The English language is by far the most popular language in the world with an estimated 1.5 billion people either speaking it as a native or foreign language – and that number is continuing to grow at a rapid pace.
In fact, English is the official language of 67 countries and 27 non-sovereign entities around the globe.
And since it’s a universal language of international communication, many people are likening the impact English has had on the modern world today to the impact Latin had in Europe during the Middle Ages.
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With that said, we’re not surprised to see so many parents opting to give their newborn baby an English name – especially since most of us either speak English or are fascinated by its rich and vibrant history.
If you’re one of those parents, then we have some English name ideas for you to consider.
And to make sure we encompass and honor the full history of English names, we’re going to break those baby names down into three different categories – Old English, Middle English, and Modern English.
Who knows – maybe you’ll come across the English name you’ve been looking for all along!
20 Old English Name Ideas With Deep Roots
Old English is the earliest form of the English language. It was introduced to Britain by a group of Anglo-Saxon migrants from what is now northwest Germany, southern Denmark, and the Netherlands.
It was spoken in England and southern Scotland between roughly 450 AD and 1150 AD.
While primarilya West Germanic language, Old English also has traces of Latin influences (due to the arrival of Christian missionaries in the 7th century) and Old Norse influences (due to Viking invasions).
If you’re looking for an Old English name for your baby boy or girl, here are some of our favorite ideas!
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20. Aldwin
Gender: Boy
Origin: Old English
Meaning: The name means “old friend” or “wise friend.” It combines the Old English elements “eald” (meaning old) and “wine” (meaning friend).
19. Beorn
Gender: Boy
Origin: Old English
Meaning: The name means “warrior” or “bear.” In Old English, “Beorn” was a word used to denote a noble warrior or hero, and it also means “bear,” symbolizing strength and bravery.
18. Edmund
Gender: Boy
Origin: Old English
Meaning: The name means “wealthy protector” or “prosperous protector.” It derives from the Old English elements “ēad” (meaning wealth, fortune, or prosperity) and “mund” (meaning protector or guardian).
17. Edric
Gender: Boy
Origin: Old English
Meaning: The name means “wealthy ruler” or “prosperous ruler.” It combines the Old English elements “ēad” (meaning wealth, fortune, or prosperity) and “rīc” (meaning ruler or king).
16. Edwin
Gender: Boy
Origin: Old English
Meaning: The name means “rich friend” or “wealthy friend.” It combines the Old English elements “ēad” (meaning wealth, fortune, or prosperity) and “wine” (meaning friend).
15. Godric
Gender: Boy
Origin: Old English
Meaning: The name means “God’s ruler” or “power of God.” It combines the Old English elements “god” (meaning God) and “rīc” (meaning ruler or king).
14. Harold
Gender: Boy
Origin: Old English, Old Norse
Meaning: The name means “army ruler” or “ruler of the army.” It derives from the Old English elements “here” (meaning army) and “weald” (meaning ruler, power). The Old Norse version, Haraldr, has similar roots and meanings.
13. Oswald
Gender: Boy
Origin: English
Meaning: The name means “God’s power” or “divine power.” It combines the Old English elements “os” (meaning God) and “weald” (meaning power, ruler).
12. Oswin
Gender: Boy
Origin: Old English
Meaning: The name means “God’s friend” or “friend of God.” It combines the Old English elements “os” (meaning God) and “wine” (meaning friend).
11. Winston
Gender: Boy
Origin: Old English
Meaning: The name means “joy stone” or “joyful stone.” It combines the Old English elements “wynn” (meaning joy or delight) and “stān” (meaning stone).
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10. Aisley
Gender: Unisex, Girl
Origin: English
Meaning: The name means “dwells at the ash tree meadow.” It derives from the Old English elements “æsc” (meaning ash tree) and “lēah” (meaning meadow or clearing).
9. Edrys
Gender: Unisex, Boy
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: The name means “ardent” or “fiery.” It can also be interpreted as “lord” or “prince” in some contexts.
8. Godiva
Gender: Girl
Origin: Old English
Meaning: The name means “God’s gift.” It combines the Old English elements “god” (meaning God) and “gifu” (meaning gift).
7. Hilda
Gender: Girl
Origin: Old German, Old Norse
Meaning: The name means “battle” or “battle woman.” It derives from the Old High German word “hild” and the Old Norse word “hildr,” both meaning battle.
6. Mildred
Gender: Girl
Origin: Old English
Meaning: The name means “gentle strength.” It combines the Old English elements “mild” (meaning gentle) and “þryð” (meaning strength).
5. Thelma
Gender: Girl
Origin: The name Thelma was invented by the British author Marie Corelli for her novel “Thelma” published in 1887.
Meaning: The name is often associated with the meaning “will” or “volition,” although it does not have a traditional etymological meaning.
