Chapter Summary

“A Brief Introduction to Medieval Bynames,” by Brian M. Scott and Joshua Mittleman, describes bynames: non-hereditary surnames intended to distinguish a person from others with the same given name. It covers the four main types of byname, with examples of each.

“The Difference Between Typical SCA Bynames and Medieval Bynames,” by Brian M. Scott and Joshua Mittleman, describes common mistakes made by members of the Society of Creative Anachronism when making surnames for their SCA characters, which might also be made by HP fic writers.

The 16th century saw the rise of virtue names and names from the Greek and Latin classics, as well as a trend of using surnames as given names (e.g. Neville). The Reference Guide currently has none of this, and while the names in this chapter saw use in Cornwall, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, the Reference Guide will eventually cover names that are particular to or especially common in each of those countries.

Middle names did not really become common in Britain until the 18th century, after the Statute of Secrecy, which may be why so few wixes have interesting middle names. If there are religious wixes in your canon, then it also bears mentioning that children are sometimes christened under one name but use a different name in day-to-day life.

Names in parentheses are Latin, and underlined diminutives and variants are attested in the Dictionary of Medieval Names from European Sources. To keep the lists from getting too long, if there are many similar spelling variations of a single name, I typically choose just one.

Other references include: 

• Behind the Name
• Library Ireland
• Forenames | Scotland's People
• Norman, Theresa, “Names Through the Ages”
• What’s in a Name

English Given Names

Click here ▲ to return to the top. To go to Masculine Given Names, click here ▼; and to go to Feminine Given Names, click here ▼.  

Names in parentheses are Latin, and underlined diminutives and variants are attested in the Dictionary of Medieval Names from European Sources. To keep the lists from getting too long, if there are many similar spelling variations of a single name, I typically choose just one.

If you're looking for even more names, then this list of baby names from 1900 is a good place to start. It includes several names that may be familiar to you, like Charles, Millicent, Myrtle, and Trevor.

Smith-Bannister comments that the most significant aspect to how names were chosen during the 16th and 17th centuries was “the naming of children after their godparents.” This trend would decline after the Tudor period, shifting more to naming them after their parents. He adds “it may be possible to see this form of name-sharing as an extension of the act of forging a symbolic link between a child and his or her baptismal sponsor.”

Guidelines for diminutive names:

• Diminutives often begin by isolating the first syllable, e.g. Arthur → Art. Sometimes the name will be contracted in another way, e.g. Isabel → Ibb.
• Diminutives may be doubled up, e.g. Alice → Alot → Alotta, Isabel → Ibb → Ibbot, Mary → Mariet → Marrietta. This can be continued as far as you'd like, e.g. Isabel → Ibb → Ibbel → Ibelot. This often occurs as diminutives become accepted as given names in their own right, like how modern children may be named “Jim” instead of “James.”
• At the beginning of a name, “M” may be transformed into “P”, e.g. Mary → Molly → Polly, or Margaret → Megg → Pegg.
• Diminutive suffixes in use in Medieval England include “-el,” “-et,” “-etta,” “-kin” (e.g. Dudley → Duddikins), “-ot” or “-ota,” “-in”, “-s” (Elizabeth → Betts, William → Wills), “-sy” (e.g. Bettsy, Robsy), and “-y” (e.g. Adam → Addy).

Diminutive names often become names in their own right (e.g. Harry, Tom) or even produce new names, e.g. John → Jankin (Johnkin) → Jack.

Guidelines for other variants:

• Names beginning with a vowel may start with “H,” e.g. Elisabeth → Helisabeth, Enoch → Henoch.
• Names beginning with “A” or “E” may often begin with the other vowel, e.g. Alice → Elice, Emeline → Ameline.
• Names beginning with “J-” may begin with “I-” or “Y-” instead, e.g. James → Yames, John → Iohn. This imitates the Latin practice.
• Names ending with “-y” or “-ey” can generally with “-ie” as well, e.g. Charley → Charlie, Henry → Henrie
• The letter “e” may be replaced with “y,” e.g. Charles → Charlys, James → Jamys.
• The letter “i” may be replaced with “y,” e.g. Annis → Annys, dColin → Colyn, William → Wylliam
• The letter “h” may be dropped in the middle of words, e.g. Johanna → Joanna, Johnathan → Jonathan, Nicholas → Nicolas.

Multiple guidelines may be applied to the same name, e.g. Nicholas → Nycolas, Willy → Wylle.

