Embark on a captivating journey into the past with our compilation titled “50 Ancient English Names for Girls and Their Meanings.” Delve into the rich tapestry of history as we unveil a diverse collection of names that have graced remarkable women of bygone eras. Join us as we explore the profound significance behind each name, offering insights into the cultural, linguistic, and societal dimensions of ancient England. Step into a world where names are not just labels, but windows into the virtues, aspirations, and stories of the past.
50+ Ancient English Names for Girls and Meanings
| No. | Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aelfgifu | Old English | “Elf gift” – Combines “ælf” (elf) and “gifu” (gift). A name suggesting a precious gift from the realm of elves. |
| 2 | Wulfrun | Old English | “Wolf secret” – Merges “wulf” (wolf) and “rūn” (secret, mystery). A name with an air of enigmatic strength. |
| 3 | Ealdgyth | Old English | “Old battle” – Fuses “eald” (old) and “gūð” (battle). A name that echoes the experience and resilience of time. |
| 4 | Aethelthryth | Old English | “Noble strength” – Combines “æðel” (noble) and “þryð” (strength). A name reflecting a noble and powerful nature. |
| 5 | Hild | Old English | “Battle” – Meaning “battle,” this name captures the spirit of warriors and bravery. |
| 6 | Eadburg | Old English | “Prosperous fortress” – Merges “ead” (prosperity) and “burh” (fortress, stronghold). A name symbolizing prosperity and protection. |
| 7 | Wulfhild | Old English | “Wolf battle” – Combines “wulf” (wolf) and “gūð” (battle). A name evoking strength and courage in the midst of conflict. |
| 8 | Aelfswith | Old English | “Elf strength” – Merges “ælf” (elf) and “swiþ” (strong). A name embodying the potency of both the mystical and the robust. |
| 9 | Aethelflaed | Old English | “Noble beauty” – Fuses “æðel” (noble) and “flæd” (beauty). A name representing a combination of grace and nobility. |
| 10 | Ealhswith | Old English | “Noble strength” – Merges “ealh” (temple) and “swiþ” (strong). A name suggesting inner fortitude and nobility. |
| 11 | Aethelburh | Old English | “Noble fortress” – Combines “æðel” (noble) and “burh” (fortress, stronghold). A name signifying both nobility and strength. |
| 12 | Aelflaed | Old English | “Elf beauty” – Merges “ælf” (elf) and “flæd” (beauty). A name infused with the elegance and enchantment of elves. |
| 13 | Eadgyth | Old English | “Prosperous battle” – Combines “ead” (prosperity) and “gūð” (battle). A name reflecting both success and courage. |
| 14 | Wulfgyth | Old English | “Wolf battle” – Merges “wulf” (wolf) and “gūð” (battle). A name imbued with the spirit of a fierce warrior. |
| 15 | Aethelgifu | Old English | “Noble gift” – Fuses “æðel” (noble) and “gifu” (gift). A name symbolizing a precious and noble offering. |
| 16 | Eadburh | Old English | “Prosperous fortress” – Merges “ead” (prosperity) and “burh” (fortress, stronghold). A name embodying both prosperity and protection. |
| 17 | Ealdgifu | Old English | “Old gift” – Combines “eald” (old) and “gifu” (gift). A name suggesting wisdom and cherished offerings. |
| 18 | Aelfwyn | Old English | “Elf joy” – Merges “ælf” (elf) and “wynn” (joy). A name reflecting the happiness and magic of elves. |
| 19 | Wynflaed | Old English | “Joy beauty” – Combines “wynn” (joy) and “flæd” (beauty). A name radiating beauty and happiness. |
| 20 | Ecgwynn | Old English | “Sword joy” – Merges “ecg” (sword) and “wynn” (joy). A name with a blend of strength and happiness. |
| 21 | Aelfric | Old English | “Elf ruler” – Fuses “ælf” (elf) and “rīc” (ruler). A name signifying leadership and mystical connection. |
| 22 | Eadflaed | Old English | “Prosperous beauty” – Merges “ead” (prosperity) and “flæd” (beauty). A name evoking both abundance and elegance. |
| 23 | Wulfwynn | Old English | “Wolf joy” – Combines “wulf” (wolf) and “wynn” (joy). A name that embodies the happiness and strength of a wolf. |
| 24 | Aethelwyn | Old English | “Noble joy” – Merges “æðel” (noble) and “wynn” (joy). A name reflecting both nobility and happiness. |
| 25 | Eadswith | Old English | “Prosperous strength” – Merges “ead” (prosperity) and “swiþ” (strong). A name embodying both abundance and power. |
