Old English names carry a rich heritage that stretches back more than a thousand years. Rooted in the language and culture of the Anglo-Saxons, these names often reflect qualities such as strength, wisdom, loyalty, nobility, and courage. While many originated during the early medieval period, a surprising number remain popular today or have inspired modern English names.
Whether you’re searching for old English boy names, old English girl names, old-fashioned English names, family surnames, or even historic town names, this collection showcases the beauty and meaning behind these timeless choices. From legendary rulers like Alfred and Edward to elegant female names like Edith and Aethelflaed, Old English names continue to offer inspiration for parents, writers, historians, and name enthusiasts alike.
Old English Boy Names
- Alfred — wise counselor
- Edgar — wealthy spear
- Edmund — prosperous protector
- Edward — wealthy guardian
- Harold — army ruler
- Oswald — divine power
- Athelstan — noble stone
- Eadric — rich ruler
- Leofric — beloved ruler
- Godric — God’s ruler
- Wulfric — wolf ruler
- Cedric — kindly leader
- Beorn — warrior, bear-like man
- Dunstan — dark stone
- Elfred — elf counsel
- Hereward — army guardian
- Wilfred — desires peace
- Aldred — old and wise advisor
- Aelfric — elf ruler
- Bertram — bright raven
- Cyneric — royal ruler
- Frithuwald — peaceful ruler
- Oswin — friend of God
- Ethelbert — noble and bright
- Ethelred — noble counsel
- Godwin — friend of God
- Wulfstan — wolf stone
- Alwin — noble friend
- Baldwin — brave friend
- Colwin — dark friend
- Ordgar — spear warrior
- Sigward — victorious guardian
- Theodric — ruler of the people
- Wigmund — battle protector
- Wynstan — joyful stone
Old English Girl Names
- Aethelflaed — noble beauty
- Edith — prosperous in war
- Eadgifu — gift of wealth
- Elswyth — elf strength
- Godiva — gift of God
- Mildred — gentle strength
- Winifred — blessed peace
- Ethelburga — noble fortress
- Leofrun — beloved secret
- Wulfhild — wolf battle maiden
- Frideswide — wide peace
- Aelfgifu — elf gift
- Eadburh — wealthy fortress
- Hilda — battle woman
- Osburh — divine fortress
- Cyneburg — royal protection
- Cwenburh — queenly fortress
- Ealhswith — temple strength
- Aethelthryth — noble strength
- Wynflaed — joyful beauty
- Beorhtgifu — bright gift
- Frithuswith — peaceful strength
- Leofgifu — beloved gift
- Sunniva — sun gift
- Tilda — mighty in battle
- Aldith — old warrior woman
- Edrina — prosperous friend
- Elfrida — elf strength
- Brihtwyn — bright joy
- Wulfwyn — wolf joy
- Ethelinda — noble serpent
- Godgifu — God’s gift
- Bertha — bright one
- Rowena — famous friend
- Wynburh — joyful fortress
Old English Neutral Names
- Ash — ash tree
- Arden — valley of the eagle
- Avery — ruler of elves
- Blair — field or plain
- Brook — stream
- Briar — thorny plant
- Ellery — cheerful one
- Emery — brave and powerful
- Everard — strong boar
- Hadley — heather field
- Harley — hare meadow
- Hollis — near holly trees
- Kendall — valley of the River Kent
- Linden — lime tree hill
- Merle — blackbird
- Oakley — oak clearing
- Raleigh — deer meadow
- Ripley — strip of clearing
- Sidney — wide meadow
- Tatum — cheerful bringer
- Whitney — white island
- Winter — born in winter
- Wynn — joy or delight
- Wren — small songbird
- Bailey — law enforcer
- Carey — dark one
- Darcy — from the fortress
- Harlow — rocky hill
- Kirby — church settlement
- Lacy — from Lassy
- Marley — pleasant meadow
- Perry — pear tree
- Raleigh — red meadow
- Shelley — meadow on a ledge
- Sterling — little star
Old English Last Names
- Baker — one who baked bread
- Carter — cart driver
- Fletcher — arrow maker
- Cooper — barrel maker
- Smith — metal worker
- Miller — grain grinder
- Weaver — cloth maker
- Tanner — leather worker
- Shepherd — sheep herder
- Archer — bowman
- Sawyer — wood cutter
- Chandler — candle maker