Masculine Given Names ▲

1. Albert (Albertus), meaning “noble and bright.” Diminutives include Ab, Alby, and Bert. Rare by the 17th century but repopularized in the 19th century by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. The diminutive “Albamin” is unattested but a valid Medieval construction and might well be equated with the Latin albumen, “white of an egg; whiteness,” used since the late 16th century and since the 19th century also spelled albumin. 
2. Antony (Antonius), of unknown meaning. Diminutives include Ant(-e, -on), Tone, and Tony. Spelling variants include Anthonie and Anthony, which received an “h” due to the popular misconception that the name was related to the Latin anthos, “flower.” 
3. Austen (Augustus), meaning “august, consecrated, venerable.” Diminutives include Auggie, Aust, and Gus(-sie). Spelling variants include Austin and Auston. Other variants include Augustine. Derived from Augustine, still extant up to the Early Modern period. 
4. Charles (Carolus), meaning “free man.” Diminutives include Chad, Char(-ley), Chay, Chip, and Chuck. Spelling variants include Charls and Charrells. Other variants include Carl and Carol, which was originally a masculine name.
5. Edmund (Edmondus), meaning “rich protector.” Diminutives include Ed(-dy), Erd, Ned(-dy), and Ted(-dy). Spelling variants include Edmond. Until the 16th century, St. Edmund the Martyr was a patron saint of England. 
6. Eugene (Eugenius), meaning “noble, well-born.” Diminutives include Euy and Gene.
7. Francis (Franciscus), meaning “Frank, Frenchman; free.” Diminutives include Fran(-kie, -ny). Other variants include Frances and Frank. The distinction between “Francis” as a masculine name and “Frances” as a feminine name did not arise until the 17th century. 
8. Frederick (Fredericus), meaning “peaceful ruler.” Diminutives include Fred(-die), Redd, and Rick(-ie). Spelling variants include Fredrick (only one “e”). 
9. George (Georgius), meaning “earthworker, farmer, husbandman.” Diminutives include Geo (pronounced like “Joe”), Geordie, and Georgie. St. George became the patron saint of England in the 16th century.
10. Henry (Henricus), meaning “home ruler.” Diminutives include Hal(-kin), Hanne, and Hen(-dry, -nie). Other variants include Harry and Herry, considered the “spoken form” of Henry in Medieval England. 
11. Hugh (Hugone), meaning “mind, thought, spirit.” Diminutives include Howe, Hud(-elin, -kin), Hutcheon, Hughelot, and Hugo. Spelling variants include Hewe. There is some interchangeability with Austin and Eugene.
12. Jerome (Hieronymus), meaning “sacred name.” Diminutives include Gerry and Jerry. Spelling variants include Gerome, Jerom, and Jherom. 
13. Jocelyn (Gocelinus), of unclear meaning but probably referring to the Gauls or Geats. Diminutives include Goss, Gots(-eline, -one), Joss(-et), and Joy(-lin). Spelling variants Goscelin, Goslin, Joslin, and Josselin. Older variants include Gautselin and Gauzlin. Common into the 14th century. 
14. John (Jannus), meaning “God is gracious.” Diminutives include Han(-cock), Jack(-ie), Jan(-cock, -kin), and Jen(-kin). Medieval English variants include Iohn, Ioon, and Jan. Other variants include Hank. Joan was once a masculine variant as well. 
15. Jonathan (Ianatan), meaning “God’s gift.” Diminutives include Joe(-y), Jon(-ny), and Nat(-han). Spelling variants include Johnathan and Jonothan. Etymologically distinct from John. 
16. Lewis (Aloysius), meaning “famous warrior.” Diminutives include Lew(-ie), Lou(-ie), and Luey. Spelling variants include Lewes, Lewies, Louis, and Lowis. Became markedly less common after the beheading of Louis XVI. 
17. Nicholas (Nicolaus), meaning “victory of the people.” Diminutives include Colin, Coll, Nick(-sy), and Nicolin. In Medieval England, Nichol is an attested variant. 
18. Roger (Rogerius), meaning “famous spear.” Diminutives include Dodge, Hodgekin, Hoggin, and Rodge. Common in Medieval England but rare by the 19th century, plausibly because it became slang for “penis” in the mid 17th century. 
19. Rowland (Roullandus), meaning “fame of the land, famous land.” Diminutives include Roll(-et, -y), Row(-ant, -ley), and Ruel. Spelling variants include Rauland, Roeland, and Rolland. Other variants include Rolands. 
20. Vivian (Vivianus), meaning “alive.” Diminutives include Viv. Associated with the Lady of the Lake in the Arthurian mythos. 

Other Medieval English names include Ashwy (Aescwi), “spear battle,” Brightmer (Brihtmerus), “bright fame,” Knightwine (Knightwinus), meaning “[youth, attendant, knight] friend”; Savory (Suavis), “sweet,” which is updated from Savery; and Seaborn (Sebarn), “sea bear.”

Feminine Given Names ▲

1. Alice (Alitia), meaning “nobleness, nobility.” Diminutives include Alot, Alisoune, Elis(-ota), Helisent, and Lisha. Spelling variants include Elis, which seems prone to H-insertion: Helisent, Helisoune, etc. 
2. Amanda (Amanda), meaning “worthy of love.” Diminutives include Amy, Manda, and Mandy. Popularized in the 18th century but attested in England as early as 1212. “AmyI is also the name of a demon described in The Lesser Key of Solomon and other grimoires. 
3. Avice (Avitia), meaning “wide combat,” from the Old German name Haduwig by way of the Anglo-Norman name Havoise. Subsequent confusion with the Latin avis, “bird; omen, portent,” may have contributed to its latinization as Avitia. Diminutives include Avina. Spelling variations include Avis. Other variants include Avila and Hawise, popular in Middle English and sometimes latinized as Hawisia. 
4. Barbera (Barbara), meaning “foreign, stranger.” Diminutives include Babbel, Barbarel, Barbers, and Bobbie. Spelling variants include Barbarah, Barbare and Barbra. Other variants include Barbery. Not common in early Medieval England. 
5. Cassandra (Cassandra), meaning “one who shines and excels over men.” Diminutives include Casey, Kassy, Sandra, and Sandry. Spelling variants include Kasandra. First came into use in England in the 12th century, and remained popular through the remainder of the Medieval period. 
6. Dorothy (Dorothea), meaning “gift of God.” Diminutives include Dee, Doe, Dolly, Dot(-tie), and Tea. Spelling variants include Dorethy, Dorothe, and Dorthy. Other variants include Dority, Dortha, and Theodora. Popular in England since at least the 15th century. 
7. Edith (Edeta), meaning “strife wealth.” Diminutives include Dita, Ditte, Eda, and Edie. Spelling variants include Edyth and Idith. Remained common following the Norman Conquest, then became rare after the 15th century, and ultimately revived in the 19th century. 
8. Emmeline (Aemula), meaning “brave, unceasing, vigorous.” Diminutives include Emblem, Emma, Lia, and Millie. Spelling variants include Emmalyn. 
9. Florence (Florentia), meaning “blooming, flowery; flourishing, prosperous.” Diminutives include Floella, Florrie, Flossie, and Nancy. Spelling variants include Florance. 
10. Helen (Helena), possibly meaning “light, torch; shining, warming,” or perhaps “moon” or “sunlight.” Diminutives include Ellet, Hela, Len(-ore), and Nell(-en). Spelling variants include Elen, Helaine, and Helene. Other variants include Elnora and Helenore. 
11. Isolde (Isolda), possibly meaning “battle,” or “ice,” or “she who is gazed upon.” Diminutives include Isata, Isota, and Isset. Spelling variants include Isold and Isolt. Other variants include Iseut, Yseult, and Ysolt. 
12. Jane (Johanna), meaning “God is gracious,” is a feminine form of John. In Medieval England, “Joan” was a more popular variant. 
13. Jessica (Iessica), meaning “he will behold” or “he will look for.” Diminutives include Jess(-a, -ie). Spelling variants include Jessicah. Coined by Shakespeare, possibly an anglicization of Iscah, which was rendered Jesca, Jescha in the Matthew Bible published in 1537. 
14. Lettice (Iætitia), meaning “gladness, joy.” Diminutives include Lece(-l), Lecselye, Lete, and Titty. Other variants include Leata and Letitia. 
15. Martha (Matthia), meaning “lady, mistress (fem. of 'master').” Diminutives include Marty, Matty, Molly, and Pattie. Not used in England before the Protestant Reformation. 
16. Matilda (Mactildis), meaning “mighty in battle.” Diminutives include Maddy, Mazelina, Molde, and Tillie. Spelling variants include Matelda and Matilde. Other variants include Mahalt, Mahaud, and Mechtilda. 
17. Mellany (Melania), meaning “black, dark.” Diminutives include Linda, Malinda, Mel, and Mindy. Spelling variants include Melanie and Mellony. 
18. Petrina (Petra), meaning “rock, stone,” is a feminine form of Peter. Diminutives include Peron(-el) and Petron(-el). 
19. Sibyl (Sibyilla), meaning “prophetess, sibyl.” Diminutives include Sib(-bie) and Zabel. Spelling variants include Cybil and Sybil. Other variants include Sibilla, Sibley, and Sibulla, which were popular in Medieval and especially pre-Norman England. Rare after the Protestant Reformation, but revived in the 19th century.
20. Tiffany (Theophania), meaning “epiphany, manifestation of God.” Diminutives include Tiff. Spelling variants include Tiffanie and Tiffiny. 

