Dunstan (Dark stone)
Ealdred (Old counsel)
Godric (God’s power)
Leofric (Beloved ruler)
Osric (Divine ruler)
Wulfric (Wolf ruler)
Æthelred (Noble counsel)
Æthelstan (Noble stone)
Æthelwulf (Noble wolf)
Cyneburg (Royal fortress)
Eadric (Rich and powerful)
Godwin (God’s friend)
Leofwine (Beloved friend)
Osbeorn (Divine bear)
Sigbert (Victory bright)
Wulfstan (Wolf stone)
Æthelgyth (Noble war)
Cynestan (Royal stone)
Eadburg (Rich fortress)
Godgifu (God’s gift)
Leofgifu (Beloved gift)
Osfrith (Divine peace)
Ælfsige (Elf victory)
Æthelburh (Noble protection)
Winfrith (Friend of peace)
Æthelflæd (Noble beauty)
Favorite Old English Names
Picking the “best” name is up to you, but this list shows some of the most popular English names. People love them because they sound good, have special meanings, and come from history.
Alfred (Elf counsel)
Ethel (Noble)
Beowulf (Bee wolf)
Cedric (Chieftain)
Edwin (Rich friend)
Geoffrey (God’s peace)
Harold (Army ruler)
Isolde (Fair lady)
Julian (Youthful)
Lillian (Lily flower)
Meredith (Great ruler)
Nigel (Champion)
Orson (Bear cub)
Penelope (Weaver)
Quinton (Queen’s town)
Rowena (Famous friend)
Sabrina (Legendary river)
Tristan (Tumult)
Ursula (Little bear)
Vivian (Alive)
Wilfred (Desiring peace)
Xenia (Hospitable)
Yvonne (Yew)
Zephyr (West wind)
Ada (Noble)
Bertha (Bright)
Clara (Clear)
Edmund (Prosperous protector)
Felicity (Happiness)
Gwendolyn (White ring)
Famous Old English Names from Movies and TV
Ever seen a movie or TV show with a character who has a cool Old English name? This list is for you! Find names that people already know and love.
Aragorn (The Lord of the Rings)
Eowyn (The Lord of the Rings)
Elrond (The Lord of the Rings)
Beowulf (Beowulf)
Cedric (Harry Potter series)
Ethel (Downton Abbey)
Merlin (Merlin, various adaptations)
Grendel (Beowulf adaptations)
Rowena (Supernatural)
Leofric (The Last Kingdom)
Æthelred (The Last Kingdom)
Wulfric (Harry Potter series)
Sigurd (Vikings)
Æthelwold (The Last Kingdom)
Godric (True Blood)
Beorn (The Hobbit)
Ealdorman (The Last Kingdom)
Dunstan (Various historical dramas)
Cerdic (The Last Kingdom)
Ælswith (The Last Kingdom)
Osferth (The Last Kingdom)
Æthelflæd (The Last Kingdom)
Ethelred (Vikings)
Alfred (The Last Kingdom)
Sigtryggr (The Last Kingdom)
Brida (The Last Kingdom)
Cyneheard (The Last Kingdom)
Ubba (Vikings)
Ragnar (Vikings)
Athelstan (Vikings)
Creative Old English Names with a Twist
Feeling adventurous? This list has Old English names you can change up a bit to make them more modern. Find a name that’s both unique and awesome!
Althelia (A blend of Alfred and Amelia)
Beowelle (A fusion of Beowulf and Belle)
Cedren (A mix of Cedric and Ren)
Elwinna (A feminine twist on Elwin)
Faelan (Inspired by old English with a Gaelic touch)
Gwynetha (A creative twist on Gwyneth)
Lioric (A blend of Lior and Osric)
Merwynn (A variation of Merlin with an extra ‘n’)
Nethel (A fusion of Nigel and Ethel)
Orslyn (A blend of Orson and Roslyn)
Raela (A modern twist on Rowena)
Sibert (A twist on Sigbert)
Taelric (A fusion of Taelon and Alaric)
Ulfette (A feminine twist on Ulfred)
Vaelin (Inspired by old English with a modern sound)
Winthorpe (A playful twist on Winthrop)
Xandrya (A creative twist on Xandra)
Ylvaire (Inspired by Ylva with a unique ending)
Zephyld (A creative twist on Zephyr)
Aerthel (A blend of Æthel and Earth)
Brynston (A twist on Bryn with a modern suffix)
Cynewin (A fusion of Cyneburg and Edwin)
Daelson (A modern twist on Dael)
Elstina (A feminine twist on Elston)
Faelric (A blend of Faelan and Cedric)
Graysel (A modern twist on Griselda)
Helric (A fusion of Helena and Elric)
Ivaelle (A creative blend of Ivy and Ælflæd)
Jorwyn (Inspired by old English with a modern twist)
Kaelthor (A blend of Kael and Æthelred)
Old English Names from Books
These names come from famous stories! Imagine your child sharing a name with a brave hero or a wise king from a book.
