Given Names I, OLD-ENGLISH

Given Names c. 1450-1650


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Given Names J-Z

The following list of names in use approximately 1450-1650 is intended to aid the transcription and interpretation of old English documents. It was based on names contributed by members of the OLD-ENGLISH list from their own documents, supplemented by information from the sources below. The list, which is not intended to be exhaustive, should be useful in several ways:


No attempt is made to include every name. Unique names serve little purpose on this list and in order to avoid them, not to mention transcription errors, names have not been listed until (in most cases) three or more independent citations were received. A name not found below may perhaps appear on the list of 'one-off' names in need of verification.

Of the biblical names popular in the latter part of the period, only a sample have been included since reference to them is available elsewhere, including four Bible dictionaries on line.

Only some of the 'virtue' names often attributed to Puritans have been included, and these are names which appear early, quite possibly without Puritan influence (as Smith-Bannister has contended). Nor have the Puritan 'slogan' names (Fly-Fornication, for example) been included; since these are more like text, they are less useful for this list, and they occur rather late in the period. In addition, both the virtue and slogan names were given to children either sex, which limits the benefit of showing them here.

More information on English names can be found at Joshua Mittleman's Medieval Names Archive which runs to about 1650 despite the name.

In the table below, the name on the left is the modern form wherever this was obvious. Although the Latin was often used directly especially for female names such as Petronella, the shorter form Petronell appears here. This is intentional, to avoid reinforcing the common mistake of interpreting the Latin form as the actual name - that is, where an ancestor named Mary is thought to have been Maria because her name appears that way in the parish register. The IGI contains many such entries - Margaretam and Margaretae for example, which are merely reflecting Latin grammar and not a separate name or variant of Margaret.

An easy, brief explanation of the workings of Latin grammar on Christian names is in Eve McLaughlin's inexpensive booklet, "Simple Latin for Family Historians," along with a good deal of other useful information. A basic understanding of this is necessary to avoid mistakes such as those above.

Finally, this list will always be a work in progress. Contributions are welcome, preferably through the OLD-ENGLISH mailing list.

References:
Bardsley, C. W., Curiosities of Puritan Nomenclature, 1880, reprinted Clearfield 1996.
Martin, Charles Trice, The Record Interpretor, 2nd ed. 1910, reprinted Phillimore 1999.
McLaughlin, Eve, Simple Latin for Family Historians, 5th ed., Varneys 1994.
Smith, William, Dictionary of the Bible, 4 vols., Cambridge 1870.
Smith-Bannister, Scott, Names and Naming Patterns in England 1538-1700, Oxford 1997.
Withycombe, E. G., The Oxford Dictionary of Christian Names, 3rd ed., Clarendon 1977.
Yonge, Charlotte M., History of Christian Names, MacMillan 1894.


Special thanks to the members of the OLD-ENGLISH list who contributed to the compilation of these names.

 A 
Some Variants Note Abbreviated Latin Latin Abbr Familiar
Abednego masc. Abednago Abednigo Abednygo Late in the period.        
Abel masc. Abell Habell     Abel Abelus   Abelot Ablot Nab
Abigail fem. Abigale Abygaill Found in the 16th but uncommon until the 17th c.        
Abraham masc. Abram Abrahem   Abram. Abr. Abrahamus Abrus.  
Adam masc. Adame Addame Adem     Adam Adamus Ad. Adus. Adcock Atcock Adkin Adinet
Adeodatus masc. -same as Deodatus     Adeodatus    
Adrian masc. Adryan Present in England from the 13th c. but never common.   Adrianus Hadrianus    
Aeneas masc. -see Angus Scotland and Ireland. Used to translate Gaelic Aonghus and Old Irish Oenghus or Aengus.   Aeneas    
Agatha fem. Agathe Agathie Agace Aggas Uncommon this period. Agace/Aggas were French forms used in England.   Agatha Agacia    
Agnes fem. Agness Agnesse Agnez Agnus Agnis Agneis Aigneys Augnys Angnes Anges Agnet -same name as Annis and Ann Interchanged with Annis and later Ann. Third most popular feminine name in 16th c; remained current with the poor thereafter especially in the Southwest.   Agnes Agneta Agnetia Agna Angnes   Tag Taggett
Alan
Allen
masc. Allin Allyne Alen Alyn Aleyn Aleyne Most popular in the North and Scotland.   Alanus    
Alban masc. Aubin Aubyn     Albanus    
Alexander masc. & (rarely) fem. Alesaunder Alysander Alexsandyr Allixander Alizaunder Eayllesander Especially popular in Scotland, where it was one of the commonest names. Alex. Alexander Alexandrus Alexr. Saunder Sander
Algernon masc. Aliernon Not known outside the Percy family until the latter part of 16th c.        
Alice fem. Alyce Alys Aylse Alysse Alis Ales Alles Aleys Alse Alce Als Ealce; Ailsa Ailsie in Scotland Very common during the period but regarded thereafter as rustic and old-fashioned.   Alecia Alicia Alicea Alesia Aelizia Alyesia   Alison
Alison fem. Allison Alyson Alisone Alysone Alisceon Alson Alicen Elison Helysoune; in Cornwall, Alsine Alsyn Diminutive of Alice which became a name in its own right. Popular in the North in the 17th c.; chiefly Scottish thereafter.        
Aloysius masc. -same as Lewis In 16th c. used by Catholics in England and Ireland.   Aloysius    
Amabel fem. Amable Amabil Amiable     Amabilia Amabilis Amabilla    
Ambrose masc. Ambrosse Ambrous Amrous Not common but in regular use, moreso in the North.   Ambrosius    
Amice fem. Amyce Amyas Amys Amias Ameis; variants may be the same as masculine Amyas. Very popular in the preceding period, surviving in to the 16th c.   Amisia Amicia Emicia    
Amos masc.   Used after the Reformation.        
Amphelis fem. Amphyllis Amphelice Amfelice Amphillis Anfylles     Amphelisia Amphelicia Amfelisa Ampholisa Aumflesia Aunfelisa    
Amy fem. Amye Amie Ame     Amia Amata   Amiot Amyot
Amyas masc. Amias -see also feminine Amice     Amisius Amicius   Amiot Amyot
Anastasia fem. Anastase Anistatiah -same name as Anstice Anstice was the earlier form. Uncommon, found in Cornish records more than elsewhere.   Anastasia    
Ancel masc. Ansell Auncell From earlier Anselm.   Ansellus   Ancelin Ancelot
Andrea fem.   Used independently as a feminine form late in the period. See Andrew.   Andrea    
Andrew masc. & (rarely) fem. Andrewe Andrue Androu Anderewe Androw Androwe Androe Androo Not uncommon as feminine name in the preceding period and still found occasionally this period. The vernacular for both males and females was Andrew. Andr. m. Andreas
f. Andrea
Andr.  
Angel us. masc. this period Aungell     m. Angelus
f. Angela
   
