96 Timeless Old European Names For Baby Boys And Girls

Oluniyi Akande
Feb 16, 2024 By Oluniyi Akande
Originally Published on Apr 22, 2022
Fact-checked by Pratiti Nath
Baby girl dressed in European warrior costume
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Age: 0-99
Read time: 9.6 Min



Is your family looking for old English names for boys and girls or do you prefer a modern variant of a classic Norse name?

In modern times, parents across Europe are looking for a baby name in old English or its greek variation. But before beginning to shortlist some classic girl and boy names, it is important for parents to look into what the particular Norse word or Greek word means.

As you are beginning your search for some old yet interesting names for your baby, you must ensure that the girl and boy names are derived from old English texts. like the 'New Testament'. You may also search across this article to find some interesting names of European origin.

 

Ancient European Names

People often like to name their babies in old English, inspired by the culture of ancient Europe in the Middle Ages. Are you also looking for some German, Spanish or Greek names? Here is the list of names derived from ancient European times. 

Alexander (Italian Origin) meaning 'defender of mankind'; Alexander is a popular name for baby boys throughout Europe that signifies a soldier and defender of mankind.

Arthur (Welsh Origin) meaning 'bear', is the symbol of power, strength, and might.

Brigitta (German Origin) meaning 'strength', is a feminine name meaning strength and power.

Chiara (Italian Origin) meaning 'bright', is the symbol of fame and light. 

Francesca (French Origin) meaning 'Frenchman', is a pretty name for girls that has great popularity and simply means related to France.

Gabriel (Hebrew Origin) meaning 'hero of God', is the symbol of the loyal messenger of God.

Giorgos (Greek Origin) meaning 'farmer', is a Greek name for the one who works on farmlands.

Guilia (Italian Origin) meaning 'youthful', is the Italian form or variant of the Roman name, 'Julia' which means 'youthfulness', and also 'Great God'.

Heidi (German Origin) meaning 'virtue', is a Germanic name for baby girls which means goodness and nobility.

Ida (German Origin) meaning 'prosperous', is a sweet, simple, and beautiful name that symbolizes the bringer of treasure and prosperity.

Jade (Spanish Origin) meaning 'precious stone', is particularly a feminine name that is the symbol of preciousness, shine, and elegance.

Klara (German Origin) meaning 'clear', is a germanic name that symbolizes purity.

Maria (Italian Origin) meaning 'sea-related', is a perfect name that is derived from Italian origin and is for children who show great interest in seas, oceans, and aquatic life.

Miriam (German Origin) meaning 'deeply loved', is a unique name for females that signify deep and genuine love and care.

Noah (Hebrew Origin) meaning 'repose', is a male name that is the symbol of rest and repose.

Olivia (Italian Origin) meaning 'olive tree', simply means powerful and beneficial to all, olive trees.

Pablo (Italian Origin) meaning 'humble', is an ancient male name meaning down to earth.

Pedro (Spanish Origin), meaning 'stone', is a Spanish baby name that signifies determination like a stone.

Santiago (Spanish Origin) meaning 'Saint James', is a unique name that has historical importance.

Sigrid (German Origin), meaning 'victory', is a germanic name that signifies the worth of winning.

Ulrika (German Origin) meaning 'rich ruler', symbolizes a wealthy king and is a perfect name for babies.

Victoria (Italian Origin) meaning 'victory', is an Italian name for baby girls that signifies the baby's victorious life up ahead.

Old European Boy Names

Parents and people with babies often get confused while choosing names. Hence, we have provided a list of boy names to choose from with their origins and meanings to give a better insight. These names are also derived from ancient European names.

Anders (Northern European Origin) meaning 'brave', is a cool boy's name that is the symbol of bravery and pluck.

Antoni (Latin Origin) meaning 'priceless' is a short and sweet name for baby boys to fill their life with worthy memories.

Axel (German Origin) meaning 'peace', is a particularly unique name for boys that symbolizes peace and tranquillity.

Barend (Dutch Origin) meaning 'brave', is a unique name for baby boys that signifies courage and bravery.

Bram (Dutch Origin) meaning 'father', is a classic name for boys that signifies responsibility.

Christian (Northern European Origin) meaning 'devotee of Christ', is a common family name that simply means follower of Christ.