Aragorn (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien)
Eowyn (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien)
Elrond (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien)
Beowulf (Beowulf, Anonymous)
Cedric (Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott)
Ethel (Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë)
Merlin (Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory)
Grendel (Beowulf, Anonymous)
Rowena (Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott)
Leofric (The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell)
Æthelred (The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell)
Wulfric (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)
Sigurd (The Saga of the Volsungs)
Æthelwold (The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell)
Godric (The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)
Beorn (The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien)
Dunstan (Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett)
Cerdic (The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell)
Ælswith (The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell)
Osferth (The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell)
Æthelflæd (The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell)
Ethelred (The Saxon Stories series by Bernard Cornwell)
Alfred (The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell)
Sigtryggr (The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell)
Brida (The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell)
Cyneheard (The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell)
Ubba (The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell)
Ragnar (The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell)
Athelstan (The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell)
Ever wonder what real kings and queens named their kids? This list shows you some of the coolest Old English names from history.
Ælfred (Alfred the Great, King of Wessex)
Æthelstan (Æthelstan, King of England)
Æthelred (Æthelred II, King of England)
Æthelflæd (Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians)
Æthelwulf (Æthelwulf, King of Wessex)
Beorhtwulf (Beorhtwulf, King of Mercia)
Cædmon (Cædmon, Anglo-Saxon poet)
Cynethryth (Cynethryth, Queen of Mercia)
Dunstan (Saint Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury)
Eadberht (Eadberht, King of Northumbria)
Ealdred (Ealdred, Archbishop of York)
Ecgberht (Ecgberht, King of Wessex)
Edwin (Edwin of Northumbria, King of Northumbria)
Leofric (Leofric, Earl of Mercia)
Offa (Offa, King of Mercia)
Oswiu (Oswiu, King of Northumbria)
Sigebert (Sigebert, King of Wessex)
Wulfhere (Wulfhere, King of Mercia)
Ælfgifu (Ælfgifu of Northampton, Queen of England)
Ælfric (Ælfric of Eynsham, monk and writer)
Æthelberht (Æthelberht, King of Kent)
Æthelflæd (Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians)
Æthelred (Æthelred I, King of Wessex)
Æthelstan (Æthelstan, Bishop of Elmham)
Ecgfrith (Ecgfrith, King of Northumbria)
Ealhswith (Ealhswith, Queen of Wessex)
Ælfheah (Ælfheah, Archbishop of Canterbury)
Ælfric (Ælfric of Abingdon, Archbishop of Canterbury)
Cynric (Cynric, King of Wessex)
Wulfstan (Wulfstan II, Archbishop of York)
Brave Old English Names
These names were given to warriors and strong people. They mean things like “brave” and “determined.” Pick one if you want your child to have a strong spirit!
Æthelred (Noble counsel)
Beorn (Warrior)
Cenric (Bold ruler)
Eadric (Prosperous ruler)
Godric (God’s power)
Hardwin (Brave friend)
Leofric (Beloved ruler)
Mærwynn (Famous joy)
Osric (Divine ruler)
Sigurd (Victory guardian)
Wulfstan (Wolf stone)
Æthelbeorn (Noble bear)
Beowulf (Bee wolf)
Cyneric (Royal power)
Ealdred (Old counsel)
Godwin (God’s friend)
Leofsige (Beloved victory)
Osbeorn (Divine bear)
Æthelwig (Noble warrior)
Beaduric (Warlike ruler)
Cynestan (Royal stone)
Eadwulf (Prosperous wolf)
Godgifu (God’s gift)
Leofwine (Beloved friend)
Osfrith (Divine peace)
Æthelberht (Noble and bright)
Beaduræd (Warlike counsel)
Cyneweard (Royal guard)
Eadberht (Prosperous bright)
Hrædbert (Brave counsel)
Royal Old English Names
Imagine your child feeling like a king or queen with one of these grand Old English names.
