Crafting a believable historical character starts with selecting the right name; a seemingly simple task that carries lot of weight in historical fiction, role playing games or academic writing.
Medieval names aren’t just labels – they’re magical portals into a world of knights, castles, and hidden social stories.
Stretching from the 5th to the 15th century, these names are like time-traveling whispers that reveal the intricate tapestry of medieval life, where every syllable carried the weight of social hierarchy, cultural identity, and personal history.
During this time last names changed from simple descriptions to family names passed down through generations. These names often showed a person’s job where they lived, who their parents were, or what made them stand out.
From noble knights and wise scholars to humble peasants and mystical sorcerers, medieval names reflect a rich cultural and linguistic heritage.
This comprehensive guide will explore over 350 medieval names, providing insights into their origins, meanings, and historical significance.
Medieval Naming Conventions
The Middle Ages, spanning roughly from 500 to 1500 CE, saw a complex interplay of factors influencing the selection and bestowal of names.
Religious traditions played a significant role, with many children named after saints or biblical figures. For example Mary (Mother of Jesus), John (Apostle), Peter (Disciple).
Family history mattered too, and names often went down from parents to children over many years.
Often, families gave the firstborn sons names that echoed their fathers or paternal grandpas. Take “Johnson” as an example – it screams “John’s kiddo.” On the flip side, the youngest kids got their names from mom’s side of the family.
Occupational backgrounds sometimes influenced naming, especially in lower classes. Think “Smith” or “Baker,” pretty straightforward right? Different areas had their own ways of picking names.
Cultural exchanges, particularly during events like the Norman Conquest, introduced new names to different areas.
These influences combined to create a rich tapestry of naming conventions that reflected the complex social, cultural, and religious landscape of medieval Europe.
Cool Medieval Names for Boys (With Meanings)
- Aldwin – “old friend, wise protector”
- Bartholomew – “son of the furrow”
- Constantine – “steadfast, constant”
- Drake – “dragon or snake”
- Edmund – “blessed protection”
- Falconer – “keeper of falcons”
- Galahad – “castle on high ground”
- Hugh – “mind, spirit”
- Ignatius – “fiery one”
- Jasper – “treasurer”
- Knox – “from the hills”
- Lancelot – “servant”
- Magnus – “great one”
- Nero – “strong, vigorous”
- Octavian – “eighth born”
- Percival – “one who pierces the valley”
- Quentin – “fifth”
- Roland – “famous throughout the land”
- Sebastian – “revered”
- Thaddeus – “heart, courageous”
- Uther – “terrible warrior“
- Vincent – “conquering”
- Wolfgang – “traveling wolf”
- Xavier – “new house”
- Yves – “yew wood”
- Zachary – “remembered by God”
- Alaric – “ruler of all”
- Baldwin – “bold friend”
- Cedric – “kindly and loved”
- Dominic – “belonging to the Lord”
- Elric – “noble ruler”
- Frederick – “peaceful ruler”
- Godfrey – “God’s peace”
- Harold – “army ruler”
- Igor – “warrior of peace”
- Julius – “youthful”
- Kendrick – “royal power”
- Leopold – “bold people”
- Matthias – “gift of God”
- Nicholas – “victory of the people”
Royal and Noble Medieval Names
These names carry rich historical and cultural significance, often associated with nobility, leadership, and royal lineages across different civilizations and time periods.