Angelet fem. Angellet Angellott Perhaps a diminutive of Angel, but Angel was usually masculine during the period.   Angeletta Angellotta    
Angus masc. Angas Aungas Aonghus Scotland and Ireland, from Old Irish Oenghus or Aengus. Gaelic Aonghus was used by clan Macdonnell from 15th c.; the Glengarry branch used Aeneas.   Aeneas    
Anketil masc. Anchitel Ansketil Anskettel Early name of Norse origin used this period by certain upper class families.       Anketin
Ankret fem. Ancret Ancreat Ankrit Ankerit Probably from Welsh Angharad (and not 'anchorite').   Ankareta    
Ann
Anne
fem. An Ane Interchanged with Agnes and Annis but generally a later usage than Agnes. One of the most popular 17th c. English names.   Ana Anna   Nan Nanny
Annabell fem. Annable Anabel Hannibel Hannible -see Amabel Believed to have originated in Scotland, perhaps from Amabel (but not Anne).   Annabella Anabilia Hanabella    
Annis fem. Annys Annyce Annyse Anneyce Anis Annes Anes Annas Annies Interchanged with forms of Agnes and later with Ann.   Anicia Agnes Angnes Agnetia   Annot
Ansell masc. Ancel Auncell     Ansellus   Ancelin Ancelot
Anstice fem. Anstis Anstes Anstiss Anstey 16th and 17th c forms of Anastasia and the same name. Found in Cornwall especially.   Anastasia    
Anthony masc. Anthonie Anthonni Antony Antiny Andoni Hanntenne The 'h' spelling is thought to date from the late 16th c.   Antonius Anthonius Anthus. Tonkin
Aphra fem. Afra Aphray Aphara Apherah Aphery Effery Late in the period.        
Appelin fem. Applen Aplin Apoline Apeline Cornwall and Devon. A derivation from Appoline.   Appolina    
Arabell fem. Arabel Arbell Apparently of Scottish origin perhaps from Orabilis but possibly from Annabel. Lady Arabella Stuart (1575-1615) was called Arbell by her contemporaries [Withycombe].   Arabella Arbella    
Archibald masc. Archebald Erchenbald Mostly in Scotland. A favorite of the Campbells and Douglases.        
Argent fem.   Cornwall        
Arkulus masc. Arklus Appears to be a development from Archelaeus but may be the same as Hercules, with which it is sometimes confused in the records.   Arculus    
Armigil fem. Ermengayle Survival of OE Eormengild. Armigil was used into the 1800's.        
Armin masc. Armine Ermin Ermine Ermyne Erme Popular in the Marches, also Norfolk where it is said to derive from the French form of Herman.   Erminus    
Arminell fem. Ermenell A favorite in Devon, also common in the Marches.        
Arnold masc. Arnolde Arnould Arnaulde Ernold Not common.   Arnoldus    
Arthur masc. Arther Arthure Artor Arter Authur Athur     Arturus Artorius Arcturus    
Aubrey masc. Awbrey Albury Albery Awlbry     Alberius Albericus Albrius    
Audrey fem. Audre Awdrey Audrye Awdrye Adery Ardery Originally a pet name for Etheldreda, afterwards independent.   Audria Adria Aldrida Etheldreda Etheldritha    
Audriell fem.       Audriella    
Augustine masc. Augustin Agusten -same as Austin     Augustinus    
Austin masc. Austen Austine Austyne -same as Augustine Short form of Augustine used interchangeably with it.   Austinus    
Aveline fem. Avelyn Avelin Aveling -same name as Evelyn Popular in the preceding period; uncommon this period.   Avelina    
Averill masc. -see Everill Yorkshire.        
Avery us. masc. Averye Avary     Avericus Auericus    
Avis fem. Avice Aves Avys Aveis Aviss Eavis A development from Hawise, a common name in the preceding period.   Avicia Auicia   Avison
 B    Some Variants Note Abbreviated Latin Latin Abbr Familiar
Baldwin masc. Bauldwin Baldwyne Bawdwyn Bodwine Bawden     Baudwinus   Baudkin Bodkin Bawcock
Balthasar masc. Balthazar Baltzar As the name of an English person, appears rarely from 1600.        
Baptist masc. & fem. Baptiste Baptista (fem.) Appears occasionally from the Reformation.   Baptista (for m. and f.) Bapta.  
Barbara fem. Barbary Barbarye Barbury Barbery Barbaree Barbaray Barbray Barbarah Barbaraw Disused after the Reformation, not revived until much after the period.       Barbelot
Barnabas masc. Barnebas Barnabus Barnbas -same as Barnaby          
Barnaby masc. Barnabe Barniby Barnabee Barnabye Barnby The English form of Barnabas, used interchangeably with it.   Barnabeus    
Barnard masc. Barnarde Bernard Barnet Use declined after the Reformation except in some upper class families.   Bernardus    
Bartholomew masc. Bartilmew Bartholmew Barthelme Bartellme Bartolmy Bartholomme Bartilmey Bartimeus Very common from the 12th c. on, and widely diffused.   Bartolomaeus Bartholomaeus Bartholomeus Barthus. Bat Bate Batty Bartle Bartlet Bartelot Badcock Batcock Batkin Toll Tolly Tholly Tollet
Basil masc. & fem. Basill Basell Bassell Bassill Bazill Basyl     m. Basilius
f. Basilia
   