Æthelred (Noble counsel)
Alfred (Elf counsel)
Æthelstan (Noble stone)
Æthelwulf (Noble wolf)
Beorhtwulf (Bright wolf)
Cenred (Bold counsel)
Eadberht (Prosperous bright)
Ealhswith (Noble strength)
Edwin (Rich friend)
Æthelberht (Noble and bright)
Æthelbald (Noble bold)
Æthelflæd (Noble beauty)
Ecgberht (Sword bright)
Ælfreda (Elf counsel)
Oswine (God’s friend)
Cynewulf (Royal wolf)
Eadmund (Prosperous protector)
Leofric (Beloved ruler)
Æthelgyth (Noble war)
Wulfhere (Wolf army)
Æthelreda (Noble counsel)
Osbeorn (Divine bear)
Cynric (Royal power)
Eadwig (Prosperous war)
Ælfflæd (Elf beauty)
Beornheard (Brave bear)
Æthelswith (Noble strength)
Æthelweard (Noble guardian)
Godgifu (God’s gift)
Sigebert (Victory bright)
Old English Names for Girls
Looking for a beautiful name for your daughter? This list has some great choices from Old England. There are strong names and gentle names, so you can find the perfect fit.
Ælfflæd (Elf beauty)
Æthelgifu (Noble gift)
Beornwynn (Warrior joy)
Cwenburg (Queen fortress)
Eadgyth (Prosperous battle)
Æthelthryth (Noble strength)
Leofgifu (Beloved gift)
Osburga (Divine protection)
Wulfwynn (Wolf joy)
Ælfflæda (Elf beauty)
Æthelswith (Noble strength)
Beorhtsige (Bright victory)
Cynburga (Royal fortress)
Eadburh (Prosperous fortress)
Æthelburh (Noble protection)
Leofhild (Beloved battle)
Ositha (Divine strength)
Wynflæd (Joy beauty)
Ælfwynn (Elf joy)
Æthelgyth (Noble war)
Beornwyn (Warrior joy)
Cyneburg (Royal fortress)
Eadgifu (Prosperous gift)
Æthelgitha (Noble war)
Leofgyth (Beloved war)
Ælfsige (Elf victory)
Æthelwynn (Noble joy)
Godgifu (God’s gift)
Ætheldreda (Noble counsel)
Ealdgyth (Old battle)
Old English Names Inspired by Flowers
Nature lovers, rejoice! This list features Old English names inspired by beautiful flowers. Find a name that’s both pretty and full of meaning.
Ælfreeda (Elf strength) – Inspired by “Alfreda”, meaning “elf strength”
Blomm (Bloom) – A direct Old English term for flower or bloom
Lilwen (Lily white) – A variation of “Liliana”
Roswara (Rose protector) – Inspired by “Rosamund”
Primel (Primrose) – Derived from “primula”, the Latin word for primrose
Fleurith (Flourishing) – A creative twist on “fleor”, meaning flower
Rosa (Rose) – Latin origin, but widely used in Old English contexts
Bloomsige (Bloom victory) – Inspired by “Sigebert”, meaning victory bright
Flora (Flower) – Latin origin but carries floral associations
Wulfrose (Wolf rose) – Combining elements of nature
Lavendel (Lavender) – Though not native to Old English, a name inspired by the plant
Petalwynn (Petal joy) – Creative combination of “petal” and “wynn” (joy)
Blossa (Blossom) – A playful take on “blossom”
Meadowlyn (Meadow lake) – Evoking images of fields and wildflowers
Florwyn (Flower joy) – A combination of “fleor” (flower) and “wynn” (joy)
Rosemund (Rose protector) – Inspired by “Rosamund”
Bloomhild (Bloom battle) – A fusion of “bloom” and “hild” (battle)
Violette (Violet) – Though not strictly Old English, it has a vintage charm
Florfrith (Flower peace) – Combining “fleor” (flower) and “frith” (peace)
Daiswara (Daisy protector) – Inspired by the daisy flower
Tulipheah (Tulip field) – A creative name inspired by the tulip
Blossfelda (Blossom field) – A playful combination
Florenc (Florence) – Meaning “blossoming”, though of Latin origin
Wulfbloss (Wolf blossom) – A nature-inspired name
Bloompark (Bloom meadow) – Combining nature elements
Flordelis (Flower of the lily) – Combining flower and lily imagery
Bloomsire (Bloom sir) – A creative twist on nature
Liliwin (Little lily) – Inspired by “Liliana” and “win” meaning friend
Florwynne (Flower joy) – A combination of “fleor” and “wynn”
Rosewyn (Rose joy) – Combining the beauty of roses with joy
Old English Names from Nature
Does your heart belong to the outdoors? This list features Old English names inspired by nature like trees, mountains, and the wind. Choose a name that reflects your love for the natural world.
