Old Germanic Names

These names were used by the Germanic peoples of Europe. See also about Germanic names.
gender
usage
Ada 1 f English, Italian, Spanish, German, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Hungarian, Finnish, Germanic
Originally a short form of Germanic names such as Adelaide or Adelina that begin with the element adal meaning "noble". Saint Ada was a 7th-century Frankish abbess at Le Mans. This name was also borne by Augusta Ada King (1815-1852), the Countess of Lovelace (known as Ada Lovelace), a daughter of Lord Byron. She was an assistant to Charles Babbage, the inventor of an early mechanical computer.
Adalberht m Germanic
Old German form of Albert.
Adalbern m Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements adal "noble" and bern "bear".
Adalbert m Germanic, German
Old German form of Albert. This is the name of a patron saint of Bohemia, Poland and Prussia. He is known by his birth name Vojtěch in Czech and Wojciech in Polish.
Adalfarus m Germanic (Latinized)
Derived from the Old German elements adal "noble" and fara "journey".
Adalfuns m Germanic
Old German form of Alfonso.
Adalgard f Germanic
Old German form of Edelgard.
Adalgund f Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements adal "noble" and gunda "battle". See also Aldegund.
Adalhaid f Germanic
Old German form of Adelaide.
Adalhard m Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements adal "noble" and hart "hard, firm, brave, hardy". Saint Adalhard or Adalard was a cousin of Charlemagne who became an abbot of Corbie.
Adallinda f Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements adal "noble" and lind "soft, flexible, tender". Adallinda (or Adalindis or Ethelind) was the name of one of the concubines of Charlemagne, with whom she had at least two children.
Adalwin m Germanic
From the Old German elements adal "noble" and wini "friend" (a cognate of Æðelwine).
Adalwolf m Germanic
Old German form of Adolf.
Adela f English, Spanish, Romanian, Polish, Slovak, Germanic
Originally a short form of names beginning with the Old German element adal meaning "noble" (Proto-Germanic *aþalaz). Saint Adela was a 7th-century Frankish princess who founded a monastery at Pfazel in France. This name was also borne by a daughter of William the Conqueror.
Adelina f Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Romanian, Bulgarian, Germanic (Latinized)
From a Germanic name that was derived from the element adal meaning "noble" (Proto-Germanic *aþalaz).
Adelmar m Germanic
From the Old German elements adal "noble" and mari "famous". It is a cognate of the Old English name Æðelmær.
Adhelm m Germanic
From the Old German elements atto meaning "father" and helm meaning "helmet, protection".
Adolf m German, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Germanic
From the Old German name Adalwolf, which meant "noble wolf" from the elements adal "noble" and wolf. It was borne by several Swedish kings as a first or second name, most notably by Gustav II Adolf in the 17th century. Association with Adolf Hitler (1889-1945), the leader of the Nazi party in Germany during World War II, has lessened the use of this name.
Adolphus m Germanic (Latinized)
Latinized form of Adolf.
Æbbe f Anglo-Saxon
Old English form of Ebba 2.
Ælfflæd f Anglo-Saxon
Old English name composed of the elements ælf "elf" and flæd, possibly meaning "beauty".
Ælfgar m Anglo-Saxon
Old English form of Algar.
Ælfgifu f Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements ælf "elf" and giefu "gift". This was the name of the first wife of the English king Æðelræd II.
Ælfheah m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements ælf "elf" and heah "high". This was the name of an 11th-century archbishop of Canterbury, a saint and martyr, who is commonly known as Alphege or Elphege.
Ælfnoð m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English element ælf "elf" combined with noð "boldness, daring".
Ælfræd m Anglo-Saxon
Old English form of Alfred.
Ælfric m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements ælf "elf" and ric "ruler, king" (making it a cognate of Alberich). This was the name of a 10th-century archbishop of Canterbury, sometimes considered a saint.
Ælfsige m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements ælf "elf" and sige "victory".
Ælfstan m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements ælf "elf" and stan "stone".
Ælfswiþ f Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English element ælf "elf" combined with swiþ "strong".
Ælfþryð f Anglo-Saxon
Old English form of Elfreda.
Ælfthryth f Anglo-Saxon
Variant of Ælfþryð (see Elfreda).
Ælfweard m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements ælf "elf" and weard "guardian".
Ælfwig m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements ælf "elf" and wig "war, battle".
