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Medieval Girl Names: Transforming the Top 25

August 1, 2020 By appellationmountain 31 Comments

Medieval Girl NamesMedieval girl names sometimes feel right at home in the twenty-first century. Alice, Emma, and Katherine fit in a thirteenth century English village. But they sound at-home in a kindergarten in twenty-first century Chicago, too.

Names change, but also? They stay the same.

Just for fun, let’s imagine that we possess a glorious machine called the Medievalizer. Sounds like a torture device, right? But this machine transforms the most popular choices from our era into medieval girl names.

And if they’re already medieval girl names? Well, it makes them even medieval-er.

It also strives to make them wearable – at least a little – for our time. Amaltrude is legit medieval, but maybe not likely to appeal to parents naming a daughter now.

Of course, this list thrives on a healthy dose of fantasy. Many of these names fit a fictional heroine better than an actual person from the twelfth century. But then, we can’t actually time travel, either.

Enjoy!

ABIGAIL –> AMABEL

This name existed in the Middle Ages, but it sounds more like a contemporary choice – or maybe a Colonial one. Instead of Abigail, how about Ambael? It’s the forerunner of Annabelle and Mabel, and it has a great meaning: loving.

ARIA –> ELISARIA

Musical word name Aria is a twenty-first century favorite, heard in Pretty Little Liars and Game of Thrones. While it’s a modern innovation, the sound exists in several medieval girl names. Elisaria, a mix of Elizabeth and a German element, and spotted in France, seems promising.

AVA and AVERY –> AVEZA

Plenty of Av- names were heard in the Middle Ages, probably derived from the Germanic element avi – desired. As time passed, they became associated with the Latin avis – bird. But that’s a whole other list!

CAMILA –> QUITERIA

A legendary warrior maiden in Virgil’s Aeneid, Camilla persisted in Italian, as well as other European languages, across the centuries. It’s hard to transform it, besides opting for the double-L spelling. Though for something more obscure that sounds medieval-ish, there’s Quiteria. The name of a fifth century saint, it’s originally associated with the goddess Aphrodite.

CHARLOTTE –> CELESTINA

You probably know that the Germanic Carl became the French Charles, leading to feminine form Charlotte. It’s also cousin to Caroline. But none of the feminine forms surface in the Middle Ages – at least not in the records available. Instead, Celestina sounds just different enough to suit, and it was heard – at least in Latin – in the right era.

CHLOE –> CLOTILDE

Once again, the Greek Chloe was not unknown in the Middle Ages. But Clotilde – also spelled Clothilde – feels more at home in the age. Maybe that’s because in the earliest days of the Middle Ages, Clotilde was wife to Clovis I, King of the Franks. She converted her husband – and their countrymen – to Christianity, and is considered a saint.

ELIZABETH –> ELISENDE

Elizabeth works, of course, but for something with that Great Hall vibe, how about Elisende or Elisenda? The name belonged to a fourteenth queen of Aragon, and she inherited it from her mother. It likely has Visigothic roots.

ELLA –> BELLAFLOR

Several of the El- names mentioned on this list might serve, but Ella appeared in some gorgeous compound medieval girl names. Bellaflor (and Florabel) sound like fanciful blasts from the past.

EMILY –> CECILY

Emily requires no alteration, but for something less expected, how about Cecily? Latin records typically recorded the name as Cecilia, but Cecily would’ve been the everyday use form during the Middle Ages. It shares Emily’s rhythm, but feels a little surprising.

EMMA –> EMELISSE

It doesn’t seem logical that Emma would be found among medieval girl names, but it was wildly popular. From the Germanic element ermen, meaning strong, it appeared in at least a dozen compound names. But authentically medieval picks like Ermentrude don’t feel terribly wearable. Instead, how about Emmelise? It appears on this list – and almost nowhere else. Emmeline and Emmelina would be safer bets, but Emelisse intrigues.

EVELYN –> AVELINA

Another avi name, Avelina came from Avila – desired. It was whispered down the alley into Evelyn over the year. Now Evelyn seems like the traditional choice, and Avelina the gussied-up innovation.

