The Victorian era refers to the 63 years of Queen Victoria’s reign over Great Britain and Ireland from June 20, 1837, until her death on Jan. 22, 1901 – at which point she was succeeded by her son, Edward VII.
It was an era that left a lasting legacy on British and world history – influencing everything from literature to art, social structures, industrial development, advancements in science and technology, and more.
It was also during this era that Victorian names grew in popularity – reflecting the values and historical influences that took center stage during this time. And many of those names are still popular to this day.
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Perhaps one of the most significant names of the Victorian era is Victoria – a name of Latin origin that translates to ‘victory’ or ‘victorious.’ It’s considered to be the feminine form of Victor (also of Latin origin).
But that’s just one of many Victorian names that help define this era in history.
Names like Alice, Clara, and Edith were popular among girls, while names like Edward, Henry, and Arthur were favored among boys. If you’re having difficulty finding a name for your child, maybe these will help!
Classy Victorian Names to Give Your Baby Boy
Are you carrying a baby boy in that growing belly of yours? Or, if you’re someone who hasn’t learned the gender of your child yet, are you hoping to have a baby boy soon? Do you consider yourself Team Blue?
If so, then you’re going to love the classy and timeless nature of these boy-inspired Victorian names.
In an age where modern and unique names are often sought after, choosing a Victorian name can set your future son apart – giving him a distinctive and memorable moniker to carry with him as he grows up.
With that said, here are some of our favorite Victorian names to give your baby boy!
10. Albert
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: derived from the Old High German name Adalbert. It is composed of two elements: “adal” meaning noble and “beraht” meaning bright or famous.
Nicknames: Al, Bert, Bertie, Albie, Alb
9. Alfred
Origin: Old English
Meaning: derived from the elements “ælf,” meaning elf, and “ræd,” meaning counsel or advice.
Nicknames: Al, Alf, Alfie, Fred, Freddie
8. Edgar
Origin: Old English
Meaning: derived from the elements “ēad,” meaning wealth, fortune, or prosperity, and “gār,” meaning spear.
Nicknames: Ed, Eddie, Edge, Edgie
7. Oscar
Origin: Old English, Irish
Meaning: In Old English, Oscar is derived from the elements “ōs,” meaning god, and “gār,” meaning spear. In Irish, Oscar is derived from the Gaelic elements “os,” meaning deer, and “cara,” meaning friend.
Nicknames: Ozzy, Oz, Ossie, Scar, O
6. Edmund
Origin: Old English
Meaning: derived from the elements “ēad,” meaning wealth, fortune, or prosperity, and “mund,” meaning protector or guardian.
Nicknames: Ed, Eddie, Mundy, Dunnie
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5. Percy
Origin: French
Meaning: originally a surname derived from the place name Perci in Normandy. It became a given name through the English aristocratic family, the Percys
Nicknames: Perce, Perc, Perry
4. Reginald
Origin: Latin, Old German
Meaning: derived from the Latinized form of the Old German name “Reginwald,” composed of the elements “ragin,” meaning counsel or advice, and “wald,” meaning rule or power.
Nicknames: Reggie, Reg, Rex, Rennie
3. Walter
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: derived from the Old High German name Walthari, which is composed of the elements “walt,” meaning rule or power, and “hari,” meaning army or warrior.
Nicknames: Walt, Wally, Wall
2. Victor
Origin: Latin
Meaning: derived from the Latin word “victor,” meaning conqueror or winner.
Nicknames: Vic, Vico, Vick, Tory, Vicky
1. Harrison
Origin: English
Meaning: originally started as a surname meaning son of Harry or son of Henry. “Harry” is a medieval English form of “Henry,” which comes from the Germanic name “Heimirich,” meaning “home ruler.”
Nicknames: Harry, Harris, Sonny, Hal
Elegant Victorian Names to Give Your Baby Girl
You know what they say – if you’re not Team Blue, then you’re Team Pink. And if you’re Team Pink, then you have quite a difficult decision to make when giving your future daughter a name that fits her style.
But that’s why we love Victorian names for girls so much – they work for just about anyone.
Whether you’re drawn to the poetic allure of names like Evangeline and Lillian, the regal nature of names like Victoria and Beatrice, or the simplicity of names like Clara and Alice, Victorian names are the best!
