Fairytale princess names sound just right trying on a glass slipper or singing with animated blue birds in the forest. They’re romantic, exotic, and almost entirely unexpected. Because for every Belle, we can list names like Cinderella (or the French Cendrillon), Rapunzel, and Merida.
And if you move beyond Disney? There’s Buttercup from The Princess Bride, Eilonwy from Lloyd Alexander’s The Chronicles of Prydain, and, of course, Game of Thrones’ Daenerys.
So let’s say we were put in charge of naming a fictional princess. What would rise to the top of the list? I’d favor fairytale princess names that blend the medieval and the fanciful. Some names lean more romantic; others, adventurous. But that suits the range of modern princesses, from Elena to Mulan. So callbacks to an earlier time work, but so do bold, unexpected modern finds. And they have to span all of Europe – perhaps even the globe.
These are my dozen picks for fictional fairytale princess names.
BELSANTE
It might be medieval variant of Elizabeth and Isabella, or maybe an old Germanic name. Either way, Belsante sounds right at home with Beauty and the Beast’s princess perfect Belle. And yet, the more elaborate form feels regal and throwback. Along the same lines, Isabeau seems like a name right at home in a medieval woodcut illustration.
BRIAR
Before Disney named Sleeping Beauty Aurora, the princess often answered to Briar Rose in tellings of her tale. Briar has that edgy, modern feel of modern nature names like Winter or Bay, but a long history of use in stories argues that it’s no novelty.
CLARIMOND
The first syllable probably comes from the Latin clarus, clear. Since fairy tale princess names are always noble and clear of purpose, any name related to Claire and company feels like a good fit.
DULCINEA
Dulcinea is Don Quixote’s fictional maiden fair, derived from the Spanish dulce – sweet. Similar names were in use in medieval England, and 90s indie rockers Toad the Wet Sprocket gave the name to their hit 1994 album. It would make a logical pick for a princess. A similar sounding option is the ancient Drusilla, though Joss Whedon gave it to an evil vampire. Factor in Dulcinea’s meaning, and it’s tough to believe this name hasn’t been drawn in a ballgown and tiara yet.
EVERILD
It’s the Latin version of a name worn by a seventh-century Anglo-Saxon saint, also written as Everilda and Averil. If you’re anticipating a happy ending, what’s better than having the word “ever” in your given name?
GWENLLIAN
A medieval Welsh name, Gwenllian combines elements meaning fair and flaxen. There’s a heroic twelfth century princess, known for her beauty and her bravery. Gwen makes it accessible, but Gwenllian shimmers with a mix of history and unexpected sounds.
JESSAMY
Jasmine found a whole new world with Aladdin. Why not this more elaborate form? It sounds both modern and old school at once, as does related name Jessamine.
KATRIN
Not every fairy tale name is frilly, and this Northern European short form of Katherine feels like one you might find in a Swedish fairy tale. The elaboration Katrinka also feels at home in an other-worldly story, one with plenty of ice and snow.
SVETLANA
Best for a Slavic character, of course, but there’s no shortage of those. Like a few other names on this list, she’s a relatively modern innovation, coined for an 1813 poem. But her meaning – from svet, light – is princess-perfect.
THALASSA
You might expect Thalassa to be the evil stepsister or faithful servant instead of the romantic lead. But Thalassa is a primordial Greek goddess of the oceans, making it every bit as seaworthy as the red-headed Ariel.
TOURMALINE
Most gemstone names feel fairly mainstream, from Ruby to Pearl. But Tourmaline – first brought to Europe by the Dutch East India Company – is seldom heard. The word wasn’t used in English until the mid-1700s, so perhaps Tourmaline would be out of place in a story set in the Middle Ages. But it still feels rich with poential.
VIVIENNE
One of the Jolie-Pitt twins and a name sometimes used in Arthurian legend for the Lady of the Lake, Vivienne is, far and away, the most popular name on this list. But there’s something powerful about names derived from the Latin vivus – alive.
Those are my dozen picks for fairytale princess names. What would you name a fictional character destined for a crown? And do any of these work for a real girl, too?
First published on November 3, 2011, this post was revised substantially on October 13, 2019.
Abby-Giselle was Amy Adams character in Enchanted, not Happily Ever After!
