What Did Medieval Children’s Names Mean?
What Did Medieval Children’s Names Mean?
Blog Article
Choosing a name was an important act, sometimes decided by parents, godparents, or clergy during baptism. The name could convey hopes for the child’s future, religious devotion, or honor ancestors.
Examples:
- Agnes – “pure” or “holy,” often given to girls.
- Richard – “powerful ruler.”
- Matilda – “mighty in battle.”
- William – “resolute protector.”
Names could also change during life. Nobles might adopt new names or titles upon inheriting lands or ranks. Saints’ names were popular for baptismal names, symbolizing spiritual protection.
Conclusion: How Were People Called in the Middle Ages?
In summary, people in the Middle Ages were primarily identified by their given names, often religious or meaningful, and later by surnames which could reflect parentage, occupation, place, or appearance. Nobility had additional titles and epithets. Naming was a living tradition that evolved across the centuries and varied regionally.
Understanding medieval names opens a window into the social fabric of the time—how people saw themselves, their families, and their place in the world. From the humble blacksmith John Smith to King Richard the Lionheart, names tell the stories of medieval lives and legacies. shutdown123 Report this page