| 26 | Aelfled | Old English | “Elf beauty” – Fuses “ælf” (elf) and “flæd” (beauty). A name that captures the enchanting allure of elves. |
| 27 | Wulfric | Old English | “Wolf ruler” – Combines “wulf” (wolf) and “rīc” (ruler). A name suggesting both strength and leadership. |
| 28 | Ealdred | Old English | “Old counsel” – Merges “eald” (old) and “rǣd” (counsel). A name signifying wisdom and experience. |
| 29 | Eadred | Old English | “Prosperous counsel” – Merges “ead” (prosperity) and “rǣd” (counsel). A name reflecting both success and wisdom. |
| 30 | Aethelred | Old English | “Noble counsel” – Fuses “æðel” (noble) and “rǣd” (counsel). A name representing both nobility and wisdom. |
| 31 | Wynflaeth | Old English | “Joy beauty” – Combines “wynn” (joy) and “flæd” (beauty). A name radiating beauty and happiness. |
| 32 | Ecgflaed | Old English | “Sword beauty” – Merges “ecg” (sword) and “flæd” (beauty). A name with a blend of strength and elegance. |
| 33 | Wulfflaed | Old English | “Wolf beauty” – Combines “wulf” (wolf) and “flæd” (beauty). A name that captures the beauty and resilience of a wolf. |
| 34 | Aelfgith | Old English | “Elf gift” – Fuses “ælf” (elf) and “gifu” (gift). A name symbolizing a precious gift from the realm of elves. |
| 35 | Ealdthryth | Old English | “Old strength” – Merges “eald” (old) and “þryð” (strength). A name embodying both experience and power. |
| 36 | Eadflaeth | Old English | “Prosperous beauty” – Merges “ead” (prosperity) and “flæd” (beauty). A name evoking both abundance and elegance. |
| 37 | Aelfhelm | Old English | “Elf helmet” – Combines “ælf” (elf) and “helm” (helmet). A name suggesting protection and mystical guidance. |
| 38 | Wulfrun | Old English | “Wolf secret” – Merges “wulf” (wolf) and “rūn” (secret, mystery). A name with an aura of enigmatic strength. |
| 39 | Ealdwyn | Old English | “Old joy” – Merges “eald” (old) and “wynn” (joy). A name suggesting wisdom and enduring happiness. |
| 40 | Aethelwynn | Old English | “Noble joy” – Fuses “æðel” (noble) and “wynn” (joy). A name that embodies nobility and happiness. |
| 41 | Eadburg | Old English | “Prosperous fortress” – Merges “ead” (prosperity) and “burh” (fortress, stronghold). A name symbolizing both prosperity and protection. |
| 42 | Aelfric | Old English | “Elf ruler” – Fuses “ælf” (elf) and “rīc” (ruler). A name signifying leadership and a connection to the mystical. |
| 43 | Wulfwyn | Old English | “Wolf joy” – Merges “wulf” (wolf) and “wynn” (joy). A name that reflects the happiness and strength of a wolf. |
| 44 | Ealdgith | Old English | “Old gift” – Combines “eald” (old) and “gifu” (gift). A name suggesting wisdom and cherished offerings. |
| 45 | Aethelburh | Old English | “Noble fortress” – Fuses “æðel” (noble) and “burh” (fortress, stronghold). A name representing both nobility and strength. |
| 46 | Eadwyn | Old English | “Prosperous joy” – Merges “ead” (prosperity) and “wynn” (joy). A name embodying both abundance and happiness. |
| 47 | Aelfswith | Old English | “Elf strength” – Merges “ælf” (elf) and “swiþ” (strong). A name embodying the potency of both the mystical and the robust. |
| 48 | Wulfhild | Old English | “Wolf battle” – Combines “wulf” (wolf) and “gūð” (battle). A name that evokes strength and courage in the midst of conflict. |
| 49 | Ealhswith | Old English | “Noble strength” – Merges “ealh” (temple) and “swiþ” (strong). A name suggesting inner fortitude and nobility. |
| 50 | Aethelflaed | Old English | “Noble beauty” – Fuses “æðel” (noble) and “flæd” (beauty). A name representing a combination of grace and nobility. |
Read more: Ancient English Names for Boys
30 Famous Queens and Princesses from England
| No. | Name | Title | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Queen Elizabeth I | Queen of England | “My God is an oath” – A name signifying a strong connection to divine promises and faith. |
| 2 | Queen Victoria | Queen of the United Kingdom | “Victorious” – A name reflecting triumph and success. |
| 3 | Queen Mary I | Queen of England | “Bitter” or “Rebellious” – A name that might symbolize challenges or resistance. |
| 4 | Queen Anne | Queen of England, Scotland, Ireland | “Gracious” or “Favor” – A name embodying kindness and benevolence. |