4. Elvina
Gender: Girl
Origin: Old English
Meaning: The name means “elf friend.” It combines the Old English elements “ælf” (meaning elf) and “wine” (meaning friend).
3. Ethel
Gender: Girl
Origin: Old English
Meaning: The name means “noble” or “noble maiden.” It derives from the Old English word “æþele” (meaning noble).
2. Hailey
Gender: Girl
Origin: English
Meaning: The name means “hay clearing” or “hay meadow.” It derives from the Old English words “heg” (meaning hay) and “leah” (meaning clearing or meadow).
1. Winifred
Gender: Girl
Origin: Welsh, Old English
Meaning: The name means “blessed peacemaking” or “joy and peace.” It derives from the Welsh name “Gwenfrewi,” which is composed of the elements “gwen” (meaning blessed or fair) and “frewi” (meaning peace or reconciliation).
20 Middle English Name Ideas With Rich Backstories
Middle English, also known as Anglo-Norman, marked the intermediary stage between Old English and the modern English language. It was spoken and written between approximately 1100 and 1500 AD.
Experts believe it developed after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
As a result, the Middle English language has a lot of Norman and French influence. Perhaps one of the biggest changes was known as the ‘Great Vowel Shift,’ which altered the pronunciation of long vowels.
If this era fits your family’s style, then here are some Middle English name ideas for your newborn baby!
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20. Cooper
Gender: Unisex
Origin: English
Meaning: The name means “barrel maker” or “cooper,” referring to the occupation of a person who makes or repairs barrels.
19. Amphelise
Gender: Girl
Origin: Uncertain, possibly medieval French
Meaning: The exact meaning is unclear, but it may derive from a combination of elements meaning “love” and “light.”
18. Babe
Gender: Unisex
Origin: English
Meaning: The name means “baby” or “infant,” often used as a term of endearment.
17. Miller
Gender: Unisex
Origin: English
Meaning: The name means “grain grinder” or “miller,” referring to the occupation of a person who grinds grain into flour.
16. Milton
Gender: Boy
Origin: Old English
Meaning: The name means “mill town.” It derives from the Old English words “mylen” (mill) and “tun” (town).
15. Spencer
Gender: Boys
Origin: English
Meaning: The name Spencer means “steward” or “administrator.” It originally referred to someone who was in charge of the provisions of a household or estate.
14. Parker
Gender: Unisex
Origin: English
Meaning: Parker means “park keeper” or “gamekeeper.” It derives from the occupation name for someone who was responsible for maintaining a park or game preserve.
13. Mercer
Gender: Boy
Origin: English
Meaning: Mercer means “merchant” or “vendor.” It comes from the Old French word “mercier,” which referred to someone who traded in textiles, especially silks, velvets, and other fine fabrics.
12. Pearl
Gender: Girl
Origin: English
Meaning: Pearl refers to the precious gem that is formed within the shells of certain mollusks, especially oysters. As a name, Pearl symbolizes purity, innocence, and beauty.
11. Sanders
Gender: Boy
Origin: English
Meaning: Sanders is a surname that originated as a patronymic form of “Alexander,” meaning “defender of the people.”
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10. Sawyer
Gender: Unisex
Origin: English
Meaning: Sawyer means “woodcutter” or “one who saws wood.” It originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a woodcutter or sawyer.
9. Scarlet
Gender: Girl
Origin: English
Meaning: Scarlet is derived from the Old French word “escarlate,” which referred to a type of rich, bright red cloth. The name Scarlet symbolizes the color red, often associated with passion, strength, and vitality.
8. Tucker
Gender: Boy
Origin: English
Meaning: Tucker is derived from an English occupational surname referring to someone who softened cloth by beating or cleaning it (a fuller or cloth fuller). The name Tucker symbolizes someone involved in this trade.
7. Todd
Gender: Boy
Origin: English
Meaning: Todd is derived from an English surname that originated as a nickname for someone who was clever or cunning.
6. Mercy
Gender: Girl
Origin: English
Meaning: Mercy comes from the Latin word “merces,” which means “reward” or “wages.” The name Mercy symbolizes compassion, forgiveness, and grace.
5. Ladd
Gender: Boy
Origin: English
Meaning: Ladd is a variant spelling of the English surname “Lad,” which originally referred to a young boy or a youth. It can also be seen as a surname derived from the Middle English word “ladde,” meaning “servant” or “young man.”
4. Addison
Gender: Girl
Origin: English
Meaning: Addison is derived from an English surname meaning “son of Adam.” It was traditionally a surname but has become a popular given name over time.
3. Booker
Gender: Boy
Origin: English
Meaning: Booker is an English surname derived from the Old English word “bocere,” meaning “scribe” or “bookmaker.” It originally referred to someone who kept or made books.