Other names include Dowsebell (Dulcibelle), from dulcis, “sweet, charming, pleasant,” and bella, “beautiful, agreeable, polite”; Gemma (Gemme), meaning “gem, precious stone,” and occasionally an English feminine form of “James”; Goldgift (Goldiva), meaning how it sounds and updated from Goldgifu, from gold, “gold,” and gifu, “gift”; Imberg (Ymberga), meaning “strong hill”; Sweetrune (Dulciruna), updated from Sweterun, from swete, “sweet, cute,” and run, “whisper; rune; mystery, secret; writing.”

Irish Given Names

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The most common diminutive suffix may be -ín, which is typically anglicized as -een, as in Máire (Mary) → Máirín → Maureen, and Páid (Pat) → Páidín → Paudeen.

Masculine Given Names ▲

1. Adam (Adamus), meaning “earth, soil; man; red.” Diminutives include Add(-y), Adenot, Adkin, and Adnet. The Irish Gaelic form is Ádhamh; diminutives include Adamnan. 
2. Barnabus (Barnabas), meaning “son of the prophet.” Diminutives include Barney, Barry, and Berry. Other variants include Barnabee and Barnaby. The Irish Gaelic form is Bearach; diminutives include Bearchán. Also used as an anglicization for the Gaelic name Báire, a diminutive of Bairrfhionn, “fair-haired, fair-headed,” among others. 
3. Bartholomew (Bartholomaeus), meaning “son of furrows, i.e. rich in land.” Diminutives include Barry, Bat(-kin), Bert, and Tolly. The Irish Gaelic form is Bairtliméad; diminutives include Barthy and Barty. It is unclear whether the Irish Gaelic name Párthalán is etymologically related or simply anglicized sometimes as Bartholomew. In any case, that name has other anglicizations, including Barclay and Parlan. 
4. Brendan (Brendanus), meaning “king, prince.” Diminutives include Bean and Bren. Spelling variants include Brenden and Brendon. Sometimes the name Brennan is treated as a contracted form. The Irish Gaelic form is Breandán.
5. Brian (Bryanus), possibly meaning “high, noble.” Diminutives include Bran. Spelling variants include Brien, Brion, and Bryon. Other variants include Bryant. The Irish Gaelic form is also Brian, but it is pronounced “bree-an.” It may also take the form Brean, Brein, and Vrian. Irish diminutives include Bren, Beanie, and Bryn. 
6. Dennis (Dionysus), referring to the god Dionysus. Diminutives include Deen, Den(-et, -isel), Dion(-ice), and Dye. Spelling variants include Denis and Denys. Other variants include Denish and Denzil, which is more often used as an unrelated Cornish name. The Irish Gaelic form is Dinísias. The Irish Gaelic name Donnchadh is also anglicized as Denis, Dennis, or (less often) Duncan. 
7. Edward (Edwardus), meaning “prosperous guardian, wealth protector.” Diminutives include Edd(-ie), Erd, Ned, Ward, and Woody. Other variants include Edwart. The Irish Gaelic form is Éadbárd. 
8. Geoffrey (Geoffridus), meaning “God’s peace, good peace.” Diminutives include Geoff, Gepp, Jeff(-cock), and Jep(-pe). Spelling variants include Geffray, Geoffroy, Jeffery, and Jeffrey. Other variants include Godfrey. The Irish Gaelic form is Siothrún. 
9. Joseph (Josephus), meaning “he will add.” Diminutives include Jody, Joe, Jojo, and Jossie. Spelling variants include Josef. The Irish Gaelic form is Seosamh, with diminutives including Seòsaidh, but the name may also be gaelicized as Iósaf. 
10. Kelly (Celsus), possibly meaning “church, monastery.” Diminutives include Kell. Other variants include Callagh(-an), Callogh(-e), Callow, and Kellagh. The Irish Gaelic form is Ceallagh; diminutives include Ceallachán. This was mostly a masculine name prior to the 1940s. 
11. Kevin (Coemgenus), meaning “beloved birth; of noble birth.” Diminutives include Kev. Spelling variants include Kevan. Other variants include Cavan and Keevan. The Irish Gaelic form is Caoimhin; diminutives include Caoimheán. 
12. Martin (Martinus), meaning “warlike, warrior,” or possibly “famous counsel.” Diminutives include Mart(-y). The Irish Gaelic form is Máirtín or Mártan.
13. Michael (Micaelis), meaning “who is like God?” Diminutives include Mick, Mike, and Miot. Spelling variants include Micheal and Mighell. Other variants include Miche, Mitchal, and Mitchell. The Irish Gaelic form is Micheál. 
14. Miles (Malise), meaning “servant of Jesus.” Diminutives include Millet and Milo. The Irish Gaelic form is Maolíosa, which may also be anglicized as Malise, Molice, and Molise. 
15. Patrick (Patricius), meaning “father, nobleman.” Diminutives include Paddy, Pat(-ty, -sy), and Rick(-y). The Irish Gaelic form is Pádraig, which may also be spelled as Pádraic or Pátraic, or anglicized as Podge. Irish Gaelic diminutives include Pádraigín, Páidí, and Páidín, which may be anglicized as Paudeen. Prior to the 17th century, it was often considered too sacred for everyday use. Note that “Paddy” is often used as a slur, though it remains in use as a name. 
16. Peter (Petrus), meaning “rock, stone.” Diminutives include Pell, Perr-el, Pete, and Peterkin. Other variants include Pearce, Pers, and Piers, which was common in Medieval England. The Irish Gaelic form is Piaras, derived from “Piers,” which may also be anglicized as Perce and Perse. Other variants include Feoras and Peadar. 
17. Rory (Rodericus), meaning “red king.” Diminutives include Rod(-dy). The Irish Gaelic form is Ruairí, which is also anglicized as Roderick, “famous king, glorious ruler.” 
18. Ryan (Regulus), possibly meaning “champion” or “little king.” Diminutives include Ry. The Irish Gaelic form is Rían.
19. Sean (Jannus), meaning “God is gracious,” is an Irish form of John by way of the French name Jean. May also be anglicized as Eoin, Shane, Shaughan, and Shawn. The Irish Gaelic form is Seán. 
20. Teague (Tadgius), meaning “poet, philosopher.” Diminutives include Taddy. Other variants include Teige, Teigue, and Tighe. The Irish Gaelic form is Tadhg or Tadhg; diminutives include Tadhgán.