Ælfwine m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements ælf "elf" and wine "friend". This name was not commonly used after the Norman Conquest.
Ælfwynn f Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements ælf "elf" and wynn "joy". This name was borne by a daughter of Æðelflæd who ruled Mercia briefly in the 10th century.
Ælred m Anglo-Saxon
Contracted form of Æðelræd. This was the name of a 12th-century English saint.
Aenor f Germanic (Latinized)
Probably a Latinized form of a Germanic name of unknown meaning. This was the name of the mother of Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Æsc m Anglo-Saxon
Means "ash tree" in Old English. This was the nickname of a 5th-century king of Kent, whose birth name was Oeric.
Æþelbeorht m Anglo-Saxon
Old English cognate of Adalbert (see Albert). This was the name of a Saxon king of England and two kings of Kent, one of whom was a saint. It became unused after the Normans introduced their form of Adalbert after their invasion.
Æðelflæd f Anglo-Saxon
Old English name composed of the elements æðele "noble" and flæd, possibly meaning "beauty". This was the name of a 10th-century ruler of Mercia (a daughter of Alfred the Great).
Æðelfrið m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements æðele "noble" and friþ "peace". The name was rarely used after the Norman Conquest.
Æðelmær m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements æðele "noble" and mære "famous". A famous bearer was the 11th-century English monk Æðelmær of Malmesbury who attempted to fly with a gliding apparatus (breaking his legs in the process).
Æthelnoð m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements æðele "noble" and noð "boldness, daring".
Æðelræd m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements æðele "noble" and ræd "counsel, advice". This was the name of two Saxon kings of England including Æðelræd II "the Unready" whose realm was overrun by the Danes in the early 11th century. The name was rarely used after the Norman Conquest.
Æðelric m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements æðele "noble" and ric "ruler, king". This was the name of several early Anglo-Saxon kings.
Æðelstan m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements æðele "noble" and stan "stone". This was the name of a 10th-century English king, the first to rule all of England. The name was rarely used after the Norman Conquest, though it enjoyed a modest revival (as Athelstan) in the 19th century.
Æðelþryð f Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements æðele "noble" and þryþ "strength".
Æthelweald m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements æðele "noble" and weald "powerful, mighty".
Æthelweard m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English element æðele "noble" combined with weard "guardian".
Æðelwine m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements æðele "noble" and wine "friend". This was the name of a few Anglo-Saxon saints, including a 7th-century bishop of Lindsey. The name became rare after the Norman Conquest.
Æðelwulf m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements æðele "noble" and wulf "wolf" (making it a cognate of Adolf). This name was borne by a 9th-century king of Wessex.
Aghi m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Ove.
Agi m Germanic
Old German variant of Ago.
Agilulf m Germanic
Old German name derived from the elements agil meaning "edge, blade" and wolf meaning "wolf". This name was borne by a 6th-century king of the Lombards and by an 8th-century saint (a bishop of Cologne).
Agimar m Germanic
Derived from the Old Frankish element aggju, Old High German ekka meaning "edge, blade" combined with mari meaning "famous".
Agmundr m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Amund.
Agnarr m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Agnar.
Ago m Germanic
From the Old High German element ekka, Old Saxon eggia meaning "edge, blade" (Proto-Germanic *agjō). Alternatively it could be from Old High German egi meaning "fear" (Proto-Germanic *agaz). This was the name of a 7th-century Duke of Friuli.
Aimeric m Germanic
Probably a variant of Heimirich. Aimeric (or Aimery) was the name of several viscounts of Narbonne between the 11th and 13th centuries. It was also borne by the first king of Cyprus (12th century), originally from Poitou, France.
Áki m Old Norse, Icelandic
Old Norse diminutive of names containing the element anu "ancestor".
Alard m Germanic
Variant of Adalhard.
Alaric m Gothic (Anglicized)
From the Gothic name *Alareiks meaning "ruler of all", derived from the element alls "all" combined with reiks "ruler, king". This was the name of a king of the Visigoths who sacked Rome in the 5th century.
Alawar m Germanic (Hypothetical)
Possible Frankish cognate of Álvaro.
Alba 3 f Germanic
Originally a short form of Germanic names beginning with the element alb meaning "elf" (Proto-Germanic *albaz).