GRACE –> GRACIA

Grace names proved popular in the Middle Ages, and they remain so today. But while Grace tops contemporary charts, we’ve almost forgotten some lovely rarities. Gratiana comes from the Latin word gratus. There’s also Gratiosa. Though perhaps Gracia is the most accessible of them all.

HARPER –> HILDEGARD

Some medieval girl names are reached with minor transformation. But Harper, a surname name boosted by a twentieth century novelist, requires more significant renovation. Hildegard retains the first initial, but it also feels tailored and strong. It might be my favorite transformation on the list.

ISABELLA –> ISABEAU

No question that Isabel and Isabella would’ve been right at home in the Middle Ages. But for something on the throwback side, how about Isabeau? It’s another form of the name, one that’s mostly forgotten now. Fans of A Discovery of Witches might think of Ysabeau, the vampire matriarch of the de Clermont family. Other elegant options from the right age include Isolde, Idonia, and Belsante.

LEAH –> LELLA

In medieval Italy, any name ending in Ella might be shortened to Lella. It has the same breezy, brief sound of Leah. Of course, Leah also has Biblical status and a long history of use. If that’s a consideration, names like Leticia and Leolina might appeal.

LILY –> FLORENCIA

For sound, the lovely Lily probably becomes Lella, too. And Lily almost certainly existed in the Middle Ages – but as a nickname for Elizabeth. (Yup. Lillian came later.) But if it’s the floral vibe that charms, then Florencia might be a better bet. A few botanical names, like Eglantine – sweet brier – also were in use. So was Susanna, which literally means Lily. But Florencia might strike the best balance between being an throwback to the year 1200, as well as a name at home today.

LUNA –> LUCERIA and LUCINA

Lu and Lou names abound. Lucida comes directly from the Latin lucidus – clear, shining. Lucina sounds like a diminutive form of Lucia, and maybe it sometimes was. But there’s also a Roman title Lucina, applied to both Juno and Diana. It was associated with childbirth, as well as the moon. That last part takes us full circle to Luna – and makes Lucina a great medieval version of the name.

MADISON –> MATILDA and MAUDE

Matilda might strike you as Australian. Or bring to mind the Roald Dahl character. But long before we waltzed or met the Wormwood family, Matilda of Flanders was the wife of William the Conqueror. They (probably) named one of their daughters Matilda, too. As for Maude, it sounds like a different name, but it’s actually cousin to Matilda, used interchangeably to refer to women by the name throughout the Middle Ages.

MIA and MILA –> IDA and MILLICENT

If a short, compact name appeals, then Ida steps in for modern minis like Mia and Mila. But sound might also suggest Millicent. Another Germanic name with a no-nonsense meaning – work and strong – Millicent is familiar, but rare, in this century.

OLIVIA –> ORIANA

Olivia comes from Shakespeare, so it’s only fitting that another literary invention substitute. Oriana appeared in the fourteenth century romance Amadis of Gaul. In the tale, Oriana is heir to the British throne. It was sometimes used to refer to Queen Elizabeth I, as in The Triumphs of Oriana, a collection of madrigals celebrating her reign. It means golden.

PENELOPE –> PETRONELLA

Another long and elaborate P name, Petronella substitutes nicely for Penelope. Petronella or Petronilla come from Petronius, an old Roman family name. It’s as elaborate as Antonella or Isabella, but rare enough to feel nicely old school.

SCARLETT –> SIBYL

Maybe some medieval girl names mean red, and could work here every bit as well. But for style and sound, Sybil feels like a perfect alternative. The spelling Sybil has fared better in recent centuries, but it’s so uncommon than either works well.

SOFIA and SOPHIA –> SAFIRA, SAPHIRA, and SAPPHIRA

You might stick with Sophia, but medieval girl names starting with S abound. Sapphira, borrowed from the New Testament, is a favorite. Sabina and Sidonie also replace Sophia/Sofia nicely.

VICTORIA –> VALASCA

Plenty of V medieval girl names exist, but let’s end with something truly obscure. In Bohemian legend, Valasca was a tougher-than-tough warrior woman, pledged to protect the princess Libussa. (The princess would go on to, among other things, found Prague.) It’s quirky, obscure, strong, and yes, medieval.