Feminine Given Names ▲

1. Aislene (Aislinga), meaning “dream, vision.” Diminutives include Ash and Lynn. Spelling variants include Aislin(-n). Other variants include Ashling and Ashlyn(-n). The Irish Gaelic form is Aisling, which may also be anglicized as Isleen. Generally regarded as an invention of the 20th century, but cited in Patrick Woulfe’s Names for Irish Children (1923) without any note about its novelty and, according to Norman Theresa’s Names Through the Ages, attested by 1175 and consistently thereafter, perhaps as a rare name. In any case, the word itself was in frequent use before then, and it might seem very suitable for a witch whose birth was prophesied or whose relatives are Seers. According to Woulfe, sometimes identified with the name Esther. 
2. Bridget (Brigida), meaning “power, strength, vigor, virtue.” Diminutives include Bedelia, Beret, Biddy, and Delia. Spelling variants include Bridgette. Other variants include Birgit(-ta), Breda, and Bride. The Irish Gaelic form is Brigid, whose diminutive is Brighidín. Other forms include Breed and Brigit.
3. Cecily (Caecilia), meaning “blind,” is a feminine form of Cecil. Diminutives include Celia, Cis(-ota), Sessie, and Sis(-sey). Spelling variants include Cecile, Cecely, Sessellye, and Sisely. The Irish Gaelic form is Síle, which has also been anglicized as Sheelagh, Sheila, Shelagh, and Shelia. 
4. Deirdre (), possibly meaning “daughter.” Diminutives include Dee. Spelling variants include Deidra, Deidre, and Deitra. The Irish Gaelic form is also Deirdre. 
5. Derval (Dervillia), meaning “alarm, danger; poet’s daughter, poetess.” Variants include Dervila, Dervile, and Dervla. The Irish Gaelic form is Dearbháil or Deirbhile. Both may also be anglicized as Dearbhla. 
6. Dymphna (Dympna), meaning “calf, fawn.” Diminutives include Davnet and Dymphnart. Other variants include Devna and Dymphnart. The Irish Gaelic form is Damhnait. 
7. Eleanor (Alianora), possibly meaning “the other Aenor,” i.e. alia Aenor. Diminutives include Ellet, Elnora, Lenore, Nonie, and Nora. Spelling variants include Elinor. Other variants include Eleanora, Elenora, and Leonore. The Irish Gaelic form is Eileanór or Éléonore; diminutives include Léan. 
8. Esther (Esta), possibly meaning “myrtle” or “star.” Diminutives include Essie, Hessie, Hettie, and Stella.” Other variants include Esthera and Hester. The Irish Gaelic form is Eistir. 
9. Evelyn (Avelina), meaning “fawn,” or perhaps “desire.” Diminutives include Eve and Evie. Spelling variants include Aveline, Evaline, and Evelyn. Other variants include Alene and Ilene. The Irish Gaelic form is Eibhlín. 
10. Gillian (Julia), meaning “devoted to Jove,” or “downy-haired, juvenile, youthful.” Diminutives include Gell(-ie), Gill(-et), Jewet, and Jull. Spelling variants include Jillian. Other variants include Julian(-ne), Julean, and Julien. The Irish Gaelic form is Iúile, which can also be anglicized as Sheila. 
11. Gobnet (Gobnata), possibly meaning “joy,” “maid,” or “smith.” Diminutives include Gobinet, Gubby, and Webbie. The Irish Gaelic form is Gobnait, which may also be anglicized as Abigail and Deborah. 
12. Gormley (Gormlata), meaning “blue lady, blue sovereign; illustrious princess.” Diminutives include Gorry and Lee. Spelling variants include Gormly. The Irish Gaelic form is Gormlaith, or Gormla, which may also be anglicized as Barbara or Barbary. 
13. Honoura (Honoria), meaning “honored, renowned.” Diminutives include Honey, Nonie, Nora, and Norrie. Other variants include Annora and Honour. The Irish Gaelic form is Onóra; diminutives include Nóirín (anglicized as Noreen), Nóra, and Oiny. 
14. Katherine (Katerina), meaning “pure, unsullied.” Diminutives include Kat(-elet), Kay, and Kit. Spelling variants include Catherine. Other variants include Katerine, Kathern, Katrina, and Katrine. The Irish Gaelic form is Caitrín or Caitríona, which may also be anglicized as Katriona. Diminutives include Cáit and Ríona. Possibly – very possibly – derived from the early Greek name Hekaterine, referring to the goddess Hekate. 
15. Mary (Maria), meaning “beloved,” or perhaps “bitter, rebellious,” and sometimes interpreted as “drop of the sea, marine.” Diminutives include Maisie, Mal(-ota), Marian, and Moll(-s). Spelling variants include Maree. Other variants include Marie and Miriam. The Irish Gaelic form is Mhàiri, which may also be anglicized as Maura, Moira, or Mora; diminutives include Máirín (ang. Maureen, Maurine) or Mallaidh (ang. Molly). 
16. Patrice (Patricia), meaning “father, nobleman,” is a feminine form of Patrick. Diminutives include Pat(-sy, -tie), Trecia, Tresha, and Trish(-a). The Irish Gaelic form is Padraigín, which was originally considered masculine but may now be feminine. 
17. Riona (Regina), meaning “queen.” Diminutives include Rina. Other variants include Queenie. The Irish Gaelic form is Rionach; diminutives include Ríonach. 
18. Rose (Rohesia), meaning “fame-kind,” but commonly associated in English with the flower. Diminutives include Romy, Rosa, Rosie, and Roz. Other variants include Rohese, Rosaleigh, and Royse. The Irish Gaelic form is Róis; diminutives include Róisin (anglicized as Rosheen). 
19. Seana (Johanna), meaning “God is gracious,” is a Irish feminine form of John. Diminutives include Jennet, Joney, Shena, and Sian. Other variants include Seána, Síne, Sinéad, and Siobhán. May also be anglicized as Shauna, Sheenagh, and Shivaun. 
20. Theresa (Therasia), possibly meaning “earth, soil,” or “harvest, reap,” or “summer.” Diminutives include Resa, Terry, Thessa, and Tracy. Spelling variants include Teresa, Terisa, and Therese. The Irish Gaelic form is Toiréasa.