Albarīks m Old Germanic (Hypothetical)
Proto-Germanic reconstruction of Alberich, Ælfric and Alfríkr.
Albaweniz m Old Germanic (Hypothetical)
Proto-Germanic reconstruction of Ælfwine, Alboin and Alfvin.
Alberich m Germanic, Germanic Mythology
Derived from the Old German elements alb "elf" and rih "ruler, king". It was borne by two Lombard dukes of Spoleto in the 10th century. It was also the name of a 12th-century French saint who helped found the Cistercian Order.... [more]
Albert m English, German, French, Catalan, Polish, Czech, Russian, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Icelandic, Finnish, Romanian, Hungarian, Albanian, Germanic
From the Germanic name Adalbert meaning "noble and bright", composed of the elements adal "noble" and beraht "bright". This name was common among medieval German royalty. The Normans introduced it to England, where it replaced the Old English cognate Æþelbeorht. Though it became rare in England by the 17th century, it was repopularized in the 19th century by the German-born Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria.... [more]
Albertus m Germanic (Latinized), Dutch
Latinized form of Albert. This is the official Dutch form of the name, used on birth certificates but commonly rendered Albert in daily life.
Alboin m Germanic
From the Old German elements alb "elf" and wini "friend". It is a cognate of Ælfwine. This was the name of a 6th-century king of the Lombards who began the Lombard conquest of Italy.
Alda 1 f Italian, Portuguese, Germanic
Feminine form of Aldo.
Aldebrand m Germanic
Old German name derived from the elements alt meaning "old" and brant meaning "fire, torch, sword". Saint Aldebrand was a 12th-century bishop of Fossombrone in Italy.
Aldegar m Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements alt "old" and ger "spear".
Aldegund f Germanic
Germanic name, derived from the elements alt "old" and gunda "war". Alternatively, it could be a metathesized form of Adalgund. Saint Aldegund (or Aldegundis or Adelgundis) was a 7th-century Frankish abbess at Maubeuge.
Aldhard m Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements alt "old" and hart "hard, firm, brave, hardy".
Aldo m Italian, Germanic
Originally a short form of Germanic names beginning with the element alt meaning "old" (Proto-Germanic *aldaz), and sometimes also with adal meaning "noble" (Proto-Germanic *aþalaz).
Aldric m French (Rare), Germanic
From a Germanic name, derived from the elements alt "old" and rih "ruler, king". Saint Aldric was a 9th-century bishop of Le Mans.
Aldwin m Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements alt "old" and wini "friend". This is a cognate of Old English Ealdwine.
Áleifr m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Olaf.
Alfarr m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Alvar.
Alfbern m Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements alb "elf" and bern "bear".
Alfhard m Germanic
Old German name composed of the elements alb "elf" and hart "hard, firm, brave, hardy".
Alfher m Germanic
Old German name composed of the elements alb "elf" and heri "army" (making it a cognate of Alvar).
Alfhildr f Old Norse
Old Norse form of Alfhild.
Alfríkr m Old Norse
Derived from the Old Norse elements alfr "elf" and ríkr "ruler, king" (making it a cognate of Alberich).
Alfvin m Old Norse
From the Old Norse elements alfr "elf" and vinr "friend". It is a cognate of Ælfwine.
Alfwin m Germanic
Variant of Alboin.
Algautr m Old Norse
From the Old Norse elements alfr meaning "elf" and gautr meaning "Geat" (a North Germanic tribe).
Alia 2 f Germanic
Old German form of Ella 1.
Alibrand m Germanic
From the Old German elements alles meaning "other, foreign" and brant meaning "fire, torch, sword".
Alodia f Gothic (Latinized)
Possibly from a Visigothic name, maybe from Gothic elements such as alls "all" or aljis "other" combined with auds "riches, wealth". Saint Alodia was a 9th-century Spanish martyr with her sister Nunilo.
Álǫf f Old Norse
Feminine form of Áleifr.
Alphonsus m Gothic (Latinized)
Latinized form of the Gothic name *Aþalfuns (see Alfonso). This name was borne by Saint Alphonsus Liguori, an 18th-century Italian bishop who is regarded as a Doctor of the Church.
Altwidus m Germanic (Latinized)
Derived from the Old German elements alt "old" and witu "forest".
Alvarus m Gothic (Latinized)
Latinized (Old Spanish) form of a Gothic name (see Álvaro).