- Alexander – Greek origin, meaning “defender of mankind”; associated with Alexander the Great
- Edward – English origin, meaning “wealthy guardian”; name of multiple English kings
- Henry – Germanic origin, meaning “home ruler”; popular among European monarchs
- Charles – Germanic origin, meaning “free man”; name of many European kings
- William – Germanic origin, meaning “resolute protection”; name of numerous royal figures
- Louis – French origin, meaning “famous warrior”; name of French monarchs
- Richard – Germanic origin, meaning “brave ruler”
- George – Greek origin, meaning “farmer” or “earthworker”; name of British monarchs
- Philip – Greek origin, meaning “lover of horses”
- Arthur – Celtic origin, meaning “bear” or “noble”; legendary king of Britain
- Elizabeth – Hebrew origin, meaning “God is my oath”; name of multiple queens
- Catherine – Greek origin, meaning “pure”
- Victoria – Latin origin, meaning “victory”
- Eleanor – Greek origin, meaning “light”
- Isabella – Hebrew origin, meaning “devoted to God”
- Margaret – Greek origin, meaning “pearl”
- Anne – Hebrew origin, meaning “grace”
- Sophia – Greek origin, meaning “wisdom”
- Mary – Hebrew origin, meaning “bitter” or “beloved”
- Charlotte – French origin, meaning “free man”
- Constantine – Latin origin, meaning “constant, steadfast”; name of Roman emperors
- Leopold – Germanic origin, meaning “brave people”
- Maximilian – Latin origin, meaning “greatest”
- Frederick – Germanic origin, meaning “peaceful ruler”
- Rudolf – Germanic origin, meaning “famous wolf”
- Albert – Germanic origin, meaning “noble, bright”
- Edmund – English origin, meaning “prosperous protection”
- Reginald – Latin origin, meaning “king’s advisor”
- Sebastian – Greek origin, meaning “venerable, revered”
- Archibald – Germanic origin, meaning “genuine, bold”
- Maximilian – Latin origin, meaning “greatest”
- Anastasia – Greek origin, meaning “resurrection”
- Leonidas – Greek origin, meaning “lion-like”
- Cleopatra – Greek origin, meaning “glory of the father”
- Xerxes – Persian origin, meaning “ruler over heroes”
- Beatrice – Latin origin, meaning “she who brings happiness”
- Roderick – Germanic origin, meaning “famous power”
- Guinevere – Welsh origin, meaning “white wave”
- Cyrus – Persian origin, meaning “sun”
- Arabella – Latin origin, meaning “yielding to prayer”
Medieval Commoner and Peasant Names
These names reflect the diverse social landscape of medieval Europe, representing individuals from agricultural, craft, and service backgrounds.
Many names carried meanings of strength, resilience, and hope, reflecting the challenging lives of medieval commoners.
- John – Hebrew origin, meaning “God is gracious”; most common medieval name
- Thomas – Aramaic origin, meaning “twin”
- William – Germanic origin, meaning “resolute protection”
- Robert – Germanic origin, meaning “bright fame”
- Richard – Germanic origin, meaning “brave ruler”
- Peter – Greek origin, meaning “rock” or “stone”
- Roger – Germanic origin, meaning “famous spear”; common among rural workers
- Martin – Latin origin, meaning “dedicated to Mars”
- Adam – Hebrew origin, meaning “man” or “earth”; symbolic of common humanity
- Henry – Germanic origin, meaning “home ruler”
- Alice – Germanic origin, meaning “noble” or “of noble kind”
- Margaret – Greek origin, meaning “pearl”; common among working-class women
- Agnes – Greek origin, meaning “pure” or “holy”
- Joan – Hebrew origin, feminine form of John, meaning “God is gracious”
- Emma – Germanic origin, meaning “universal” or “whole”
- Matilda – Germanic origin, meaning “strength in battle”
- Ellen – Greek origin, meaning “light”
- Isabel – Hebrew origin, meaning “devoted to God”
- Rose – Latin origin, referring to the flower; symbolizing simplicity
- Katherine – Greek origin, meaning “pure”
- Walter – Germanic origin, meaning “ruler of the army”; often used by servants
- Simon – Hebrew origin, meaning “he has heard”; common among laborers
- Nicholas – Greek origin, meaning “victory of the people”
- Stephen – Greek origin, meaning “crown” or “garland”
- Edward – English origin, meaning “wealthy guardian”
- Hugh – Germanic origin, meaning “mind” or “intellect”
- Geoffrey – Germanic origin, meaning “peace pledge”
- Lawrence – Latin origin, meaning “from Laurentum”
- Gregory – Greek origin, meaning “watchful” or “alert”
- Daniel – Hebrew origin, meaning “God is my judge”
- Bartholomew – Aramaic origin, meaning “son of Talmai”
- Edmund – English origin, meaning “prosperous protection”
- Ralph – Germanic origin, meaning “wolf counsel”
- Gilbert – Germanic origin, meaning “bright pledge”
- Clement – Latin origin, meaning “merciful”
- Vincent – Latin origin, meaning “conquering”
- Bernard – Germanic origin, meaning “brave as a bear”
- Gerald – Germanic origin, meaning “rule of the spear”
- Edwin – English origin, meaning “rich friend”
- Oswald – Germanic origin, meaning “divine power”
Cool Medieval Names for Girls (With Meanings)
In medieval times, girls had different jobs than boys. They learned home skills like sewing and cooking. Some girls went to school or became nuns.
