Middle-english Baby Girl Names

Middle English, a period in the history of the English language, roughly spans from 1150 to 1500 CE. During this time, many changes occurred in the language and culture of England, leading to the development of a rich and diverse range of names for girls. This article will explore some of the most popular and unique Middle English girl names, their meanings, and their historical significance.

During the Middle English period, names were often derived from various sources, such as Old English, Old Norse, Latin, and even French. This amalgamation of influences is evident in the variety of names that were popular during this time. The following list provides an overview of some of the most popular Middle English girl names:

1. Agnes: Derived from the Greek name Hagne, meaning "pure" or "holy". Saint Agnes was a popular Christian saint during the Middle Ages, which contributed to the popularity of this name.
2. Amabilia: A Latin name meaning "loveable" or "worthy of love". This name was popular among medieval noblewomen, particularly in England and France.
3. Beatrice: Originating from the Latin name Beatrix, meaning "bringer of joy" or "blessed". The name was popularized by the Italian poet Dante Alighieri in his masterpiece "The Divine Comedy" through the character of Beatrice, who served as Dante's guide through Paradise.
4. Cecily: Derived from the Roman name Caecilia, meaning "blind". Saint Cecilia was the patron saint of musicians and her feast day was widely celebrated during the Middle Ages.
5. Eleanor: Of uncertain origin, but possibly derived from the Old French name Aliénor. Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most powerful and influential women in medieval Europe, helped to popularize this name.
6. Isabel: A variant of the Hebrew name Elizabeth, meaning "God is my oath". This name was introduced to England by the Normans and was very popular among English royalty and nobility.
7. Juliana: Derived from the Roman name Julianus, meaning "youthful" or "Jove's child". This name was popular among medieval English noblewomen, as well as in other parts of Europe.
8. Margery: A variant of Margaret, which comes from the Greek name Margarites, meaning "pearl". Margery Kempe, an English mystic and author, was one of the most well-known women with this name during the Middle English period.
9. Matilda: Derived from the Germanic name Mahthildis, meaning "strength in battle". This name was popular among English royalty, including Empress Matilda, the daughter of King Henry I.
10. Philippa: The feminine form of the name Philip, which comes from the Greek name Philippos, meaning "lover of horses". This name was especially popular among English royalty, such as Philippa of Hainault, the wife of King Edward III.

In addition to the popular names listed above, there were also many unique and unusual names that were used during the Middle English period. Some examples of these names include:

1. Avelina: A diminutive form of the name Ava, which may be of Germanic origin, meaning "desired" or "strength".
2. Clarimond: A name of French origin, meaning "bright protector". This name was relatively rare during the Middle English period but was used among some noble families.
3. Ellyn: A variant of the name Ellen, which is derived from the Greek name Helen, meaning "torch" or "light".
4. Frideswide: An Old English name meaning "peace" and "wide", which was the name of a 7th-century saint and the patron saint of Oxford.
5. Griselda: Of uncertain origin, but possibly derived from the Germanic elements gris, meaning "gray", and hild, meaning "battle". This name was popularized by the medieval poet Geoffrey Chaucer in his "Canterbury Tales".

In conclusion, the Middle English period was a time of great linguistic and cultural change, which is reflected in the diverse range of girl names that were popular at the time. These names were often derived from a variety of sources, such as Old English, Old Norse, Latin, and French, and were influenced by the religious and political landscape of the time. Today, many of these names continue to be popular and are a testament to the rich history of the English language.