Alwin m German, Dutch, Germanic
Contracted form of Adalwin.
Amalaberga f Gothic (Latinized)
From the Gothic name *Amalabairga, derived from the Gothic element amals meaning "unceasing, vigorous, brave", also referring to the royal dynasty of the Amali, combined with bairgo meaning "help, protection". This name was borne by a daughter of Theodemir, king of the Ostrogoths in the 5th century.
Amalberga f Germanic
Variant of Amalaberga, as borne by the Frankish saints Amalberga of Maubeuge (7th century) and Amalberga of Temse (8th century).
Amalbert m Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements amal possibly meaning "unceasing, vigorous, brave" and beraht meaning "bright".
Amalia f Spanish, Italian, Romanian, Greek, Finnish, Swedish, Dutch, German, Germanic (Latinized)
Short form of Germanic names beginning with the element amal. This element means "unceasing, vigorous, brave", or it can refer to the Gothic dynasty of the Amali (derived from the same root).... [more]
Amalric m Gothic (Anglicized)
From the Visigothic name *Amalareiks, derived from the Gothic element amals meaning "unceasing, vigorous, brave", also referring to the royal dynasty of the Amali, combined with reiks meaning "ruler, king". This was the name of a 6th-century king of the Visigoths, as well as two 12th-century rulers of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Amalrich m Germanic
Old German form of Amalric.
Andebert m Germanic
From the Old German element anto meaning "zeal" combined with beraht meaning "bright".
Ansbert m Germanic
Composed of the Old German elements ansi "god" and beraht "bright". It is a cognate of Osbert. This name was borne by a 7th-century Frankish saint, a bishop of Rouen.
Ansegar m Germanic
Old German form of Ansgar.
Ansehelm m Germanic
Old German form of Anselm.
Anselm m German, English (Rare), Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements ansi "god" and helm "helmet, protection". This name was brought to England in the late 11th century by Saint Anselm, who was born in northern Italy. He was archbishop of Canterbury and a Doctor of the Church.
Ansgar m German, Norwegian, Swedish, Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements ansi "god" and ger "spear". Saint Ansgar was a 9th-century Frankish missionary who tried to convert the Danes and Norwegians.
Anso m Germanic
Short form of Germanic names beginning with the element ansi meaning "god" (Proto-Germanic *ansuz).
Ansoald m Germanic
Old German form of Ansaldo.
Ansugaizaz m Old Germanic (Hypothetical)
Proto-Germanic reconstruction of Ansgar, Ásgeirr and Osgar.
Ansuwaldaz m Old Germanic (Hypothetical)
Proto-Germanic reconstruction of Osweald, Ansoald and Ásvaldr.
Anthelm m Germanic
From the Old German element anto meaning "zeal" combined with helm meaning "helmet, protection". Saint Anthelm was a 12th-century bishop of Belley in France.
Anundr m Old Norse
Possibly from the Old Norse elements *anu "ancestor" and *vindr "victor".
Anzo m Germanic
Derived from the Old German element enz meaning "giant".
Archembald m Germanic
Old German form of Ercanbald.
Ari 2 m Old Norse, Icelandic, Finnish
Old Norse byname meaning "eagle".
Arioald m Lombardic (Latinized)
From Arioaldus, a Latin form of Hariwald. This was the name of a 7th-century king of the Lombards.
Arminius m Old Germanic (Latinized)
Latinized form of a Germanic name, possibly derived from the element *ermunaz meaning "whole, universal". Other theories claim that it is related to Herman, or that it is not Germanic at all. Arminius was a 1st-century chief of the Germanic tribe of the Cherusci. Raised in Rome as a hostage, he eventually became a citizen and joined the army. However, he turned against the Empire, leading the Germans in a surprise attack in the Teutoburg Forest and driving the Romans from Germania.
Arnbjǫrg f Old Norse
Old Norse name derived from the elements ǫrn meaning "eagle" and bjǫrg meaning "help, save, rescue".
Arnfinnr m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Arnfinn.
Árni m Old Norse, Icelandic
Old Norse and Icelandic form of Arne 1.
Arnifrid m Germanic
Old German form of Arnfried.
Arnoald m Germanic
Old German form of Arnold.
