Names of the Middle Ages: A Comprehensive Guide

Delve into the fascinating world of medieval names! This comprehensive guide explores the rich tapestry of names used during the Middle Ages, from common appellations to rare and unique monikers. Uncover the historical context, cultural influences, and deeper meanings behind these names, offering a glimpse into the lives and values of people during this transformative period.
1. **Adela**: Noble, of noble kind. This name, meaning "noble" or "of noble kind," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of lineage and social status.
2. **Aethelred**: Noble counsel. This name, meaning "noble counsel," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of wisdom and leadership.
3. **Alan**: Handsome, fair. This name, meaning "handsome" or "fair," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of physical attractiveness and charm.
4. **Albert**: Bright, noble. This name, meaning "bright" or "noble," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of intelligence and virtue.
5. **Alice**: Noble. This name, meaning "noble," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of lineage and social status.
6. **Alfred**: Wise counsel. This name, meaning "wise counsel," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of wisdom and leadership.
7. **Alfrida**: Peaceful ruler. This name, meaning "peaceful ruler," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of peace and harmony.
8. **Amice**: Friend, beloved. This name, meaning "friend" or "beloved," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of companionship and love.
9. **Andrew**: Man of strength, brave. This name, meaning "man of strength" or "brave," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of physical strength and courage.
10. **Anne**: Grace. This name, meaning "grace," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of beauty and virtue.
11. **Arthur**: Bear, strong, noble. This name, meaning "bear" or "strong," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of physical strength and courage.
12. **Audley**: Old friend. This name, meaning "old friend," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of loyalty and companionship.
13. **Baldwin**: Brave friend. This name, meaning "brave friend," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of courage and loyalty.
14. **Beatrice**: She who brings happiness. This name, meaning "she who brings happiness," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of joy and contentment.
15. **Bertha**: Bright, famous. This name, meaning "bright" or "famous," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of intelligence and renown.
16. **Blanche**: White, fair. This name, meaning "white" or "fair," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of purity and beauty.
17. **Celine**: Heavenly. This name, meaning "heavenly," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of spirituality and divine connection.
18. **Charles**: Free man. This name, meaning "free man," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of independence and liberty.
19. **Christopher**: Christ-bearer. This name, meaning "Christ-bearer," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of faith and devotion.
20. **Clarissa**: Bright, clear. This name, meaning "bright" or "clear," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of intelligence and purity.
21. **Constance**: Steadfast, loyal. This name, meaning "steadfast" or "loyal," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of loyalty and unwavering devotion.
22. **David**: Beloved. This name, meaning "beloved," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of affection and love.
23. **Eleanor**: Light. This name, meaning "light," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of beauty and illumination.
24. **Elizabeth**: My God is abundance. This name, meaning "my God is abundance," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of faith and prosperity.
25. **Emma**: Whole, universal. This name, meaning "whole" or "universal," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of completeness and unity.
26. **Eric**: Ever ruler. This name, meaning "ever ruler," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of leadership and authority.
27. **Ethel**: Noble, noble kind. This name, meaning "noble" or "of noble kind," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of lineage and social status.
28. **Eustace**: Strong, steadfast. This name, meaning "strong" or "steadfast," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of courage and determination.
29. **Florence**: Flourishing. This name, meaning "flourishing," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of prosperity and growth.
30. **Francis**: Free man. This name, meaning "free man," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of independence and liberty.
31. **Geoffrey**: Peace of God. This name, meaning "peace of God," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of harmony and tranquility.
32. **George**: Farmer. This name, meaning "farmer," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of agriculture and land ownership.
33. **Gerald**: Ruler of the spear. This name, meaning "ruler of the spear," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of military prowess and leadership.
34. **Giles**: Young goat. This name, meaning "young goat," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of vitality and strength.
35. **Gladys**: Princess. This name, meaning "princess," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of royalty and status.
36. **Godfrey**: Peaceful ruler. This name, meaning "peaceful ruler," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of peace and harmony.
37. **Gregory**: Watchful. This name, meaning "watchful," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of vigilance and alertness.
38. **Henry**: Ruler of the home. This name, meaning "ruler of the home," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of family and leadership.
39. **Hugh**: Mind, spirit. This name, meaning "mind" or "spirit," was a popular choice for boys in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of intelligence and strength.
40. **Isabel**: God is my oath. This name, meaning "God is my oath," was a popular choice for girls in the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of faith and devotion.