With that said, let’s take a look at some of our personal favorite Victorian names for your baby girl.
10. Alice
Origin: Old German
Meaning: derived from the name Adalheidis, which is composed of the elements “adal,” meaning noble, and “heid,” meaning kind, type, or sort.
Nicknames: Allie, Ali, Leece, Lissa, Lissie
9. Beatrice
Origin: Latin
Meaning: derived from the Latin name Beatrix, which comes from “beatus,” meaning blessed or happy.
Nicknames: Bea, Bee, Trix, Trixie, Bebe
8. Catherine
Origin: Greek
Meaning: derived from the name Aikaterine. The exact meaning is uncertain, but it is often associated with the Greek word “katharos,” meaning pure.
Nicknames: Cate, Cathy, Catie, Cat, Kay
7. Edith
Origin: Old English
Meaning: derived from the elements “ēad,” meaning wealth, fortune, or prosperity, and “gyð,” meaning war or strife.
Nicknames: Edie, Ed, Eddie, Ede, Dita
6. Eleanor
Origin: Old French, Provençal
Meaning: derived from the Old Provençal name Aliénor. The exact meaning is uncertain, but it is believed to be related to the name Helen, meaning light or torch.
Nicknames: Ellie, Ella, Nora, Nell, Nellie, Lynn
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5. Esther
Origin: Persian
Meaning: derived from the Persian word “star”. It is also associated with the Hebrew name Hadassah, meaning myrtle, a type of flowering plant.
Nicknames: Essie, Etty, Estee, Star, Thera
4. Florence
Origin: Latin
Meaning: derived from the Latin name Florentius (masculine) or Florentia (feminine), which comes from the word “florens,” meaning blooming or flourishing.
Nicknames: Flo, Florrie, Flossie, Flora
3. Josephine
Origin: French
Meaning: derived from the masculine name Joseph, which itself comes from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning God will add or God increases.
Nicknames: Josie, Jo, Joey, Fina, Effie
2. Lillian
Origin: English
Meaning: considered a diminutive form of Lily, a name derived from the Latin word lilium, meaning lily flower.
Nicknames: Lilly, Lil, Lily, Lila, Lilli, Lee-Ann
1. Victoria
Origin: Latin
Meaning: derived from the Latin word “victoria,” meaning victory.
Nicknames: Vicky, Tori, Vicki, Vika, Ria, Vic
Victorian Names Inspired by Victorian Leaders
The political and economic landscape of the Victorian era was led by influential figures from both the Conservative and Liberal parties – each contributing uniquely to the governance and progress of Britain.
If it weren’t for them, the Victorian era wouldn’t have been as significant as it was.
They not only navigated the complexities of a rapidly changing society, but they addressed issues ranging from industrialization and social reform to foreign policy and imperialism in a way no one else could.
With that said, here are 10 Victorian names inspired by Victorian leaders and prime ministers of the UK.
10. William
Origin: Old German
Meaning: derived from the Germanic elements “wil,” meaning “will, desire,” and “helm,” meaning “helmet, protection.”
Who Is William Lamb? William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, was a British statesman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in two terms, from 1834 and from 1835 to 1841. He was a key figure in the Whig Party and is perhaps best known for his mentorship of Queen Victoria during the early years of her reign.
9. Robert
Origin: Old German
Meaning: derived from the Germanic elements “hrod,” meaning “fame,” and “beraht,” meaning “bright.”
Who Is Sir Robert Peel? Sir Robert Peel was a British statesman and twice Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1834-1835 and 1841-1846). He is best known for founding the modern Conservative Party and creating the Metropolitan Police Service.
8. John
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, which combines the elements “yo,” meaning “God,” and “chanan,” meaning “to be gracious.”
Who Is Lord John Russell? Lord John Russell, later 1st Earl Russell, was a British Whig and Liberal politician who served as Prime Minister twice (1846-1852 and 1865-1866). He was a leading advocate for parliamentary reform, playing a crucial role in the passage of the Reform Act of 1832.
7. Edward
Origin: Old English
Meaning: derived from the Old English elements “ēad,” meaning “wealth, fortune” and “weard,” meaning “guard, protector.”