Ælfwen (Elf joy) – Inspired by elves, often associated with forests
Beornheard (Brave bear) – Drawing from the bear, a powerful forest creature
Cedric (Chieftain) – Inspired by the ancient trees and woodlands
Dunstan (Dark stone) – Reflecting the earth and landscapes
Eadlyn (Prosperous waterfall) – Inspired by water features in nature
Felden (From the field) – Directly referencing open landscapes
Garret (Mighty spear) – Drawing from plants used in herbal medicine
Heath (Heathland dweller) – Inspired by open, uncultivated land
Ivo (Yew wood) – Yew trees were significant in Old English culture
Lufæst (Beloved branch) – Combining love and tree imagery
Mærwald (Famous ruler of the forest) – Referencing forested areas
Osgar (Divine spear) – Drawing from nature and warfare
Radley (Red meadow) – Referring to vibrant landscapes
Sylfweard (Forest guardian) – Reflecting forest and woodland imagery
Thorn (Thorn bush) – Directly inspired by nature’s flora
Ulfstan (Wolf stone) – Combining animal and earth elements
Vale (Valley dweller) – Inspired by natural landscapes
Winfrith (Peaceful friend of the forest) – Reflecting peaceful coexistence with nature
Break the mold with a strong and beautiful Old English name for your daughter. These names are full of personality and perfect for a girl who isn’t afraid to stand out.
Æthelflæd (Noble beauty)
Beornwynn (Warrior joy)
Cynburh (Royal fortress)
Eadberht (Prosperous bright)
Æthelgyth (Noble war)
Leofhild (Beloved battle)
Ositha (Divine strength)
Wynflæd (Joy beauty)
Ælfwynn (Elf joy)
Æthelgitha (Noble war)
Beornwyn (Warrior joy)
Cyneburg (Royal fortress)
Eadgifu (Prosperous gift)
Æthelgifu (Noble gift)
Leofgyth (Beloved war)
Ælfsige (Elf victory)
Æthelwynn (Noble joy)
Æthelburh (Noble protection)
Eadburh (Prosperous fortress)
Ælfflæd (Elf beauty)
Beornhild (Brave battle)
Cynewise (Royal wisdom)
Eadgyth (Prosperous battle)
Æthelwyn (Noble joy)
Leofgifu (Beloved gift)
Ælfgyth (Elf battle)
Beornflæd (Warrior beauty)
Æthelsige (Noble victory)
Eadflæd (Prosperous beauty)
Æthelwynne (Noble joy)
Old English Names for Handsome Boys
Looking for a name that embodies strength and good looks? This list features Old English names that were traditionally given to boys considered handsome and brave.
Ælfred (Elf counsel)
Beornheard (Brave bear)
Cenric (Bold ruler)
Eadric (Prosperous ruler)
Godric (God’s power)
Leofric (Beloved ruler)
Osric (Divine ruler)
Sigurd (Victory guardian)
Wulfstan (Wolf stone)
Æthelbeorn (Noble bear)
Beowulf (Bee wolf)
Cyneric (Royal power)
Ealdred (Old counsel)
Godwin (God’s friend)
Leofsige (Beloved victory)
Osbeorn (Divine bear)
Æthelwig (Noble warrior)
Beaduric (Warlike ruler)
Cyneweard (Royal guard)
Eadwulf (Prosperous wolf)
Ælfsige (Elf victory)
Æthelberht (Noble and bright)
Beaduræd (Warlike counsel)
Cynric (Royal power)
Eadric (Prosperous ruler)
Godgifu (God’s gift)
Leofwine (Beloved friend)
Osfrith (Divine peace)
Æthelric (Noble ruler)
Winfrith (Friend of peace)
Cute Old English Names
Looking for a sweet and charming name for your little one? This list features adorable Old English names that are both unique and timeless.