Beaton fem. Beeton Beton Beaten Betune Originally a diminutive of Beatrix / Beatrice, later an independent name especially prevalent in Devon and Cornwall.   Beata    
Beatrice
Beatrix
fem. Betryse Betrys Betteris Betterice Betterys Beattres Beautrice Bitteris Betryc Betrisse Beatrich Betrich Beterich Bitrix -see Beaton     Beatricia Beatrix   Beton Beat Beatty
Benedict masc. Benedick Benedicke -same as Benet Used interchangeably with Benet and Bennett, the English forms of the name.   Benedictus   Ben Benson
Benedicta fem. Benet Bennet Usual English forms are same as masculine.   Benedicta    
Benjamin masc. Beniamine Beniamyn Bengemane Bengamen Benimen Found very rarely in the Middle Ages but common after the Reformation. Benj. Beniaminus Beniamin. Ben
Bennet masc. & fem. Benet Benat Bennat Bennyt Benit Bennit -same as Benedict or Benedicta   Bentt. m. Benedictus
f. Benedicta
m. Benedcus.  
Bernard masc. Bernarde Same as Barnard and Barnet, the English forms.   Bernardus    
Bertram masc. Bartram Bertran     Bertramus Bertrannus Bertrandus    
Bertranne fem.   Channel Islands. Apparently a feminine form of Bertram.   Bertrannis    
Bethia fem. Bethyah Bethyia Bethea Bethie Late in the period. Most popular in Scotland.   Bethia    
Bevis masc. Bevys     Bevicius Beuicius    
Blanch fem. Blanche Blaunch Blaunche     Blanchia Blanca   Blandin
Blandin fem. Blandine Blandey Diminutive of Blanch which came to be used independently.   Blandina    
Bonaventure masc.   Used occasionally by Roman Catholics.   Bonaventura    
Boniface masc. Bonyface Bonifous Boneface     Bonifacius    
Botolf masc. Botolfe Botolph Rare this period.        
Brian masc. Bryan Briante Northern and Irish.        
Bridget fem. Bridgette Bryget Bridiet Britgett Brigitt Brygett Brydgette Bredgat Appears in England from 16th c. Not commonly used in Ireland until the 17th c. Brdgt. Brigida Brigitta   Bride
Bruno masc. Brunow Uncommon.   Bruno    
 C    Some Variants Note Abbreviated Latin Latin Abbr Familiar
Caesar masc. Cesar Seser Appears in England around 1550. Later sometimes used for a boy born by caesarian section.   Caesar Caesarius    
Caleb masc. Calib Calip Late in the period, continuing in regular use in Scotland.        
Camillus masc.       Camillus    
Caradoc masc. Caradog English rendering of Welsh Caradwg.   Caradocus Karadocus    
Cassandra fem. Cassander Cassandry         Cass Casson
Catherine fem. -see Katherine Both C- and K- forms were common.   Caterina Catherina Katherina    
Cay fem. Caye Cornwall        
Cecil us. fem. Cecill Cicill As a masculine name, uncommon for the period.   m. Caecilus Seisillus
f. Cecilia Caecilia
   
Cecily fem. Cicelie Cicillye Cycleye Cisely Cysly Cycly Cycalye Cysselye Sysly Sisle Sisley Sissley Secile Sycelye Syceley     Cecilia Caecilia Sescilia   Cecil Cess Ciss Cissot Syssot Cesselot
Charity fem. Charitie Cherity Charryte Cheryte Charatie Used after the Reformation, sometimes with Faith and Hope for triplets.   Caritas    
Charles masc. Charlles Charells Charlys Rare until very late in the period. Chas. Charl. Carolus Charolus   Charlot
Chesten fem. Cheston Chestion Cornwall. Perhaps a form of Christian.        
Chichester masc.            
Christabel fem. Christabell Christobell Cristabell Cristable     Christabella    
Christian masc. & fem. Chrystian Chrystyane Crastian Cryston Crysten Cristin Krystian Kyrstyan Most often a feminine name this period. Latin Christiana is used for both sexes. Xpian Xtian Xten m. Christianus; us. f. Christiana    
Christmas masc. & fem. Chrismas Chrismus After 1600. Often (not always) used for a child born at Christmas.        
Christopher masc. Chrystopher Christofer Chrystofere Chrysteffor Christover Christofur Christofre Crystover Crysteover Christouer Cristove   Xpofer Xtofer Xofr Xpo Christo Christophorus Christopherus Xtoforus. Kit Kester Crestolot
Chrysogon us. fem. Chrysagon Chrysoogone Grisigon Griseccon Grisegond Grisigion     Chrysogonia    
Ciprian masc. Cyprian Siprian Seprene     Ciprianus    
Clare fem. Clere     Clara    
Clarice fem. Clarees In use after the Conquest but uncommon this period.   Claricia Clariscia    
Clarimond fem. Clariman Clarieman     Claremunda    
Clemence fem. Clemens Clemans Clemmante     Clemencia Clementia   Clem
Clement masc. & fem. Clemente Clemmente   Clemt Clemte m. Clemens Clementius
f. Clementia Clemencia
   