Scottish Given Names

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In both Scotland and Ireland, there was a common naming scheme based on birth order and family relations: 

• The first son (or daughter) is named after his (or her) paternal grandfather (or maternal grandmother). 
• The second son (or daughter) is named after his (or her) maternal grandfather (or paternal grandmother). 
• The third son (or daughter) is named after his (or her) father (or mother). 
• Other sons (or daughters) are named after their uncles (or aunts). 

Middle names were not common until modern times, and were usually the (maiden) surname of either the maternal grandmother or the mother. Other middle names were sourced from friends, employers, landlords, et cetera, but were still most often surnames. 

It was common to form a girl’s name from a boy’s name by adding the suffix -ina. Additional, minor alterations may also be made, e.g. Alexander is modified to Alexandrina more often than Alexanderina, and David is modified to Davina more often than Davidina. These names often get the diminutive “Ina” or “Nina.” 

Masculine Given Names ▲

1. Alan (Alanus), possibly meaning “deer” or “little rock.” Diminutives include Al and Ally. Spelling variants include Allan, Allen, and Allyn. The Scottish Gaelic form is Ailean. The name is believed to have been brought to England from Brittany in the 11th century. Later, the name spread to Ireland and Scotland, where it was used as an anglicization for Gaelic names that may or may not be related to the name originally introduced by the Bretons. 
2. Alexander (Alexander), meaning “protector of men.” Diminutives include Alec, Aler, Alex, and Zander. Other variants include Alysander. The Scottish Gaelic form is Alasdair, which is sometimes equated with the Greek ἀλᾰ́στωρ (alastor), “avenger,” and may also be anglicized as Alastar, Alisaunder, Alister, and Allaster. Diminutives include Ally, Key, Lex, Sandy, and Sawney. 
3. Andrew (Andreas), meaning “masculine, manly.” Diminutives include And(-y), Dandcock, Drew, and Rand. The Scottish Gaelic form is Aindrea. 
4. Angus (Aeneas), meaning “one choice, unique choice.” Diminutives include Angie and Gus(-sie). The Scottish Gaelic form is Aenghus or Anghis, which may also be anglicized as Inghis, Innes, Eneas, Oingus, and Oengus. 
5. Archibald (Archibaldum), meaning “holy boldness, pure bravery.” Diminutives include Arch(-ie) and Baldy. Other variants include Archbell, Archbold, Archebold, and Harchibald. The Scottish Gaelic form is Gilleasbuig; diminutives include Beisdean, Beistean, and Gilleasbachan. It may also be anglicized as Celestine, or Gillaspie, Gillespie, or Gillispie; diminutives include Gilleasp. Originally used in Scotland to anglicize the name Gilleasbuig, “bishop’s servant,” which has also been anglicized as Gillespie, with diminutives like Gilleasp, spelling variants like Gillaspie and Gillispie, and other variations like Celestine (now used almost exclusively as a feminine name). 
6. Christopher (Christophorus), meaning “Christ-bearer.” Diminutives include Chip, Chris(-tie), Kester, Kit(-elin), and Stoffer. Spelling variants include Christofer and Chrystover. The Scottish Gaelic form is Crìsdean, or Gillecrìosd, which may also be anglicized as Gillchrist, Gille Christ, Christal, Cristole, or Crystal. Used to anglicize two Scottish Gaelic names, Crìsdean and Gillecroisd, the latter of which is also anglicized as Gill-Criosd, Gillchrist, Gille Christ, etc.
7. Donald (Donaldus), meaning “world ruler, world wielder.” Diminutives include Dol(-ly) and Don(-nie). The Scottish Gaelic form is Dòmhnall, with diminutives including Donaidh. It may also be anglicized as Domhnull or Domnall.
8. Douglas (Douglasius), meaning “dark river.” Diminutives include Doug(-ie), Duff, and Dug(-gie). Spelling variants include Douglass, Douglas, and Dowgles. The Scottish Gaelic form is Domhnall or Dùbhghlas. 
9. Duncan (Donantus), meaning “brown battle.” Diminutives include Dun(-s) and Dunk(-y). Other variants include Dungen. The Scottish Gaelic form is Donnchadh. 
10. Elias (Helias), meaning “Yahweh is God.” Diminutives include Allat, Elkin, Hellcock, and Hellis. Other variants include Elijah, Elis, and Elliot. The Scottish Gaelic form is Eilias. 
11. Gilbert (Gilbertus), meaning “bright pledge.” Diminutives include Gib(-elin), Gil, and Gyb(-on). Spelling variants include Gilebert and Guilbert. Other variants include Gislebert. The Scottish Gaelic form is Gillebrìde. 
12. Ian (Jannus), meaning “God is gracious,” is a Scottish form of John. Diminutives include Jock(-an, -ie). May also be anglicized as Euan, Ewen, and Iain, which was once the most popular of them. The Scottish Gaelic form is Eòin. 
13. Ingram (Engelram), meaning “Angle raven,” as in the Angles of Angle-land, i.e. England. Diminutives include Gram. Spelling variants include Yngram. Other variants include Angrand, Angeran, Ingraham, and Ingream. 
14. James (Jacobus), meaning “may God protect,” or “Supplanter.” Diminutives include Jack, Jacoby, Jam, Jem(-my), and Jim(-bo). Spelling variants include Jaymes. Other variants include Jacob. The Scottish Gaelic form is Seumas, which may also be anglicized as Hamish. Other diminutives include Jamie, Jizer, and Peem. 
15. Laurence (Laurentius), meaning “man from Laurentum.” Diminutives include Lar(-ford, -old), Laurie, Law(-rie), and Lowrie. Spelling variants include Laurens and Lawrence. Other variants include Larence, Lourans, Lowrans, and Lowrens. The Scottish Gaelic form is Lachlann or Lochlann, which may also be anglicized as Lowrence. 
16. Matthew (Mattheus), meaning “gift of God.” Diminutives include Makin, Masse, Mate, Math, and Matt. Spelling variants include Matthewe. Other variants include Mathias and Mayhew. The Scottish Gaelic form is Mhata. 
17. Neil (Nigellus), possibly meaning “cloud,” “fury, passion,” or “hero,” but certainly not “black.” Diminutives include Nealy. Other variants include Nigel. The Scottish Gaelic form is Niall. 
18. Robert (Rodbertus), meaning “bright fame, shining with glory.” Diminutives include Bert, Bob, Hob(-elin), Nabb, Rob(-elard), Rod, and Rupe. Spelling variants include Robart. Other variants include Rodbert and Rupert. The Scottish Gaelic form is Raibeart; diminutives include Rab(-an). 
19. Ronald (Reginaldus), meaning “kingly counsel.” Diminutives include Reg(-gie), Rennie, and Ron. Other variants include Reginald and Reynold. The Scottish Gaelic form is Raghnall, which may also be anglicized as Ranald; diminutives include Ran. 
20. Simon (Simeonus), meaning “hearing, listening; flat-nosed.” Diminutives include Sim(-kin) and Sym(-onet). Spelling variants include Simond and Symon. Other variants include Simeon. The Scottish Gaelic form is Sìmidh.