Diego (Spanish Origin) meaning 'supplanter', is a beautiful name for baby boys.

Francisco (Spanish Origin) meaning 'free man', is a perfect name for baby boys.

Grace (Latin Origin) meaning 'generosity', is a name both for your daughter and son which means elegance and charm.

Gustav (Northern European Origin) meaning 'God's staff', is a name of the old Swedish Origin.

Jack (European Origin) meaning 'God Is Gracious', is a simple name that symbolizes the graciousness of God.

Jakob (Hebrew Origin) meaning 'supplanter', is a common boy's name, and a Latin variant of the name, Ya'aqov.

Javier (Mexican Origin) meaning 'bright and luminous', is a unique name that signifies immense brightness and light in your child's life.

Lars (German Origin) meaning 'crowned', is a name of early origin that symbolizes crown and kings.

Leonardo (Portuguese Origin) meaning 'strength comparable to the lion', is a word of strong competence, and a name that signifies incomparable strength and power.

Ludvig (German Origin) meaning 'popular warrior', is a cool name for boys as a symbol of a famous fighter to signify your little one to fight every hurdle of life.

Luis (German Origin) meaning 'fighter' is a name for boys, the form of 'Ludwig', is a symbol of a fight.

Luke (Greek Origin) meaning 'light giving', is a popular name of several boys nowadays as a symbol of the harvester. Luke was an author of the third Gospel of the 'New Testament'. He was also a patron saint to doctors and artists.

Nils (Scandinavian Origin) meaning 'people's victory', is a sweet boy's name that simply means the victory of people.

Sem (Proto-Indo European Origin) meaning 'one', is a simple name that means unity and can be used as a nickname as well.

Sven (Northern European Origin) meaning 'young warrior', is a short name as a symbol of a young fighter.

Beautiful baby dressed in traditional clothes embellished with flowers

Old European Girl Names

Wanting to name your baby girl after old and unique European names. Below is the list equipped just with that! All the names mentioned are derived from ancient European names. 

Adeline (French Origin) meaning 'noble', is a precious name for your little child that signifies nobility and pride.

Amélia (French origin) meaning 'struggle', is the perfect name for your daughter to prepare her to be the best, winning over every struggle that comes her way.

Anouk (French Origin) meaning 'God's favorite', is the perfect name for your daughter's being your loveliest and most favorite.

Antoinette (French Origin) meaning 'the most valuable', is a symbol of extreme worth.

Aurora (Italian Origin) meaning 'wake of light', symbolizes the fresh start of the day with the time of dawn.

Céleste (French Origin) meaning 'God', is a feminine name that symbolizes divinity.

Chloé (French Origin) meaning 'fertile', is a symbol of blooming fertility.

Elsa (Scandinavian Origin) meaning 'promise to God', is a pure name given by parents to their lovely daughters as a symbol of oath to the Almighty.

Freya (German Origin) meaning 'noble women', is a fairy-like name for baby girls that signifies their importance.

Georgette (French Origin) meaning 'farmer', signifies agronomist countryman.

Gianna (Italian Origin) meaning 'God is gracious', is a beautiful name that exclaims the benevolence of God.

Jeanne (French Origin) meaning 'Benevolent God', is a French name for baby girls that symbolizes the merciful God.

Juliet (French Origin) meaning 'youth', is a well-renowned name and is a symbol of youth and liveliness.

Katrin (German Origin) meaning 'purity', is a lovely name for your pure and gentle baby.

Kaya (German Origin) meaning 'purity', is a unique feminine name that symbolizes purity and gentleness.

Lorenza (Italian Origin) meaning 'tree of Laurel', is a lovely name for baby girls.

Maria (Italian Origin) meaning 'related to the sea', is a cool name for girls.

Michelangelo (Italian Origin) meaning 'messenger like God', is a unique name related to divinity.

Norah (European Origin) meaning 'honor', is a famous name and the symbol of pride and nobility.

Seraphine (French Origin) meaning 'fire burning', is an attractive French name for girls that symbolizes willpower and confidence.

Simona (Italian Origin) meaning 'good listener', is a lovely name that means one who listens wholeheartedly.

Siri (German Origin) meaning 'beauty of victory', is a sweet name

Old European Last Names

Old European names, usually derived from the Germanic origin, are preferred by many which preserve the beauty and authenticity of European culture. A list of old European last names is given below:

Alba (Italian Origin) meaning 'milky white', is a significant last name meaning pure as white.