Ælfwynn (Elf joy)
Beornie (Little bear)
Cenred (Little bold one)
Dægbert (Bright day)
Elswyth (Elf strength)
Florent (Flourishing)
Godiva (God’s gift)
Hildie (Battle)
Ivo (Yew)
Jocelyn (Joyous)
Kenelm (Brave helmet)
Lufu (Love)
Mildred (Gentle strength)
Nægel (Little nail or horn)
Ormod (Famous courage)
Ælfgifu (Elf gift)
Pæga (Bird)
Quenby (Queen’s settlement)
Rowena (Famous friend)
Sæbbe (Sea)
Þrytho (Strength)
Úna (One)
Vinia (Vine)
Wærburh (Fortified city)
Xenia (Hospitable)
Ysolt (Ice ruler)
Ætheldreda (Noble strength)
Æthelstan (Noble stone)
Baldwin (Bold friend)
Cyneburga (Royal fortress)
Clever Old English Names
Want a name that hints at intelligence and wit? This list features Old English names that have clever meanings or were given to wise characters in history.
Ælfred (Elf counsel)
Beornheard (Brave bear)
Cynwise (Royal wisdom)
Eadmund (Prosperous protector)
Godfrid (God’s peace)
Leofric (Beloved ruler)
Osmod (Divine courage)
Sigfrith (Victory protection)
Wulfsige (Wolf victory)
Æthelbeald (Noble bold)
Beaduric (Warlike ruler)
Cynewise (Royal wisdom)
Eadberht (Prosperous bright)
Godwine (God’s friend)
Leofsige (Beloved victory)
Osmund (Divine protector)
Æthelweard (Noble guardian)
Beaduwine (Warlike friend)
Cynesige (Royal victory)
Eadwacer (Prosperous watcher)
Godgifu (God’s gift)
Leofstan (Beloved stone)
Oswin (Divine friend)
Æthelgyth (Noble war)
Beornwulf (Warrior wolf)
Cynewulf (Royal wolf)
Eadgyth (Prosperous battle)
Godberht (Bright god)
Leofwine (Beloved friend)
Æthelwold (Noble ruler)
Unisex Old English Names
Can’t decide between a boy’s name or a girl’s name? This list features Old English names that can be used for either! Find a name that’s both versatile and full of history.
Ælfwynn (Elf joy)
Beorn (Warrior)
Cenred (Bold counselor)
Dæg (Day)
Ead (Prosperity)
Florent (Flourishing)
Godwine (God’s friend)
Hæg (Hedge)
Ivo (Yew)
Jocelyn (Joyous)
Kenelm (Brave helmet)
Lufu (Love)
Mild (Gentle)
Nægel (Nail or horn)
Ormod (Famous courage)
Ælfgifu (Elf gift)
Pæga (Bird)
Quenby (Queen’s settlement)
Rowan (Famous friend)
Sæbbe (Sea)
Þrytho (Strength)
Úna (One)
Vinia (Vine)
Wærburh (Fortified city)
Xenia (Hospitable)
Ysolt (Ice ruler)
Ætheldred (Noble strength)
Æthelstan (Noble stone)
Baldwin (Bold friend)
Cyneburga (Royal fortress)
Famous Old English Names
Does history inspire you? This list features well-known Old English names that belonged to kings, queens, and other important figures. Give your child a name with a royal connection!
Alfred (Alfred the Great, King of Wessex)
Beowulf (Legendary hero from the epic poem “Beowulf”)
Cædmon (Anglo-Saxon poet)
Dunstan (Saint Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury)
Eadred (King of England)
Æthelred (Æthelred II, King of England)
Eadwig (King of England)
Æthelwulf (Æthelwulf, King of Wessex)
Edwin (King of Northumbria)
Leofric (Leofric, Earl of Mercia)
Offa (Offa, King of Mercia)
Oswiu (Oswiu, King of Northumbria)
Sigurd (Viking leader)
Wulfstan (Wulfstan II, Archbishop of York)
Ælfgifu (Ælfgifu of Northampton, Queen of England)
Ælfric (Ælfric of Eynsham, monk and writer)
Æthelbeorht (Æthelbeorht of Kent, King of Kent)
Bede (Bede, historian and theologian)
Cynethryth (Cynethryth, Queen of Mercia)
Ecgberht (Ecgberht, King of Wessex)
Godgifu (Lady Godiva, Anglo-Saxon noblewoman)
Hengest (Hengest, Anglo-Saxon leader)
Ida (Ida, King of Bernicia)
Oswine (Oswine, King of Deira)
Seaxburh (Seaxburh, Queen of Wessex)
Ælfthryth (Ælfthryth, Queen of England)
Æthelflæd (Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians)
Beornwulf (Beornwulf, King of Mercia)
Cynewulf (Cynewulf, Anglo-Saxon poet)
Æthelstan (Æthelstan, King of England)
Short Old English Names:
Looking for a name that’s easy to remember and pronounce? This list features short and sweet Old English names, perfect for those who prefer a simpler style.