- Palmer — pilgrim
- Fuller — cloth cleaner
- Mercer — merchant
- Turner — wood turner
- Brewer — beer maker
- Gardiner — gardener
- Forester — keeper of forests
- Hunter — huntsman
- Walker — cloth processor
- Porter — gatekeeper
- Wright — craftsman
- Atwood — dweller by the woods
- Underhill — one living beneath a hill
- Greenwood — near a green forest
- Eastwood — eastern woods
- Ashford — ash-tree ford
- Langley — long meadow
- Bentley — bent grass meadow
- Radcliffe — red cliff
- Kingsley — king’s meadow
- Sutton — southern settlement
- Thornton — thorn settlement
- Whitaker — white field
Old English Names Male
- Alfred — wise counselor
- Edgar — wealthy spear
- Edmund — prosperous guardian
- Edward — rich protector
- Harold — army ruler
- Godwin — friend of God
- Osric — divine ruler
- Leofwine — beloved friend
- Aelfred — elf counsel
- Wulfric — wolf ruler
- Eadwine — wealthy friend
- Hereward — army guardian
- Athelstan — noble stone
- Dunstan — dark stone
- Ethelred — noble advice
- Oswald — divine power
- Beornwulf — bear wolf
- Cynewulf — royal wolf
- Frithuwulf — peaceful wolf
- Wiglaf — battle heir
- Wulfgar — wolf spear
- Ordric — spear ruler
- Eadric — prosperous king
- Wilstan — willing stone
- Cenric — bold ruler
- Leofric — beloved ruler
- Baldric — brave ruler
- Berhtwald — bright ruler
- Colman — dove man
- Godric — God’s ruler
- Sigebehrt — bright victory
- Theodwin — people’s friend
- Wulfstan — wolf stone
- Wynric — joyful ruler
- Aelfwine — elf friend
Also Read: 390+ Anglo-Saxon Names With Meanings (Classic Old English Picks)
Old English Female Names
- Edith — prosperous in battle
- Aethelflaed — noble beauty
- Eadgifu — gift of wealth
- Godgifu — gift of God
- Mildred — gentle strength
- Hilda — battle woman
- Frideswide — peace and strength
- Elswyth — elf strength
- Ethelburga — noble fortress
- Leofgifu — beloved gift
- Wynflaed — joyful beauty
- Aelfgifu — elf gift
- Cyneburg — royal protection
- Eadburh — wealthy fortress
- Osburh — divine protection
- Wulfhild — wolf warrior
- Ealhswith — sacred strength
- Aethelthryth — noble power
- Cwenburh — queenly fortress
- Beorhtgifu — bright gift
- Frithuswith — peaceful strength
- Sunniva — sun gift
- Elfrida — elf strength
- Aldith — old warrior woman
- Edrina — prosperous friend
- Brihtwyn — bright joy
- Wulfwyn — wolf joy
- Bertha — bright one
- Rowena — famous friend
- Wynburh — joyful fortress
- Leofrun — beloved mystery
- Godiva — God’s gift
- Tilda — mighty fighter
- Ethelinda — noble serpent
- Winifred — blessed peace
Old English Baby Names
- Alfred — wise counselor
- Edith — prosperous in war
- Edgar — wealthy spear
- Mildred — gentle strength
- Edward — wealthy guardian
- Hilda — battle maiden
- Edmund — prosperous protector
- Godiva — gift of God
- Harold — army ruler
- Elfrida — elf strength
- Oswald — divine power
- Winifred — peaceful friend
- Wulfric — wolf ruler
- Aelfgifu — elf gift
- Godric — God’s ruler
- Leofgifu — beloved gift
- Ethelred — noble counsel
- Frideswide — wide peace
- Leofric — beloved ruler
- Eadburh — wealthy fortress
- Dunstan — dark stone
- Osburh — divine protection
- Athelstan — noble stone
- Cyneburg — royal fortress
- Eadric — prosperous ruler
- Wulfhild — wolf warrior
- Hereward — army guardian
- Wynflaed — joyful beauty
- Aldred — wise advisor
- Elswyth — elf strength
- Wilfred — peaceful will
- Ealhswith — sacred power
- Alwin — noble friend
- Rowena — famous friend
- Cedric — kind leader
Old English First Names
- Alfred — wise counselor
- Edgar — wealthy spear
- Edmund — prosperous protector
- Edward — wealthy guardian
- Harold — army ruler
- Cedric — kind leader
- Oswald — divine power
- Athelstan — noble stone
- Eadric — prosperous ruler
- Godric — God’s ruler
- Leofric — beloved ruler
- Wulfric — wolf ruler
- Dunstan — dark stone
- Hereward — army guardian
- Aldred — old advisor
- Alwin — noble friend
- Baldwin — brave friend