Arnold m English, German, Dutch, Polish, Germanic
From a Germanic name meaning "eagle power", derived from the elements arn "eagle" and walt "power, authority". The Normans brought it to England, where it replaced the Old English cognate Earnweald. It died out as an English name after the Middle Ages, but it was revived in the 19th century.... [more]
Arnsteinn m Old Norse
Derived from Old Norse ǫrn meaning "eagle" and steinn meaning "stone".
Arnþórr m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Andor 1.
Arnulf m German, Germanic
Germanic name derived from the elements arn meaning "eagle" and wolf meaning "wolf". This name was borne by a few early saints, notably a 7th-century Frankish bishop of Metz. It was also the name of a 9th-century Holy Roman emperor.
Arnviðr m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Arvid.
Ása f Old Norse, Icelandic, Faroese
Old Norse, Icelandic and Faroese form of Åsa.
Ásbjǫrn m Old Norse
Old Norse name derived from the elements áss "god" and bjǫrn "bear". It is therefore a cognate of Osborn.
Ascelin m Germanic
Derived from a diminutive of the Old German element asc meaning "ash tree" (Proto-Germanic *askaz).
Asco m Germanic
Derived from the Old German element asc meaning "ash tree" (Proto-Germanic *askaz).
Ásdís f Icelandic, Old Norse
Derived from the Old Norse elements áss "god" and dís "goddess".
Ásgeirr m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Asger.
Áshildr f Old Norse
Old Norse form of Åshild.
Ásketill m Old Norse
Derived from Old Norse áss "god" and ketill "cauldron, helmet".
Áslaug f Old Norse, Icelandic
Old Norse and Icelandic form of Aslaug.
Ásmundr m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Åsmund.
Ásný f Old Norse
Old Norse form of Åsne.
Ásta f Old Norse, Icelandic
Short form of Ástríðr. It nearly coincides with Icelandic ást meaning "love".
Ástríðr f Old Norse
Derived from the Old Norse elements áss "god" and fríðr "beautiful, beloved".
Ásvaldr m Old Norse
From the Old Norse elements áss "god" and valdr "ruler" (a cognate of Oswald).
Aþalaberhtaz m Old Germanic (Hypothetical)
Proto-Germanic reconstruction of Adalbert and Æþelbeorht.
Aþalafuns m Gothic (Hypothetical)
Possible Gothic form of Alfonso.
Aþalawulfaz m Old Germanic (Hypothetical)
Proto-Germanic reconstruction of Adalwolf, Aþawulfs and Æðelwulf.
Aðalsteinn m Icelandic, Old Norse
Derived from the Old Norse elements aðal "noble" and steinn "stone".
Athanaric m Gothic (Anglicized)
From the Gothic name *Aþanareiks, derived from the element aþn meaning "year" combined with reiks meaning "ruler, king". Athanaric was a 4th-century ruler of the Visigoths.
Athaulf m Gothic (Modernized)
Contemporary spelling of the Gothic name *Aþawulfs, derived from the elements aþals "nobility" and wulfs "wolf" (making it a cognate of Adolf). Alternatively, the first element could be atta "father". This was the name of a 5th-century king of the Visigoths.
Aþawulfs m Gothic (Hypothetical)
Possible Gothic form of Athaulf.
Auda f Germanic
Feminine form of Audo (see Otto).
Audamar m Germanic
Old German form of Otmar.
Audaweniz m Old Germanic (Hypothetical)
Proto-Germanic reconstruction of Eadwine and Audowin.
Audo m Germanic
Old German form of Otto.
Audoin m Lombardic (Latinized)
From Audoinus, the Latin form of the Germanic names Audowin or Aldwin. Audoin (or Auduin or Alduin) was a 6th-century king of the Lombards.
Audowin m Germanic
Derived from the Old Frankish element aud, Old High German ot meaning "wealth, fortune" combined with wini meaning "friend". This is a cognate of Edwin.
Auðr f & m Old Norse
Means "wealth, fortune" in Old Norse.
Auðrhildr f Old Norse
Old Norse form of Audhild.
Auðun m Old Norse
Derived from Old Norse auðr "wealth, fortune" and vinr "friend".
Ava 3 f German, Germanic
Originally a short form of Germanic names beginning with the element awi, of unknown meaning. This was the name of a 9th-century Frankish saint. It was also borne by a 12th-century poet from Melk, Austria.
Avelina 1 f Germanic
Diminutive of Avila.