Colette fem. Colett Colet -see also Nicholas French diminutive of Nicole found in England this period. Easily confused with the masculine diminutive.   Coletta Colecta    
Colin masc. Colan Colein Familiar form of Nicholas which became an independent name; also found as a Cornish surname used as a forename this period. Popular in Scotland although derived differently, from Gaelic Cailean - young dog, youth.   Colandus   Colinet
Collys fem.   Familiar form of feminine Nicol perhaps used independently.        
Colubery fem. Collubery Coluberry Buckinghamshire. Used by the Lovelace, Mayne and related families.        
Constance fem. Custance Custans Costans Costanne Costansse Custins     Costantia Constantia    
Constantine masc. Costaine Costane Costan Costin Custin Perhaps from Cornish St. Constantine, said to evangelized Scotland in the 6th c. Most common in Cornwall and Devon but found throughout England and Scotland.   Costantius Constantinus    
Cornelius masc. Cornelyus Cornilius Cornelys Brought from the Low Countries in the 16th c.   Cornelus Cornelius    
Crispin
Crispian
masc. Crispen Crispyan     Crispinus Crispianus    
Cuthbert masc. Cuthburt Cuthbart Cutbert Cutberd Cutbearde Cudbart Cudburd Cudbard Especially popular in the North.       Cuddy
Cyriack masc. Cyriacke Syriack     Cyriacus Cereacus    
 D    Some Variants Note Abbreviated Latin Latin Abbr Familiar
Damaris fem. Damyris Demaris Damarise Dampris Tamaris Came into use at the Reformation.        
Daniel masc. Danyell     Danielus   Dankin Dannet
Darnigold fem.   Buckinghamshire. Rare.        
David masc.   Favored in Wales from very early times and later in Scotland. Not common in England.   Davidus David. Daw Dawkin Davie Davit
Deanes fem. Deanes Denes Deenys -same as Dionise One of several forms found in the Southwest.        
Deborah fem. Debora Adopted by Puritans, 17th c.        
Denance fem. Deninse -same as Dionise, Duens, Deanes One of several forms found in the Southwest.        
Dennis masc. & fem. Dennys Denys -for feminine, see Dionise The masculine name is rare this period. Dennis is the usual vernacular for feminine Dionise, which was much more common this period.   m. Dionisius
f. Dionisia
  Denny Dennet
Denzil masc. Denzill Denzile Appears rarely from the late 1500's; more popular after the period.        
Deodatus masc. Deodat Adeodatus Contraction of 'deodonatus' -- gift of or to God. Favored for a long-awaited child; also a popular name for monks to take on entering the cloister.   Deodatus Deodonatus    
Dermot masc.   English rendering of Irish Diarmid.   Dermicius    
Derrick masc. Derek Derric Deryk Dyrrycke Dyryk Dirrycke Latter part of the period.        
Diana fem. Dyanna Dyane From latter 1500's but uncommon, used by aristocratic families.   Diana    
Digory masc.or (rarely) fem. Degory Degare Diggory Cornwall.        
Dinah fem. Dynah Dyna Dina Dinae Late in the period. A favorite with working classes.        
Dionise fem. Dyonise Dionis Diones Dyones Dyonyse Denneis Dynis Denise Dennise Dianis -see also Deanes, Denance, Dunes Much more common this period than the masculine Dennis. Dennis was the usual vernacular form for females.   Dionisia Dyonisia Deonisia Denisia   Dennis Denis Denys Dennet Diot Dyot Dionision
Diot fem. Dyot Diminutive of Dionisia found on rare occasions as an independent name.   Diota    
Dominick masc. Domynicke Rare this period. Perhaps originally given to children born on Sunday.   Dominicus    
Dorcas fem. Dorcis Dorkas Dorcase Darkis Darcas Became popular in 16th c.        
Dorothy fem. Dorathie Dorothe Dorethe Dority Doryty Dorite Dorete Darathe Doritie Dorrithie Dorothee Dowrity The 'h' was apparently not pronounced until a much later period.   Dorothea   Dorat Doll
Douglas us. fem. Duglas Dowglas Dowgles Usually feminine during this period.        
Dowce fem. Dowse Douse Douce Douze Originally a dim for Dowsabel, later independent.   Dulcia Dulicia Dousa   Doucet Douset Dowsett Douson
Dowsabel fem. Dowzabel Dousabel Douzabel Dussabel     Dulcibella Dowsabella   Dowse Douce Douse
Drew masc. Dru Drue Short form of Drugo/Drogo which became an independent name.   Drugo Droco Drago Drugan   Drewcock Drocock Drewet
Dunes fem. Dunys Dewns Dewnes Duens Dunse -same as Dionise One of several forms found in the Southwest.        
 E    Some Variants Note Abbreviated Latin Latin Abbr Familiar
Eamon masc. -same as Edmund Irish form of Edmund        
Easter masc. & fem.   Given to children born during Easter-tide. Sometimes a variant of Esther; the two names are sometimes confused in the records.   Pascha Paschasia    
Ebbot fem. Ibbot Diminutive of Isabel; became an independent name in the West, especially Somerset.   Ebbota Ibbota    
Edborough fem. Edborrowe Edborowe Edborow Edbora From the 8th c. Saxon St. Eadburgh. Found through the 17th c.   Edburga Idaburga    
Ede masc. & fem. Ead Edee Eedie Eady More common during the preceding period.   m. Edo
f. Eda
  Eden Edan Edelot
Eden masc. & fem.   Earlier in the period, a diminutive of Ede used independently for males and females, later a biblical name usually used for girls.   f. Edena    
Edith fem. Edyth Eydith Eydethe Edethe Edeeth Eideth Edyeth Eadife Idith Yedythe Yeedith Popular in the Middle Ages, uncommon after c. 1500.   Editha Edytha Eadgitha   Yeddy
Edmund masc. Edmunde Edmond Emond Edmond was the French form and the name was usually written that way through the 15th c., longer in certain families. Edmund and Edward were often confused in the 17th c. Edmd. Edmde. Edmo. Edmundus Edmondus Eadmundus Edus.  
Edward masc. Edwarde Edwarte   Edd. Edde. Edwardus Eadwardus Edowardus Eudoardus Edrus. Ned Ted
Edwin masc. Edwine Rare except in Lancaster during the 16th and 17th c. From OE Eadwine.        
Effery fem. -see Aphra          
Eglentyne fem. Eglantyne A flower name, possibly the sweetbriar.        
Eleanor fem. Elinor Ellenor Ellinor Ellenour Elenour Elliner Eylynor Hellinor Elnor Elner Elianer Elioner Ellianor Alianor Alienor Forms such as Eleanor, Alienor, Elianor were used through the 15th c., with shorter forms prevailing from the 17th c. Interchanged with Helen into the 17th c.   Eleanora Alionora Elinora   Nell
Elias masc. -same as Ellis     Elyas Helyas    
Elier masc. -same as Helier Channel Islands.   Elerus    
Elijah masc. -same as Elias Hebrew form of Elias / Ellis, used by Puritans from about 1600.        
Elizabeth fem. Elisabeth Elyzabethe Ellizabeth Ellysabeth Elesabeth Eleasabeth Elyzabeath Elisabet -same as Isabel Isabel, the usual medieval English form, was interchanged with Elizabeth at least through the middle 16th c. For Scottish forms, see Elspeth and Elsabeth. 'Eliza' in records of this period is an abbreviation for Elizabeth; Eliza was not used as a name until after the period. Elizab. Eliz. Elizth. Eliza. Elisabetha Elizabetha   Bess Betsy Bessie Tibby Libby Tetty Tetsy; Eliza (for the queen only)
Elkanah masc. Ell cana; El kana One of the biblical names adopted by Puritans around 1600.        
Elle fem.   Post-Conquest name found on rare occasions during this period, but possibly also a pet form of Ellen.   Ella    
Ellen fem. Elen Elene Ellin Elyne Eln Ellinge Hellin Interchanged with forms of Helen.   Elena   Ellot Elota
Ellis masc. Ellas Ellys Elis Ellice Ellies -see also feminine English form of Elias, one of the biblical names in use before the Reformation. The Hebrew form Elijah was adopted by Puritans late in the period.   Eligius Elias Ellicius Elyas Helyas   Eliot Elyot Elcock Elisot Elicot
Ellis fem. Ellas Ellys Elis Els Ellice Ellys Elles -see also masculine A common variant of Alice which became an independent name.   Ellicia Alicia   Eliot Aliot (Northern)
Elsabeth fem. Elsobeth Elsabath Elcebethe Same name as Elizabeth; the use of 's' is more frequent in Scotland and the North.        
Elspeth fem.   Scottish form of Elizabeth.       Elspie Elsie
Em
Emm
fem. Eme Emme English forms of the Norman Emma.   Emma   Emmot Emmet Emmyn?
Emanuel masc. Emmanuel Emanuell Immanuel Manuel Emanuel and Manuel are found in Cornwall 15-16th c., Immanuel in 17th, but more typically used by Jews.   Emanuel Emmanuelus    
Emery masc. & fem.   Used throughout the period but never common.   m. Emericus Ailmaricus Amerigus
f. Emeria
   