Noble girls were taught to marry for kingdom alliances. Some brave women became warrior princesses, showing they could do more than expected.
- Adelaide – “noble kind”
- Beatrice – “she who brings happiness”
- Celestine – “heavenly”
- Damaris – “gentle girl”
- Eleanor – “shining light”
- Felicity – “happiness”
- Guinevere – “fair and smooth”
- Helena – “bright, shining one”
- Isolde – “ice ruler”
- Juliana – “youthful”
- Katherine – “pure”
- Lucinda – “light”
- Matilda – “strength in battle”
- Nimue – “memory”
- Octavia – “eighth born”
- Philippa – “lover of horses”
- Quintessa – “fifth”
- Rosalind – “gentle horse”
- Sybilla – “prophetess”
- Theodora – “gift of God”
- Ursula – “little bear”
- Vivian – “alive”
- Winifred – “blessed peace”
- Xenia – “hospitality”
- Yolanda – “violet flower”
- Zara – “princess”
- Adela – “noble”
- Blanche – “white”
- Constance – “steadfast”
- Diana – “divine”
- Edith – “rich in war”
- Florence – “flowering”
- Genevieve – “tribe woman”
- Honora – “honor”
- Iris – “rainbow”
- Jocelyn – “member of the Gauts tribe”
- Kaelyn – “pure”
- Lucia – “light”
- Marian – “star of the sea”
- Natalia – “birthday of the Lord”
Warrior Knights Medieval Names
- Galahad – Arthurian legend origin, meaning “pure and noble”
- Roland – Germanic origin, meaning “famous land”
- Lancelot – French origin, meaning “servant”
- Percival – Welsh origin, meaning “one who pierces the veil”
- Gawain – Celtic origin, meaning “white hawk of battle”
- Tristan – Celtic origin, meaning “noise” or “tumult”
- Bedivere – Celtic origin, meaning “hawk of battle”; loyal knight to King Arthur
- Mordred – Celtic origin, meaning “great rebellion”
- Godfrey – Germanic origin, meaning “God’s peace”
- Baldwin – Germanic origin, meaning “brave friend”
- Raymond – Germanic origin, meaning “wise protector”
- Reynald – Germanic origin, meaning “counselor”
- Bertrand – Germanic origin, meaning “bright raven”
- Odo – Germanic origin, meaning “wealth”
- Hugh – Germanic origin, meaning “mind” or “intellect”
- Fulk – Germanic origin, meaning “people” or “army”
- Siegfried – Germanic origin, meaning “victory peace”
- Wolfram – Germanic origin, meaning “wolf raven”
- Dietrich – Germanic origin, meaning “ruler of the people”
- Conrad – Germanic origin, meaning “brave counsel”
- Gerhard – Germanic origin, meaning “brave with the spear”
- Burkhard – Germanic origin, meaning “fortress hard”
- Eberhard – Germanic origin, meaning “brave as a wild boar”
- Hartmann – Germanic origin, meaning “strong man”
- Reginald – Latin origin, meaning “king’s advisor”
- Aldric – Germanic origin, meaning “old ruler”
- Cedric – Celtic origin, meaning “kindly and loved”
- Randolph – Germanic origin, meaning “wolf shield”
- Clifford – English origin, meaning “ford by a cliff”
- Everard – Germanic origin, meaning “brave as a wild boar”
- Rupert – Germanic origin, meaning “bright fame”
- Oswald – Germanic origin, meaning “divine power”
- Sigmund – Germanic origin, meaning “victory protection”
- Wilfred – Germanic origin, meaning “desiring peace”
- Roderick – Germanic origin, meaning “famous power”