Alf
Beo
Cyn
Dun
Ead
Frey
God
Hal
Ivo
Joy
Ken
Lea
Mæg
Næg
Orm
Os
Pat
Rob
Sig
Tæg
Ulf
Vin
Wul
Yrs
Ælf
Æth
Ber
Cyne
Ðun
Þor
Long Old English Names:
Embrace the grandeur of a name with a rich history. This list features longer Old English names that sound regal and sophisticated.
Ælfric
Beornwulf
Cyneheard
Dunstan
Eadberht
Frithuswith
Godgifu
Hælthryth
Ivoald
Ælfthryth
Beaduric
Cynestan
Dunwallo
Eadmund
Æthelweard
Beornheard
Cynewulf
Ealdred
Ælfgifu
Beornmund
Cynebald
Eadberct
Æthelred
Beornwine
Cynewise
Eadgyth
Æthelstan
Beornwines
Cynebeorht
Eadweard
Old English Names with Religious Meanings:
For families with strong religious beliefs, this list offers Old English names with Christian or pagan meanings. Choose a name that reflects your faith and heritage.
Alfred – “Elf counsel” or “wise counselor”
Beatrice – “Bringer of joy; blessed”
Clement – “Merciful” or “gentle”
Edith – “Rich in war”
Eleanor – “Bright, shining one”
Felix – “Happy” or “fortunate”
Gabriel – “God is my strength”
Grace – “God’s favor” or “blessing”
Hilda – “Battle woman”
Isaac – “He will laugh” or “laughter”
Joan – Female version of “John”, meaning “God is gracious”
Julian – “Youthful” or “Jove’s child”
Lawrence – “From Laurentum” or “laurel”
Margaret – “Pearl”
Michael – “Who is like God?”
Nathan – “He gave”
Oswald – “God’s power”
Paul – “Small” or “humble”
Rachel – “Ewe” (symbolic of innocence and purity)
Raphael – “God has healed”
Sarah – “Princess” or “noblewoman”
Theodore – “God’s gift”
Veronica – “True image”
Vincent – “Conquering”
Wendy – Derived from “Wendelin”, meaning “wanderer” or “vagabond”
Xavier – Derived from the Basque place name “Etcheberria”, meaning “the new house”
Yvonne – Female form of “Yves”, possibly meaning “yew”
Choosing a name is a special way to welcome your little one into the world. Old English names offer a unique opportunity to pick a name that not only sounds beautiful but also carries a special meaning.
Here’s how to find an Old English name that reflects the qualities you hope your child will have:
Think about the qualities you admire: What are the things you hope your child will grow up to be? Do you want them to be strong and brave? Kind and compassionate? Wise and intelligent?
Look for names with those meanings: Many Old English names have powerful meanings. For example, the name “Aethelred” means “noble counsel,” perfect for someone you hope will be wise. “Eadgifu” means “rich gift,” a lovely choice for someone you believe will bring joy to others.
Explore resources: There are many websites and books dedicated to Old English names and their meanings. These can be a great way to find a name that speaks to you.
Considering Nicknames:
Some Old English names might seem a little long at first. But the good news is, many of them have shorter, easier-to-say nicknames! This gives you some flexibility as your child grows. Here’s why nicknames can be handy:
Easier to pronounce: Nicknames can be shorter and simpler versions of the full name, making them easier for your child and others to say, especially when they’re young.
More playful: Nicknames can sound more casual and friendly, perfect for everyday use.
Choice as they grow: As your child gets older, they might decide they prefer the full name or the nickname. It gives them the option!