SOURCES

The original version of this post relied on the extensive lists at the Medieval Names Archive, Kate Monk’s Onomastikon, and The Middle Ages. The Dictionary of Medieval Names from European Sources proved the biggest resource for the 2020 revision. It’s marvelous, and you should absolutely check it out!

First published on January 20, 2012, this post was revised substantially and re-published on August 1, 2020.

medieval girl names

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Comments

  1. C in DC says

    April 2, 2021 at 10:59 AM

    I recently read a book where Isabeau was spelled Ysabo. Elisaria is swoon-worthy. I love Graciela as a longer version of Grace. Finally, I can’t imagine reverting Audrey to the medieval Ethelred, but with Evelyn and Edith on the rise, I can see Ethel returning eventually.

    Reply
  2. shellezbellez says

    April 2, 2021 at 10:32 AM

    I love, love, love Clothilde…and it’s not unheard of in Louisiana!

    Reply
  3. Sara says

    August 2, 2020 at 9:01 PM

    Oh My, I LOVE Amabel. Especially as I could stretch it and slightly use it to honor my sister Amy. Do you think it would constantly get confused with Annabel thought? And is it too similar to Mabel if you happen to also be close to a Mabel?

    Reply
    • appellationmountain says

      August 3, 2020 at 11:46 AM

      Yes, Amabel is gorgeous! And would probably be confused for Annabelle! One of the children on Big Little Lies is Amabella. (Renata’s daughter.) So maybe we’ll hear more of that?

      Reply
  4. Ivy says

    August 1, 2020 at 6:19 PM

    This is such a fun list!

    I’ve loved Isabeau ever since Lady Hawk

    Reply
    • appellationmountain says

      August 3, 2020 at 11:47 AM

      How could I forget about Lady Hawk!?

      Reply
  5. C in DC says

    January 22, 2013 at 1:07 PM

    Love Emmelise!

    Reply
  6. Sarah says

    January 21, 2013 at 12:59 AM

    Thanks, Abby, for the very interesting read! I have known many Graces but only one Gracia in real life. Lots of interesting names here!

    Reply
  7. Dellitt says

    January 21, 2012 at 5:13 AM

    would you consider doing one of these posts, but for the top 25 boy names?

    Reply
  8. Mere Mere says

    January 21, 2012 at 12:32 AM

    What a great naming exercise. Love the Medievalizer! I, too, am digging Belsante. Someone needs to use that, and soon!! And Amabel…I’m surprised how much I like that.

    Reply
  9. kburgan220 says

    January 20, 2012 at 5:02 PM

    I’m loving the throw back names 🙂 Elysande, Matilda, Isabeau & Aleydis are wonderful!

    More suggestions:
    Sophia/Sofia….Sophronia
    Nevaeh….Would Mattea be found in the middle ages?

    Reply
    • Dellitt says

      January 21, 2012 at 5:12 AM

      make that Niamh

      Reply
  10. Julie says

    January 20, 2012 at 4:50 PM

    How about Agnes for Abigail? And Heloise or Helena for Hailey?

    There was an Ailith in a novel I read last year. The character was horrible, but I couldn’t get over how stunning the name was.

    Any chance we could get a Fetching Names in the vein of the Hermiones, but for boys? I’m always falling in love with the girls names, but I struggle with the boys… so of course we’re expecting a little guy in July. 🙂

    Reply
    • Dellitt says

      January 21, 2012 at 5:11 AM

      Agnes was my thought too, possibly Agatha? Angharad?
      Niamv for Neveah

      Reply
    • appellationmountain says

      January 21, 2012 at 11:38 AM

      Wow, let me think about Hermiones for boys – that’s a fun challenge!

      Reply
  11. Elea says

    January 20, 2012 at 1:02 PM

    *sigh* I love medieval names. The obscurer the better. Aidric, Merewen and Endelyn are some of my longstanding favourites. I also have a think for the Mel- and Adel- names.

    Reply
  12. rockingfetal says

    January 20, 2012 at 9:32 AM

    Ottilie for Natalie?