- Alaric – Germanic origin, meaning “ruler of all”
- Gunther – Germanic origin, meaning “battle warrior”
- Leofric – Anglo-Saxon origin, meaning “beloved ruler”
- Thaddeus – Aramaic origin, meaning “gift of God”
- Eldred – Anglo-Saxon origin, meaning “old counsel”
Popular Medieval Last Names
These surnames were commonly found throughout medieval Europe:
- Smith – “metal worker, blacksmith”
- Miller – “grain grinder”
- Cooper – “barrel maker”
- Baker – “bread maker”
- Fletcher – “arrow maker”
- Wright – “craftsman”
- Taylor – “clothes maker”
- Turner – “wood worker”
- Fisher – “fisherman”
- Potter – “maker of pottery”
- Carpenter – “wood worker”
- Cook – “food preparer”
- Shepherd – “keeper of sheep”
- Mason – “stone worker”
- Clarke – “clerk, scribe”
- Walker – “cloth fuller”
- Ward – “guardian“
- Green – “dweller by the village green”
- Hill – “dweller by the hill”
- Wood – “dweller by the wood”
- Bridge – “dweller by the bridge”
- Fields – “dweller in the fields”
- Church – “dweller by the church”
- Hall – “servant at the manor hall”
- Brooks – “dweller by the stream”
- Mills – “worker at the mill”
- Moore – “dweller by the moor”
- Stone – “dweller by the stone”
- Knight – “servant of the knight”
- White – “person with fair hair”
- Black – “person with dark hair”
- Brown – “person with brown hair”
- Young – “the younger one”
- Elder – “the older one”
- Long – “tall person”
- Short – “short person”
- Stout – “sturdy person”
- Swift – “fast runner”
- Strong – “strong person”
- Goodman – “good fellow”
Unique Medieval Last Names
These distinctive surnames were less common but rich in meaning:
- Thatcher – “roof maker”
- Bowyer – “bow maker”
- Chandler – “candle maker”
- Draper – “cloth merchant”
- Dyer – “cloth dyer”
- Falconer – “keeper of falcons”
- Goldsmith – “gold worker”
- Hooper – “maker of hoops for barrels”
- Ironside – “strong person”
- Jester – “professional entertainer”
- Kemp – “champion warrior”
- Lorimer – “maker of horse equipment”
- Mercer – “merchant of fine fabrics”
- Naylor – “nail maker”
- Ostler – “keeper of horses”
- Pinder – “keeper of the pound”
- Quiller – “scribe”
- Roper – “rope maker”
- Sawyer – “wood cutter”
- Tanner – “leather worker”
- Tinker – “traveling metal worker”
- Arkwright – “maker of chests”
- Baxter – “female baker”
- Brewster – “female brewer”
- Crocker – “potter”
- Dexter – “dyer”
- Frobisher – “metal polisher”
- Granger – “farm overseer”
- Hayward – “hedge guardian”
- Inkpen – “scribe”
- Kellogg – “killer of hogs”
- Lardner – “keeper of the larder”
- Messer – “harvester”
- Palliser – “maker of fences”
- Slater – “roofer”
- Tolliver – “iron worker”
- Webster – “weaver”
- Yeoman – “free landowner”
- Zalinger – “seller of salt”
- Wainwright – “wagon maker”
Gender-Neutral Medieval Names
These names reflect the medieval period’s diverse linguistic and cultural influences, offering names that transcend traditional gender boundaries.
Many draw from nature, occupations, and descriptive qualities, showcasing the rich tapestry of medieval naming conventions.