Feminine Given Names ▲

“John” and other masculine names (e.g. Archibald) may be given to girls. As early as the 17th century, and up to the end of the 19th century, “Nicholas” was considered feminine in the Scottish Lowlands, and the preferred masculine form was “Nichola” (no “s”). 

Nina and Ina are frequently used as diminutives for Scottish female names derived from male names to which the traditional ending -ina has been added. 

1. Agnes (Agnete), meaning “chaste, holy, pure.” Diminutives include Aggie, Ann(-ete, -ot), Nan(-ce), and Nessie. Other variants include Annice, Annis, and Annys. The Scottish Gaelic form is Aigneas; diminutives include Senga. Highly popular from the Middle Ages until the 17th century, then revived in the 19th century and common again through the 1930s. 
2. Beatrice (Viatrix), meaning “traveller, voyager.” Diminutives include Bea(-t), Bee, Bet(-en), and Trix(-ie). Spelling variants include Beatris. Other variants include Beatrix. The Scottish Gaelic form is Beathag or Beitris. Other Scottish forms include Betridge. 
3. Christina (Christiana), meaning “follower of Christ.” Diminutives include Chris(-sie, -sta), Stina, and Tina. Spelling variants include Cristina. Other variants include Christen(-a) and Christine. The Scottish Gaelic form is Cairistine. 
4. Clare (Claritia), meaning “bright, clear.” Diminutives include Claret, Claris, Clarot, and Clarie. Spelling variants include Claire. Other variants include Clara. Used to anglicize the Scottish Gaelic name Sorcha, “bright, radiant.” 
5. Donella (Donalda), meaning “world ruler, world wielder,” is a feminine form of Donald. Diminutives include Doll(-y) and Donna. Other variants include Donella. The Scottish Gaelic form is Doileag or Donnag, which may be anglicized as Donaldina, Donalina, or Dolina. The English diminutive Dolly is an anglicization of the Gaelic diminutive Doilidh. 
6. Dorcas (Dorcasia), meaning “doe, gazelle.” Diminutives include Dory. Used as an anglicization for the Scottish Gaelic name Deòiridh, "pilgrim.”
7. Effemy (Euphemia), meaning “fair speech, well spoken-of.” Diminutives include Effie, Fame, and Phemie. Other variants include Effamy and Eufemia. Used to anglicize the Scottish Gaelic name Oighrig, “new speckled one.” 
8. Elisabeth (Elisabel), meaning “my God is an oath; my God is abundance.” Diminutives include Bet(-sy), Bess(-eta), Isabel, and Zabeth. Spelling variants include Elizabeth and Elyzabeth. Other variants include Isabel and Isobel. The Scottish Gaelic form is Ealasaid
9. Flora (Florentia), meaning “flower.” Diminutives include Floella, Florry, and Flossy. Other variants include Florence. The Scottish Gaelic form is Fionnghal, which may also be anglicized as Finella; diminutives include Nelly. 
10. Griselda (Grisildis), meaning “grey battle-maid.” Diminutives include Gris(-el), Griz, Selda, and Zelda. Spelling variants include Criselda, Gricelda, Griselde, and Grizelda. Other variants include Grissal, Grisell, and Grysell. The Scottish Gaelic form is Giorsal, which may also be anglicized as Grace, but more often as Grissal, Grisell, Grizzle, etc. 
11. Isabel (Isabella), meaning “my God is an oath.” Diminutives include Bella, Bible, Ibbet, Izzy, and Sabella. Spelling variants include Isobel and Ysabel. Other variants include Ilsabeth. The Scottish Gaelic form is Iseabal. Equivalent to Elizabeth, and considered fully interchangeable in Scotland. Following the marriage of King John and Isabella of Angoulême in the 13th century, the Spanish cognate Isabella (and diminutives like Ibbot and Issie) gained currency. Diminutives common in Scotland include Bethea, Elspeth, and Liosa. 
12. Josephine (Iosephina), meaning “he will add,” is a feminine form of Joseph. Diminutives include Jodie, Josette, Phinie, and Posie. Spelling variants include Gosefine and Josefine. Other variants include Josepha, Josephina, and Yosefina. The Scottish Gaelic form is Eòsaphin. 
13. Lucy (Lucia), meaning “brightness, light, shiny.” Diminutives include Lucetta and Lucille. Other variants include Lucinda, which was well-used for English girls by the 18th century. The Scottish Gaelic form is Liùsaidh. 
14. Muriel (Muriella), meaning “sea bright.” Diminutives include Merle, Mimi, and Molly. The Scottish Gaelic form is Muireall 
15. Nicholase (Nicola), meaning “victory of the people.” Diminutives include Nichole, Nick(-ie), Nico(-la), and Nikki. Other variants include Nichola. 
16. Olive (Olivia), meaning “olive tree, olive tree planter.” Diminutives include Livia, Livvy, Ollie, and Olz. The Scottish Gaelic form is Olibhia.
17. Penelope (Penelopia), possibly meaning “duck, water fowl,” or “weaver.” Diminutives include Nell, Penellopen, Pepper, and Poppy. The Scottish Gaelic form is Pèinealòpa(?)
18. Rebecca (Rebecca), possibly meaning “noose, bound, snare.” Diminutives include Becca, Becks, Bex, and Reba. The Scottish Gaelic form is Rebecca. 
19. Ruth (Ruthis), meaning “companion, friend,” but interpreted by the Puritans as “compassion, sorrow.” Diminutives include Rue and Ruthie. The Scottish Gaelic form is Rút
20. Sheena (Johanna), meaning “God is gracious,” is a Scottish feminine form of John. May also be anglicized as Jamnat, Johnan, Seona, Sheena, and Shona. Diminutives include Janat (or Janet), Jenn(-et), Jinty, and Jonnat. The Scottish Gaelic form is Sìne; other variants include Seòna and Siubhan. 