Who Is Edward George Geoffrey Smith-Stanley? Edward George Geoffrey Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby, was a British Conservative politician who served as Prime Minister three times (1852, 1858-1859, and 1866-1868). Known for his role in the passage of the Second Reform Act of 1867, he extended the right to vote to many urban working men.
6. George
Origin: Greek
Meaning: derived from the Greek name Georgios, which comes from the word “georgos,” composed of “ge,” meaning “earth,” and “ergon,” meaning “work.”
Who Is George Hamilton Gordon? George Hamilton Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen, was a British Tory and later Peelite politician who served as Prime Minister from 1852 to 1855. His tenure is noted for the outbreak of the Crimean War.
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5. Benjamin
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: derived from the Hebrew name Binyamin, which is composed of the elements “ben,” meaning “son,” and “yamin,” meaning “right hand” or “south.”
Who Is Benjamin Disraeli? Benjamin Disraeli was a British Conservative statesman who served twice as Prime Minister (1868 and 1874-1880). Known for his rivalry with William Ewart Gladstone, Disraeli played a key role in the expansion of the British Empire and the passage of the Second Reform Act.
4. Ewart
Origin: Old English, Scottish
Meaning: variant of the name Edward, derived from the Old English elements “ēad,” meaning “wealth, fortune,” and “weard,” meaning “guard, protector.”
Who Is William Ewart Gladstone? William Ewart Gladstone was a British Liberal politician and Prime Minister four times (1868-1874, 1880-1885, 1886, and 1892-1894). Renowned for his oratory and reformist policies, Gladstone’s tenure saw significant reforms in education, electoral laws, and Irish governance.
3. Arthur
Origin: Celtic
Meaning: derived from the Celtic elements “artos,” meaning “bear,” and “rīx,” meaning “king.”
Who Is Robert Arthur Talbot Gascoyne-Cecil? Robert Arthur Talbot Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury, was a British Conservative statesman who served as Prime Minister three times (1885-1886, 1886-1892, and 1895-1902). Salisbury is known for his foreign policy and imperialism.
2. Archibald
Origin: Old High German
Meaning: derived from the Germanic elements “erchan,” meaning “genuine, true,” and “bald,” meaning “bold, brave.”
Who Is Archibald Philip Primrose? Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery, was a British Liberal politician who served as Prime Minister from 1894 to 1895. Though his tenure was short, Rosebery was a notable figure for his advocacy of British imperialism.
1. Henry
Origin: German
Meaning: derived from the Old German name Heimerich, which is composed of the elements “heim,” meaning “home” or “house,” and “ric,” meaning “ruler” or “power.”
Who Is Henry John Temple? Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, was a British statesman who served as Prime Minister twice (1855-1858 and 1859-1865). Known for his assertive foreign policy and energetic leadership, Palmerston played a key role in maintaining British interests abroad.
Victorian Names Inspired by Victorian Literature
Victorian literature was so far ahead of its time that we’re still talking about (and reading) a majority of the works published in this era – including Oliver Twist, Dracula, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Other great Victorian novels include The Woman In White, Jane Eyre, and David Copperfield.
Victorian writers not only provided vivid depictions of contemporary life, but also flirted with issues of social justice, morality, and human nature – leaving an indelible impact on the history of the world.
With that said, here are some popular Victorian names inspired by famous and iconic Victorian writers.
10. Charles
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: derived from the Germanic word “karl,” which means “man” or “free man.”
Who Is Charles Dickens? Charles Dickens was an English writer and social critic, widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era. His works, including “A Christmas Carol,” “Oliver Twist,” “David Copperfield,” and “Great Expectations,” are known for their vivid characters, social commentary, and depictions of the struggles of the poor and working class.
9. Thomas
Origin: Aramaic
Meaning: derived from the Aramaic name Ta’oma’, which means “twin.”
Who Is Thomas Hardy? Thomas Hardy was an English novelist and poet known for his works set in the semi-fictional region of Wessex. His novels, such as “Tess of the d’Urbervilles,” “Far from the Madding Crowd,” and “Jude the Obscure,” explore themes of social constraint, rural life, and tragic destiny.
8. Wilkie
Origin: English, Scottish
Meaning: diminutive form of Williams, which is derived from the Old German elements “wil,” meaning “will, desire,” and “helm,” meaning “helmet, protection.”