- Avery – English origin, meaning “ruler of the elves”; used across genders
- Morgan – Welsh origin, meaning “sea-born” or “great circle”
- Quinn – Irish origin, meaning “descendant of Conn”; signifying intelligence
- Rowan – Gaelic origin, meaning “little red one”; referring to the rowan tree
- Sage – Latin origin, meaning “wise” or “knowing”
- River – Nature-inspired name, symbolizing flow and movement
- Ash – English origin, referring to the ash tree; symbolizing strength
- Robin – English origin, meaning “bright fame”; originally a bird name
- Addison – English origin, meaning “son of Adam”; now used across genders
- Bailey – English origin, meaning “bailiff” or “steward”
- Casey – Irish origin, meaning “brave in battle”
- Riley – Irish origin, meaning “courageous”
- Jordan – Hebrew origin, meaning “to flow down”
- Taylor – English origin, meaning “tailor”
- Emerson – Germanic origin, meaning “brave” or “powerful”
- Sawyer – English origin, meaning “woodcutter”
- Auden – English origin, meaning “old friend”
- Brook – English origin, referring to a small stream
- Skylar – Dutch origin, meaning “scholar”
- Wren – English origin, referring to the small bird
- Phoenix – Greek origin, symbolizing rebirth and renewal
- Raven – English origin, referring to the black bird
- Storm – Nature-inspired name representing power and unpredictability
- Indigo – Greek origin, referring to the deep blue color
- Aubrey – Germanic origin, meaning “elf ruler”
- Blair – Scottish origin, meaning “plain” or “field”
- Cameron – Scottish origin, meaning “crooked nose”
- Eden – Hebrew origin, meaning “place of pleasure”
- Finley – Irish origin, meaning “fair warrior”
- Harper – English origin, meaning “harp player”
- Bellamy – French origin, meaning “beautiful friend”
- Briar – English origin, referring to the thorny plant
- Hollis – English origin, meaning “holly trees”
- Linden – English origin, referring to the lime tree
- Mercer – French origin, meaning “merchant”
- Reese – Welsh origin, meaning “enthusiasm”
- Shiloh – Hebrew origin, meaning “peace”
- Sutton – English origin, meaning “southern town”
- Tatum – English origin, meaning “cheerful bringer of joy”
- Winter – Season-inspired name representing strength and endurance
Funny Medieval Character Names
Spice up your medieval adventure with a hilarious name! These quirky medieval monikers blend historical charm and comedy, guaranteeing laughs and memorable introductions that’ll have everyone chuckling at your clever, witty choice.
- Sir Wobble of Wigglesworth
- Lord Bumble the Befuddled
- Duke Doodle of Nonsensica
- Baron Blunder von Fumble
- Count Chuckle of Gigglesheim
- Gurk the Clumsy
- Bodkin Butterfinger
- Wilfred Wobbleknee
- Piers Pratfall
- Cedric Stumblecrock
- Aldwin Breadburner
- Godfrey Gooftroop
- Oswald Oddfoot
- Reginald Rustybucket
- Harold Halfwit
- Sir Flails-a-Lot
- Bertram Bumblebash
- Roderick Rumpus
- Wigbert the Wobbly
- Clarence Clankypants
- Brother Giggles
- Friar Fumble
- Brother Bumbleberry
- Monk Merry
- Father Fiddlesticks
- Bartholomew Blunderbuss
- Willard Waddleworth
- Giles Guffaw
- Percival Pifflepad
- Hubert Hiccup
- Merlin Mumbles
- Wizbit Wobblestaff
- Archibald Abracadoodle
- Cornelius Confusicus
- Randolph Randomspell
- Egbert Egghead
- Wulfric Wibble
- Osric Oopsadaisy
- Leofric Laughalot
- Aethelred the Accidentally Amusing
Conclusion
Selecting an authentic medieval name can bring your historical characters to life, enriching your story with realism and depth.
By considering the cultural, linguistic, and social aspects of the time period, you can create compelling characters who feel true to their era.
Whether you prefer strong Anglo-Saxon names, elegant Norman choices, or mystical Celtic inspirations, the medieval world offers a treasure trove of naming possibilities.
Use this guide to find the perfect name for your knights, peasants, royals, and adventurers, ensuring your story captures the essence of the Middle Ages with historical accuracy and immersive detail.