- Wilfred — peace seeker
- Oswin — friend of God
- Godwin — friend of God
- Ethelred — noble counsel
- Ethelbert — noble bright one
- Cyneric — royal ruler
- Wulfstan — wolf stone
- Theodric — ruler of the people
- Beorn — bear-like warrior
- Ordgar — spear warrior
- Sigward — victorious guardian
- Aelfric — elf ruler
- Leofwine — beloved friend
- Cenric — bold ruler
- Berhtwald — bright ruler
- Wigmund — battle protector
- Frithuwald — peaceful ruler
- Wynstan — joyful stone
Old Fashioned English Names
- Agatha — good and honorable
- Albert — noble and bright
- Alice — noble one
- Arthur — bear-like hero
- Beatrice — she who brings happiness
- Bernard — brave as a bear
- Cecil — blind one
- Clara — bright and clear
- Dorothy — gift of God
- Edith — prosperous in battle
- Ernest — serious and determined
- Florence — flourishing
- George — farmer
- Harriet — ruler of the home
- Henry — ruler of the household
- Irene — peace
- Josephine — God will increase
- Leonard — brave lion
- Louisa — famous warrior
- Margaret — pearl
- Martha — lady
- Mabel — lovable
- Mildred — gentle strength
- Norman — northerner
- Percy — one who pierces the valley
- Reginald — wise ruler
- Rose — flower name
- Stanley — stony meadow
- Thelma — will and protection
- Vera — faith
- Walter — army ruler
- Wilfred — desires peace
- Winifred — blessed peace
- Ethel — noble
- Clarence — bright and famous
Old English Names and Meanings
- Alfred — wise counselor
- Aelfric — elf ruler
- Athelstan — noble stone
- Beornwulf — bear wolf
- Cenric — bold ruler
- Cynewulf — royal wolf
- Dunstan — dark stone
- Eadric — prosperous ruler
- Eadwine — wealthy friend
- Edgar — wealthy spear
- Edmund — prosperous protector
- Edward — wealthy guardian
- Ethelbert — noble and bright
- Ethelred — noble counsel
- Frithuwald — peaceful ruler
- Godric — God’s ruler
- Godwin — friend of God
- Harold — army ruler
- Hereward — army guardian
- Leofric — beloved ruler
- Leofwine — beloved friend
- Osric — divine ruler
- Oswald — divine power
- Oswin — friend of God
- Sigebehrt — bright victory
- Sigward — victorious guardian
- Theodric — ruler of the people
- Wulfgar — wolf spear
- Wulfric — wolf ruler
- Wulfstan — wolf stone
- Wynric — joyful ruler
- Wynstan — joyful stone
- Aldred — wise advisor
- Baldwin — brave friend
- Wilfred — peace seeker
Old English Knight Names
- Sir Alfred
- Sir Cedric
- Sir Godric
- Sir Wulfric
- Sir Oswald
- Sir Leofric
- Sir Eadric
- Sir Athelstan
- Sir Dunstan
- Sir Hereward
- Sir Baldwin
- Sir Wilfred
- Sir Aldred
- Sir Godwin
- Sir Osric
- Sir Sigward
- Sir Theodric
- Sir Wulfgar
- Sir Beorn
- Sir Cyneric
- Sir Berhtwald
- Sir Frithuwald
- Sir Wigmund
- Sir Ordgar
- Sir Cenric
- Sir Aelfric
- Sir Wulfstan
- Sir Ethelred
- Sir Ethelbert
- Sir Leofwine
- Sir Harold
- Sir Edgar
- Sir Edmund
- Sir Edward
- Sir Alwin
Old English Family Names
- Smith — metal worker
- Baker — bread maker
- Carter — cart driver
- Fletcher — arrow maker
- Cooper — barrel maker
- Miller — grain grinder
- Archer — bowman
- Shepherd — sheep herder
- Tanner — leather worker
- Weaver — cloth maker
- Fuller — cloth cleaner
- Chandler — candle maker
- Brewer — ale maker
- Porter — gatekeeper
- Walker — cloth worker
- Wright — craftsman
- Sawyer — wood cutter
- Mercer — merchant
- Gardiner — gardener
- Hunter — huntsman
- Palmer — pilgrim
- Turner — woodworker
- Forester — keeper of forests
- Greenwood — green forest dweller
- Atwood — dweller by the woods
- Eastwood — eastern forest dweller
- Ashford — ash-tree ford
- Langley — long meadow
- Bentley — bent grass meadow
- Radcliffe — red cliff
- Kingsley — king’s meadow
- Sutton — southern settlement
- Thornton — thorn village
- Whitaker — white field
- Underhill — beneath the hill
Old English Woman Names
- Edith — prosperous in battle
- Aethelflaed — noble beauty
- Godiva — gift of God
- Mildred — gentle strength
- Hilda — battle maiden
- Winifred — blessed peace