Anywho, I have been in love with Jessamine for ages, and has been on my list for that long as well. However, with a sister-in-law named Jessica, that one might not be as usable as it once was. I also adore Aurora, nicknamed Rory. Sleeping Beauty is my favorite fairy tale story. Other ideas: Corisande, Lysandra, Theodosia, Genevra, Sidonie, Leonora…
Abby…Amy Adams played Giselle in Enchanted…not Happily Ever After!
Anywho, I love Jessamine. It has been on my list forever! I am also madly in love with Aurora, nn Rory, as Sleeping Beauty is my favorite Disney Princess movie. Other ideas: Corisande, Lysandra, Theodosia, Genevra…
Ginevra got on my list after I found out it was Ginny Weasley’s first name.
I love Jessamyn. Averil and Ghislaine are lovely too. Godfrey and Godlieve are two of my name nerd loves that I could never use on a child.
I have said it before and I will say it again, Belsante us a fabulous name!
I like most of these names and think they would work as an alternative to the popular Isabella, Gabrielle, Evangeline or Angelina because they are frilly and elaborate without being over used.
I have been considering Jessamine seriously lately, but probably for the middle spot since it doesn’t quite fit with a sister named Agatha.
The other day at an arts and crafts store I was served at the checkout by a young woman named Briar. I had to restrain myself, I wanted to know all about her name, I love seeing names like that in use! Unfortunately they were trying to close and I didn’t want to keep her late for such a thing.
I have a long-standing weakness for Artemisia, ever since reading about Artemisia Gentileschi in a history class. She was an artist, not a princess, but it’s certainly a princess-sounding name. Also, she was a certified badass and specialized in painting other badass women.
I actually do know a little girl IRL named Cinderella, sister to Ariel, Belle, and Aurora.
Oh, that’s just cruel about the sisters.
I know a Cinbrella with a b. Her sisters are Shandella and Priscilla.
one of my best friends has a sister-in-law named Tinkabell (and yes that’s her legal name)
Artemisia has been a long standing favorite of mine. I first saw a movie about Gentileschi and then did research becouse she is just so interesting.
Artemisia Gentileschi is one of my very favorite artists. I also love her name!
Artemisia of Caria was also the only female captain in the Battle of Salamis. Artemisia is pretty high on our list of middle names.
Katrin and Vivienne? Love! I also like Aurora, but it sounds weird with my and the boyfriend’s last name. Ella, as in Cinderella or Ella Enchanted us not overtly princessy, but still has that connection. I’ve also always found Melisande was regal-sounding.
Oh, princess-y names make my heart sing. My favorites:
Constantina, Artemisia, Corisande, Tourmaline, Opaline, Apollonia, Anastasia, Bellissa, Concordia, Coraline, Eglantine, Evangeline/Evangelina, Marcheline, Nessarose, Primrose
After reading this I am taken with Briar, as a middle name.
Me too! I especially love it as a subtle nod to my birth flower, the rose!
I have a longstanding love affair with the name Lucasta (a Lucy variant with a long and distinguished English Lit history). Araminta is another obscure but regal sounding name. Oh and Melisande. Love Melisande.
I didn’t read your post before I submitted mine! I am enthralled with Melisande, but the boyfriend HATES it. Sigh.
I love Melisande too. But Millicent was the evil witch in Sleeping Beauty, so it is somewhat taken. I thik Tourmaline, Everild and Clairmond are my favorites from this list. Clairmond brings to mind Prince Charmont “Char” from Ella Enchanted. Cordelia/Cornelia would be another good one though Cordelia was used by Joss in Buffy as well.
I read a fairy tale that was set in Transylvania, I loved the five sister’s names: Jenica, Tatiana, Iulia, Paula & Stela.
the original Cordelia was the youngest daughter of King Lear.
And I love Lettice!
Wasn’t the evil witch in Sleeping Beauty Maleficent?
I like some of the medieval French variant names: you have an Alys who was also known as Alais, an Isabella also called Avisa or Hadwisa, several princesses named simply Alix, and of course Berengaria. (Much, much later, Josephine’s granddaughter was named Theodolinde.) Charlemagne’s family tree is also wonderful for names: Rotrude, Alpaida, Desiderata, Fastrada, Theodrada, and Luitgard.
He did have a concubine named Regina, too, which seems like such a waste of a name for a queen. Like the other week, I saw someone’s Vespa, license plate Vespa. Like getting the word “person” tattooed on your forehead.
I have a great aunt named Araminta so it is on our list for muddled. I also have a great aunt Lettice.
Oops middle.
KatieB- The evil witch in Sleeping Beauty is Maleficent, not Millicent.