2. Preston
Gender: Boy
Origin: English
Meaning: Preston is derived from an Old English surname that referred to someone who came from a town called Preston. The name itself means “priest’s town.”
1. Hazel
Gender: Girl
Origin: English
Meaning: Hazel is derived from the name of the hazel tree or the color hazel. It can also symbolize wisdom and knowledge.
20 Modern English Name Ideas That Are Popular Today
After the ‘Great Vowel Shift,’ the English language evolved even more with an influx of Latin and Greek vocabulary from the Renaissance period – especially in the fields of science, medicine, and the arts.
The English language went global thanks to British colonialism, which stretched far and wide.
This expansion is what we call Modern English and it has a number of variations – including British English, American English, Canadian English, Australian English, Indian English, and so much more.
Let’s take a look at some of our favorite Modern English names to consider for your next (or first) child!
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20. Emily
Gender: Girl
Origin: English
Meaning: Emily is derived from the Roman family name “Aemilius,” which comes from the Latin word “aemulus,” meaning “rival.” It has been associated with the concept of industriousness and striving.
19. James
Gender: Boy
Origin: English
Meaning: James is derived from the Hebrew name “Ya’aqov” (Jacob) and means “supplanter” or “one who follows.”
18. Olivia
Gender: Girl
Origin: English
Meaning: Olivia is derived from the Latin word “oliva,” which means “olive.” The olive tree is often associated with peace and fruitfulness.
17. Leo
Gender: Boy
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Leo means “lion.” Lions are often associated with strength, courage, and royalty.
16. Alexander
Gender: Boy
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Alexander means “defender of the people” or “protector of mankind.” It is derived from the Greek name “Alexandros,” which combines “alexein” (to defend) and “aner” (man).
15. Sophia
Gender: Girl
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Sophia means “wisdom” or “skill.” It comes from the Greek word “sophia.”
14. Liam
Gender: Boy
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Liam is a shortened form of the Irish name “William,” which means “resolute protector” or “helmet of will.”
13. Noah
Gender: Boy
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Noah means “rest” or “comfort.” In the Bible, Noah was known for building the ark to survive the Great Flood.
12. Emma
Gender: Girl
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Emma means “whole” or “universal.” It is derived from the Germanic word “ermen,” meaning “universal” or “whole.”
11. Isabella
Gender: Girl
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Isabella means “God is my oath” or “consecrated to God.” It is a variant of the name Elizabeth.
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10. Sebastian
Gender: Boy
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Sebastian means “revered” or “venerable.” It comes from the Greek name “Sebastos,” which means “venerable” or “honored.”
9. Chloe
Gender: Girl
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Chloe means “young green shoot” or “blooming.” It is derived from the Greek word “khloe,” which refers to new growth and fertility.
8. Grace
Gender: Girl
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Grace means “charm,” “grace,” or “blessing.” It derives from the Latin word “gratia,” which originally meant “favor” or “thanks.”
7. Presley
Gender: Unisex, Girl
Origin: English
Meaning: Presley is derived from a surname that originally referred to someone who came from a place called “Presley.” The meaning of the surname itself is not precisely defined.
6. David
Gender: Boy
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: David means “beloved” or “friend.” In the Bible, David was the second king of Israel and known for his bravery, leadership, and musical talents.
5. Jessica
Gender: Girl
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Jessica is believed to have been created by William Shakespeare for his play “The Merchant of Venice.” It does not have a clear etymology, but it is sometimes associated with the Hebrew name “Yiskah,” which means “foresight” or “to behold.”
4. Rebecca
Gender: Girl
Origin: Rebecca
Meaning: Rebecca means “to tie” or “to bind.” In the Bible, Rebecca was the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau.
3. Brandon
Gender: Boy
Origin: English
Meaning: Brandon means “hill covered with broom” or “gorse hill.” It originated as a surname derived from a place name in England.
2. Zachery
Gender: Boy
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Zachery is a variant spelling of the name Zachary, which means “the Lord has remembered” in Hebrew.
1. Andrea
Gender: Unisex
Origin: Greek, Italian
Meaning: Andrea is typically considered a feminine form of Andrew, meaning “manly” or “brave.” In Italian, Andrea is also used as a masculine name.
Will Your Son or Daughter Have an Old English Name?
The English names listed above carry with them a deep sense of heritage and connect us to the linguistic and cultural roots of the English-speaking world – from its Old English roots to its modern-day influence.
There’s a reason why they’re so popular today.
Even after 2,000 years, they’re still being used!
Whether you like the German-inspired Old English, the Norman-inspired Middle English, or the melting pot that became Modern English – there truly is an English name for everyone… You just have to find it!
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As you explore the beautiful and diverse names from Old English, Middle English, and Modern English, may you find the perfect English name that resonates with your family’s heritage and hopes for the future.
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Baby Name Generator
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