Who Is Wilkie Collins? Wilkie Collins was an English novelist and playwright, often considered the pioneer of the detective novel. His most famous works, “The Woman in White” and “The Moonstone,” are celebrated for their intricate plots, suspense, and innovative narrative techniques.
7. Lewis
Origin: English
Meaning: derived from the Old Frankish name Hludwig, which is composed of the elements “hlud,” meaning “fame” or “loud,” and “wig,” meaning “warrior” or “battle.”
Who Is Lewis Carroll? Lewis Carroll, the pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, was an English writer, mathematician, and logician. He is best known for his children’s books “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass,” which are renowned for their whimsical characters, fantastical themes, and playful use of language.
6. Bram
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: short form of Abraham, which comes from the Hebrew elements “av,” meaning “father,” and “hamon,” meaning “multitude” or “many.”
Who Is Bram Stoker? Bram Stoker was an Irish author best known for his 1897 Gothic horror novel “Dracula,” which has become the quintessential vampire story and a cornerstone of the horror genre. Stoker also worked as a theatre manager and wrote several other novels and short stories.
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5. Charlotte
Origin: French
Meaning: feminine form of the name Charles, which comes from the Germanic word “karl,” meaning “man” or “free man.”
Who Is Charlotte Bronte? Charlotte Brontë was an English novelist and the eldest of the three Brontë sisters whose novels have become classics of English literature. Her most famous work, “Jane Eyre,” is celebrated for its strong, complex heroine and its exploration of themes such as morality, social class, and gender relations.
4. Emily
Origin: Latin
Meaning: derived from the Latin name Aemilia, which comes from the Roman family name Aemilius, a derivative of the Latin word “aemulus,” meaning “rival” or “eager.”
Who Is Emily Bronte? Emily Brontë was an English novelist and poet, best known for her only novel, “Wuthering Heights,” a haunting and passionate tale of love and revenge set on the Yorkshire moors. The novel is considered a classic of English literature for its unique structure and intense emotional impact.
3. Anne
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: derived from the Hebrew name Hannah (Channah), which signifies “grace” or “God has favored me.”
Who Is Anne Bronte? Anne Brontë was an English novelist and poet, the youngest of the Brontë sisters. She wrote two novels, “Agnes Grey” and “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.” Her work is noted for its realistic portrayal of women’s lives and its critique of social norms and injustices.
2. Conan
Origin: Irish, Gaelic
Meaning: derived from the Gaelic word “con,” meaning “hound” or “wolf,” with the diminutive suffix “-an.”
Who is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle? Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a British writer and physician, best known for creating the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes. His stories, starting with “A Study in Scarlet,” revolutionized the detective genre. Doyle also wrote historical novels, science fiction, and non-fiction works.
1. Mary
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: derived from the Hebrew name Miriam (Miryam), which means “bitter,” “beloved,” or “rebellious”
Who Is Mary Shelley? Mary Shelley was an English novelist, best known for her Gothic novel “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.” Published in 1818, it is considered one of the earliest examples of science fiction and explores themes of creation, responsibility, and the quest for knowledge. Shelley also wrote several other novels, short stories, and travelogues.
Victorian Names Inspired by Victorian Artists
One of the most significant movements of the Victorian era was the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, which was a seven-member ‘brotherhood’ partly modeled after the Nazarene movement in Vienna, Austria.
It was founded by artists such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais, and William Holman Hunt.
The Pre-Raphaelites sought to reject the mechanistic approach of the academic art establishment and instead embraced a return to the detail, colors, and complex compositions of early Renaissance painting.
If you’re a painter or illustrator, here are some of our favorite Victorian names inspired by Victorian artists.
10. Frederic
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: derived from the Germanic elements “frid” or “fried,” meaning “peace,” and “ric,” meaning “ruler” or “power.”
Who Is Frederic Leighton? Frederic Leighton, 1st Baron Leighton, was a leading English painter and sculptor associated with the Academic style. His works often depicted classical, historical, and biblical subjects, characterized by their idealized beauty and meticulous technique. Notable works include “Flaming June” and “The Bath of Psyche.”
9. Holman
Origin: English
Meaning: derived from the Old English words “hol,” meaning “hollow” or “sunken,” and “mann,” meaning “man.”