| 5 | Princess Diana | Princess of Wales | “Divine” or “Heavenly” – A name suggesting celestial beauty and grace. |
| 6 | Queen Elizabeth II | Queen of the United Kingdom | “My God is an oath” – An affirmation of a deep bond with the divine. |
| 7 | Queen Mary II | Queen of England, Scotland, Ireland | “Bitter” or “Rebellious” – Reflecting challenges or strength in adversity. |
| 8 | Princess Margaret | Princess of the United Kingdom | “Pearl” or “Child of Light” – A name associated with purity and radiance. |
| 9 | Queen Anne-Marie | Queen consort of Greece | “Gracious” or “Favor” – Reflecting kindness and goodwill. |
| 10 | Queen Catherine | Queen consort of England | “Pure” or “Innocent” – A name symbolizing purity and virtue. |
| 11 | Princess Charlotte | Princess of Wales | “Free man” – A name suggesting independence and strength. |
| 12 | Queen Eleanor | Queen of England | “Bright, shining one” – A name denoting radiance and brilliance. |
| 13 | Queen Jane | Queen of England | “God’s gracious gift” – A name signifying divine blessing and favor. |
| 14 | Queen Philippa | Queen of England | “Lover of horses” – Reflecting a fondness for animals and strength. |
| 15 | Queen Alexandra | Queen consort of the United Kingdom | “Defender of the people” – A name embodying protection and care for her subjects. |
| 16 | Queen Isabella | Queen consort of England | “God’s oath” – A name suggesting a strong bond with the divine. |
| 17 | Princess Anne | Princess Royal | “Gracious” or “Favor” – A name reflecting kindness and generosity. |
| 18 | Queen Mary | Queen consort of England | “Bitter” or “Rebellious” – Reflecting strength in challenging situations. |
| 19 | Queen Catherine | Queen of England | “Pure” or “Innocent” – A name symbolizing purity and goodness. |
| 20 | Queen Elizabeth | Queen consort of England | “My God is an oath” – A name rooted in faith and devotion. |
| 21 | Queen Henrietta | Queen consort of England, Scotland, Ireland | “Home ruler” – Reflecting authority and leadership. |
| 22 | Queen Matilda | Queen consort of England, Duchess of Normandy | “Mighty in battle” – A name embodying strength and power. |
| 23 | Princess Beatrice | Princess of the United Kingdom | “Blessed” or “Bringer of joy” – Reflecting happiness and positivity. |
| 24 | Queen Mary | Queen of England | “Bitter” or “Rebellious” – A name suggesting resilience and strength. |
| 25 | Queen Anne | Queen of England, Scotland, Ireland | “Gracious” or “Favor” – A name embodying benevolence and kindness. |
| 26 | Princess Eugenie | Princess of the United Kingdom | “Noble” or “Well-born” – A name representing high social standing. |
| 27 | Queen Elizabeth | Queen consort of England, Scotland, Ireland | “My God is an oath” – A name rooted in faith and devotion. |
| 28 | Queen Adelaide | Queen consort of the United Kingdom | “Noble” or “Nobility” – Reflecting high status and dignity. |
| 29 | Queen Mary | Queen consort of England | “Bitter” or “Rebellious” – A name symbolizing strength and determination. |
| 30 | Queen Victoria | Queen of the United Kingdom | “Victorious” – A name signifying triumph and success. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of ancient English names for girls is a tapestry woven with meanings that bridge the past and present. These names, borne by queens and princesses, carry not only historical significance but also encapsulate virtues, beliefs, and aspirations of their eras. From the regal elegance of “Victoria” to the celestial charm of “Diana,” each name holds a story that resonates across generations.
The meanings behind these names provide glimpses into the values cherished in different times, from the divine connections of “Elizabeth” to the resilience of “Mary.” These names reflect the diverse influences that have shaped the English language, from Old English roots to deeper historical associations.
By exploring these names and their meanings, we unearth a rich tapestry that connects us to the heritage of England, offering insights into the lives of remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on history. These names serve as a tribute to the enduring legacies of queens and princesses who have shaped the course of the nation and continue to inspire today.