Emlyn masc. -see also feminine Common Welsh masculine name perhaps shortened from Latin Aemilianus   Aemilius    
Emlyn fem. Emlin Emline Emlyn Emelyn Emolyn Emblyn Embling Emblem Imblen -see also masculine A shortening of Emmeline (itself a dimintive of Em) which became an independent name. The 'b' variants are later, 17th c. forms.       Emlin Emolin
Emmett masc. Emott Emmott Emmet -see also feminine A diminutive of feminine Em which seems to have been adopted as a boy's name. Used particularly in the North; not common until after the period.        
Emmott fem. Emott Emett Emmott Emmotte Emmet -see also masculine A diminutive of Em which became a name in its own right. Widespread but especially favored in Cornwall and Yorkshire. See also masculine Emmett.   Emota Emmota    
Emrys masc.   Wales. Thought to be the Welsh form of Ambrose.        
England masc. Englande          
English fem. Englyshe Cornwall.        
Enoder masc. Enidor Cornwall, probably after St. Enoder, a monk who founded a church there.        
Epham fem. Effam Effum Effim Eufen In use from the 16th c., shortened from earlier Eupheme / Euphemia.   Euphemia    
Erasmus masc.   In England from the late Middle Ages and used particularly in the Eastern counties.        
Ermengayle fem. -same as Armigil Probably a survival of OE Eormengild, found as late as the 1800's as Armigil.        
Erth fem., ?also masc. Earthe Urith ?Eret Cornwall, probably from the Cornish (male) St. Erth.   possibly Eratha    
Esdras masc.   see Ezra        
Esme masc.   Probably a French import, appears in Scotland in the 1500's as a masculine name. Not used for girls until well after the period.        
Esther fem. Ester Easter Hester Hesther Found in England from around 1600. E- and H- forms are used interchangeably.   Esthera Hestera    
Ethelbert masc. Edelbert Atlebart Rare during the period.        
Ethelburg fem.   Uncommon this period. An early Christian name, from one or both of the Sts. Ethelburga.   Ethelburga    
Etheldred fem. Ethelred Forerunner of the name Audrey, but found occasionally in this long form throughout the period.   Etheldreda    
Eubold masc. Ewball Euball Eubule Eball Eble Ybel Found in England after the Reformation.   Ebulo Eubolo Eubulus    
Eudo masc. Eudy Eudye Odo Udo Udy Udey Udye Uter Early in the period, surviving after that in Cornwall.   Eudo Eudes Odo    
Eulalia fem. Ulalia Ulaliah Found occasionally, especially in Cornwall.   Eulalia Ollala    
Eunice fem. Unice Late in the period, a Puritan adoption.        
Eupheme fem. Eupham Eufen From the earlier Euphemia. This form was probably confined to Scotland during this period. See also Epham.   Euphemia Eufemia    
Euseby masc. Eusaby English form of the Greek Eusebius.   Eusebius    
Eustace us. masc. Eustache Ewstace Ewstas Ewskins The vernacular for both sexes was Eustace.   m. Eustacius Eustachius
f. Eustacia
  Stace Stacey
Evan masc. Even Ievan Jevon Iefan Ifan Welsh equivalent of John. Evan is the latest of these forms.        
Eve fem.       Eva Eua Geua   Evott Evett
Evelyn fem. -same name as Aveline Not a masculine name until after this period.        
Everett masc. Everitt From earlier Everard.        
Everill masc. & fem. Everil Everild Everald Averall Averill Averil Yorkshire, from the 7th c. St. Everilda. Two churches are dedicated to her, both in Yorkshire.   m. and f. Everildis
f. Everilda
   