Who Is William Holman Hunt? William Holman Hunt was an English painter and one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. His work is known for its vivid color, attention to detail, and complex symbolism. Key works include “The Light of the World” and “The Hireling Shepherd,” both of which reflect his deep religious beliefs and moralistic themes.
8. Everett
Origin: Old English
Meaning: derived from the Old English name Eoforheard, which combines the elements “eofor,” meaning “boar,” and “heard,” meaning “brave,” “hardy,” or “strong.”
Who Is John Everett Millais? John Everett Millais was an English painter and illustrator, also a founder of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. His early works, like “Ophelia” and “Christ in the House of His Parents,” are noted for their detailed realism and vibrant colors. Later in his career, Millais adopted a more conventional style and achieved commercial success.
7. Lawrence
Origin: Latin
Meaning: derived from the Latin name Laurentius, which means “from Laurentum,” a city in ancient Italy known for its laurel trees.
Who Is Lawrence Alma-Tadema? Lawrence Alma-Tadema was a Dutch-born British painter known for his depictions of luxury and decadence in ancient Rome and Egypt. His meticulously detailed and richly textured works, such as “The Roses of Heliogabalus” and “A Coign of Vantage,” captured the imagination of Victorian society.
6. Richard
Origin: Old German
Meaning: derived from the Germanic elements “ric,” meaning “ruler” or “power,” and “hard,” meaning “brave” or “strong.”
Who Is Richard Dadd? Richard Dadd was an English painter known for his intricate and imaginative works, often featuring fairy-tale and supernatural themes. His most famous painting, “The Fairy Feller’s Master-Stroke,” exemplifies his meticulous attention to detail and unique, fantastical vision.
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5. Dante
Origin: Italian
Meaning: derived from the Latin name “Durante,” which means “enduring” or “lasting.”
Who Is Dante Gabriel Rossetti? Dante Gabriel Rossetti was an English poet, illustrator, painter, and a founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. His works, such as “The Beloved” and “Proserpine,” are characterized by their sensual beauty, medieval revivalism, and symbolic richness.
4. Ford
Origin: Old English
Meaning: derived from the Old English word “ford,” which refers to a shallow place in a river or stream where one can cross.
Who Is Ford Madox Brown? Ford Madox Brown was an English painter associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, though not an official member. His works are known for their historical and social themes, detailed realism, and vibrant colors. Notable paintings include “Work” and “The Last of England.”
3. James
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: derived from the Hebrew name Ya’akov (Jacob), which means “supplanter” or “holder of the heel.”
Who is James Whistler? James McNeill Whistler was an American-born artist active in the United Kingdom, known for his innovative use of color and composition. His works include “Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1” (better known as “Whistler’s Mother”) and “Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket.”
2. Evelyn
Origin: English
Meaning: derived from the Norman French name Aveline, which itself comes from the Germanic name Avila, meaning “desired” or “wished for.”
Who Is Evelyn De Morgan? Evelyn De Morgan was an English painter associated with the Pre-Raphaelite and Symbolist movements. Her works often depict allegorical and mythological themes, characterized by their rich colors and expressive figures. Notable paintings include “The Angel of Death” and “The Soul’s Prison House.”
1. Elizabeth
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: derived from the Hebrew name Elisheva, which combines the elements “El,” meaning “God,” and “shava,” meaning “oath.”
Who Is Elizabeth Siddal? Elizabeth Siddal was an English artist, poet, and model closely associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. As a model, she is best known for posing for Millais’s “Ophelia.” Siddal was also a talented artist in her own right, creating evocative drawings and paintings that often explored themes of beauty, death, and mythology.
Do Any Of These Victorian Names Stand Out to You?
The 63-year, 216-day reign of Queen Victoria makes her the second-longest reigning monarch in British history – behind Queen Elizabeth II, who enjoyed a 70-year, 214-day reign between 1952 and 2022.
That makes the Victorian era one of the most influential and prominent eras in British history.
For that reason, it’s no surprise that so many people are inspired by the Victorian era – and it makes sense why so many parents are willing to name their children after famous Victorian leaders and artists.
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With that said, we hope this list of Victorian names gives you some adorable and meaningful ideas for your future baby boy or girl. And if you need some more ideas, head over to our Mamas Uncut blog!
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