Aveza f Germanic
Old German form of Avis.
Avila f Germanic
Derived from the Old German element awi, of unknown meaning. Rarely, this name may be given in honour of the 16th-century mystic Saint Teresa of Ávila, Ávila being the name of the town in Spain where she was born.
Bada m Anglo-Saxon
Old English name probably derived from beadu meaning "battle".
Badulf m Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements batu meaning "battle" and wolf meaning "wolf".
Badurad m Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements batu "battle" and rat "counsel, advice".
Baggi m Old Norse
Byname derived from Old Norse baggi meaning "bag, pack".
Balderich m Germanic
Old German form of Baldric.
Baldewin m Germanic
Old German form of Baldwin.
Baldilo m Germanic
Originally a diminutive of names containing the Old German element bald meaning "bold, brave" (Proto-Germanic *balþaz).
Baldo m Italian, Spanish, Germanic
Originally a short form of names containing the Old German element bald meaning "bold, brave" (Proto-Germanic *balþaz), such as Baldwin and Theobald. In Italian it can also be short for the non-Germanic name Baldassare.
Baldomar m Germanic
Old German form of Baldomero.
Baldwin m English, Germanic
Means "bold friend", derived from the Old German elements bald "bold, brave" and wini "friend". In the Middle Ages this was a popular name in Flanders and among the Normans, who brought it to Britain. It was borne by one of the leaders of the First Crusade, an 11th-century nobleman from Flanders. After the crusaders conquered Jerusalem, he was crowned as the king of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Bardulf m Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements barta "axe" and wolf "wolf".
Bárðr m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Bård.
Baugulf m Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements boug meaning "ring, bracelet" and wolf meaning "wolf".
Beorhtric m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements beorht "bright" and ric "ruler, king".
Beorhtsige m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements beorht "bright" and sige "victory".
Beornræd m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements beorn "warrior, man" and ræd "counsel, advice".
Berahard m Germanic
Old German form of Berard.
Berahthraban m Germanic
Old German form of Bertram, using an extended form of the second element.
Berahthram m Germanic
Old German form of Bertram.
Berard m Germanic
Variant of Bernard using the related root bero "bear" as the first element. This was the name of a 13th-century saint from Carbio, Italy who was martyred in Morocco.
Berengar m Germanic
Old German name derived from the elements bern "bear" and ger "spear". This was the name of two medieval kings of Italy and a Holy Roman emperor.
Berengaria f Germanic (Latinized)
Latinized feminine form of Berengar. This name was borne by a 13th-century queen of Castile.
Berenhard m Germanic
Old German form of Bernard.
Bergljót f Old Norse, Icelandic
Old Norse and Icelandic form of Bergljot.
Berhta f Germanic
Old German form of Bertha.
Berhtoald m Germanic
Old German form of Berthold.
Bernard m English, French, Dutch, Polish, Croatian, Slovene, Czech, Germanic
Derived from the Old German element bern "bear" combined with hart "hard, firm, brave, hardy". The Normans brought it to England, where it replaced the Old English cognate Beornheard. This was the name of several saints, including Saint Bernard of Menthon who built hospices in the Swiss Alps in the 10th century, and Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a 12th-century theologian and Doctor of the Church. Other famous bearers include the Irish playwright and essayist George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) and the British World War II field marshal Bernard Montgomery (1887-1976).
Bernhard m German, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Germanic
German, Dutch and Scandinavian form of Bernard.
Bernuharduz m Old Germanic (Hypothetical)
Proto-Germanic reconstruction of Bernard.
Bertha f German, English, Germanic
Originally a short form of Germanic names beginning with the Old Frankish or Old Saxon element berht, Old High German beraht meaning "bright" (Proto-Germanic *berhtaz). This was the name of a few early saints, including a 6th-century Frankish princess who married and eventually converted King Æþelbeorht of Kent. It was also borne by the mother of Charlemagne in the 8th century (also called Bertrada), and it was popularized in England by the Normans. It died out as an English name after the Middle Ages, but was revived in the 19th century.... [more]
Berthild f Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements beraht "bright" and hilt "battle". This was the name of a 7th-century saint, an abbess of Chelles in France.
Bertilo m Germanic
Originally a short form of Germanic names beginning with the element beraht meaning "bright, famous".