- Elfrida — elf strength
- Rowena — famous friend
- Eadgifu — gift of wealth
- Aelfgifu — elf gift
- Ethelburga — noble fortress
- Leofgifu — beloved gift
- Wynflaed — joyful beauty
- Cyneburg — royal protection
- Eadburh — wealthy fortress
- Osburh — divine protection
- Wulfhild — wolf warrior
- Frideswide — wide peace
- Ealhswith — sacred strength
- Aethelthryth — noble strength
- Cwenburh — queenly fortress
- Beorhtgifu — bright gift
- Frithuswith — peaceful power
- Sunniva — sun gift
- Aldith — old warrior woman
- Edrina — prosperous friend
- Brihtwyn — bright joy
- Wulfwyn — wolf joy
- Bertha — bright one
- Wynburh — joyful fortress
- Leofrun — beloved mystery
- Ethelinda — noble serpent
- Tilda — mighty fighter
- Elswyth — elf strength
- Godgifu — gift from God
Old English Town Names
- Winchester — Roman fort town
- Canterbury — stronghold settlement
- York — ancient fortified city
- Oxford — ford for oxen
- Cambridge — bridge over the River Cam
- Reading — settlement of Reada’s people
- Hastings — town of Hæsta’s people
- Dover — waters settlement
- Warwick — dwelling by the weir
- Norwich — northern trading town
- Ipswich — trading settlement
- Colchester — Roman fortress town
- Lincoln — lake colony settlement
- Gloucester — bright fort town
- Worcester — Roman camp town
- Leicester — fort on the River Soar
- Bedford — Beda’s river crossing
- Bradford — broad river crossing
- Stafford — landing place by a ford
- Hereford — army ford
- Guildford — golden ford
- Ashford — ash-tree crossing
- Watford — ford used for woad trade
- Chelmsford — ford by the river Chelmer
- Dartford — ford over the River Dart
- Lichfield — field of the dead
- Tamworth — enclosed settlement on the Tame
- Maldon — monument hill
- Ely — island of eels
- Bury St Edmunds — fortified town
- Northampton — northern home settlement
- Southampton — southern settlement
- Nottingham — settlement of Snot’s people
- Buckingham — home of Bucca’s people
- Durham — hill island settlement
FAQ’s
What are Old English names?
Old English names are names that originated during the Anglo-Saxon period in England, roughly between the 5th and 11th centuries. They often combine elements representing virtues, animals, warfare, nobility, and nature.
Are Old English names still used today?
Yes. Names such as Alfred, Edward, Edmund, Edith, Harold, and Winifred are still used today, although some are less common than in previous generations.
What is the difference between Old English and Anglo-Saxon names?
There is essentially no difference. Old English names are often referred to as Anglo-Saxon names because they originated among the Anglo-Saxon peoples of early England.
What are some popular Old English boy names?
Popular examples include Alfred, Edward, Edgar, Edmund, Harold, Cedric, and Oswald.
What are some beautiful Old English girl names?
Popular Old English female names include Edith, Hilda, Elfrida, Winifred, Rowena, Godiva, and Mildred.
Are Old English names good for babies today?
Absolutely. Many parents choose Old English baby names because they are distinctive, meaningful, historical, and timeless.
What do Old English surnames mean?
Many Old English surnames originated from occupations, locations, or family traits. Examples include Smith (metal worker), Baker (bread maker), and Carter (cart driver).
Conclusion
Old English names offer a fascinating connection to England’s early history and cultural heritage. From powerful male names and graceful female names to meaningful surnames and historic place names, these names have survived centuries while retaining their charm and significance.
Whether you’re naming a baby, creating a character, researching family history, or simply exploring traditional naming customs, Old English names provide a wealth of inspiration. Their strong meanings, historical roots, and timeless appeal ensure that they continue to feel fresh and relevant in the modern world.
