The Middle Ages—often defined as the period between roughly 500 and 1500 AD—was a time of vast social, cultural, and linguistic transformation across Europe. One of the fascinating aspects of medieval life is the names people bore, which offer insights into their identities, social status, occupations, and even regional origins. Understanding what people were called in the Middle Ages helps us glimpse their world and how they saw themselves.

Naming Conventions in the Middle Ages

In medieval Europe, the practice of naming children was shaped by tradition, religion, language, and social structures. Unlike today’s standardized naming systems, medieval names often had multiple layers of meaning and function.

Given Names (First Names)

The given name was the personal name given at birth or baptism. Most medieval Europeans had at least one given name, and sometimes several. These names often derived from:

• Biblical figures: Names like John, Mary, James, and Peter were very common due to the influence of Christianity.

• Saints: Many children were named after popular saints to seek their protection and blessings.

• Old Germanic, Celtic, or Latin roots: Depending on the region, names derived from local languages. For example, Anglo-Saxon names like Æthelred or Beowulf; Celtic names like Bran or Aine; or Latinized names like Reginaldus or Guillelmus.

Given names often had meanings associated with virtues, strength, beauty, or religious significance. For example, the name “Robert” means “bright fame,” and “Matilda” means “mighty in battle.” shutdown123