    Reply
    • appellationmountain says

      January 20, 2012 at 10:01 AM

      Genius. Of course!

      Reply
      • rockingfetal says

        January 20, 2012 at 1:39 PM

        I love Ottilie. I wish it was a little more familiar to people. I’m not sure they would get it. I like the nickname Lottie for it. Natalie really doesn’t do anything for me though. I think it’s the Nat.

        Reply
  13. Emily says

    January 20, 2012 at 9:12 AM

    I’m intrigued by Mabley. Sounds modern but I love the fact that it has deep routes 🙂 Definitely one for my list.

    Reply
    • appellationmountain says

      January 20, 2012 at 10:45 AM

      I haven’t found a good explanation of why this happened, but SO many names that were recorded with a Latinate -a ending were actually used with a -y ending. Cecilia/Cecily, for example. Mabley – one that I love, too! – would’ve come out of the Amabel family, but I’m not exactly sure how.

      Reply
  14. Leah says

    January 20, 2012 at 8:23 AM

    I’m not so sure you’re right about Leah. It’s an ancient Biblical name and has been in circulation, at least by Jewish families, for hundreds of years.

    – a Leah

    Reply
    • appellationmountain says

      January 20, 2012 at 10:43 AM

      You know, you might be right. I don’t see her in the few records of Jewish women’s names from the Middle Ages that I’ve found … but then, there just aren’t that many records. I do see Rachel and Esther, as well as a bunch of variations on Miriam. It may have been used been relatively uncommon – or used but just in places where the written record is limited.

      Reply
  15. i.heart.nerds says

    January 20, 2012 at 7:19 AM

    I keep getting smacked in the face by Belsante. It’s like she OS calling out to me ‘use me, use me’. I may just have to use her.
    My sister Maddy’s best friends name is Sabine. I think it is a lovely name.
    Elysande, Aelis and Amabel strike me as unusual but perfectly wearable.

    Reply
  16. SkyeRhyly says

    January 20, 2012 at 7:01 AM

    You’d find a Nicola? I’m pretty sure that was male in origin (still is today).

    From the list I liked Havisa, Leticia, Lilias, Adela, Oriana and Sapphira the most. I actually prefer Sapphira or Safira more than Sapphire.

    Reply
    • appellationmountain says

      January 20, 2012 at 10:31 AM

      Like many names, Nicola is legitimately gender neutral – has been for ages. Nicola is masculine in Italian and Nikola can be found in several Slavic languages. But Nicola also developed as a feminine form of Nicholas in many languages – Latin, for one, but also German and several Slavic languages. It certainly wasn’t a common name for women, but it does appear in the record. (Unlike Nevaeh – though who knows? There might be something similar out there that I didn’t find …)

      The tricky thing, of course, is that many people probably had their names recorded only a time or two, and the name recorded wasn’t necessarily as it would have been used in the vernacular. We find Amicia recorded, but Amice or Amy was probably what the woman would’ve considered her name … So, no, Nicola isn’t an exclusively masculine name that has been stolen, but it wasn’t common, either. Then again, Nicholas has fared best in English in very recent decades, so that’s another factor to consider.

      Reply
      • Nook of Names says

        January 22, 2012 at 7:40 AM

        In the Middle Ages, it was common for girls to be given boys name (not a new phenomenon), but when their names were recorded in documents, as Latin was used, the Latin feminine was employed. Thus a woman called Nicola in a Latin doc would almost certainly have gone by Nicholas — which was still found as a girl’s name in Scotland as late as the nineteenth century. Same is true for most medieval Alexandras, Philippas, etc. Queen Philippa of Hainault, for instance, is referred to as “Philip” in contemporary English language documents.

        Reply
  17. Angie @ Upswing Baby Names.com says

    January 20, 2012 at 5:47 AM

    I’ve loved Cecily for a while now, but I’m adding Belsante, Simona, and Ismay to my list!

    Reply
  18. shanamah says

    January 20, 2012 at 2:21 AM

    I love Aldith, Annora, Rohese, Peronel, & Gytha.
    It’s not quite my style, but I’m surprised Tacey hasn’t made a comeback–it just sounds so modern!

    Reply

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