Selecting the perfect baby name can feel overwhelming and stressful. There are millions of options out there and so many places to gain inspiration. For baby girls, people have drawn inspiration from different places around the world (Ireland for example), different television shows, aspects of nature, and different time eras. Looking back at history can be a fun way to think of some distinctive name ideas. People have found baby names from the roaring '20s, the 2000s, and even the medieval times! Finding the right balance of femininity and strength in a girl's name can be tough — so why not take inspiration from the people of the Middle Ages?
These monikers have adorned princesses and peasants, saints and socialites, with distinctive sounds and interesting etymologies. Elegant and unusual, these historical names prove that the best modern choices can come from old sources. From the gallant knights, to the fair ladies, the medieval times provide an adventurous and fascinating resource that can surprisingly provide a lot of baby name inspiration for a little bundle of joy. Some of these names are actually so modern that it is hard to imagine them in the medieval times. Many of these may be names new parents have never even heard before. Some are short and sweet, while others are longer and more complicated — but all of them are pretty cool choices. Here are 20 baby girl names that come from the Middle Ages. There are bound to be some on here that are worth considering!
AGNES
Though it was once a common pick, adorable Agnes has yet to re-enter the Top 1,000 after dropping off in 1973. Vintage yet unexpected, Agnes is a lovely name with a long history of namesakes and modern celebrity endorsements.
THOMASINE
One of the few feminine forms of Thomas, stunning Thomasine exudes a combination of sophistication and friendliness. Beatrix Potter and Thomas Hardy used the name for characters in their writings, giving the name extra literary flair.
IVA
Simple and chic, Iva manages to be extraordinary while also meshing well with current playground trends — Ava, Eva, and Ivy, for example. While the name has a complicated etymology, Iva feels substantial and ageless in a contemporary context.
ROSAMUND
With “Rose” names getting renewed interest, beautiful Rosamund merits a second look — even though it comes from a different linguistic background, meaning “horse protection.” English actress Rosamund Pike has helped this name rise, but it’s novel enough to work for a modern girl.
PETRONELLA
Historically popular in the Netherlands, Petronella has a gorgeous melody dating back to its creation in Ancient Rome. This bold, romantic choice could work as an uncommon route to the nicknames Petra or Nell, but its full form is better on the birth certificate.
SABINA
Just one letter off from glamorous Sabrina, Sabina’s sound is a bit softer and more compassionate. It’s fairly well-used in a few European countries, but attractive Sabina hasn’t ranked on US popularity charts since 1926.
MELISENDE
The original French form of Millicent, pretty Melisende works much better today, with its ancient roots and mellifluous air. One notable namesake was Queen Melisende of Jerusalem, a strong female leader and a great patron of the arts.
PHILIPPA
This bright choice is the first name of “Pippa” Middleton, giving this enduring name more context in the modern world. While the Brits have long appreciated peppy Philippa, it has never been given to more than 75 girls in any year in the US.
EUPHEMIA
A striking option for name aficionados, Euphemia comes from the Greek for “sweet speech,” and is the original source of the name Effie. This rare choice may raise some eyebrows, but Euphemia’s illustrious history and pleasing sound give it a firm foundation
NICOLA
Despite Nicole’s popularity in the US, feminine Nicola never quite achieved the audience it once found on the British Isles. It’s a fantastic option for those looking to honor an Aunt Nicki or Uncle Nicholas, and it’s been worn by athletes, actresses, and authors.
MATHILDE
Clunky-yet-cool Matilda has won the hearts of Anglophones — might its French variant one day ride up this spirited name’s coattails? Mathilde currently ranks in the top 50 in France, and could appeal to fans of names like Nathalie or Madeleine.
ISOLDE
A tragic heroine in Celtic legend, Isolde was the true love of Tristan, and their story influenced countless romantic sagas, such as that of Lancelot and Guinevere. Isolde fits in well with the recent trend towards heroine names, such as Athena and Khaleesi.
CHRISTIANA
What a difference an A makes: Christiana manages to update Christina as well as join the ranks of Anna names popular today, such as Juliana and Adriana. A favorite choice among the royals of Europe, Christiana is a fun mix of nobility and modernity all in one.
EDITH
The most popular name on this list (at least in the United States), Edith’s strength comes partially from its meaning: “prosperous in war.” Friendly nickname Edie helps with day-to-day use, but Edith’s inherent confidence and rarity are sure to impress.
SIBILLA
The Italian form of Sybil, Sibilla is a pleasant compromise that keeps the name’s mythological roots while feeling fresh and unusual. This charming name has only been recorded once for girls in American name history — five girls were given the name in 2013.
AMATA
From the Latin for “beloved,” Amata is a graceful name that renews the likes of Amy and Amanda. Though it’s never been recorded in US history, Spanish variant Amada has received similar attention for its simplicity and femininity.