Ewen masc. Ewan Once-common English name later confined to Scotland and the North.        
Ezekial masc. Ezechiel Ezeckial Ezekiell Issakhell One of the more popular Puritan names adopted around 1600.   Ezekielus    
Ezekias masc. Ezechias Ezichias Ezachias Hezekias          
Ezra masc. Esdras Easdrase          
 F    Some Variants Note Abbreviated Latin Latin Abbr Familiar
Fabian masc. Fabyan     Fabianus    
Faith masc. & fem. Fayth Faythe With Hope and Charity, popular for triplets.   m. Fides    
Faithful masc. Faythful     Fidelis    
Falk masc. -see Fulk     Falcho    
Felice fem. Felise Felis Fillys Phelis Phelyse Not the same name as Phyllis [see Amphelis] but often confused with it in the records. Also confused with masculine Felix.   Felicia Felisia    
Felicity fem. Phelisstie Late in the period.        
Felix masc. Felyx Felyse Easily confused with feminine Felice and Phyllis.        
Ferdinando masc. Fardinando Italian name adopted by upper class English families in the middle 1500's when such names became a fashion. Especially popular with landed families of the Midlands.   Ferdinandus    
Filbert masc. Philbert Filibert Fulbert     Filbertus Fulbertus    
Fine fem. Fyne     Fina    
Firmin masc. Firmine Fyrmyn Early in the period.   Firminus Ferminus    
Flora fem.   Scotland. A French import (Flore) not used in England until after the period.   Flora    
Florence masc. & fem. Florens Usually masculine through the 1600's.   m. Florens Florentius
f. Florentia
   