Welsh Given Names

Click here ▲ to return to the top. To go to Masculine Given Names, click here ▼; and to go to Feminine Given Names, click here ▼.

Both Cornwall and Wales were conquered by England well before the modern era, and unlike Ireland and Scotland their census data is often lumped in with England’s. This can make it very difficult to determine naming trends in the past couple of centuries, and means that Cornish and Welsh names, whether original to those countries or variants of foreign names, are harder to find in good numbers than Irish and Scottish names. 

It was possible to form a good list of twenty Welsh names, but considerably harder for Cornwall. I don’t want to present a bad list, but I also don’t want to forget about Cornwall, so I’ve combined the two lists.

Masculine Given Names ▲

1. Arthur (Artorius), possibly meaning “bear guardian,” “bear man,” or “bear prince.” Diminutives include Art(-ie). Spelling variants include Arther and Arthour. The Cornish form is Artúr, and the Welsh form is Arthur.
2. Cadogan (Cadorius), meaning “battle glory, battle honor.” Diminutives include Cad(-o) and Catgur. The Cornish form is Cadeyrn or Cador, and the Welsh form is Catigirn or Cadwgan; diminutives include Cadwr. 
3. Cecil (Caecilius), meaning “blind.” Diminutives include Cecilot and Siss(-el, ot, -y). Seisil, meaning “sixth,” is a Welsh name often equated with Cecil, and also latinized as “Sextilius.” Spelling variants include Seisyl. 
4. Claud (Claudius), meaning “strong willed.” Diminutives include Claudie. Spelling variants include Claude. The Welsh form is Gladus, which means “country” but is anglicized to Claud. 
5. Craddock (Caractacus), meaning “amiable, loved.” Diminutives include Crad. Other variants include Cerdic, from which Walter Scott derived “Cedric” for his novel Ivanhoe. The Welsh form is Caradoc or Caradog. 
6. Daniel (Danielis), meaning “God is my judge.” Diminutives include Dan. The Welsh form is Deiniol. 
7. David (Davidus), meaning “beloved, famed, loved; uncle.” Diminutives include Dave, Daw, and Deykin. The Cornish form is Daveth or Davydh, and the Welsh form is Dawydd or Dewydd; diminutives include Daf, Day, Dewi, and Taffy. 
8. Evan (Jannus), meaning “God is gracious,” is a Welsh form of John. Variants include Ianto, Iefan, and Ioan. The Cornish form is Iwan or Jowan, and other Welsh forms include Iefan, Jevan, and Yvain. 
9. Griffin (Griffinus), meaning “lord.” Diminutives include Gethyn, Gitto, Gitthouse, and Gitts. Spelling variants include Griffen and Griffyn. Other variants include Griffies, Grippes, and Griphone. The Cornish form is Griffry, and the Welsh form is Gruffudd or Griffith; diminutives include Griff, Gruff, and Gutyn. 
10. Howel (Hoelus), meaning “conspicuous, eminent, prominent, well-seen.” Diminutives include How(-ie). Spelling variants include Howell and Howill. Other variants include Hoel and Huel. The Welsh form is Hywel. 
11. Llewelyn (Leolinus), possibly meaning “leader.” Diminutives include Leo, Llew, and Lyn. Spelling variants include Lewelin. Other variants include Leolin. The Welsh form is Llewelyn, which may also be anglicized as Lewis. 
12. Mark (Marcus), meaning “consecrated to Mars; warlike.” Diminutives include Marcel and Markie. Other variants include Marke and Markes. The Cornish form is Margh, and the Welsh form is Marc. 
13. Morgan (Morgant), meaning “captain, sailor, sea chief, sea circle.” Diminutives include Morrie. Spelling variants include Morgen and Morgyn. Other variants include Morgain, Morghan, and Morgue. The Cornish form is Morgen or Mawgan, and the Welsh form is Morgên. 
14. Pascal (Paschalis), meaning “Easter, Passover.” Diminutives include Pasky. Other variants include Pasces and Paskes. The Cornish form is Pasco, and the Welsh form might be Pasg or Pasgo or something like that. 
15. Philip (Philippus), meaning “fond of horses, horse-loving.” Diminutives include Filkin, Lip, Philpot, Phipp, and Potkin. Spelling variants include Phillip, with two “l”s. The Welsh form is…Philip. Also, Phelip. 
16. Rees (Ricus), meaning “ardent, fiery; ardor, enthusiasm.” Spelling variants include Reece, Reese, Reis, Resus, Reys, and Rice. The Welsh form is Rhys. 
17. Richard (Ricardus), meaning “brave ruler, hardy ruler.” Diminutives include Dick(-en), Hick(-ot), Reeks, Rich(-elot), and Rick(-y). Spelling variants include Richerd, Richard, Ritchard, and Ritcherd. The Welsh form is Rhisiart. 
18. Samuel (Samuhel), meaning “God has heard,” or “name of God.” Diminutives include Sam. Spelling variants include Samual. The Welsh form is Sawyl. 
19. Thomas (Thomas), meaning “twin.” Diminutives include Tam(-lin), Thom, and Tom(-cock, -my). Spelling variants include Tommis. The Cornish form is Thom or Tomas, and the Welsh form is Tomos; diminutives include Tomi and Twm. 
20. William (Willelmus), meaning “helmet of desire, helmet of will.” Diminutives include Bill(-ie), Gilot, and Will(-kie, -kin).Other variants include Gilmyn and Guylote. The Welsh form is Gwiliam; diminutives include Gwil.