Annora (Latin Origin) meaning 'pride', is a symbol of pride and honor.

Brewer (English Origin) meaning 'one who brews', is a unique name used as the last name by many Europeans.

Cosimo (Greek Origin) meaning 'gorgeous', signifies beauty and attractiveness.

Donatella (Italian Origin) meaning 'gift of God', is a precious last name and the symbol of a gift received from God.

Edward (English Origin) meaning 'protector or riches,' symbolizes wealth protector.

Fischer (German Origin) meaning 'fisherman', is a popular last name among Europeans.

Kaiser (German Origin) meaning 'king', is the symbol of the ruler and king.

Kimball (Welsh Origin) meaning 'chief of warriors', is a last name that signifies the head of warriors.

Klein (German Origin) meaning 'tiny', is a simple name that means small.

Koch (German Origin) meaning 'one who cooks', is a short and sweet last name that means a chef or the one who cooks.

Macbeth (Scottish Origin) meaning 'son', is quite a popular last name after Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.

Matilda (English Origin) meaning 'war with strength', is the symbol of might and strength during a war.

Neumann (German Origin) meaning 'new man', is a common last name of German Origin.

Pernelle (French Origin) meaning 'stone', symbolizes the stone or rock-like features.

Valentine (French Origin) meaning 'fit', is a last name of great popularity for families signifying health and fitness.

Veit (German Origin) meaning 'saint', is a holy last name that means a good person.

Wright (English Origin) meaning 'carpenter', is a simple word that means the one who carves using wood.

Zimmerman (German Origin) meaning 'carpenter', is a popular last name for Germans.

Old Western European Names

Western European countries are Germany, Italy, Spain, Egypt, and others. Names derived from Western European territories, regions, and countries with a classical old taste are given below.

Alessia (Italian Origin) meaning 'defensive warrior', is particularly a pretty name for baby girls.

Alida (German Origin) meaning 'noble', is the perfect name for your daughter that symbolizes pride and honor.

Beatrix (German Origin) meaning 'blessed' or 'traveler', is a pure girl's name that symbolizes glory.

Enrique (Spanish Origin) meaning 'ruler of the house', is a popular name that means the ruler.

Greta (German Origin) meaning 'pearl', is a beautiful name for your pearl like a precious and pure daughter.

Hugo (Germanic Origin) meaning 'mind', is a boy's name that means mind and soul.

Ilenia (Italian Origin) meaning 'bright light', is a symbol of illuminating light and brightness.

Luca (Italian Origin) meaning 'light-bringer', is an inspiring name that signifies the one who paves the way for light.

Lucia (Latin Origin) meaning 'light', is a unique name for girls that means illumination and light.

Mia (Egyptian Origin) meaning 'beloved', is a sweet and simple name for lovely and beloved maidens.

Sebastian (Spanish Origin) meaning 'venerable', is the symbol of respect and worship.

Stefania (Italian Origin) meaning 'crowned', is a strong name symbolizing crowns and honor.

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Written by Oluniyi Akande

Doctorate specializing in Veterinary Medicine

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Oluniyi AkandeDoctorate specializing in Veterinary Medicine

With an accomplished background as a Veterinarian, SEO content writer, and public speaker, Oluniyi brings a wealth of skills and experience to his work. Holding a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Ibadan, he provides exceptional consulting services to pet owners, animal farms, and agricultural establishments. Oluniyi's impressive writing career spans over five years, during which he has produced over 5000 high-quality short- and long-form pieces of content. His versatility shines through as he tackles a diverse array of topics, including pets, real estate, sports, games, technology, landscaping, healthcare, cosmetics, personal loans, debt management, construction, and agriculture.

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Fact-checked by Pratiti Nath

Bachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology, Masters of Science specializing in Biotechnology

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Pratiti NathBachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology, Masters of Science specializing in Biotechnology

A Master's in Biotechnology from Presidency University and a Bachelor's in Microbiology from Calcutta University. Pratiti holds expertise in writing science and healthcare articles, and their inputs and feedback help writers create insightful content. They have interests in heritage, history, and climate change issues and have written articles for various websites across multiple subjects. Their experience also includes working with eco-friendly startups and climate-related NGOs.

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