Fortune fem. Fortun Fortayn     Fortuna    
Frances fem. Frannces Francesse Francis Fraunces Frauncis Frauncys Appears from c1500; a favorite of Elizabethan aristocracy. Masculine and feminine forms were interchanged throughout the period and the familiar Frank was used for both.   Francisca   Frank
Francis masc. Frances Francys Francisse Frauncis Fraunces Frauncys FraunsisFranncs Pre-dates the feminine name in England but did not become popular until after 1500, going out of fashion in the 17th c. except in certain families where its use had been established.   Franciscus Francus. Frank Fraunce
Frank masc. Francke Fraunk As well as a diminutive of Francis, an independent name found occasionally early in the period.   Francus    
Freda fem. Frida Frieda Freida Diminutive of Winifred.        
Frederick masc. Frederic Very rare until after the period.   Fredericus Fridericus    
Frideswide fem. Frizwede Fryswyde Frideswid Fridiswid Fridswid Friswis Frisswood Fridaysweed Frydayweede Fryswyth Frideswoth Frysuth Frideswick Phrideswide Name of a 7th c. saint who founded a convent in Oxford. In common use up to the Reformation, used occasionally thereafter. A favorite of Catholics. Friddes. Frideswitha Fredeswinda   Friday
Fulbert masc. -same as Filbert          
Fulk masc. Fulke Foolke Fowke Falk Fawke Fawks In use from earliest times through the 16th c.   Fulco Folcho Foulconus Falcho Falkasius   Fulchon Figg Figgin
 G    Some Variants Note Abbreviated Latin Latin Abbr Familiar
Gabriel masc. Gabriell Gabryell Gabrael Gabrell Gabrele Gabrihell   Gabl.      
Galfrid masc. -same as Geoffrey     Galfridus Galfrus.  
Gamaliel masc. Gamaliell Gamalyell Gamyliell Gammell Hebrew, used by Christians after the Reformation often in educated families. The biblical Gamaliel was a teacher and celebrated doctor of the law. Not the same name as Gemmel.        
Gareth masc.   Perhaps Welsh in origin, but appears as a baptismal name in Lancaster in 1593.        
Garret masc. -see Gerard          
Gartered fem. -see Gertrude          
Gavin masc. -same as Gawain A form of Gawain especially popular in Scotland.        
Gawain masc. Gawen Gawin Gawyn Gawayne Gawn Gawne Gaven Gavin          
Gedian masc. Jedeon Perhaps forms of Gideon. Gideon, however, is very rare before the Restoration and probably belongs to the next period.        
Gelbart masc. -see Gilbert          
Gemmel masc.   Scotland. A form of Gamel, an early name in England, especially northern England, which died out there before the period.        
Gennet fem. see Janet          
Geoffrey masc. Geffray Gefry Gefferie Geffrie Geffera Gaffere Galfrid Jefferey Jeaffry Jeffery Jefry Jeffray Jeffrie Jefferie Jefarie Jaffrey Japharey Iefrey     Galfridus Gaulfridus Gaufridus Geofridus Goisfridus Joffridus   Geve Jeff Jeffkin Jeff-cock Giff Giffen
George masc. Georg Gorge Jorge Ieorge Geordge Not common during the period.   Georgius Gorgius   Judd
Gerald masc.   Much rarer than Gerard.   Geraldus Geroldus Giraldus    
Geraldine fem.   Said to be an invention c1540 by the poet Surrey from the surname Fitzgerald.        
Gerard masc. Garrard Garred Gerret Garret Garret / Garrett became an independent name after the period.   Gerardus Girardus Jarardus    
German masc. Jerman Jermyn Germayne Ierman     Germanus Iermanus Germanicus    
Gerrance masc. Gerence Cornwall.        
Gershom masc. Gersam Gersyon Gersan Gosum (probably) Hebrew name used by Christians from the Reformation; prior to that probably exclusively a Jewish name.        
Gertrude fem. Gertrud Gertrewd Gethrude Gartrude Gartrett Gartered Gatharude Gartrite Garthrite Gartwright     Gartruda Gatharuda Gertruda   Gat Gatty
Gervase masc. Gervice Gervais Gerveas Gerveys Gervis Gervys Gervise Jervis Jervas Jarvis Jarvish     Gervasius Geruasius    
Gilbert masc. Gilbart Gilberd Gylbert Gylbart Gylbarde Gelbart Gelbarte     Gilbertus Gilebertus Gislebertus Gilbtus. Gib Gibbon Gilpin
Giles masc. & fem. Gyles Gyls Gyels Iylles; Jellis Jeals in Scotland As a feminine name, especially popular in Scotland.   m. Aegidus Egidius Gilo Gilius;
f. Aegidia Egidia
   
Gillian fem. Gylion Gylyan -same as Julian Same name as Julian despite being legally declared separate in the 17th c.       Gill Gillot Gillet Jill Jillet
Gladys fem. Gladis Glades Gladus English rendering of Welsh Gwladys, sometimes said to be the Welsh version of Latin Claudia. Not adopted in England until the 1800's.   Gladusa    
Goddard masc. Godard Common early in the period, surviving into the 1600's.   Godardus    
Godeva fem. Godeve Godefe Godyf Goodife From OE Godgifu; sometimes confused in the records with Goodeth.   Godiva    
Godfrey masc. Godfre Godefrey Godefrei     Godefridus Godfrus.  
Godwin masc. Godewin Godwine Goodwin          
Goldwin masc. Gouldwin          
Goodeth fem. Gudyth Godith Godit Godit Godise Goduse Godgyth From OE Godgyth; usually found as Godith or Goditha in the Middle Ages, later Goodeth. May be confused in the records with Godeva.   Goditha    
Goronwy masc. Granwa Wales.        
Gowther masc. -see Walter     Gualterus    
Grace us. fem. Graice Grase Grasse In use during the Reformation and perhaps earlier. Appears regularly in 17th c. lists of recusants. In the 17th c. given to boys also.   Gracia Gracea Gratia    
Gregory masc. Gregorie Greggory Gregori Gregorye Greagory Grigorey Grigorie Gregry     Gregorius   Crig Grig Greg
Griffith
Griffin
masc. Griffeth Gryffen English rendering of Welsh Gruffydd, common in the West.   Griffinus
Gryffinus
  Gitto
Grisel
Griselda
fem. Grissele Grisel Grizell Grizil Grizel Grishild Gricelda Grizelda Gresilda Gricela Griseldys Griselys Grissely Especially popular in Scotland where it endured after the period, usually in shorter forms such as Grizel.   Griselda Grishilda    
Grisigon fem. -see Chrysogon          
Gualter masc. -see Walter     Galterus Gualterus Gualterius Gualcherus    
Guenevere fem. Guinevere Gwenhevare Guener Gueanor Wenhover English renderings of Welsh Gwenhwyvar. The shorter forms above are from Lancashire c. 1600.   Gineuera    
Guglielma fem. Gulielma Italian feminine form of William found occasionally in England. As the name of the wife of the elder William Penn, it was especially popular with Quakers.        
Guy masc. Gye Gy Wy In use from the Conquest until the 17th c. when Guy Fawkes made the name unpopular.   Guido Guydo Wido   Guiot Guyot Guion Wyot Wyon
 H    Some Variants Note Abbreviated Latin Latin Abbr Familiar
Habell masc. -see Abel          
Hakon masc. Hacon Shetland. Danish introduction which died out elsewhere before this period.        
Hamlet masc. Hamlett Hamelot Hamelet Diminutive of the earlier Hamo which came to be used independently.        
Hamnet masc. Hamonet Hampnet Diminutive of the earlier Hamo which came to be used independently.        
Ham
Hamo
masc. Hamon Common after the Conquest but rare this period, usually found in families where the name had been established.   Hamo   Hamm -see Hamlet and Hamnet above
Hannabel fem. Hannible -same as Annabell     Hanabella    
Hannah fem. Hanah Hanna Hana In use from the Reformation and common in the 17th c. A Hebrew name which became more popular in its Greek form Anna.   Anna Hannora    
Hannibal masc. Hanniball Hanyball In use in Cornwall and Devon from the late 1500's. Found especially among educated classes. Easily mistaken for H- variants of feminine Annabell.        
Harold masc. Harrold Herold Probably of Danish origin, found on rare occasions after the middle 1500's but not commonly used again until the 19th c.   Haraldus Haroldus Araldus    
Harry masc. Hary Harye Harrie Harre Hare Herry Herre Herrye The English form of Henry (rather than a diminutive).   Henricus Hendricus Hericus   Hal Halkin Herriot Hallet
Hawise fem. Haweis Hawis In regular use through the 14th c. and occasionally thereafter.   Hawisia    
Helen fem. Hellen -same as Ellen The H- forms are later, used in addition to Ellen.   Helena    
Helewise fem. Helwis Halwis An earlier name, rare during this period.   Helewisa Heilewisa    
Helier masc. Hellier Herlier Helerous-same as Elier Channel Islands. After St Helier, a 6th c. hermit of Jersey.   Helerus    
Helysoune fem. -see Alison          
Henry masc. Henrie Henery Henrye Henerie Heanory Hennary Hendry Hendereye -same as Harry The usual English form was Harry or Herry. The 'd' form was common in Scotland and Wales. Hy. Hen. Henricus Hendricus Hericus   Henriot Hal Halkin
Herbert masc. Harbert Harbard Rare during the period.   Herbertus    
Hercules masc. Herckulus Herciles Sometimes confused in the records with Arkulus or perhaps the same name as is sometimes asserted.   Hercules    
Herman masc. Harmin Harman -same as Armin Rare.   Hermanus    
Herodias
Herod
masc. & fem.   Biblical name adopted by Puritans c. 1600.        
Hester fem. Hesther -same as Esther          
Hezekiah masc.   Hebrew name popular with Puritans from c1600.        
Hierome masc. Hierom Herom - same as Jerome     Hieronimus    
Hieronimus masc. Hieronymus -same as Jeremy Latin form sometimes used independently or interchanged with Jeremy.   Hieronimus Hieronymus    
Hilary us. masc. Hillary Hilarie Rare, and usually masculine during this period.   m. Hilarius Illarius
f. Hilaria Ilaria Yllaria
   