Feminine Given Names ▲

1. Angharad (Acgarat), meaning “intense love, much loved.” Diminutives include Angie and Annie. The Welsh form is Andharawd or Angharat. Its latinized form here is based on its inclusion in the Book of Llandaff. 
2. Antonie (Antonia), of unknown meaning. Diminutives include Ant, Nia, and Tony. Anhun is a Welsh variant. 
3. Eve (Eva), meaning “breath, life; living one.” Diminutives include Evelune, Evelot, Evelyn, Evita, and Ivet. Spelling variants include Ava(-h). The latinized form is more common.
4. Gwendoline (Guenhowar), meaning “white-browed; white ring.” Diminutives include Gwen, Wendy, and Winnie. Spelling variants include Gwendolyn. Other variants include Wendoline. Derived (perhaps in error) from Geoffrey of Monmouth’s History of the Kings of Britain. 
5. Gwenllian (Guendoloena), meaning “holy cloth; white cloth.” Diminutives include Gwen(-lli, -no). 
6. Hannah (Hannoria), meaning “favor, grace; favored one.” Diminutives include Annett(-e), Annora, Annot, and Nan(-ce, -cie, -nie). Spelling variants include Hanna. Other variants include Ann, which has been common since the 13th century. The Welsh form is Hana, with one “n.” Commonly combined with other names, e.g. Annabel, Annabeth, Annamaria. 
7. Jennifer (Guenhowar), meaning “white fay, white ghost, white phantom.” Diminutives include Gwen, Jenae, Jenna, and Jenny. Other variants include Guenever and Guinevere. The Cornish form is Gwynnever and the Welsh form is Gwenhwyfar, which may also be anglicized as Gaenor or Gaynor. Other variants include Gwenhever, Gwenhovey, and Gwenover. Ginevera is occasionally considered a variant of this name as well. 
8. Lora (Laura), meaning “the laurel,” equivalent to the Greek name Daphne. Diminutives include Laurie, Lore(-lle), Lorinda, and Lozza. Other variants include Lauraine, Laurel, and Lauren. Lowrie and Lowry are attested in some Welsh records. 
9. Loveday (Louedei), meaning “beloved day, dear day.” Diminutives include Love(-kin), Lovie, Lovota, and Low(-dy, -die). Other variants include Daylof and Lovejoy. The Welsh form is probably Dyddgue or Tudgech, though the conflation of Dyddgu and Loveday (and their variants) may be erroneous. 
10. Margaret (Margerita), meaning “pearl.” Diminutives include Gretchen, Margie, Meg(-s), Midge, and Pogg. Spelling variants include Margaret and Margret. Other variants include Margery – the preferred form in Medieval England – and Marjorie. The Welsh form is Marged; diminutives include Margot, Meg, and Meaghan. Other variants include Mared and Mererid. 
11. Philippine (Philippa), meaning “fond of horses, horse-loving,” is a feminine form of Philip. Diminutives include Pipkin, Pippa, and Pippulina. 
12. Rachel (Rachel), meaning “ewe.” Diminutives include Rae and Rach. Spelling variants include Rachyl. The Welsh form is Rachael, whose spelling was probably influenced by Michael. 
13. Riannon (Regentona), meaning “great queen.” Diminutives include Rian(-ne). Spelling variants include Reannon. The Welsh form is Rhiannon; diminutives include Rhian(-ne). 
14. Sabrina (Saberna), of unknown meaning but referring to the River Severn. Diminutives include Sabie. Other variants include Sabre(-n). The Welsh form is Severn or Hafern. 
15. Sarah (Sarre), meaning “lady, noblewoman, princess.” Diminutives include Sadie, Sal(-ly), Sare(-t), and Sarrot. The Cornish and Welsh forms are Sara (no “h”). 
16. Siwan (Johanna), meaning “God is gracious,” is a Welsh feminine form of John. Diminutives include Siana and Shanee. Other variants are Siân (anglicized as Shan) and Sioned. 
17. Susan (Susanna), meaning “lily, rose.” Diminutives include Sookie, Sue, Susie, and Zanna. Other variants include Shushan(-na), Susan(-ne), and Suzan(-ne). The Welsh form is Siwsan. 
18. Thomasine (Thomasa), meaning “twin.” Diminutives include Tammy and Thoma. Spelling variants include Thomasena and Thomasina. Other variants particularly popular in Cornwall and Wales are Tamsen, Tamsin, and similar forms. 
19. Wervill (Gwerfula), meaning “modest circle.” Spelling variants include Wervel. Other variants include Wervilla. The Welsh form is Gwerful, which can also be anglicized as Gwerfyl, Gweirvyll, and Gwyrvill. 
20. Winifred (Winifreda), possibly meaning “friend of peace” or “holy reconciliation.” Diminutives include Freddie, Win(-dy), and Winne. The Cornish form is Jenifry, and the Welsh form is Gwenfrewi.