Bertram m English, German, Germanic
Means "bright raven", derived from the Old German element beraht "bright" combined with hram "raven". This name has long been conflated with Bertrand. The Normans introduced it to England, and Shakespeare used it in his play All's Well That Ends Well (1603).
Bertrand m French, English, Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements beraht meaning "bright" and rant meaning "rim (of a shield)". From an early date it has been confused with Bertram and the two names have merged to some degree. Saint Bertrand was an 11th-century bishop of Comminges in France. Another famous bearer was the English philosopher Bertrand Russell (1872-1970).
Birgir m Old Norse, Icelandic
Old Norse and Icelandic form of Birger.
Bjarni m Old Norse, Icelandic, Faroese
Old Norse diminutive of Bjǫrn and other names containing the element bjǫrn meaning "bear".
Bjartr m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Bjarte.
Bjǫrg f Old Norse
Old Norse form of Bjørg.
Bjǫrn m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Björn.
Blanchard m Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements blanc meaning "white" and hart meaning "hard, firm, brave, hardy". This was the name of an obscure (perhaps legendary) 7th-century French saint.
Bodo m Germanic
Old German form of Bode.
Bóthildr f Old Norse
Old Norse form of Bodil.
Botwulf m Anglo-Saxon
From Old English bot meaning "improvement" and wulf meaning "wolf". Saint Botwulf was a 7th-century English abbot. He may be the person after whom Boston is named.
Brando m Germanic
Germanic name derived from the element brant meaning "fire, torch, sword".
Brandr m Old Norse
Old Norse byname meaning "fire, torch, sword".
Bróðir m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Bror.
Brunhild f German, Germanic Mythology, Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements brunna "armour, protection" and hilt "battle". It is cognate with the Old Norse name Brynhildr (from the elements brynja and hildr). In Norse legend Brynhildr was the queen of the valkyries who was rescued by the hero Sigurd. In the medieval German saga the Nibelungenlied she was a queen of Iceland and the wife of Gunther. Both of these characters were probably inspired by the eventful life of the 6th-century Frankish queen Brunhilda (of Visigothic birth).... [more]
Brunihild f Germanic
Old German variant of Brunhild.
Brunjōhildiz f Old Germanic (Hypothetical)
Proto-Germanic reconstruction of Brunhild and Brynhildr.
Bruno m German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Croatian, Polish, Czech, Slovak, Latvian, Germanic
Derived from the Old German element brunna meaning "armour, protection" (Proto-Germanic *brunjǭ) or brun meaning "brown" (Proto-Germanic *brūnaz). Saint Bruno of Cologne was a German monk of the 11th century who founded the Carthusian Order. The surname has belonged to Giordano Bruno, a philosopher burned at the stake by the Inquisition. A modern bearer is the American singer Bruno Mars (1985-), born Peter Gene Hernandez.
Brynhildr f Norse Mythology, Old Norse
Old Norse cognate of Brunhild. In the Norse epic the Völsungasaga Brynhildr was rescued by the hero Sigurd in the guise of Gunnar. Brynhildr and Gunnar were married, but when Sigurd's wife Gudrun let slip that it was in fact Sigurd who had rescued her, Brynhildr plotted against him. She accused Sigurd of taking her virginity, spurring Gunnar to arrange Sigurd's murder.
Brynja f Icelandic, Old Norse
Means "armour" in Old Norse.
Brynjarr m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Brynjar.
Búi m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Bo 1.
Burgheard m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements burg "fortress" and heard "hard, firm, brave, hardy". It is a cognate of Burkhard.
Burkhard m German, Germanic
Derived from the Old German elements burg "fortress" and hart "hard, firm, brave, hardy", or perhaps from the Old English cognate Burgheard. Saint Burkhard was an 8th-century Anglo-Saxon missionary to Germany (a companion of Boniface) who became the first bishop of Würzburg.
Carlman m Germanic
Old German variant of Carloman.
Carloman m Germanic
From an Old German name derived from karl meaning "man" and man meaning "person, man". This was the name of several Frankish rulers, including the 8th-century Carloman I who ruled jointly with his brother Charlemagne for a time.
Ceadda m Anglo-Saxon
Old English form of Chad.
Cenhelm m Anglo-Saxon
Old English form of Kenelm.
Cenric m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from Old English cene "bold" and ric "ruler, king".
Ceolmund m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements ceol "keel" and mund "protection".