Hild
Hilda
fem. Hilde Hylde From 7th c. St. Hild, first abbess at Whitby, N. Yorkshire. The name died out before the period except in the Whitby area.   Hilda    
Hippolytus masc. Ipolitus     Ippolitus   Epowlett
Hodierne fem. Odiarne Odiern Early in the period.   Hodierna Odierna Audiarna    
Homer masc.   Rare.   Homerus    
Honour masc. & fem. Honor Honnor Honer Oner     m. Honorius
f. Honoria Honora Onora
   
Hope masc. & fem   Used from c1600, for boys as well as girls. With Faith and Charity, a favored name for triplets.        
Hosanna masc. & fem. Hosianna Osanna Hebrew. Osanna was the usual form until supplanted by the H- form in the 16th c.   Hosanna Osanna    
Howell masc. Hoell Hoel English form of Welsh Hywel.   Hoelus    
Hugh masc. Hew Hewe Hewghe Heug Heughe; Huchon in Scotland     Hugo   Huget Hugin Huglin Hudd Hewet Hughelot Huelot Hewelet
Huldah fem. Hullday Biblical name found occasionally from c1600.        
Humphrey masc. Humphrie Humphry Humfrey Humfry Humfrie Humfri Humfre Humfrye Homfrey Humphray Homfray Homfraye Humpherey Omfrey Onfre Umphry Umpphre Umphra The 'ph' is a later usage.   Humfridus Hunfridus Humfredus Umfredus Humphrus. Humfrus. Dumphry Dump
 I    Some Variants Note Abbreviated Latin Latin Abbr Familiar
Immanuel masc. Emmanuel Manuel     Immanuelus    
Ingram
Ingraham
masc. Ingerame Yngerame     Ingramus Ingeramus Ingelramus Engleramus Engeramus    
Innocent masc. Incente          
Isaac masc. Isaake Isaacke Issaake Isack Isake Isek Issach Izaak Used occasionally from early times, common after the Reformation. Izaak is a later form.   Isaakus Isachus Ishacus   Hick Hickin Higg Higgin Higgot Hitch Hiscock Hitch-cock Heacock
Isabel fem. Isabell Isbel Isobel Issabell Ishbel Esabel Esebell Ezabell -same as Elizabeth Interchanged with Elizabeth at least through the middle 16th c.   Isabella Izabella   Ib Tib Ibbot Ibbet Ebbot Bell
Ishmael masc. Ishmaell Ismael          
Ismay fem. Isme Ismey Ysmaye Not the same as Esme, which is an older name.   Isamaya    
Ismene fem. Ismyne Imyne Found as early as the 12th c. May be related to Ismay.   Ismenia    
Isot fem. Issot Iset Izot Isylte Ysylte From earlier Isolde, a French name.   Isota Isolta Ezota    
Israel masc. Iserel Issarell A Jewish name until the Reformation when Christians also used it.        
Issakhell masc. Ezechiel Ezeckial Ezekiell -see Ezekial     Ezekielus    

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