29 Beautiful English Medieval Girl Names With Meanings

The Middle Ages were a tumultuous period in British history. As such, I have hand-picked 29 beautiful English Medieval girl names with meanings included.

Tiffany

Tiffany was popular in the US in the 70s, and it comes from Theophania, a feminine name in medieval France and England. The term was used to refer to the celebration of the Epiphany (January 6), a Christian feast day commemorating the visit of the Magi.

Cecily

Cecily is the English variant of the Latin name Cecilia. It is pronounced Seh-sih-lee. Cecily Neville, Duchess of York was the wife of Richard, Duke of York.

Winifred

Winifred has its origins in the Old English elements ”win” (which means ”peace”) and ”frid” (friend).

Ursula

Ursula is a name that I like. It is a diminutive of the Latin ursa (“bear”). Ursula has several short variants, including: Uschi and Ulla. I love Ursula in The Little Mermaid.

Hilda

Hilda is derived from Old Norse hildr, which means ”battle.” Ildikó is a Hungarian variation of Hilda. Hildur. Hildur and Hild are other forms of Hilda. In Finland and Sweden, Hilda increased in popularity after 2014.

Edith

Edith has its origins in the Old English words ”ēad” (prosperity) and ”gȳð” (strife). Its French form is Édith. Edith was a common name in Anglo-Saxon England.

Etheldreda

Etheldreda has its roots in the Old English Æðelþryð, which means ”noble.”

Elinor

Eleanor of Provence, the Queen of England as the wife of King Henry III, bore this name. She’s the mother of King Edward I of England.

Constance

Constance is the medieval form of the Latin Constantia, and is one of my favorited name on this list. Constance means “perseverance” or “constancy.” Diminutives of Constance are Cussot and Cust.

Lucia

It means ”illumination.” Lucia is the feminine form of the Roman praenomen Lucius. December 13 is the day of the feast of Santa Lucia.

Rosamund

Rosamund was brought by the Normans to medieval England. Rosamund comes from the Latin phrase ”rosa munda” (pure rose). It is also made of the Germanic elements ”hros” (horse) and ”mund” (protection).

Lettice

Lettice is derived from the Latin name Laetitia, which means”delight.”

Facts about Medieval England

Archery was compulsory in Medieval England.

Salt was very expensive in medieval times.

Medieval people drank a surprising quantity of wine and ale.

Football games were so violent that Edward II banned the game in 1314.

Animals could be arrested, charged with crimes, and tried in court.

Gregoria

Meaning ”vigilant” or ”watchful,” Gregoria comes from the Latin name Gregorius. In the Middle Ages, Gregoria was a common name for popes.

Clothilde

Clothilde was rare in Medieval England, and is symbolizing ”famous in battle.”

Desiderata

Desiderata means “things that are desired.”

Margery

Margery has its origins in the feminine name Margaret, which means “pearl.” Short forms include Margie and Marge. Margery Kempe was an English Catholic mystic, but has not been canonized as a Catholic saint. It can be spelled as Marjory or Margaery.

Anne

Anne is a form of the Latin female name Anna, which is from the Hebrew name Hannah (grace). In Ireland there is Anne’s Feast Day, and Anne is used as an anglicized version of Áine.

Sabina

Sabina is a feminine name of Latin origin, and it was popular in medieval England.

Emmeline

Emmeline was introduced to England by the Normans following the Conquest of 1066. Variations include Ameline, Emeline, Emalyn, Emiline, Emmalyn, or Emmaline.

Gwendolen

Gwendolen is a feminine given name derived from the Latin Guendoloena, which means ”blessed ring.” This name first appears as that of a literary character.

Genevieve

Genevieve is meaning “tribe woman.” There are hints that Genevieve is a Gaulish form of Jennifer or Guinevere.

Vespera

Vespera is the feminine form of Vesper, a name that means “evening star.”

How to choose a good English medieval name for your baby girl

Don’t give your baby girl the same name as a famous person.

Be aware of what initials the name will create.

Make certain you are spelling it correctly.

Call out the name of your daughter as you would in daily life.

Look within your extended family tree for a potentially Medieval English name.

Beatrice

It is the English form of the French Béatrice (“blessed one”). Beatrice is gaining popularity in the United States. Saint Beatrice d’Este devoted herself to the service of God.

Hawisia

Hawisia is meaning battle. Variations include Hawisa, Hawyse, or Hawis.

Veronica

From the Attic Greek Phereníkē, Veronica is a name that is symbolizing “she who brings victory.”

Marcella

Marcella is related with the Roman god of war Mars. Marcella is the feminine version of Marcello.

Godgifu

Godgifu is an older form of Godiva which means “gift of God.” Godgifu is a name I recommend for religious parents.

Leofrun

Leofrun means “beloved secret.”

Aelfgifu

Aelfgifu is an Anglo-Saxon girl name, ”elf gift.”