Cerdic m Anglo-Saxon
Earlier form of Cedric, possibly of Brythonic origin.
Charibert m Germanic
Old German (Frankish) variant of Haribert. This name was borne by two Merovingian kings of the Franks (6th and 7th centuries).
Chariovalda m Old Germanic (Latinized)
Latinized form of Hariwald. This was the name of 1st-century Batavian chief mentioned by Tacitus.
Childebert m Germanic
Old German (Frankish) form of Hildebert. This name was borne by four Merovingian Frankish kings (between the 6th and 8th centuries).
Childeric m Germanic
Old German (Frankish) variant of Hilderic.
Chilperic m Germanic
Old German (Frankish) variant of Hilperic.
Chlodechilda f Germanic
Frankish name derived from the elements hlut "famous, loud" and hilt "battle". See also Clotilde.
Chlodochar m Germanic
Old German variant of Lothar.
Chlodovech m Germanic (Latinized)
From Chlodovechus, a Latinized form of the Germanic name Hludwig (see Ludwig).
Chlodulf m Germanic
Old German form of Ludolf.
Chlothar m Germanic
Old German form of Lothar.
Chrodechildis f Germanic (Latinized)
Latinized Frankish form of Clotilde.
Clodovicus m Germanic (Latinized)
Latinized form of the Germanic name Hludwig (see Ludwig).
Clothildis f Germanic (Latinized)
Medieval Latin form of Chrodechildis and Chlodechilda (see Clotilde).
Cola m Anglo-Saxon
Old English byname meaning "charcoal", originally given to a person with dark features.
Colobert m Germanic
Old German name composed of (possibly) the element kollo meaning "head, peak" and beraht meaning "bright".
Conrad m English, German, Germanic
Means "brave counsel", derived from the Old German elements kuoni "brave" and rat "counsel, advice". This was the name of a 10th-century saint and bishop of Konstanz, in southern Germany. It was also borne by several medieval German kings and dukes, notably Conrad II, the first of the Holy Roman Emperors from the Salic dynasty. In England it was occasionally used during the Middle Ages, but has only been common since the 19th century when it was reintroduced from Germany.
Cunigund f Germanic
Old German form of Kunigunde.
Cuthberht m Anglo-Saxon
Old English form of Cuthbert.
Cynebald m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from Old English cyne "royal" and beald "bold, brave".
Cyneburg f Anglo-Saxon
Means "royal fortress" from Old English cyne "royal" and burg "fortress". Saint Cyneburga, a daughter of a king of Mercia, was the founder of an abbey at Gloucester in the 7th century.
Cynefrið m Anglo-Saxon
Means "royal peace" from Old English cyne "royal" and friþ "peace".
Cyneheard m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from Old English cyne "royal" and heard "hard, firm, brave, hardy".
Cynemær m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from Old English cyne "royal" and mære "famous".
Cyneric m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from Old English cyne "royal" and ric "ruler, king".
Cynesige m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from Old English cyne "royal" and sige "victory".
Cyneweard m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from Old English cyne "royal" and weard "guard".
Dagfinnr m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Dagfinn.
Dagmær f Old Norse
Old Norse form of Dagmar.
Dagný f Old Norse, Icelandic
Old Norse and Icelandic form of Dagny.
Dagobert m Germanic, German
Means "bright day", derived from Old Frankish dag, Old High German tag meaning "day" combined with Old Frankish berht, Old High German beraht meaning "bright". This was the name of a 7th-century Merovingian king of the Franks.... [more]
Dagr m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Dag.
Dagrún f Old Norse, Icelandic
Old Norse and Icelandic form of Dagrun.
Danr m Old Norse
Old Norse form of Dan 3.
Deorwine m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements deore "dear" and wine "friend".
Dudda m Anglo-Saxon
Old English byname possibly meaning "round".
Dunstan m English (Rare), Anglo-Saxon
From the Old English elements dunn "dark" and stan "stone". This name was borne by a 10th-century saint, the archbishop of Canterbury. It was occasionally used in the Middle Ages, though it died out after the 16th century. It was revived by the Tractarian movement in the 19th century.
Eadberht m Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements ead "wealth, fortune" and beorht "bright". This was the name of an 8th-century king of Northumbria and three kings of Kent.
Eadburg f Anglo-Saxon
Derived from the Old English elements ead "wealth, fortune" and burg "fortress".