Here are some examples of Old English names with cute nicknames:
Full Name: Aelfwynn (Nickname): Elfie (meaning “elf friend”)
Full Name: Eadgyth (Nickname): Edie (meaning “prosperity in war”)
Full Name: Oswald (Nickname): Oz (meaning “godly rule”)
Matching the Name with the Last Name:
Your child’s full name is a combination of their first name and last name. So, it’s important to choose a first name that sounds good alongside the last name. Here are some tips for making sure your Old English name and last name flow well together:
Say it out loud: Try saying the full name (first and last name) out loud a few times. Does it sound smooth and easy to say?
Consider the rhythm: Think about the number of syllables in each name. If both names are long, you might want to choose a shorter nickname for everyday use.
Consider the sounds: Listen to how the first and last names sound together. Do they have similar sounds that clash? For example, “Aethelred Miller” might sound a bit repetitive with the “el” sound in both names.
Mastering Pronunciation of Old English Names
Old English names can sound truly amazing, but sometimes saying them might feel a little tricky. Don’t worry, though! Here are some tips to help you master the pronunciation of your chosen Old English name:
Research is Key:
The internet is your friend! Many websites and online dictionaries specialize in Old English monikers and their pronunciations. These resources can be a lifesaver when it comes to figuring out how to say the name correctly.
Here are some things to look for when researching pronunciation:
Audio recordings: Some websites might offer audio recordings of Old English monikers being spoken. Hearing the name pronounced out loud can be incredibly helpful.
Pronunciation guides: Many resources offer written guides on how to pronounce Old English sounds. This can be especially helpful for understanding those letters or combinations that might be unfamiliar.
Syllable Breakdown:
Sometimes, breaking down a longer name into smaller chunks can make it much easier to pronounce. Here’s how syllable breakdown can help:
Think of it like clapping: Imagine clapping your hands for each syllable in a word. This helps you identify the natural breaks in the name.
Practice each syllable: Once you’ve identified the syllables, try saying them one at a time. Focus on getting each syllable right before putting them all together.
Here are some examples of breaking down Old English names by syllable:
Aethelred: Aet-hel-red (3 syllables)
Eadgifu: Ead-gi-fu (3 syllables)
Wulfgar: Wulf-gar (2 syllables)
Practice Makes Perfect:
The more you say the name, the more comfortable you’ll become with it. Here’s how practicing can help:
Say it out loud: Practice saying the name by yourself a few times a day.
Say it with your partner: Once you feel comfortable, try saying the name with your partner. Encourage them to research and practice the pronunciation too!
Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try saying the name with a different emphasis on each syllable to see what sounds best to you.
Additional Tips for Choosing Perfect Old English Names
Choosing a name is a special way to connect your child to your family history. Here’s how you can use your family tree for inspiration:
Dig into your family history: Do you have any ancestors with interesting or beautiful names? Maybe a great-grandmother named “Aelfwynn” or a strong grandfather named “Wulfric.”
See if a name fits: If you find an Old English name in your family history that you love, consider using it for your little one. It’s a lovely way to honor your heritage and give your child a unique name with a special meaning.
Say it Out Loud:
Finding the perfect first name is just part of the equation! Here’s why saying the full name out loud is important:
Try it with different middle names: Many parents choose a middle name for their child. Once you’ve picked a first name, try saying it out loud with a few different middle names. See which combinations sound the smoothest and flow the best together.
Hear how it sounds: Saying the full name out loud helps you get a feel for how it will sound when you call your child’s name.
Trust Your Gut:
Choosing a name is a big decision, but it’s ultimately a personal one. Here’s what matters most:
Love the name: The most important thing is that you and your partner love the name you choose. It’s a name you’ll be saying for years to come, so make sure it feels right for you.
Feel confident saying it: You want to feel comfortable and happy saying your child’s name in any situation. If you’re still unsure about the pronunciation, keep researching and practicing until you feel confident.
Conclusion
Picking a name for your little one is exciting, but with so many choices, it can be tricky! This guide has been your friend on that journey. We’ve explored the wonders of Old English names, names full of history and meaning.
Inside, you’ll find heaps of ideas for both boys and girls, from strong and brave names to beautiful and gentle ones. We’ve even got tips on how to find the perfect name that reflects your values and sounds great with your last name. Plus, we’ve helped you conquer any worries about tricky pronunciations!
FAQs
People don’t use Old English names much anymore because things changed over time. When new groups of people came to England, they brought different names, and those names became more popular.
Some people are starting to use Old English names again, but they’re still not as popular as other names. Some parents like using them to remember the past or to have a different name for their child.
